A fall semester full of possibilities

A new semester is quickly approaching and while I always look forward to the start of the academic year, fall 2021 just feels different.

For us, at Edson College, it will be a true return to pre-pandemic in-person learning and teaching across all of our programs, something I am really excited about!

Of course, we at ASU, like many institutions, have been open throughout the pandemic, adjusting practices and protocols when science and data call for it. We’ve had nursing students back on campus since July 2020.  But admittedly, I’ve missed seeing the hustle and bustle of campus life and connecting with my colleagues and our students IRL.

That being said, just when we thought we were about to have things under control, the Delta variant has increased its spread. But as nurses, we’ll do what we always do, adapt, adjust and continue to move forward. It’s one of my most favorite characteristics of how nurses engage with the world and whatever comes our way. We’ll continue to share factual information about the vaccine and encourage our students, faculty, staff, and the wider community to get it.

There’s so much to look forward to this fall including new executive and continuing education offerings, the launching of a legacy research awards program and community engagement opportunities.

Like many nursing schools, we have a laser focus on how to best implement the new AACN Essentials and we’re also taking a close look at the recommendations on strengthening nursing education in the National Academy of Medicine’s “Future of Nursing Report,” to see how we can continue to improve our program and prepare the best nurses.

I know this fall will not be without its challenges as colleges and universities across the country adjust and settle into the semester but I’m confident that 2020 prepared us well to adjust and adapt as needed.

Now let’s have a great fall!