Communications
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May 27, 2021
Thank You and Next Steps
A note of gratitude from Michael Kaufman, Acting Provost and Chief Academic Officer Read more
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Community Message
Transition in the Office of the Provost
May 27, 2021: Norberto Grzywacz, PhD, will transition from his position as provost and chief academic officer of Loyola University Chicago to focus on his research and academic interests at the University. Effective immediately, Michael Kaufman, vice provost for academic strategy and dean of the School of Law, will serve as acting provost and chief academic officer until he transitions to his new role as dean of the School of Law at Santa Clara University this summer.
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Appointment of Todd Waller, EdD, as JFRC Director
March 18, 2021: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, We are pleased to announce the appointment of Todd Waller, EdD, as the next director of the John Felice Rome Center (JFRC), effective July 1, 2021.
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Message from the Provost
One Year at Loyola
March 4, 2021: Dear Loyolans, I arrived at Loyola University Chicago as provost a little over a year ago. As we head through the spring and the rollout of a new strategic plan, I want to share with you some personal reflections. I also want to report to our community the ways the Office of the Provost is driving changes in the academic enterprise. The goal behind these changes is to create a more robust, unified, and collaborative One Loyola.
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Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Update on Search for Vice President of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
February 26, 2021: Dear Loyola Community, Last week, President Jo Ann Rooney announced the creation of the Vice President of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) position. This position will be dedicated to leading and coordinating DEI efforts across every aspect of the University and establishing measurable institutional outcomes for progress that can be monitored and challenged as Loyola pursues broad and sustainable cultural change.
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Message from the Provost
Lester Manzano Appointed Assistant Vice Provost
February 12, 2021: Dear Loyola Community, I am pleased to announce that Lester Manzano, who has been serving as associate dean of students in the Division of Student Development, has joined the Office of the Provost as assistant vice provost for student success.
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Message from the Office of the Provost
Interfolio Platform for Review, Promotion, and Tenure
January 22, 2021: Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the Office of the Provost (Faculty Affairs) and the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) are collaborating to adopt Interfolio’s Review, Promotion, and Tenure module to create a unified and seamless process to support Loyola University Chicago faculty in all disciplines.
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News from the John Felice Rome Center
January 13, 2020: Dear Loyolans, We share with mixed emotions the news that Michael Andrews will step down from his position as director of the John Felice Rome Center. His last day as director will be June 30, 2021. Following a well-deserved sabbatical, Dr. Andrews will join the Department of Philosophy as a tenured faculty member.
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Message from the Provost
Summer and Fall Courses
January 11, 2021: Dear Faculty, Happy New Year! Your school will be reaching out soon to determine your interest in teaching in person during the summer and fall 2021 terms. Before that, we want to share some information to assist you in making a decision that is right for you.
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Message from the Office of the Provost
Update on Transdisciplinary Work at Loyola: SSW and IPS
January 8, 2021: We would like to update our community on an initiative exemplifying ongoing conversations about transdisciplinary Loyola University Chicago units devoted to complex and urgent social problems. These conversations are part of the efforts across the University to strengthen our mission. They will help deepen our service to others, translate knowledge to action for social justice, and inspire hope and health in the world.
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Message from the Office of the President
Michael J. Kaufman, JD, Appointed Dean of the School of Law at Santa Clara University
December 16, 2020: We wanted to share the news that Michael J. Kaufman, vice provost for academic strategy and dean of the School of Law, has accepted a new position as dean of the School of Law at Santa Clara University (SCU) in Santa Clara, California.
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Message from the Office of the Provost
Extension on Withdrawal Deadline
We in the Office of the Provost are aware of how challenging the Fall 2020 semester has been for both our students and our faculty. In order to support your progress this semester, Loyola University Chicago is extending the deadline for withdrawing from classes to Saturday, December 5.
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Message from the Office of the Provost
Registering for Spring 2021 Classes
November 6, 2020: As registration for Spring 2021 is quickly approaching, I want to remind you of our course types and provide an update about our health and safety protocols for spring classes.
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Message from the Office of the President
Update on 2021 Commencement
November 2, 2020: Our students have demonstrated tremendous strength and resilience during our most unusual fall semester. In addition to classes, many students have engaged in rewarding internships, service projects, and discussion groups that have expanded their networks and experiences. This rings especially true for the students in our Class of 2021.
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Message from the Office of the President
Plans for Spring 2021: Limited In-Person Classes and On-Campus Residence Halls
October 28, 2020: We appreciate your resilience and patience as our Loyola University Chicago COVID-19 response working groups and many other colleagues across the University have been diligently planning the next steps for safely and responsibly reopening more of our three campuses for the Spring 2021 semester. Our plans include an increased number of classes on our campuses, modifications to the spring break schedule, and offering students the opportunity to live on campus.
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Message from the Office of the Provost
Next Steps on Anti-Racism Initiative
October 26, 2020: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, It is hard to believe that we’re midway through the fall semester. We want to express our gratitude for all your hard work and continued commitment to the Loyola University Chicago community. As we continue to advance the goals and strategies outlined in our Anti-Racism Initiative, we’re writing to discuss some of the next steps. We would like to ask for your input as we proceed with our planning and implementation.
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Message from the President
Continuing to Fight for Racial Equity Together
October 20, 2020: Dear Loyolans, You have urged me to keep communications short and succinct when possible. However, this communication cannot be limited to bullet points or limited characters on a social media post. Our country’s history is full of examples of racial injustice, systemic racism, and missed opportunities. While some progress has been made, it is a sad truth that the Black community continues to be marginalized and dehumanized.
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Message from the President and Provost
Updates on the Anti-Racism Initiative
September 25, 2020: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, The grand jury ruling in the death of Breonna Taylor earlier this week continues a pattern of painful imprint on the American soul. Hence, now more than ever, we must acknowledge the areas where Loyola University Chicago can deepen our commitment to racial justice. Loyola wants to grow and make a difference. We must thus first seek to understand with humility and openness those aspects within ourselves that unintentionally prevent us from fully attaining the virtues that we aspire to as people.
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Message from the Provost
Transitions in the Office of the Provost
September 21, 2020: Dear Loyola Community, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Robyn K. Mallett as associate provost for academic programs and planning. The appointment became effective September 1.
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Message from the Office of the President
Updates on the Anti-Racism Initiative
September 10, 2020: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, The country continues to grapple with newer revelations of racial injustice. Recently, they have included the late-August shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to details surrounding the March arrest and death of Daniel Prude in Rochester, New York. These recent examples contribute to the pain of our nation as it wrestles with racism.
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The Astonishing Lessons from Online Learning
September 9, 2020: The change to a fall semester of online learning has many people across the country worried that the quality of higher education will be lower this semester. The main argument being advanced is that online learning is academically poorer than in-person learning. The switch to online learning is reigniting concerns about the value of higher education overall. In this communication, I address these concerns, mostly from the perspective of Loyola University Chicago.
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Dana Garbarski Appointed Director of Core Curriculum
August 26, 2020: I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dana Garbarski, PhD, as director of the University Core Curriculum. The University Core Curriculum is the heart of every Loyola University Chicago student's undergraduate experience. The Core is designed to provide breadth and depth to a student’s program of study no matter what their major. Accordingly, the Core introduces students to key concepts and modes of thought in a variety of intellectual endeavors.
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ICE Ruling: Loyola Supports Our Students through Legal and Legislative Action
July 13, 2020: We remain troubled by the disruptive guidelines announced July 6 by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. These guidelines would prohibit international students living in the United States from enrolling exclusively in online classes. Last week we outlined our commitment to providing continuing opportunities for international students. In parallel, we continue to pursue legal and legislative remedies to overturn these unfair rules and want to update you on some of those actions.
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Fall 2020 Plans
July 13, 2020: Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, our Loyola University Chicago community has shown strength and mutual support. As we announce our Fall 2020 plans, we want to thank you—for your ideas, challenges, creativity, faith, and resilience.
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At the Boundaries of Our Comfort Zone
July 10, 2020: We have received numerous messages from the Loyola University Chicago community since distributing our communication “Our Road towards Racial Justice.” Many messages are encouraging, but some are critical, expressing the feeling that our communication is just words and that nothing of importance will ever happen. We take these critical messages seriously and understand that the proof is in our actions. If the pavement of our road consists of only words, it is a road to nowhere. So, I want to apprise the community in more detail of recent efforts and future goals.
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New Office of Global and Community Engagement
Reflecting on my first one hundred days at Loyola University Chicago a few weeks ago, I wrote to you of my plans to restructure the Office of the Provost. On May 15, Rev. D. Scott Hendrickson, SJ, DPhil, began his role as Associate Provost for Global and Community Engagement.
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Sheila McMullan Appointed Executive Vice Provost
July 1, 2020: I am pleased to announce the appointment of Sheila McMullan as Executive Vice Provost, effective July 1. Sheila is a higher education leader who brings to Loyola great expertise and a deep understanding of the Jesuit educational mission. She has a wide range of experience serving faculty and students in strategic planning. Sheila has worked on collaboration in program development within and across disciplines, and in creation and administration of international programs.
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Virtual Commencement: August 8, 2020
I am pleased to share below the plans for our Virtual Commencement in August honoring the Class of 2020—our Sesquicentennial Class! In addition to our virtual celebration, we are planning to hold an in-person celebration in late spring 2021 if conditions allow. We will share more details in the coming months as they become available.
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Answering Your Additional Questions about Fall 2020
June 17, 2020: Last week, we sent you an email detailing some of our plans for courses in the fall semester, as well as a survey asking your preferences for online and on-campus classes. Nearly 62 percent of you submitted survey responses, which is an incredible response rate for an email survey. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey! Your feedback is very important to us as we fine-tune our course offerings for the fall. We also received many inquiries from you as a result of the email about fall semester.
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Our Road towards Racial Justice
June 16, 2020: Responding to President Jo Ann Rooney’s call for action, we recently sent a communication to the Loyola University Chicago community naming some immediate steps that we have taken to start addressing racism. Following that communication, we received hundreds of emails from students, parents, faculty, and staff asking for a comprehensive response. The voices represented in those emails were right on target.
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Fall 2020 Plans if Campus Reopens
June 10, 2020: It’s been a month since we completed what has been for all of us the most unusual and challenging semester of our lives. We hope your summer is going well, and we look forward to having you in class at Loyola University Chicago this fall. Today, we are writing to let you know about how we intend to meet the needs of our undergraduate students in Fall 2020.
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Building Bridges
June 2, 2020: In Minneapolis and in the rest of the nation, the smoke is beginning to lift. As it lifts, we see sickening images that are all too familiar to the American eye and that have continued to haunt us since the Colonial Era. We are not talking about images of bullets unleashed against protesters, ransacked stores, and edifices on fire. Instead, to our dismay, we see racism as almost undetectable for how ordinary it is, being so universal, so pervasive, and so entrenched. It inflicts agony, causing our hearts to ache.
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Peter J. Schraeder, PhD, Appointed Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
June 3, 2020: We are pleased to announce that Peter J. Schraeder, PhD, has been appointed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Loyola University Chicago, effective July 1, 2020.
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Appointment of Thomas Neitzke, S.J., Dean of Arrupe College
May 12, 2020: We are pleased to announce that Father Thomas Neitzke, S.J., has been appointed dean of Arrupe College at Loyola University Chicago, effective August 1, 2020.
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Sam J. Marzo, MD, Appointed Dean, Stritch School of Medicine
May 8, 2020: I am pleased to announce the appointment of Sam J. Marzo, MD, as dean of the Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM), effective immediately.
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Congratulations, Class of 2020!
May 4, 2020: Provost's video message to the Class of 2020.
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Message to faculty & staff
May 4, 2020: Provost's message to faculty and staff about the 2020 graduating class.
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Thank You, Ramblers
May 2, 2020: Dr. Rooney's & Provost Grzywacz's thank you message to all students and parents.
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Survey on Faculty Readiness for Online Classes
Given the global concern over the spread of coronavirus and its impact on communities, universities like our own all across the country are beginning to make preparations for the possibility of being unable to conduct in-person classes as a result of this significant public health concern.
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Preparedness for Possible Coronavirus-related Disruption of Classes
There is increasing awareness and sensitivity to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the United States and around the world. At Loyola, we are monitoring the situation carefully, and making plans to ensure the health and safety of all our students, faculty, and staff wherever they are in the Chicago area and at international locations. We are also making plans to ensure the academic continuity of our programs.
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UPDATE 2/29: In response to evolving health concerns surrounding Coronavirus, Loyola has decided to repatriate students studying in Italy at the John Felice Rome Center
With our students' wellbeing at the forefront of our decision-making and the newest directive from the U.S. government, Loyola University Chicago has decided to repatriate students studying in Italy at the JFRC and is asking all JFRC and partner school students to return home by Wednesday, March 4. This decision coincides and aligns with a number of other U.S. universities and partner schools with programs in Rome.
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Invitation to Faculty Receptions hosted by the President and Provost
All faculty are invited to join Dr. Jo Ann Rooney and our new provost, Norberto Grzywacz, PhD, at a reception in February. The receptions will offer us an opportunity to socialize and enjoy camaraderie with colleagues, and for faculty across Loyola to meet Norberto Grzywacz, PhD. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and no RSVP is necessary.
Health Sciences Campus Tuesday, February 4 4:30-6 p.m. Stritch School of Medicine Atrium
Lake Shore Campus Wednesday, February 5 4:30-6 p.m. Information Commons, 4th Floor
Water Tower Campus Thursday, February 6 4:30-6 p.m. Lewis Towers, Beane Hall, 13th Floor
I hope that you will join me for one of these events and encourage you to invite a colleague to join you. -
Norberto Grzywacz, PhD, Appointed Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Loyola University
President Rooney announces the appointment of Norberto Grzywacz, PhD, as Loyola's new provost.
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Message from the Provost
Malik Henfield Named Founding Dean of the New Institute for Racial Justice of Loyola University Chicago
December 11, 2020: I am pleased to announce that Malik Henfield, Dean of the School of Education, has agreed to become the Founding Dean of the new Institute for Racial Justice (IRJ) of Loyola University Chicago.
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Call for Nominations and Applications for CAS Dean
April 27, 2020: As communicated last week, we are initiating an internal candidate search for Dean Regan’s successor. Therefore, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Loyola University Chicago is seeking nominations for or applications from dynamic, qualified candidates internal to the university for the position of Dean, CAS.
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Search Committee for CAS Dean
April 24, 2020: We have formed a search committee to recruit the next Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). The committee will be chaired by Goutham Menon, Dean of the School of Social Work.
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Reflections on the Semester: Why I Came to Loyola
April 20, 2020: A few weeks ago, I sent a message to the Loyola University Chicago community conveying my admiration for its resilience in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Time has passed and we are now beginning the last week of the spring semester. Semester finals are almost upon us. Hence, as we edge near the closing of an academic cycle, maybe the time has arrived for me to communicate with you again.
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Emily Barman, PhD, Appointment New Dean of the Graduate School
April 17, 2020: I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Barman, PhD, as Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost of Graduate Education of Loyola University Chicago. She will join Loyola effective July 1, 2020.
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Search Selection Process for new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
April 14, 2020: As announced this past Thursday, Father Thomas J. Regan, S.J., has been reassigned by the Father General and will become the Superior of Spellman Hall Jesuit Community at Fordham University. We will miss him greatly and appreciate his many years of leadership as dean of both the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the Graduate School.
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New Appointment for Father Thomas J. Regan, S.J., PhD
April 9, 2020: On behalf of our University, it is with appreciation and mixed emotions that we share news about the new appointment for Father Thomas J. Regan, S.J., PhD.
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Update on Summer Sessions I & II
March 30, 2020: Loyola is pleased to confirm that Summer Sessions 1 and 2 will continue as scheduled in 2020 and that we will offer courses online. Regardless of the form of curriculum delivery, Loyola is committed to academic excellence and rigor. This is our pledge to all.
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Updates to Grading: Pass/No Pass and Withdrawal
March 26, 2020: The deadline for students to request the pass/no pass option for Spring 2020 will be extended to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24. This extension will apply to students in schools that currently offer this option.
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The Power Within
March 24, 2020: This past month, tears have rolled down the faces of students and professors. Emotions like fear, anxiety, and frustration, as well as nervousness around change, have been evident in the expressions of the people who help these students and professors achieve their academic goals. In 35 years as an academic, I have not seen this much disruption and distress in a university community as that caused by COVID-19 rearing its ugly head.
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Loyola’s Support for International Students and Response to ICE Ruling
President Rooney details the University's response to the ICE ruling and affirms our institution's support for international students as part of our global Loyola community.
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Faculty Advisory Group
June 22, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
President Rooney and I recently announced a Faculty Advisory Group to meet with the two of us on issues related to the management of the COVID-19 crisis.
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Afternoon with the Provost
An invitation to a virtual forum held via Zoom designed specifically for Loyola University Chicago faculty called “Afternoon with the Provost” on May 21 and 22, 2020 at 1 p.m.
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CAS Dean Finalists
May 15, 2020:
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
The search committee for the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to share with you our three finalist candidates. Our commitment to transparency and community-wide input in this search remain important despite current circumstances.
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The Loyola Commitment
May 15, 2020: From its founding in 1870, Loyola University Chicago has provided a rigorous, affordable Jesuit education to students from all backgrounds. In our sesquicentennial year, COVID-19 has presented enormous challenges. It required our students, faculty, and staff to adapt to profound changes not only in their academic programs and personal lives, but in the lives of their families and communities.
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100 Days at Loyola
May 14, 2020: I have reached the 100-day mark as provost of Loyola University Chicago. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made these 100 days turbulent, we should never lose hope, nor the pursuit of our aspirations, even when in the midst of a storm. As I shared with you in my recent communications, I know that together we will emerge stronger and build a remarkable future for Loyola. Our focus at present must be on the readiness of Loyola for the repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis, in both the health and financial spheres. But our eyes are on the prize as we remain focused on our future.
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Invitation to CAS Dean Finalists' Interviews
May 13, 2020: As Provost Norberto Grzywacz previously communicated on April 24, the University is conducting the search for the new dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. I am pleased to inform you the search committee has been working diligently and we will be ready to introduce to all of you three finalists for this significant position on Friday, May 15 at 5 p.m.
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Message from the Provost
Commencement 2021 Update
February 5, 2021: Dear Loyolans, I write to update you on plans for Loyola University Chicago’s 2021 Commencement ceremonies, which will be hosted virtually from Monday, May 10 to Saturday, May 15, 2021. My colleagues and I understand and share your disappointment that we will not be able to hold 2021 Commencement ceremonies in person. Even after our last message about virtual Commencement, we have carefully considered alternatives for on-campus ceremonies. Unfortunately, these considerations did not result in a feasible outcome for ceremonies in Chicago.
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Message from the Office of the President
Answering Your Questions About Tuition
September 2, 2020: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, The resilience and perseverance of our community have served us well during this unprecedented time in our history. We quickly adapted in March to an online learning environment, knowing that we needed to keep our community of students, faculty, and staff safe while caring for the academic continuity of our students. Thank you for your goodwill and patience during that time.
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Supporting Our Black Students and Peaceful Protests
Read the August 28 message from the Division of Student Development in support of our Black students and peaceful protests.
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ICE Ruling Reversal: A Victory for Higher Learning
July 15, 2020: We are gratified by the U.S. government’s decision to rescind the July 6 ruling of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. That decision would have unfairly impacted international students by requiring them to take in-person classes or return to their home countries. This is not only a huge relief for these students, but a testimony to the advocacy of the Loyola University Chciago community as part of the family of higher education institutions.
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