1 00:00:03,490 --> 00:00:06,180 Hi everyone, I hope you’re all having a good week. 2 00:00:06,180 --> 00:00:10,650 I’ll start with a few quick COVID updates and end with a story. 3 00:00:10,650 --> 00:00:13,549 There are now just two weeks to go before Thanksgiving break. 4 00:00:13,549 --> 00:00:16,691 We’ve seen a recent uptick in cases, which means it’s 5 00:00:16,691 --> 00:00:21,270 important to be extra careful—especially because we are now in the window where contracting 6 00:00:21,270 --> 00:00:24,039 the virus here could mean potentially bringing it home. 7 00:00:24,039 --> 00:00:28,470 We are monitoring things closely and will let you know if we have to make any last-minute 8 00:00:28,470 --> 00:00:31,260 changes, which hopefully will not be necessary. 9 00:00:31,260 --> 00:00:37,340 An important part of helping our students make a safe return home involves pre-departure 10 00:00:37,340 --> 00:00:38,340 testing. 11 00:00:38,340 --> 00:00:42,750 For students living on-Grounds, departure testing will happen through the regular mandatory 12 00:00:42,750 --> 00:00:46,650 asymptomatic testing schedule, which will continue through November 20th. 13 00:00:46,650 --> 00:00:51,960 We will also be testing all off-Grounds students before November 20th as well. 14 00:00:51,960 --> 00:00:56,440 All students should have received information about their testing appointments earlier this 15 00:00:56,440 --> 00:00:57,440 week. 16 00:00:57,440 --> 00:01:01,390 If you are a student who receives an early testing appointment and would like to take 17 00:01:01,390 --> 00:01:07,460 an additional test before traveling, the University will also offer options for voluntary testing. 18 00:01:07,460 --> 00:01:12,869 You can find more information on our Monitoring and Testing page at the address on your screen. 19 00:01:12,869 --> 00:01:18,430 It’s important to remember that a negative COVID test is not a free pass—it 20 00:01:18,430 --> 00:01:21,520 just reflects your COVID status at the time you were tested. 21 00:01:21,520 --> 00:01:25,939 So please keep doing what you’ve been doing all semester—wearing a mask, maintaining 22 00:01:25,939 --> 00:01:31,759 physical distance, and avoiding large gatherings—after your test and as you travel home. 23 00:01:31,759 --> 00:01:36,609 If you test positive for COVID or have been in close contact with someone who has, you 24 00:01:36,609 --> 00:01:40,079 will need to follow our procedures on isolation and quarantine. 25 00:01:40,079 --> 00:01:45,740 We encourage everyone to have a plan for where they would isolate or quarantine if necessary, 26 00:01:45,740 --> 00:01:50,649 and we will have space available for students living in University housing who test positive 27 00:01:50,649 --> 00:01:52,600 before they leave. 28 00:01:52,600 --> 00:01:56,909 Finally, please remember that we are asking all students who go home for Thanksgiving 29 00:01:56,909 --> 00:02:00,979 not to return until the start of the spring semester, unless Charlottesville is your permanent 30 00:02:00,979 --> 00:02:06,880 home or you have extenuating circumstances that lead you to need accommodations here. 31 00:02:06,880 --> 00:02:11,580 Everyone else should go home when in-person classes end and finish exams there. 32 00:02:11,580 --> 00:02:16,060 If you’re an undergraduate, we will be ready for you at the end of January and we can’t wait to 33 00:02:16,060 --> 00:02:17,350 see you then. 34 00:02:17,350 --> 00:02:22,630 Speaking of next semester, faculty and staff across Grounds are already hard at work planning 35 00:02:22,630 --> 00:02:23,830 for the spring. 36 00:02:23,830 --> 00:02:27,320 We'd like to take the lessons we’ve learned this fall and use them to make the spring 37 00:02:27,320 --> 00:02:30,470 semester the very best it can possibly be. 38 00:02:30,470 --> 00:02:32,720 But to do that, we need your help. 39 00:02:32,720 --> 00:02:36,700 If you have thoughts about what worked well this semester, what didn’t, and creative 40 00:02:36,700 --> 00:02:42,360 ideas about things we can do to make next semester a success—especially as the winter 41 00:02:42,360 --> 00:02:49,260 weather makes it harder to spend time outdoors—please share those ideas by going to the link on your screen. 42 00:02:49,260 --> 00:02:53,560 While some important decisions have already been made, we are always looking for good 43 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:56,090 ideas and ways to get better. 44 00:02:56,090 --> 00:03:00,480 The good news, as I’ve said before, is that we will be starting from a very strong position. 45 00:03:00,480 --> 00:03:03,810 And I’ll end with a quick story to show you what I mean. 46 00:03:03,810 --> 00:03:08,810 This past weekend, my wife Katie and I were mountain biking out at the Rivanna Reservoir. 47 00:03:08,810 --> 00:03:12,520 As we were finishing up, we ran into a group of students taking a picture, without 48 00:03:12,520 --> 00:03:13,520 masks on. 49 00:03:13,520 --> 00:03:15,400 They said hello and we waved to them. 50 00:03:15,400 --> 00:03:19,680 Later, I received an email from one of the students explaining that she and her friends 51 00:03:19,680 --> 00:03:24,050 weren’t wearing masks because they all live in the same house and were staying far away 52 00:03:24,050 --> 00:03:26,100 from others while they took the picture. 53 00:03:26,100 --> 00:03:31,115 I tell this story not because you need to email me if I happen see you without a mask. 54 00:03:31,115 --> 00:03:36,240 But instead because the fact that this group of students went out of their way to explain why they weren’t 55 00:03:36,240 --> 00:03:41,620 wearing masks and how they were still being responsible is one more example of how seriously 56 00:03:41,620 --> 00:03:43,560 so many of you are taking this. 57 00:03:43,560 --> 00:03:47,660 And it’s a big reason why we’ve been so successful as a community up to this point. 58 00:03:47,660 --> 00:03:52,590 So to the group I saw over the weekend, I appreciate the note as well as the offer of 59 00:03:52,590 --> 00:03:53,590 cookies. 60 00:03:53,590 --> 00:03:57,350 And to all of you who have done your part, even when no one was watching, thank you. 61 00:03:57,350 --> 00:04:02,430 You’ve made it clear again and again just how special this community is and how lucky 62 00:04:02,430 --> 00:04:05,360 we all are to be a part of it. 63 00:04:05,360 --> 00:04:09,770 And now, here’s fourth-year Nia Augustine who will be filling in for Zeno in our final 64 00:04:09,770 --> 00:04:10,770 two episodes. 65 00:04:10,770 --> 00:04:15,940 Zeno has headed home for the semester to finish out his classes and exams there, and I am 66 00:04:15,940 --> 00:04:18,639 grateful to him for the fantastic work. 67 00:04:18,639 --> 00:04:21,220 Now over to you, Nia. 68 00:04:21,220 --> 00:04:26,539 Hey Everyone, it's Nia and I will be taking over for Zeno for the rest of the semester. 69 00:04:26,539 --> 00:04:32,129 I am excited to be part of the #Youva team, where I can bring to you updates on Covid 70 00:04:32,129 --> 00:04:33,139 and news on grounds. 71 00:04:33,139 --> 00:04:36,759 Along with some self-care tips to help you get through it all. 72 00:04:36,759 --> 00:04:42,030 In Covid news, last week Zeno and Dr. Meredith Hayden provided a wealth of information about 73 00:04:42,030 --> 00:04:46,139 potential travel outside of Charlottesville for the holiday and winter break and how to 74 00:04:46,139 --> 00:04:49,830 keep you and your family and friends safe this holiday season. 75 00:04:49,830 --> 00:04:54,689 The Return to Grounds site continues to be updated, and has lots more information about 76 00:04:54,689 --> 00:04:56,919 pre-travel testing for students. 77 00:04:56,919 --> 00:05:00,879 And while you may be sick of people telling you to get your flu shot, Student Health & Wellness 78 00:05:00,879 --> 00:05:05,409 is making it easier to get it done with a mobile flu shot clinic at the Student Activities 79 00:05:05,409 --> 00:05:08,120 Building Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 80 00:05:08,120 --> 00:05:10,690 Check out their website for more information. 81 00:05:10,690 --> 00:05:14,150 And while you are taking care of your physical self, don’t forget to take care of your 82 00:05:14,150 --> 00:05:15,710 mental self too. 83 00:05:15,710 --> 00:05:18,009 It's been a roller coaster ride of a semester. 84 00:05:18,009 --> 00:05:22,949 From Covid, to the election, to the regular stressors of being a UVA student, the struggle 85 00:05:22,949 --> 00:05:24,490 is real this fall! 86 00:05:24,490 --> 00:05:28,860 With exams looming and the potential for lots of family time coming up, which could be good 87 00:05:28,860 --> 00:05:34,120 and bad, this is a good time to focus on some self-care and stress-management strategies. 88 00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:38,669 One practice that I use to deal with the stress of being a 4th year is acknowledging my feelings 89 00:05:38,669 --> 00:05:40,000 in the moment. 90 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:42,507 Because of COVID, I’m not having the typical 91 00:05:42,507 --> 00:05:44,490 4th year UVA experience. 92 00:05:44,490 --> 00:05:47,190 I know there are worse things, but I’m sad and disappointed. 93 00:05:47,190 --> 00:05:51,910 I allow myself to feel those emotions and in those moments of feeling it all, I try 94 00:05:51,910 --> 00:05:53,180 not to judge myself. 95 00:05:53,180 --> 00:05:57,580 So, when you are feeling it all, do not judge yourself or the experiences of others. 96 00:05:57,580 --> 00:06:00,530 And if you need to scream feel free to do so. 97 00:06:00,530 --> 00:06:02,840 Just make sure it’s not on the steps of the Rotunda. 98 00:06:02,840 --> 00:06:06,740 With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s the season to express gratitude. 99 00:06:06,740 --> 00:06:10,580 Showing gratitude means that you are acknowledging the goodness in your life and when you write 100 00:06:10,580 --> 00:06:13,909 it down you are able to feel more positive emotions. 101 00:06:13,909 --> 00:06:18,639 So, one of the other tips is to write 5 things you are grateful for in the morning or at 102 00:06:18,639 --> 00:06:19,639 night. 103 00:06:19,639 --> 00:06:23,460 It can literally be anything, like I am grateful for waking up this morning or, I am grateful 104 00:06:23,460 --> 00:06:29,819 for my barista at MarieBette for getting my 5% half and half and 95% coffee order right. 105 00:06:29,819 --> 00:06:35,949 Be kind to yourself, be patient with others, and express your gratitude out loud. 106 00:06:35,949 --> 00:06:39,050 Speaking of gratitude, Wednesday marked Veterans Day. 107 00:06:39,050 --> 00:06:43,603 Here is how some of our local ROTC corps paid tribute to American veterans. 108 00:06:45,289 --> 00:06:50,000 Veterans Day it’s been a tradition here since ROTC has existed here at the school. 109 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:51,680 We celebrate it every year. 110 00:06:51,680 --> 00:06:55,020 We really are saying “thank you” to those that have served. 111 00:06:55,020 --> 00:06:59,759 It’s definitely something that UVA takes pride in and we’re happy that we can still 112 00:06:59,759 --> 00:07:02,949 do it in person this year. 113 00:07:02,949 --> 00:07:07,879 What we’re going to be doing is the Air Force cadets, Army personnel and Midshipmen 114 00:07:07,879 --> 00:07:13,409 will be coming in and helping participate in a 24-hour vigil to help remember our POW 115 00:07:13,409 --> 00:07:14,740 and MIA personnel. 116 00:07:14,740 --> 00:07:16,809 We take a lot of pride in those night shifts. 117 00:07:16,809 --> 00:07:21,199 It’s peace and quiet and you really get to remember when you’re up on stage marching 118 00:07:21,199 --> 00:07:23,719 back-and-forth this is what I’m doing this for. 119 00:07:23,719 --> 00:07:28,300 I’m taking an hour of my day to just say “thank you so much for your sacrifices and 120 00:07:28,300 --> 00:07:34,610 your bravery” And to conclude the vigil, we do our Veterans Day Ceremony. 121 00:07:34,610 --> 00:07:38,849 There will be about 10 distinguished guests and visitors that were invited. 122 00:07:38,849 --> 00:07:44,430 It’s definitely our way to just say that we respect you and we remember you. 123 00:07:44,430 --> 00:07:47,650 This is a time that we really come together as a community and say “thank you” to 124 00:07:47,650 --> 00:07:49,601 all those vets. 125 00:07:52,749 --> 00:07:53,939 Thank you, veterans. 126 00:07:53,939 --> 00:07:59,150 In other Thanksgiving news, if you can’t be with family or friends this Thanksgiving, 127 00:07:59,150 --> 00:08:04,279 the Office of the Dean of Students, UVA Dining, and the Food Insecurity Resource Group will 128 00:08:04,279 --> 00:08:08,030 host its annual Hoos-Giving Meal again this year. 129 00:08:08,030 --> 00:08:13,979 Last year the University served over 160 students, faculty, and staff lunch on Thanksgiving 130 00:08:13,979 --> 00:08:19,349 We’ll be doing the same thing again this year from 12-2pm, in the Newcomb dining 131 00:08:19,349 --> 00:08:20,349 hall. 132 00:08:20,349 --> 00:08:25,849 There will be options for both in-person socially distanced dining as well as a to-go options. 133 00:08:25,849 --> 00:08:30,319 More information about this and other upcoming events are available on the student engagement 134 00:08:30,319 --> 00:08:31,319 calendar. 135 00:08:31,319 --> 00:08:35,430 Now, before we go, let’s talk a little bit about volunteering. 136 00:08:35,430 --> 00:08:39,060 Even though it might look a little different this year, giving back to your community is 137 00:08:39,060 --> 00:08:43,810 as important as ever, especially when so many families are struggling with the pandemic 138 00:08:43,810 --> 00:08:45,880 and with economic hardship. 139 00:08:45,880 --> 00:08:50,839 Madison House or the UVA Volunteer Center can help you find ways to make a difference. 140 00:08:50,839 --> 00:08:55,300 There are tons of partner organizations in the community to volunteer at and this week 141 00:08:55,300 --> 00:08:58,500 we checked in with one of them, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry. 142 00:08:58,500 --> 00:08:59,735 Let’s take a look. 143 00:09:01,140 --> 00:09:03,600 Loaves and Fishes is a non-profit food pantry. 144 00:09:03,600 --> 00:09:08,019 We are a distribution agency of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. 145 00:09:08,019 --> 00:09:13,240 In April and May we saw a real surge and it was very much tied to the government shut 146 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:20,190 down of work and so we saw about a 35 percent increase in need from brand new houses. 147 00:09:20,190 --> 00:09:24,560 We are fortunately able to provide enough food for all the people who come here for 148 00:09:24,560 --> 00:09:25,560 help. 149 00:09:25,560 --> 00:09:29,630 Hunger is a need in the area and the virus can scare a lot of folks but that doesn’t 150 00:09:29,630 --> 00:09:34,140 alleviate the need for people to put food on their tables and someone has to be here 151 00:09:34,140 --> 00:09:37,029 to be able to serve in that way. 152 00:09:37,029 --> 00:09:40,579 Our mission is to give food with kindness and compassion and that’s really important 153 00:09:40,579 --> 00:09:44,279 for Loaves and Fishes is that people who need our help don’t feel like they’re any different 154 00:09:44,279 --> 00:09:45,279 than we are. 155 00:09:45,279 --> 00:09:48,579 That’s deep in our hearts and we want to make sure that everyone who volunteers or 156 00:09:48,579 --> 00:09:51,560 works here is in the same space. 157 00:09:51,560 --> 00:09:56,269 So much of life can easily just be focused on myself, but stepping out and serving others 158 00:09:56,269 --> 00:10:00,060 is something that’s greater than themselves and once you start doing it, it builds on 159 00:10:00,060 --> 00:10:03,709 itself and you start looking forward to it and you realize the benefits of being selfless 160 00:10:03,709 --> 00:10:05,260 and prioritizing other people’s needs. 161 00:10:05,260 --> 00:10:09,640 If you can find time for that I think it will be time well spent and I think you’ll find 162 00:10:09,640 --> 00:10:10,870 yourself the better for it. 163 00:10:10,870 --> 00:10:14,370 So anybody who’s interested in getting involved in Loaves and Fishes or any other charity 164 00:10:14,370 --> 00:10:19,022 in the area, I encourage you to go to the UVA Volunteer Center website and sign up. 165 00:10:19,022 --> 00:10:21,302 [MUSIC PLAYING] 166 00:10:28,540 --> 00:10:34,819 Check out the @YOUva team on Instagram or email us at youva@virginia.edu with questions, 167 00:10:34,819 --> 00:10:36,990 concerns, and good news. 168 00:10:36,990 --> 00:10:42,529 Some parting words: “You can't fill anyone else’s cup if yours is empty.” 169 00:10:42,529 --> 00:10:45,000 Thank you for listening and this is Nia Augustine.