Happy New Year! It is my sincere hope that you had a joyful and restful holiday season.

As the new term gets underway, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous amount of work and planning it has taken to prepare for another primarily online semester. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our students and our University.

As Albertans and Canadians are beginning to receive vaccinations, the University continues to plan for various scenarios with the goal of having a more open environment at our Calgary and Lethbridge campuses. A special task force has begun its work looking at creative ways to return to the vibrant in-person experience for which the U of L is known for future semesters. We know many variables will impact a full reopening (speed of vaccination, new variants of the virus, etc.) but we are working hard to ensure we are able to operate in the most substantial ways while keeping our community safe and within provincial health guidelines.

Our role in Alberta’s recovery is important and the impact of our collective efforts will reach communities throughout our province. I am confident the University of Lethbridge will rise to the challenges and opportunities ahead. By working together, we will continue to advance teaching, research and creative achievement while ensuring our undergraduate and graduate students have one of the top educational experiences in Canada.

From once again cheering on the Horns, to celebrating Spring 2021 Convocation, whether in person or virtually, to seeing the vibrancy of our campuses restored and working with our students and colleagues in person again, we have much to work toward and aspire to in the coming months, guided by public health requirements.

Please stay safe and healthy, and as always, be there to support one another as we navigate the road ahead.

Mike Mahon, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor