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Buffs, we’re almost at the end of another semester. I know it can be challenging to stay motivated right now, but you’re almost done and have a well-deserved break just around the corner. With finals coming up, I have some advice to help you make it through these next few weeks.

We are honored to invite you to participate in Graduate Student Appreciation Week, a nationally recognized opportunity for the campus community to highlight your tremendous accomplishments and contributions.

In case you missed the Feb. 28 discussion, watch as Chancellor Philip DiStefano and retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal talk about the invasion of Ukraine, how to develop leadership skills in any organization and more.

With St. Patrick's Day around the corner, Police Chief Doreen Jokerst and Acting Vice Chancellor JB Banks want to remind everyone to be considerate and safe. Look out for each other and your neighbors, whether on campus, University Hill or elsewhere.

The last couple of months have been challenging for some. As we move past the midpoint of the semester, know that I’m here for you, and I encourage you to take care of yourselves and each other.

I want to acknowledge campus initiatives offering opportunities for our community to connect, learn, share perspectives and expand our understanding of one another. These uplifting and inspirational events are taking place as we continue to heal and recover from recent local tragedies. They are also occurring as many of us struggle to process recent sad and disturbing events.

It is my great pleasure to announce our commencement ceremony this spring will return to the traditional in-person format. I am excited our students and their families will be able to join together with our faculty and staff to celebrate the many achievements of the class of 2022.

As we move further into the spring semester, I hope you all are hanging in there. I encourage you to take care of yourselves and stay connected with your Buff community.

This start to our spring semester isn’t what many of us envisioned it would be. We have all experienced a lot over the last several months. Let’s remember to hold each other up through every situation.

Campus officials have worked to implement the state's equal pay act to address gender pay inequities, increase transparency and protect employees from pay discrimination.