COVID-19 Update: March 20, 2020
President Neville Pinto's message to prospective spring 2020 graduates:
As we have been closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, we have had to make many hard decisions that have greatly adjusted our standard campus operations and procedures. Throughout the decision-making process, we have had one primary goal in mind – maintaining the strongest and most authentic Bearcat experience possible while prioritizing the health and safety of our community.
Some of our most celebrated and anticipated Bearcat events are our Commencement ceremonies. As the coronavirus outbreak progresses, it has become increasingly clear that we must postpone our Spring 2020 commencement events in accordance with CDC guidelines on eliminating large gatherings to combat the coronavirus. This restriction impacts the undergraduate ceremony, doctoral hooding and master’s recognition ceremony, and professional degree ceremonies.
Graduation is a day you have worked toward since your first day on campus. We join you in your disappointment about this necessary change. Even if you were anticipating this decision, we know that doesn’t necessarily make it any easier. Throughout this time, I encourage you to reflect on all that you’ve accomplished as a Bearcat and that there is still so much to be celebrated.
Your Commencement is a celebration that UC faculty, staff, and I look forward to sharing with you and your loved ones. And yet, we know postponing is the right decision to ensure everyone’s safety and health. In the coming months, we hope to join together to mark this momentous milestone as one Bearcat family. We will be in touch with updates when more information is available.
In the meantime, I want to acknowledge the many sacrifices you are making in this time of unprecedented crisis. Please stay safe and know I wish you and your family the very best in the weeks ahead.
With gratitude,
Neville G. Pinto
President
Related Stories
Giddy: Here we go again: The return of the common cold
November 10, 2021
With people wearing masks over the past 18 months or so to ward off COVID-19, the incidence of the common cold has been reduced during that time. However, as more people get vaccines and boosters, and mask mandates are eased in some instances, the common cold could be poised to make a comeback as we head into the fall and winter months. Giddy posted a primer on what causes the common cold and how to combat it and one of the expert sources they cited was Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine.
Health: Antidepressant for COVID-19 reduces hospitalization...
October 29, 2021
The anti-depressant drug fluvoxamine is being looked at by researchers as a possible treatment for COVID-19. A recently released study showed the drug showed a reduced risk of hospitalization and death among COVID patients. Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine was interviewed for a Health.com story on the study results.
UC research examines coping mechanisms for loss of smell from...
October 21, 2021
One of the most common and disturbing side effects of COVID-19 is the loss of the sense of smell. New research from UC found some common coping mechanisms that helped COVID patients deal with a lessened sense of smell, which severely impacts the sense of taste. The study was published in the International Forum of Allergies and Rhinology. The combination of the loss of smell and taste, which are also known as the chemosensory senses, due to COVID-19 has been particularly devastating, with research showing associated depression, anxiety and impaired quality of life. It is something Katie Phillips, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery at the UC College of Medicine sees in many COVID patients who come into her clinic.