August 18, 2020 | 3:45 PM

 

 

Dear Laney Graduate School Community,

 

Over the last several months we have stayed in communication virtually – distanced in the service of health and safety for our communities and loved ones.  Our messages have focused on our adjustments and re-designs to make this distance work, with the care and excellence that defines Emory.

 

During this time, we have also coped with a great deal of change and disruption. I am grateful for the creativity, patience, and flexibility of our graduate community. My hope at the outset of this fall term is that you and your loved ones are well.

 

Throughout our adjustments to the pandemic, we are learning new things about ourselves, and about how well our practices and systems work. While we continue to move through different spaces and in different ways than we did this time last year, I know that we are steadfast in our shared commitment to graduate education, which is mission-critical to leading as a comprehensive research university. 

 

Passionate, thorough, and deliberate pursuit of new knowledge and application of cutting-edge research provides a positive good to our community, our nation, and our world. In the midst of the many developments in public health, social justice, economic upheaval, and political unrest that dominate the news from all quarters of the globe, let’s take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the contribution of graduate education and the promise it offers for the future.

 

Emory is an extraordinary university where some of the finest minds of our time challenge existing paradigms and test new perspectives. These efforts are supported by committed administrators and staff members who take pride in the support they provide to the faculty and students whose research and scholarship will shape tomorrow’s world.

 

This fall will present each of us with challenges unimaginable six months ago. But let’s take renewed energy from the knowledge that the Laney Graduate School and Emory University community enjoy nearly limitless intellectual curiosity, passion, and creativity. 

 

As we begin the fall 2020 term from our various locations, remember that LGS is here for you. The LGS office will continue to operate remotely and we are available via phone, email, or virtually to address any needs that may arise. You may view the LGS Quick Reference Guide here for links to University and LGS resources that will help you navigate this term.

 

Please stay engaged and abreast of the latest updates by checking the Emory Forward and LGS websites for information. For those who still need to complete the onboarding requirements for the fall, you may access the link to the onboarding clearance process here. 

 

Remember also that student success is our paramount value—we want all students to reach their potential. We encourage you to take full advantage of programming that advances your academic support and professional development, and the larger diverse and inclusive community.

 

Stay masked and stay in touch with one another and with LGS. Best wishes for a healthy and productive fall 2020.

 

With you, with warmest regards and best wishes, 

 

 

Lisa A. Tedesco, Ph.D.


Vice Provost for Academic Affairs – Graduate Studies


Dean, James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies

Professor, Rollins School of Public Health


Emory University