"With the rapid pace of vaccination and the decline in new COVID cases, barring a surge in variants, we can anticipate a small measure of normalcy by this fall. For universities, this will mean a gradual and safe return to campus.
However, a complete return to what has long been considered “normal” would represent a failure for our campuses and our broader society. The pandemic has made clear that there are many ways in which we can be innovative and flexible in our teaching. We have also seen the importance of investments in fundamental research capacity which, for example, led to the development of mRNA vaccines. We have also witnessed the value of scholars engaging in interdisciplinary and applied research in partnerships locally and globally."
