Dear members of the McMaster community,

With a second pandemic year almost over, we wanted to take the opportunity to thank each of you for the outstanding work and commitment to supporting our students, research and the operations of the university.  We appreciate all that you contribute and the kindness and support you continue to show each other as we manage through the ever evolving pandemic.

With the holidays approaching, we want to ensure that you have a little extra time to rest and relax so this year we will be closing the university one day early at the end of day December 23^rd.  There will be a few activities that will need to continue but we are asking managers to ensure that alternative time is found for people to enjoy the extra day. For anyone who already had the day booked for vacation the time will not be deducted from your vacation allotment for the year.

With our focus shifting to the approaching winter term and what we continue to expect will be a mostly in-person term, it is more important than ever that you find time to recharge.

Enjoy the extended holiday time.  Stay healthy and we look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Sincerely,

David Farrar                     President
Susan Tighe                      Provost and VP, Academic
Paul O’Byrne                    VP and Dean Faculty of Health Sciences
Karen Mossman              VP Research
Saher Fazilat                     VP Operations and Finance
Mary Williams                  VP University Advancement