Newsletter Aug 2020

MESSAGE FROM DEAN KATE

As we anticipate the beginning of a new fall semester – which will be conducted differently than any in the past – I wanted to share some news about how the college fared during spring semester. During spring break, CALS instructors pivoted 360 courses to remote so that students could continue their studies while being physically distant. In fewer than ten days, instructors consulted with online teaching experts, familiarized themselves with best-practices and launched into a new environment for teaching and learning. I am so pleased by the cooperative spirit of our students, faculty and staff. This spirit of cooperation continues with online summer term and planning for a fall semester where face coverings will be required inside UW buildings, courses will be offered both online and in person, and many services are being modified to ensure physical distancing.

One of the many things lost last term was the opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2020 in person. I want to share with you my message to our graduates because it illustrates the challenges and opportunities that are waiting for them – and for all of us who consider ourselves to be agricultural or life scientists.

Despite the unfamiliar situation we all find ourselves in these days, I cannot imagine a better time to be an agricultural or life scientist. Today’s pandemic illustrates the tremendous value of the skills you have learned to improve public health, secure our food system, discover basic biological mechanisms and to forward public policy and public service that benefits our communities. The solution to the current pandemic will be derived from these components. And so will solutions to nearly all of the future challenges our society will face.

I look forward to being able to gather again with Demeter friends. Until then, be well and On Wisconsin!

Dean Kate VandenBosch