A Message to #WFU24 from Wake Forest President Nathan O. Hatch
Greetings from Wake Forest University! I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe.
It is no secret that we are living in unprecedented times. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, most of our lives have been altered dramatically. I imagine your final semester of high school has not ended the way you thought it would. While you may be experiencing some disappointment because of all that might have been, I hope you also carry great excitement for all that lies ahead.
Despite the uncertainty around us, two truths remain: Everyone at Wake Forest is delighted you have chosen to be a Demon Deacon, and we can’t wait to have you on campus. So let me be among the first to officially and enthusiastically welcome you to the Wake Forest community.
During your time at Wake Forest, it is my greatest hope that you will find people who support you, enrich your life and make you a better version of yourself. I hope your classes will challenge your intellect and spark new passions. I hope you will find organizations and activities that broaden your horizons and stretch your imagination. And while you are here, I hope that you will heighten your own expectations of your capacity to contribute to the dynamic and ever-changing world you will one day lead.
I’m sure you are curious about the start of your college career. It is our goal to welcome you to campus in the fall as scheduled, but we are planning for multiple possible scenarios, should the situation change. Public health officials are active partners in our scenario planning, and we will follow public health guidance throughout our decision-making. I do believe we have much in our favor as we look to resume in-person classes: Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas have experienced relatively few cases; the small size of our campus community allows us more flexibility in housing and class arrangements to adjust as necessary to social distancing practices; and our affiliation with a major hospital system gives us exceptional access to health care experts and health care options if a member of our community should become sick. We will continue to keep you and your family informed as we make decisions and plan to provide a formal update in early June. Your best source for the latest information is coronavirus.wfu.edu.
Over the next few months, I invite you to begin connecting with our University and take some time to get to know this very special place. Follow Wake Forest University on our social media channels; visit newstudents.wfu.edu and pay attention to messages about important dates and orientation events; and start meeting your fellow classmates by using #wfu24.
There is much to discover about the Wake Forest community, and the Wake Forest community is looking forward to learning all about you. We are glad you are joining us for the next chapter of your story. When the time comes for you to move onto campus, I look forward to meeting you in person. Until then, please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Nathan O. Hatch
President