Dear Watson Students,
I hope that you had a restful winter break, and that you were able to unplug and take care of yourselves.
I want to acknowledge that we’re all still processing the events of December 13 and that this experience may continue to weigh differently on each of us. One of the most powerful things we can do for each other is to reaffirm our shared commitment to compassion, care and mutual support.
As we begin the semester, I encourage you to engage with the Brown Ever True initiative, which brings together updates, messages and resources for our community at https://evertrue.brown.edu/. The security and well-being of our community is both a priority and a responsibility we take seriously, and we will continue to work in partnership with the University as these efforts move forward.
In the coming days, weeks and months, there may be new considerations for our courses, events, and various activities for the School. As always, we will be guided by the mission we all share as a teaching and learning community committed to serve society. Echoing a key message that President Paxson shared with the campus, this is a time when the Watson community can reflect upon what makes Brown special — a unique commitment to the good we can do in the world.
As we move forward as a community, the faculty and staff at the Watson School are here to support you whether with academic guidance, emotional support or simply a place to connect. The Ever True site also includes a range of campus and community resources available to you. If you have any questions around navigating the rest of the semester, please know we are working closely with the University to help guide next steps and are available to support you.
The Watson School has always been a place where our community can come together, to learn from one another, explore different perspectives and engage with complex issues shaping our world. As we return to campus, I know the School will remain a welcoming space to connect, learn and support one another.
Warmly,
John N. Friedman
Vascellaro Family Dean of the
Thomas J. Watson Jr. School of International and Public Affairs at Brown University