Dear Seattle University Community,

I hope this finds you healthy and well. A few weeks into the fall academic term here at Seattle U, I am gratified by the efforts of our community to move forward together and flexibly adapt to these unusual and challenging times. Thank you.

As we plan for the coming months amid a pandemic showing no signs of relenting and awaiting a vaccine still being developed, the university has decided to continue operating in its current form for winter quarter, which begins Jan. 5. This means our courses will continue to be delivered primarily in a virtual learning format, with some in-person and hybrid classes. As is the case for fall, student housing will remain single occupancy and billed at the lower double occupancy rate. 

We will continue to assess our context and landscape as we plan for spring quarter, which begins March 29, and will update you once that decision is made. Our School of Law, which operates on semesters, will begin its spring term on Jan. 11, and will continue to offer all courses in a virtual format through the end of the academic year. If health and safety circumstances permit, some law school course offerings, particularly legal writing, skills classes and clinics, may include optional in-person components.

All of our decisions and planning continue to be informed by the most current public health guidance as we prioritize the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. This is a shared responsibility and it is essential that all who are living or working on campus complete their Safe Start Health Check every day, wear face coverings both indoors and outdoors, stay at least six feet apart and wash hands thoroughly and often. The university will continue to complement these necessary practices with robust protocols for testing and tracing, quarantine and isolation and cleaning and disinfecting. You can visit the COVID-19 Response site for the latest information and updates on our health and safety measures, expectations for members of our community and our ongoing planning.

While our present reality is less than ideal, I am deeply heartened by your resilience, creativity and kindness and I know that our Seattle University family will continue to draw strength from our shared Jesuit mission and values and our care and compassion for each other. Thank you for being part of this journey and please know that my prayers are with you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
President