COVID-19 Planning Groups

University Planning Framework for 2020–2021

When faced with the uncertainty of a major disruption such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one of the best ways to be resilient is to plan for contingencies. The COVID-19 University Planning Framework is an integrated university-wide effort to develop approaches to address the COVID-19 crisis.

Community members from across campus have come together in working groups, committees and task forces to guide our response to the pandemic. In the spring, DU established several planning groups to help guide our response. Six of the original groups have completed their work. As a result of their recommendations and the current landscape, DU has established four new planning groups. We remain deeply grateful to these groups and individuals. They have lent their expertise, wisdom and time—in addition to their regular work and responsibilities—to help ably guide the University through this unique challenge. 

Each group is comprised of central- and unit-level representation, including faculty, staff and administrators. Although students do not sit on these largely administrative groups, we seek their experiences, perspective and suggestions through our Student Advisory Board. As well, diversity, including diversity of thought, continues to guide member selection as the groups evolve. Unique expertise, commitment to creative thinking, data-driven decision-making ability, and commitment to the University overall also help determine membership.

In establishing the University Planning Framework, we remain committed to our guiding principles, including:

  • Protecting the health and safety of our community members
  • Delivering the world-class education our students expect and for which our faculty is renowned
  • Promoting equity and inclusion
  • Supporting the livelihood of our faculty and staff
  • Fulfilling our commitment to the public good
  • Ensuring long-term sustainability while advancing our strategic imperatives

As with all University business, we will be as transparent as possible, with the important caveat that some deliberations will require confidentiality until we can make an official announcement. 

Once again, I appreciate the number of people who have volunteered to serve on these groups, and I’m grateful, in particular, to the Staff Advisory Council as well as the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, who continue to work closely with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, for their thoughtfulness and thoroughness in this process.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor