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News
Welcome Back to a New Semester
This message was sent to all Duke faculty, staff, and students.
To the Duke Community:
Welcome back to a new semester. I hope you found time for rest and revitalization over the winter break, and I hope you look forward, as I do, to this new term with its promise for new learning, new connections and new opportunities. It’s exciting to see our classrooms, labs and dining halls already alive with the exchange of ideas.
In this new semester, I want to reiterate Duke’s enduring commitment to open and respectful discourse. Duke is stronger because of the vibrant diversity of our backgrounds and our beliefs. As we share our insights and views within our university community, let’s strive for productive engagement. Last fall, I launched the Provost’s Initiative on Free Inquiry, Pluralism, and Belonging, a university-wide effort to support open and candid discussion, both in the classroom and across the campus. In a variety of settings, Duke is working to promote civil discourse and create spaces for conversations that foster shared learning and greater understanding. The ability to listen and debate with respect for different viewpoints is an important skill that all members of our community should have the opportunity to learn. Focusing on productive engagement will enrich our everyday interactions with each other.
I’m proud to be a part of Duke’s academic community, and I value the unique contribution that each member of the faculty, staff and student body makes to this university. Thank you for bringing your best to Duke and for being willing to listen, learn and grow. I wish you a semester filled with curiosity, discovery and joy.
Sincerely,
Provost
Alfred J. Hooks E '68 Distinguished Professor