Dear Beloved Naropa Community Members,In light of the many impacts of the devastating wildfires in Boulder County, as well as the omicron surge, Naropa University will be moving to remote learning for all classes, retreats, and events for the first two weeks of the semester. Nonessential staff will work from home during this time as well. If you are a staff member and have questions, please consult with your supervisor. We will return to in-person learning and work on January 24, 2022.We have a number of staff, faculty, and students who have been affected by the fires; and Naropa sustained some damage to our campuses from the wind that sparked the fires. We want to create as much ease and healing space as possible for the many people dealing with numerous impacts – which includes loss of homes, loss of heat and water and electricity, and road closures.In addition, as we are all aware, Covid-19 numbers are currently surging with the spread of the omicron variant. While many cases seem to be mild, particularly for those who are vaccinated, ICU beds are in short supply in many areas of Colorado. In addition, testing access has become challenging, with high numbers of people using testing sites. Some experts expect the variant to peak in the next three weeks, and delaying an in-person start would assist with some of these issues.When we return, we will continue to focus on the three pillars of risk mitigation – vaccination, ventilation, and masking; and the Covid-19 safety policies which were outlined for Spring 2022 will be in place. These policies include: 1) all Naropa community members are required to be fully vaccinated; 2) any community members who cannot be vaccinated for health, religious, moral, or ADA reasons must apply for and receive a vaccine exemption; 3) unvaccinated community members will be required to submit weekly Covid-19 testing and will be required to quarantine following any known Covid-19 exposure; and 4) all community members will be required to wear masks indoors at all times except when actively eating or drinking, until further notice. In addition, we highly recommend that all community members receive a booster shot and wear N95/KN95 masks whenever possible.We know that this will be a relief to many, and a disappointment to some. As always, we are using the best information we have to make wise decisions to help keep our community safe.At this time, we do not expect to continue remote learning, except for online programs, beyond the January 24 return to in-person learning.Please direct any questions or comments to covid19questions@naropa.edu.If you are a student who needs assistance with access related to the fires and/or the remote start, please contact studentconcerns@naropa.edu. If you are a staff or faculty member with needs related to the fires, please contact my office.With appreciation,Charles G. LiefPresident