夏休みを迎えるにあたって
*English version follows Japanese
2021年7月21日
早稲田大学総長
早稲田大学の学生の皆さんへ
Toward the Coming Summer Holidays
July 21, 2021
Dear Students of Waseda University,
Sending you warm greetings from the President’s Office.
At Waseda University, we have been able to maintain face-to-face classes in nearly 70 percent of courses throughout the spring semester (or spring and summer quarters) despite two state of emergency declarations. I thank the dedicated efforts of our students, faculty and staff.
In addition, no cases of Covid-19 infection have been found in classroom settings so far. Furthermore, the weekly number of new infections has remained low throughout this semester. I would like to extend my gratitude to all students for your continuous cooperation and self-discipline for making this possible.
I would also like to thank you for exercising self-restraint in social and athletic activities, and for not holding parties or group dinners. I am proud of your socially responsible behavior with strong regard for the norms of our community.
However, the delta variant of Covid-19 has been reported to be highly contagious and transmissible. Please be careful in the upcoming summer holidays. During the summer holidays, please continue to protect yourselves as you have during the spring semester. Please make sure to wash your hands with soap before eating or drinking. When soap is not available, wash your hands thoroughly with water.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Waseda staff, we have been providing Covid-19 vaccinations since July 5. The first round of vaccinations will end on August 2, 2021, and the second round will start on August 3 and end on August 31, 2021. We still have available appointments for anyone who needs a vaccination. You should make both of your appointments soon, registering for both appointments at the same time, spacing them four weeks apart. Note that vaccinations are not compulsory. At Waseda University, we will not discriminate against any students who do not undergo vaccination due to their own personal reasons.
I wish you good health and look forward to seeing you back on campus again for the start of the autumn semester.
Best wishes,
Aiji Tanaka, President
Waseda University