Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread illness, deep economic and social disruption, and reshaped higher education’s delivery; and
Whereas, The entire George Washington University community has demonstrated resiliency, responded with care and compassion, and persevered through the continued uncertainty; and
Whereas, The university leadership (president, vice presidents, and deans), the Schools of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health, the Division of Safety and Facilities, and the Medical Faculty Associates, Inc., have prioritized the community’s safety and health and guided the university’s response admirably; and
Whereas, The university moved to online learning in March 2020 and, through the dedicated efforts of faculty, staff, and researchers, continued its mission of teaching and research through the fall semester; and
Whereas, Faculty and researchers continue to demonstrate the university’s research preeminence by providing thought leadership in disseminating public health messages, developing its own COVID-19 diagnostic test, building a public health laboratory space for testing, conducting a clinical trial for a potential COVID-19 experimental vaccine, and collaborating across schools to launch multiple research projects to study the virus, its impact, prevention, and treatment; and
Whereas, Students continue to learn at a distance in a virtual environment and create solutions to address the pandemic within their communities; and
Whereas, Staff modified campus facilities, residence halls, and classroom spaces to reflect social distancing guidelines to keep the community safe; and
Whereas, Alumni, families, especially parents, and friends have supported students through contributing resources, including food, housing, and generous philanthropy; and
Whereas, The university has partnered with local and federal governments to ensure the campus community’s safety and well-being; and
Whereas, In recognition of the tireless and continued efforts of the GW community to confront the COVID-19 pandemic; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the George Washington University Board of Trustees expresses its deep appreciation and gratitude to the entire campus community for its coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and looks forward to a brighter future together as the community will emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever and continues to aspire to preeminence as a comprehensive, global research university.
—George Washington University Board of Trustees
