Pre-Fall Break Thoughts
Some late-breaking news this afternoon that I’m trying to squeeze in before deadline: the Campus Health Committee shared recommendations for vaccines in a message to students, faculty, and staff (a copy is being sent to families as well). Read the full message or the FAQs on the Campus Health website.
Fall Break begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Many of our students will be departing campus later today or tomorrow, and some will stay with us. During the break, campus is open, but there are changes in hours of operation for various campus operations. Your Deacs staying on campus for Fall Break can get more information here so they can plan for their needs accordingly.
The weather tomorrow looks sort of crummy, so that might be a sleep in and catch up on Netflix/Hulu/etc. kind of day for your Deacs, but Friday and Saturday look to be near-perfect weather (in my book at least). 
Students received word of this already, but I want to remind families since their students may forget this over Fall Break: tests of Wake Forest emergency alert systems will be conducted Oct. 18 and 20. System tests will occur on both days between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The tests are being conducted to ensure that the University’s emergency notification systems are operating properly.
We do have an upcoming Secrest Artists Series performance that may be of interest to your Deacs (or you, if you are within driving distance or had planned to be in town): “The Mingus Big Band celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer/bassist Charles Mingus, one of the most important composers and performers in the history of jazz. This 14-piece band keeps the legacy of Mingus’ music alive and has been nominated for 6 Grammy awards.” The event is on Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Wait Chapel. Student tickets are free with WFU ID and can be reserved online (families can buy tickets at that same link).
I get regular updates from the Center for Global Programs and Studies, and this message hit my inbox recently. If your Deac is looking to go abroad next year (or even the year after), they are going to want to get connected to GPS sooner rather than later to get in their pipeline for information and to begin planning. As this message mentions, a popular program (Syracuse Florence) is opening its application earlier than normal and applications will be reviewed as they are received. It behooves students to apply early.
Finally, the Office of Residence Life and Housing sent this message to resident students about the Housing and Operations Advisory Board, and the Office of Civic and Community Engagement and Deacs Decide sent a comprehensive guide to the ways students can vote to folks on their listserv.
For those whose Deacs are traveling home for Fall Break, I wish them safe travels. For those whose Deacs are staying on campus, may they have a restorative and restful break and enjoy having time and space to themselves.
— by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)
October 12, 2022