Welcome to fall term 2022! I am delighted to see so many students on campus this week for orientation activities, including at yesterday’s (Aug. 31) Presidents’ Address in the Quad. It was a wonderful afternoon as I joined SU President Abner Monteiro, Alumni Association President Tyler Hanson and Councillor Michael Janz for Ward Papastew to welcome new and returning students to the University of Alberta. Thank you to the staff, faculty, volunteers and students who came together to organize and run activities and events for Week of Welcome and Orientation.
This is one of my favourite times of year. There is a palpable energy and vibrancy in the hallways, classrooms, labs and on the grounds of our campuses. Students — whether it’s your first or last year, I encourage you to embrace the university experience. This is an opportunity to encounter new ideas, discover knowledge and grow. You will be taught by professors committed to excellence — in the classroom and lab. You will collaborate with each other and debate ideas as you seek to find solutions.
Thank you to every faculty and staff member for fostering this exceptional learning and research environment for our students. By encouraging new ways of thinking and nurturing their potential, we help them understand their own talents and skills and discover how they can make their own, unique contributions.
We are a community that supports each other. While we remain hopeful that the most significant waves of COVID-19 are behind us, we must remain vigilant. To protect each other and the wider community, the U of A continues to follow public health recommendations on campus. This means staying home when you are unwell, practicing good health hygiene, and staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 boosters. We also recommend wearing a high quality mask in high-traffic and high-capacity areas indoors. Free masks are available at several U of A locations.
I wish you all the best for the fall term.
Bill Flanagan
President and Vice-chancellor