I hope the holiday break provided the opportunity for you to relax and refresh and you were able to enjoy the season. As we resume our operations in anticipation of our Spring 2021 semester, allow me to again express my appreciation for all that you do for our institution. You have truly made a difference for our students and our university.  

Please know that I am working with our University’s leadership team to assure that we prepare the campus for a successful spring semester. While we are currently operating with limited staff on campus, under Phase 1 of our Charting our Course: Return to Campus Plan, we are on track for our spring semester to begin on Monday, Jan. 25. However, we remain concerned by the ongoing, significant increase in COVID-19 infection rates in our county and state.

A key outstanding issue is the timeline and availability for vaccinations. The state’s vaccine supply is limited, making it necessary for health officials to prioritize who receives it. Those who are at highest risk of getting the virus or becoming seriously ill have been scheduled to receive the first doses. Then, the state, working in concert with federal guidance, has developed a plan for distribution of further doses. You can read the plan here.

I also recommend that you visit this online questionnaire posted by the state, which can help you determine when you would be eligible to receive the vaccine. If you are not currently eligible, the site will give you the option of providing a phone number or email so you may be notified when you can receive the vaccine.

Over the next few days as other decisions are made, I will be communicating with you in greater detail. Please check your email regularly as I intend to report our plans and information you need to fulfill your responsibilities.

Again, please accept my thanks and my best wishes for a successful new year.

Sincerely,
Sidney A. McPhee
President
Sidney.McPhee@mtsu.edu