Maverick Family,

As we reach the end of the semester and enter the holiday season, I want to take a moment to celebrate you and everything you have done to make this such a memorable year for UNO.

We’ve made great advancements in helping address workforce needs through our STEM education, established multiple partnerships with the Department of Defense, built on UNO’s strong background of research and creative activity, and earned the Gold Seal for Excellent Student Voter Engagement to name a few! I am truly proud of how we have shown the world what UNO’s Maverick Spirit is all about. Please join me in celebrating all that we have done by checking out this year in review.

To our Maverick graduates, know that although you may be entering the next chapter of your journey, you will always be a part of the Maverick family.

To our students who will be returning in the new year, enjoy this break! You have earned a chance to rest, relax, and enjoy time with your family and friends. I wish you all a safe and warm holiday break, so that you can come back ready to do exceptional things. As you make plans for next semester, please be sure to visit the Academic Advising site to find your advisor or the MavTRACK page to schedule an advising appointment.

To our faculty and staff, in appreciation of all that you have done this year, I invite you and your families to enjoy the “Merry and Bright” holiday show at Lauritzen Gardens. This enchanting experience is available to you at no cost and will take place from Dec. 18 through Jan. 3! More information can be found at the Holiday Event page.

During the holidays, it is important to take care of each other, but also just as important to take care of ourselves. Even though we may not be together in person, please remember that your Maverick family is still here for you! Four our faculty and staff, there are mental health resources available to you through the Faculty and Staff Employee Assistance Program (FSEAP), and for students our Counseling and Psychological Services Office (CAPS) office is available if you need access to mental health support by calling 402.554.2409 and pressing 2. Also, be sure to stay healthy during break by self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms with the 1-Check UNO app and by staying up to speed on campus COVID-19 response guidance as you prepare to return to campus.

Thank you for all that you have done in facing the challenges of this year and finding new opportunities to strengthen our community. It truly is the people that make UNO so special, and each of you have helped write a truly amazing story that I feel so privileged to share with the world.

Have an amazing, safe, and healthy holiday, and my best wishes for the new year.

Happy Holidays,

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA

Chancellor

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