This message was also sent to faculty, staff, and parents.
Dear Students,
Today marks the first day of fall classes, and I am thrilled to kick off the 2024-25 academic year. I hope you look forward to a year filled with innovative learning and growth opportunities as much as I do.
Whether you are embarking on your first college class or getting closer to crossing the commencement stage, I want to reiterate that the DePaul community is here to help you learn, grow and connect with each other. I hope you find your passion – and connect with the faculty and staff who can help you pursue every opportunity possible. Your DePaul community is here to support you and enable you to apply your skills in meaningful ways every step along the way.
As we begin a new academic year together, I recognize that the difficult global, national, and local issues we faced last year still exist. The devastating loss of innocent Palestinian and Israeli life continues. We are also facing a very contentious election. The humanitarian crisis and desolation created by the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza combined with the upcoming election will no doubt lead to more tensions as we move through the academic year.
At last week’s
Academic Convocation, I shared that we must recommit ourselves to each other and ensure that our community can recognize the different lived realities created for the many affinity groups that are part of our university. Higher education is where differences and inclusivity can co-exist. We have an opportunity to come together as one university community – to support diverse voices without curtailing the ability for our university to operate.
I encourage you to find ways to voice your opinions, state your objections, and engage the areas of social unrest that matter to you. At the same time, please respect DePaul’s policies and procedures that enable everyone to feel safe and enjoy everything our university has to offer. We are not looking for a singularity of beliefs; we are looking for a mutual respect for the humanity in the people who express them.
Our academic and administrative leaders shared these
hopes and expectations with you last week. My hope is that you will take a moment to reflect on them and uphold these shared expectations throughout the academic year.
As a Catholic, Vincentian university, our mission calls on us to guide our students to apply their skills and talents in meaningful ways so that they can make a difference in the world. You have great opportunities in front of you, and your DePaul community is here for you.
Have a great first week of classes and an excellent year. I look forward to seeing your progress and celebrating your many accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Manuel
President