Summer offers a time to reconnect

You can almost hear a collective sigh as the semester winds down, things grow quieter around campus and we begin to turn our attention to summer plans — this was true even prior to the pandemic. This summer is an especially precious one, as we begin to find ways to reconnect with family and friends and step out into the world with a bit more freedom. Tonight’s UF Health COVID-19 vaccine town hall will feature experts available to answer your questions so you can feel more confident in making plans. Also keep in mind our Summer Camps Directory, which features listings of youth camp opportunities in the Alachua County area and recordings of informational webinars held earlier this month.

It goes without saying that taking time off is critical to recovering our strength and providing the space for us to return to our work revitalized. If you have been burning the candle at both ends, as so many of us have for the past year, I hope you will find a way to take the time you need to rest and recharge. If you need someone to talk to or additional support, please also keep in mind our Employee Assistance Program, which provides free counseling to you and other members of your household as well as other services.

As we look ahead to Summer B and the fall semester, I hope you will also find creative and energizing ways to reconnect with your colleagues, as staff in the College of the Arts did a few weeks ago. In case you missed it, be sure to check out this edition of The Campus Brief, which provided details about what we can begin to expect beginning mid-summer.

We’ll continue to send out UF at Work once a week over the summer, so you can stay-up-to-date as plans continue to unfold. As always, we are happy to hear from you. If you have feedback or suggestions, please reach out to our Communications and Worklife team at hrcommunications@hr.ufl.edu.

Wishing you a summer filled with joy and rejuvenation,