Dear Temple students, faculty, and staff,

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 2021–2022 academic year. I have been looking forward to the start of this year since I proudly became your president in July.

If the excitement of this past week is any indication—a time when new students moved onto campus and others returned for the first time in nearly a year—it’s going to be an excellent year for Temple University.

Since the threat of COVID-19 is not yet behind us, we have added vaccination and indoor masking requirements for all Temple students, faculty, and staff. By adhering to these requirements, you will be protecting yourself, your family, your friends and colleagues, and the greater Philadelphia community. This is an opportunity for us to show the world our collective strength, focus, and ability to persevere!

After a record-breaking number of applications, we celebrate the newest group of Owls joining the Temple family. The incoming class is among the most diverse and academically strong in our history. In addition to the first cohort of Cecil B. Moore Scholars from our North Philadelphia community, the class includes an impressive share of first-generation college students—30%!

When I recently asked Nic Uff, a senior media studies and production major, what made him choose Temple, he said, “Everyone has a chance here.” I can’t wait to see what each of our students does with their chance.

As we embark on this year together, I commit to learning more about you, and I encourage you to learn more about the members of this dynamic teaching and learning ecosystem. One easy place to start is to watch Nic’s interview with me. We covered a lot, including his career plans, my top priorities as president, advice for students, and the shared sense of pride we have to be at Temple this year. Collaborating with our faculty, student body, and staff to create the best possible Temple experience will be my great privilege in the years to come.

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with three recommendations for a successful year.

• #VaxUpTU.
• Show the world your excellence, compassion, and grit.
• Engage in the full experience—network and participate!

Beginnings are opportunities. Let’s seize the opportunity to make this a great year.

See you on campus!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jason Wingard
President