To: Faculty and Staff
From: President Ashish Vaidya
Date: 10/20/21
Subject: Holiday Schedule and Commencement News
Dear Colleagues:
I hope many of you were able to take a few days off during fall break. As classes resume, the holiday season and Fall Commencement are on the horizon. Commencement is a highlight of the semester, and I always enjoy seeing our students celebrate the culmination of all their hard work. This year, we will hold two ceremonies in BB&T Arena on Saturday, December 18 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more details on the ceremonies, please visit NKU’s Commencement webpage.
Commencement is the embodiment of what we do each day, and it is a time to reflect on your role in our students’ success. We all work hard to help students achieve their educational goals even as the pandemic continues to take a toll on us. I am profoundly aware that COVID fatigue, stress and anxiety are sapping our energy and our spirit. We are all feeling vulnerable and frustrated, and there is no playbook that we can turn to for guidance.
As we continue the meaningful work that is the essence of Success by Design, now more than ever before, having some extra time for renewal and rejuvenation is essential. This is why we will close on Wednesday, November 24, to add to the long Thanksgiving weekend. We are also extending winter break from Wednesday, December 22 through Monday, January 3, with faculty and staff returning from the break on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
The winter break begins on a Wednesday, rather than the traditional Monday because Fall semester ends later than previous years with final grades due on Tuesday, December 21. While most of us will be able to take advantage of this additional time, there are many employees who must continue essential university operations during the holidays. I want to acknowledge and express my gratitude to those employees. Your dedication to our university and our students does not go unnoticed.
As we work to complete our fall goals, we can take some comfort knowing the holidays are approaching. In the meantime, please be safe.
Thank you for all you do each day for our students.
Sincerely,
Ashish Vaidya
