Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met on campus this past weekend under the leadership of Board Chair Jennifer Kopp Dameron.  In line with Truman’s return to campus plan, the Board members, and everyone in the room, wore masks for the entire meeting and maintained social distance.  The Board began the meeting by recognizing Tiffany Middlemas, former student representative to the Board of Governors and a graduate in the Virtual August Commencement Ceremony, with a resolution of appreciation for her service on the Board.

Given the Board members receive regular updates on the many challenges we are facing, my President’s Report focused on positive things that are happening.  I noted the on-going support and collaborative interactions between the University and various entities at the state and federal level as well as the Adair County Health Department and the City of Kirksville.  I shared the stellar work of Truman’s Office of Public Relations, highlighting the Love, Kirksville video as an example.  The video is Truman’s most viewed video ever with over 90,000 views.  In addition, the City of Kirksville has started a #LoveKirksville campaign and is using the hashtag on Facebook and Instagram.  I discussed how the University is celebrating our May and August graduates through the August 1 Virtual Commencement Ceremony and the Graduates of 2020 banners on display outside of Pickler Memorial Library.  I underscored the impactful work of the Director of Retention and Student Success and the Center for Academic Excellence, which has resulted in a current freshman to sophomore retention rate of 88.2%.  While the rate can fluctuate between now and census, this is an impressive 4.7% increase over last year’s rate.  And finally, I noted the tremendous work that has taken place throughout campus to ensure Truman’s Returning to Campus Plan is realized.

Jerry Wollmering, Director of Athletics, provided the annual athletics report noting the success of Truman’s athletic teams both on and off the playing field, as well as the abrupt end to the 2020 Spring intercollegiate athletics season and the postponement of the 2020 Fall season NCAA classified high risk sports (football, soccer and volleyball) to the Spring 2021 season due to the ongoing concerns of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the Board meeting and within their committee meetings, the Board received updates on Truman’s Fall 2020 Returning to Campus Plan, the Fall 2020 Amended Attendance Policy, the fully online Master of Arts in English program, Truman Week, the Student Health Center and University Counseling Services request for proposals, on-campus construction projects, and financials reports.

In terms of action items, the Board approved two items within the area of academic and student affairs:

Resolution Amending Chapter 6 of the Code of Policies of the Board of Governors Pertaining to Academic Affairs – Faculty
Following a discussion which included Provost Janet Gooch; Dr. Scott Alberts, President of Faculty Senate; and outside counsel, the Board approved Chapter 6 Academic Affairs – Faculty as presented within their agenda packet.  The proposed chapter contains a number of policies pertaining to the work of faculty including tenure and promotion, professional ethics, the Faculty Senate, faculty conduct, and professional leave, among other topics.

Resolution Amending the University’s Non-Discrimination Statement and Authorizing the President of the University to Enact Policies for Enforcement
A proposed amendment to the University’s Non-Discrimination Statement was approved in response to the publication of the final rules addressing Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.  The current sections either conflicted with or did not fully comply with new federal law, and the approved policy changes and reorganization not only facilitate full compliance with the new regulations but also deliberately and explicitly create work and learning environments free of discrimination.

In addition, two items were approved within the area of budget and capital projects:

State Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2020
This request, submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), is for funding to support the Education and General Budget.  Truman’s Fiscal Year 2020 request includes funding based on core restoration, additional funds to expand the Nursing Program, as well as funds to continue to support the cooperative programs with community colleges and additional maintenance and repair funding.

Local Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2020
These budgets are reviewed and approved annually to provide funding for major building and renovation projects on campus.  Due to the reductions in state funding for Fiscal Year 2020 which occurred in April-June 2020, no funds are available for transfer from the Education and General Budget to the Local State Funds Capital Budget.  Auxiliary funds are available to transfer which are primarily dedicated to the Recreation Center.

A copy of the complete agenda from the August 1 meeting can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/.  The next meeting of the Board is currently scheduled for Friday, October 23.

The August Board meeting always signals that summer is nearly over and the new academic year is about to begin.  While we all hoped it would not be the case, it is certain that this upcoming academic year will be different than anything we have yet experienced.  But different does not have to mean bad.  As a matter of fact, one of the synonyms for different is distinct, and we take understandable pride in the fact that Truman is distinct from other universities.  If each of us takes our responsibility to our community as seriously as we take our responsibility to ourselves, we will truly be distinct in our ability to make the structure of the new semester both workable and meaningful.  It will take all of us to make it happen.

Speaking of different, it will probably come as no surprise that Fall Opening Assembly and the Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon cannot happen as usual.  As it is still important to recognize our colleagues, an Abbreviated Virtual Fall Opening Assembly will be added to the Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (SPAW) website and you will receive notification when it is available for viewing.   In lieu of the Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon, all employees will be raffle winners this year with new logo items that will be provided to you shortly.  While it seems like an eternity ago, if anyone failed to pick up a new Truman logo t-shirt following the unveiling ceremony in early March, please contact my office and we will send one to you through campus mail.

Thank you for facing the unknown and doing your part to ensure Truman successfully navigates these uncertain times.

Be well,
Sue

Statement of Commitment to Racial Equity and Institutional Change

To examine structural and systemic racism, Truman recently conducted a town hall on racial injustice and inequity to provide an opportunity to gain a shared understanding of what must be done to accomplish institutional change. When asked what Truman should do immediately, members of the panel advocated for the importance of making a public statement.

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, an email was sent to all students, faculty and staff challenging the University to confront the racial injustice and inequity legacies of the past, acknowledge the realities of the present and do real work to achieve an equitable future. It was a call to action in line with rapper and activist Killer Mike’s call to “fortify your own house so that you may be a house of refuge in times of organization.” It is clear that part of fortifying our own house is a collective public statement that was informed by the insights from the town hall: 

At Truman, we embrace the power of community, value the diversity of perspectives, and espouse the importance of facing challenges and being uncomfortable as a part of growth.  Racism, in all forms, is antithetical to community.  With inequities, there are divisions, and these divisions prevent us from being the just, inclusive, equitable, and true community we want and need to be.  

We acknowledge the fear, pain, prejudice, antagonism and subjugation that is ubiquitous in the Black experience and the historical legacy of segregation, marginalization, and inequitable access to economic opportunity, social mobility, and political power in all higher education institutions, including Truman. 

The best way to condemn racism is to be anti-racist.  We will actively and consciously work against the multidimensional aspects of racism.  We will challenge the notion that racism is only conscious, deliberate, and explicit and shift our understanding to address unconscious, unintentional, and veiled racist actions. 

It is our responsibility to uncover and disrupt systems that perpetuate injustice and inequity, and in doing so, reform all aspects of those systems that are anathema to the principles of racial equity including policies, pedagogy, and practices. 

Real change will require collective, concerted, unrelenting efforts over an extended period of time.  Our progress in achieving a just, inclusive, equitable, and true community will require personal and institutional self-reflection, humility, honesty and fully embracing the universal intrinsic worth of all human beings. 

As important as these words are, words without action are performative allyship that do little to address the true matter at hand. As a liberal arts and sciences institution, it is in Truman’s core to be a force for change in the world.  To that end, the University is focusing on six core areas:  access and recruitment; student success, retention and integration; recruitment, hiring and development of employees; campus culture; curricular and co-curricular learning; and alumni community.  The University has begun taking the first of many steps to make impactful and sustained progress in these six areas:

• With the hiring of a diversity and inclusion consultant with a powerful connection to Truman, the University takes a significant step forward in developing impactful short-term strategies and long-term goals to bring about greater diversity, inclusion and equity.

• Organizations like the Association of Black Collegians continue to advocate passionately for racial equity and justice.  Recently, President Thomas had a very enlightening and productive conversation with the group about their experiences and the essential changes the University must make. Their continued partnership will ensure Truman maintains vigilance in inclusion and equity efforts and creating sustainable institutional change.

• Truman’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion recently hosted a virtual presentation on the foundations of social justice, with a special emphasis on racial justice. Participants found it to be a useful exercise in self-examination and systemic analysis.

• The Minority Ambassadors Program has moved under the direction of the Office of Admission and will be enhanced to more successfully meet its mission of recruiting minoritized students and hosting events that promote cultural awareness.

• The New Truman Student Experience will have an increased attention to diversity and inclusion across its three elements: Truman Week (activities scheduled before and during the beginning of classes), the Truman Symposium (a common speaker/activity series for new students), and the Self and Society Seminar (a small-group class required for all new students).

• Truman Week already includes multiple programs related to diversity and inclusion; they will be strengthened and improved this year.  The Truman Symposium will focus one of its four modules on “Advancing Inclusion and Equity”.  Students will have small group discussions about this module in their Self and Society Seminar. The Self and Society Seminar will also include an anti-racist reading list, and will have minimum standards for Intercultural Thinking, consistent with national standards.

• Faculty Governance is examining improvements to the Intercultural Perspective of the curriculum to make it more specifically connected to issues of race, class, and gender.  It is also working with the Academic Professional Development Center to provide training for all faculty on issues such as how to handle difficult discussions, how to recognize conscious and unconscious biases, and how to be an anti-racist in the classroom.

• A group of University members will be tasked in the next few weeks to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for diversity and inclusion that includes metrics, measures, and initiatives that address the six core areas and builds upon the current Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence. This modified and updated strategic plan will provide measurable, accountable actions that will serve as a blueprint for how the University can maintain continuous progress.  The plan will be completed by the end of the calendar year.

These are the most recent actions in what is an ongoing effort to address injustice and inclusion.  In the spirit of transparency and accountability, all University messaging and actions related to confronting racial injustice and inequity and advancing inclusion will be posted on the Center for Diversity and Inclusion website.  Check back often to review additional actions or to offer ideas.

Introduction

The world as we knew it changed forever in March.  Faced with unparalleled challenges and no roadmap to navigate them, our faculty, staff and students came together to face the uncertainty and rise to the occasion.  Overcoming personal challenges and stressors and making adjustments on the fly to address the demands of a rapidly changing environment, every member of the Truman community played a significant role in making sure the educational mission of our University continued unabated.  The work that was done in the spring semester was impressive.  Were we perfect in our efforts?  Not even close.  But we were committed to making it happen and we did.

Fast forward to July.  Today, we face even more challenges than we did in March.  Not only must we determine answers for the seemingly infinite number of questions still posed by the pandemic, we must be actively cognizant of the injustice and inequity present on our campus and effectively address overt and pernicious impacts of racism.  And we must do this with significant decreases in state appropriations.

We learned a lot from the spring semester and we are working with local health officials, professional organizations, and the plans of other universities to determine how best to move forward.  This current plan reflects that work as well as input from faculty, staff and students addressing the multitude of factors that must be considered to return to campus.

Members of our community hold a wide variety of defendable perspectives about all aspects of Fall 2020 planning.  This variety of perspectives is both welcomed and valuable as the University must consider all factors as we strive to chart the best course forward.  As we work to move forward, especially in these extraordinarily trying times, we have a shared responsibility to put the common good above individual preference.  By doing this and with great care for the well-being of everyone and for our University, we can create a valuable in-person experience that diminishes risk.

Because the pandemic is still very fluid, this plan represents current data, perspectives and strategies.  Like the pandemic, it will evolve over the coming weeks and months.  We will continue to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education and Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence: College and University Minimum Recommendations. The University must continue to prepare for multiple scenarios and we must be ready to make any necessary adjustments should the need arise.

If you have specific questions about what this current plan means for you, please refer to the FAQ section of the Fall 2020 Plan website and/or contact your department chair/dean (for faculty), supervisor (for staff) or academic advisor/Center for Academic Excellence (for students).

As this will be a dynamic document, please feel free to share your thoughts with your constituency group:

Faculty Senate – Scott Alberts (salberts@truman.edu)
Staff Council – Winston Vanderhoof (ad96@truman.edu)
Student Government – Katie Alexander (studentgovernment@truman.edu)

Health and Wellness

• Daily symptom check – All faculty, staff and students must monitor symptoms every day, including a daily temperature check, before arriving on campus or leaving a residence hall.  A new app (CampusClear) can be used to help faculty, staff and students with daily monitoring tasks, and more details on how to get this app will be posted on the website as soon as it is available for download. If symptoms of COVID-19 are experienced (without a separate known cause, e.g., asthma, allergies, etc.), the individual should not come to campus or leave the residence hall.  Faculty should contact their department chairs, staff should contact their supervisors, and students should contact their faculty members.
• Testing – Truman has worked with public health officials to develop a strategy for testing symptomatic community members.  Based upon June 30, 2020 CDC guidance, the University will not conduct entry testing of all returning students, faculty, and staff.  The Student Health Center (SHC) will be able to initiate rapid testing for students only, with results expected to be returned to SHC within a two-hour time frame (based on capacity of the local hospital).  Negative results from the rapid test must be confirmed by a secondary test.  Lab test results may take approximately seven days to be returned to the provider.  Faculty and staff members should contact their health care provider for any testing needs.
• Contact tracing – University health professionals will work with the Adair County Health Department to conduct contact tracing if Truman community members test positive for COVID-19. Public health privacy requirements will be followed.
• Coordination of Communication – To ensure continued communication between the University and local public and private health entities, Dr. Brenda Higgins, Associate Vice President for Student Wellness has been designated as the primary contact person in regard to issues of testing, contact tracing, quarantine, isolation, community spread, etc.
• Student quarantine arrangements – Students who live on campus and who have been exposed to or have been tested for COVID-19 and need to be quarantined, will be asked to remain in their assigned residence hall room or apartment until confirmation from a health care provider indicates they are not infectious.  If necessary, students may be temporarily relocated to a space that has a private bathroom.  Arrangements will be made with Dining Services to prepare take-out meals for delivery to the student’s quarantine location, to ensure that students have access to their meal plan during this time.   (Additional details will be available in mid-July on the Residence Life website.)
• Student isolation arrangements – Students who live on campus and who become ill and need to be isolated will be provided a single living space with a private bathroom.  Arrangements will be made with Dining Services to prepare take-out meals for delivery to the student’s isolation location, to ensure that students have access to their meal plan during this time.  Depending on the severity of symptoms, the student may also wish to return to their familial home to recuperate.  (Additional details will be available in mid-July on the Residence Life website.)
• Student quarantine/isolation daily check-ins – Students who are asked to quarantine or self-isolate will receive contact (via phone, zoom, or email) from a trained and qualified individual to conduct a daily check-in regarding status of symptoms, any concerns related to health or daily functioning, as well as experiences with potential academic barriers (technology problems, lack of clarity regarding faculty expectations while in quarantine/isolation status, etc.)
• Returning to daily activity following quarantine and/or isolation –  While keeping CDC recommendations in mind, the university will also seek guidance from medical professionals in and around Kirksville who are making quarantine and isolation decisions in our community based on testing procedures and the time necessary to receive accurate results.
• Coping with stress – This pandemic can be stressful personally and professionally. Faculty, staff, and students should be mindful of their well-being and take steps to cope with this situation in a positive way (e.g., eat healthy, exercise, get sleep, talk with a trusted acquaintance, take breaks from the news and social media, etc.). The CDC has published information about Coping with Stress during this time. In addition, faculty and staff who are struggling to manage stress and anxiety have access to the Employee Assistance Program as part of the employment benefits package.  Students who are struggling are encouraged to contact University Counseling Services.
• Personal safety practices – Individuals are asked to be considerate of others on campus and to consistently participate in the safety practices described below, as they are intended to support the health and well-being of our campus community members.
  • Social distancing – As faculty, staff and students return to campus, they should maintain a social distance of six feet at all times.
  • Facial Coverings –  Wearing facial coverings at all times when inside university owned and controlled buildings will be mandatory except:
    • When in a private office (individuals may require facial coverings in their private offices)
    • For students, when in their assigned residence hall room
    • When eating and drinking
    • When an alternative has been approved as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act or religious observance accommodation processes.
    • Outdoors when a social distance of at least six feet can be maintained.
    • The University will provide one reusable, washable cloth facial covering to students, staff and faculty.  Everyone is encouraged to have at least one additional cloth face covering.  Face coverings are available for purchase at the University Bookstore in the Student Union Building, and many other retail establishments throughout the community.

The CDC has recommendations on how to wear and launder a cloth facial covering.

• • Handwashing – Individuals should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after having been in a public place. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. All members of the campus community are also encouraged to carry personal hand sanitizing products. The CDC has recommendations on how to wash your hands.
• Buildings
  • Access – Through at least July 24, 2020, campus buildings will remain locked, with limited access allowed by key holders who have been authorized to return to on-site work. As the campus reopens, each building will be subject to unique guidelines for operation based on its facilities and the needs of its occupants.
  • Entry to and/or exit from buildings will be regulated, with some doors designated specifically as entrances or exits. Flow of traffic will also be regulated on staircases and other areas as appropriate. Signage will be posted prominently.
  • All classrooms will be reconfigured to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between seats.
  • Plexiglas/transparent barriers – Locations with high student traffic, reception areas and locations where the 6-feet social distancing is not possible will have Plexiglas shields.
  • Cleaning – Housekeeping crews will continue to clean restrooms, public spaces, offices and work spaces based on CDC guidelines. HVAC systems will be operated to increase airflow and provide ventilation.
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be available in multiple places within University buildings. This will include main entrances and areas with high visitor traffic.
  • Classrooms–cleaning supplies will be provided so classrooms can be cleaned as needed.

Academics

• The Fall 2020 semester will start as scheduled on August 17.  In-person instruction will end November 24, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Final examinations will be delivered either in-person prior to Thanksgiving or remotely, according to the regular final examination schedule.
• There will be several modes of delivery for courses:
  • Online-Asynchronous – The course is fully online and students access content on their own at a time in the day of their choosing.
  • Online-Synchronous – The course is fully online, but students meet in real time, on a regular schedule, with their professor and peers via Zoom or a similar platform.
  • Fully on Campus – All students meet in a regular classroom setting at normally scheduled times. All students can fit in the designated class space while social distancing.
  • Blended On Campus/Online – A combination of face-to-face and online learning. This may include an arrangement where students rotate through the classroom on different days or weeks or could involve a combination of synchronous or asynchronous activities depending on the circumstances of the course.
  • Flipped – The course is taught predominantly online, in an asynchronous format, but students are encouraged to periodically visit a classroom or laboratory space to work on problems, projects, or group discussions in a manner that respects social distancing. The primary work of the course is done outside of class.
  • Flexible – The course is intentionally designed to allow students to attend face-to-face or complete content online as it suits them, provided they meet the course objectives.
• Mode of delivery for the vast majority of courses will be available by July 15.  Students should contact the Center for Academic Excellence or their academic advisor for assistance with any course schedule issues.
• Students who become ill or who need to quarantine or self-isolate should contact their instructor as soon as possible to inform them of the situation and explore possible contingency plans.
• Administrators and faculty will develop instructional continuity plans to manage the potential for instructor absences.
• Faculty are required to hold regular office hours. These hours should be posted and indicate whether they are virtual and/or in person.  If a student requests an in-person meeting, faculty should endeavor to accommodate this request.
• Seating for in person classes will be arranged so that adequate physical distancing can be maintained. To aid in contact tracing, faculty will use assigned seating and maintain daily attendance records. Furniture should not be rearranged so that seating chart arrangements and social distancing are not disturbed.

Residence Halls 

• Residence halls will officially open August 12 for new students and August 15 for returning students with new move-in processes.
• Students residing on-campus during the fall semester will receive Residence Life Move-In Reference Guide: On-Campus Living during the COVID pandemic, by the end of July. This document provides information about the move-in process, what to expect on move-in day, important dates, guidance regarding what to do if they become ill, social distancing guidelines and public space etiquette, etc.   Additional information is also available on the Residence Life webpage.
• Access to the residence halls will be limited to Truman students, and authorized personnel. Inviting guests into the residence hall or individual rooms increases the risk of exposure for all members of the community.  To promote the health and well-being of our students, everyone is asked to maintain appropriate social distancing and wear facial coverings in common areas of the building(s).
• Students may still request a double room buyout to live in a double room without a roommate. To request this option, students should contact the Residence Life Office.

Dining Services

• Preparations are in progress to ensure appropriate social distancing in dining halls.
• Transparent dividers will be placed on dining tables to provide a barrier between individuals sitting across from one another.  Dividers will be cleaned/replaced between each meal.
• When the dining halls reach maximum capacity based on social distancing, incoming diners will not be accommodated in the seating area until someone leaves the dining hall.  As an alternative, diners may choose to utilize the take-out meal option.
• Students who prefer to utilize the take-out meal option for lunch and dinner may access the dining hall 30 minutes prior to the regularly scheduled opening for those meals.  Students entering during this time will not be allowed to remain in the seating area.  The take-out meal option continues to be available whenever the dining hall is open. Breakfast numbers tend to be much lower and should allow for appropriate social distancing.  If that should change, we will make appropriate adjustments related to the take-out dining option.
• Self-service stations (i.e. salad bar, beverage stations) will not be in use.  These food and drink options will continue to be available, but will be provided through the server stations.
• Retail dining options will be available at the Student Union Building Main Street Food Court, Starbucks in the Pickler Memorial Library and C-Stores located in West Campus Suites and Dobson Hall.
• Catering services will offer plated, served meals only.  Buffet-style meals will not be available.
• Further details related to Dining Services will be available by the end of July.

Travel Restrictions

• University travel – Currently, travel restriction for all University-related international and non-essential domestic travel for faculty, staff and students remains in effect. Designating travel as essential will only be made in extenuating and compelling circumstances and will be based upon the necessity of the proposed travel, including consequences of postponing travel, and assessment of risks associated with the proposed travel.
• Personal travel – Personal travel should be carefully considered, and following CDC travel guidelines and state and local travel restrictions is strongly recommended. It is important to note that anyone who chooses to travel may be restricted from returning to campus, depending upon the specifics of their travel.
• Domestic Travel (University or personal) – Public health officials recommend minimizing domestic travel to the extent possible. When domestic travel is essential, follow these guidelines from the CDC.
  • Individuals who travel should monitor for symptoms and contact their medical provider if symptoms present.
• International Travel (University or personal) –
  • Anyone who travelled internationally or on a cruise ship should not return to campus for 14 days upon their return.
  • Anyone arriving to the U.S. from an international location should quarantine for 14 days. Click here for CDC information related to international travel.

Intercollegiate Athletics

• The University is developing policies and procedures for having athletics competition this fall pursuant to state, local, NCAA, and GLVC health and safety guidelines.  Policies and procedures should be refined by mid-August.
• Phased policies and procedures are currently being implemented to return essential coaches, athletics staff and student-athletes to campus for voluntary summer workouts as allowed by NCAA and pursuant to guidance by the CDC, state and local officials, the NCAA and GLVC, and Athletics staff.

Events

• The criteria for determining if an event can be held during the Fall 2020 semester include:
  • Maximum attendance is limited to no more than 250 people (including all individuals in the facility, i.e., speaker(s), performer(s) and support personnel)
  • Facility must have the capacity for the intended audience to maintain appropriate social distancing.
  • There will be no rental of University facilities for the Fall 2020 semester to external entity sponsors.
  • Internal versus external attendees
    • Decisions about external attendees will be made on a case by case basis.

Information for Employees

Self-Certification Form Required to Return to On-Site Work

• Upon returning to work, all employees will be required to complete a return-to-campus checklist with their supervisor. Essential employees who have continued working on campus will also be required to promptly complete the checklist.
• An employee will again be required to complete the form prior to returning to campus if there is a change in circumstance, such as:
  • Testing positive for COVID-19
  • Having been advised by a health care provider to stay home and self-quarantine
  • Having close contact in the last 14 days with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who showed symptoms of COVID-19
  • Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (without a separate known cause, e.g., asthma, allergies, etc.)
  • Having been notified of exposure to COVID-19 within the last 14 days

Faculty and Staff Accommodations

 

• To avoid the potential of capricious decision making, the University is following federal guidelines for reasonable accommodations.

• • Faculty and staff members with medical conditions or other risk factors placing them at high risk for COVID-19 can request a reasonable accommodation using the Americans with Disabilities Act process.
  • Faculty and staff members who are unable to work due to COVID-19-related child care or school limitations should review leave options available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

The deadline for reasonable accommodation requests was July 1, 2020. Faculty and staff are able to request accommodations at any time under the ADA process. But for planning purposes, those requests should be submitted as early as possible.

Staffing Options 

As the number of employees returning to campus increases, the University will take steps to keep campus density at an appropriate level. Prior to July 24, each area will determine the appropriate staffing and coverage plans, which could include:

• Staggered reporting/departing – The beginning and end of the workday typically bring many people together at common entry/exit points of buildings. Staggering reporting and departure times by at least 30 minutes will reduce traffic in common areas to meet social distancing guidelines.
• Alternating days – In order to limit the number of individuals and interactions among those on campus, departments may schedule partial staffing on alternating days. Such schedules will help enable social distancing, especially in areas with large common workspaces.
• Working remotely – Employees working remotely, because of an approved accommodation or because of alternating days, will need to adhere to the earlier guidelines established, and are required to update their Telecommuting Request Form, submitting the updated form to Human Resources.  In addition, employees are encouraged to review the technical tips and resources for learning and working remotely, found here: Teach and Work Anywhere – paying special attention to the section on Safely Accessing Files, Shared Drives and Data.
• Virtual meetings and communications – When possible, employees should continue to meet virtually, either by phone, Zoom or any other preferred platform. For in-person meetings, facial coverings and social distancing guidelines should be observed at all times.

General Resources

Please consult the University’s COVID-19 website for more information on Truman’s response to this pandemic. In addition, other general resources include:

• Center for Disease Control (CDC) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education
• Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence: College and University Minimum Recommendations
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):  Interim Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education Administrators for SARS-CoV-2 Testing
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):  How COVID-19 Spreads
• AAUP Guidance for Reopening Campuses
• CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• World Health Organization information on COVID-19
• CDC How to Protect Yourself& Others
• Truman Fall 2020 Planning
• Adair County Health Department Novel Coronavirus Updated (COVID-19)

 

Dear Colleagues:

On Tuesday, June 30, Governor Parson signed the FY 2021 budget bills; yesterday, July 1 began FY 2021.  As you will recall, as the result of two withholds by the Governor in the last quarter of FY 2020, Truman’s state appropriation was cut by approximately 12.5% which equates to approximately $5.2 million.  Add to that the more than $4 million for unused Spring 2020 room and board charges credited to students’ accounts and additional expenses to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and the University ended FY 2020 down close to $10 million.

Truman’s state appropriation for FY 2021 is the same amount as the FY 2020 appropriation after the withhold; in other words, down 12.5% or $5.2 million from the FY 2019 appropriation amount.  There will be some one-time money to address COVID-19 related expenses from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund and the Coronavirus Relief Fund in the CARES Act.  We expect to learn how much money Truman will receive from these funds in the next few weeks.

As we shared with constituency groups in April, planning for the FY 2021 budget was based upon a 12.5% decrease in state appropriations and 15% decrease in enrollment.  We now know the 12.5% decrease in state appropriations is a reality.  While we are expecting a significant decrease in enrollment due to the pandemic, it is still too early to predict what fall enrollment will be.

These numbers represent our harsh reality, a reality that also includes uncertainty, stress, and exhaustion.  In this seemingly ruthless reality, it is essential that we pull together and not pull apart.  There are no easy answers and we must make many tradeoffs.  We must be resilient, stand tall, and take on the enormous challenges we are facing together.  Collaboration, patience, grace, flexibility, and a focus on the common good must guide our efforts.

Administrators, staff, faculty, and students have been working to address the multitude of factors that must be considered to return to campus.  By the end-of-day on July 9, we will be sharing tentative plans for Fall 2020.  Like the rapidly changing environment in which we continue to live, they are subject to change.  These plans will not have all the specific details as these details are still being developed.

Even in these extraordinarily trying times, we must remain focused on our mission and vision.  This focus, along with great care for the well-being of everyone and our University, will ensure we overcome all challenges.

Be well,
Sue

As President Thomas noted in an email following the June 13^th Board of Governors meeting and as announced in the June 22^nd Truman Today, starting with the new fiscal year (July 1), faculty and staff who have previously received annual contracts or salary letters will no longer receive these paper documents.  Instead, for this year only and to optimize efficiency and reduce costs, faculty and staff will receive a position and compensation notification letter within the next two weeks.  Information in this letter will be added to the Payroll tab within the Employee section of TruView.  Once this information is added, as all position and compensation information will be easily accessible through TruView, employees will no longer receive a paper document unless there is a change in their employment status.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

 

Dear Colleagues:

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mark Schultz, University Architect/Project Manager.  Mark passed away unexpectedly on June 26.  Mark has been a valued member of the Truman community since 2007, playing the lead role in multiple campus construction/renovation projects which made Truman a more beautiful, functional and sustainable campus.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on July 3 at the Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel in Columbia, Missouri, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 p.m.

https://www.bachyager.com/obituary/Mark-Schultz

Kind regards,
Sue

Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met virtually this past Saturday for their annual June meeting under the leadership of Board Chair Jennifer Kopp Dameron.

In a very full and productive meeting, the Board welcomed Abby Smeltzer, the new Student Representative to the Board of Governors, who began her term on June 8.  Abby is a junior Communication major with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in History from Sedalia, Missouri.  Abby holds leadership positions with Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and Delta Zeta International Sorority.  She replaces Tiffany Middlemas who will be recognized officially at the August meeting.

During my President’s Report and in previously held committee meetings, the Board members were involved in discussions regarding instruction for the 2020 Fall Semester.  On Saturday, the Board granted authority to adjust the 2020-21 Academic Calendar as needed in order to meet the educational and safety needs of the University.  As shared with campus yesterday, based on current data and guidelines from CDC, Truman plans to resume in-person instruction when the fall semester begins on August 17, observing the previously approved start and end dates; however, in-person instruction will conclude November 24, the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week.  Details on specific steps will continue to be emailed to campus and posted to the Fall 2020 website https://www.truman.edu/fall2020/ as they become available.  Due to the ever-changing circumstances related to COVID-19, the University is trying to maintain as much flexibility as possible and will make any necessary adjustments as needed.  I also provided an update on the University’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan Process, highlighting the work of the Metric Teams and the Strategic Plan Drafting Team.  After review by constituency groups, the goal is to present the plan to the Board in October for their approval.

Dr. Tyana Lange, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, provided a report on admissions, retention, and federal CARES money distribution to students.  Dr. Scott Alberts, Faculty Senate President and Professor of Mathematics, presented the annual Faculty Senate Report.  Within their committee meetings and during the open session meeting, the Board reviewed financial and investment reports, met with the University’s external auditors and reviewed the status of on-campus construction projects.

In terms of additional action items in Academic Affairs, the Board approved the addition of two undergraduate programs and one graduate program, pending the approval of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.  The twin programs of Liberal Studies, B.A. and Liberal Studies, B.S. would be implemented in Fall 2020 as tools for academic advisors and the Director of Retention and Student Success to use in helping undergraduate students complete degrees.  The Data Science and Analytic Storytelling M.S. program is a 30-credit hour graduate degree that builds on Truman’s existing Graduate Certificate in Data Science.

Within the area of budget and capital, the Board approved enrollment fees for the 2020-21 Academic Year.  The Higher Education Student Funding Act (HESFA) calculation allows a statutory maximum increase that is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and applies to Missouri resident undergraduate full-time students.  For the 2020-21 Academic Year, the Board approved tuition rates that reflect the 2.3% allowable CPI increase for resident and non-resident tuition at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  For resident, undergraduate tuition, this amounts to a $179 increase for the academic year.  No change in designated fees such as the Athletic Fee, Health Fee, or the Student Activity Fee were proposed, and the charge for the Freshmen Orientation Program will remain at the current level.

In addition, the Board approved Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021).  The approved budgets were developed using state funding based on the 13% reduction made by the Governor for the current FY2020 appropriations and assuming a similar reduction for FY2021.  The budget includes the potential use of reserve funds.  Because the Governor has not signed FY2021 appropriation bills, and due to uncertainty regarding enrollment, a quarterly budget adjustment process will be utilized.  This will allow for adjustments as trends in both state revenues and tuition income become more certain.  This is a change from the traditional fiscal year budget approach, but is necessary to allow decisions to be made as conditions change during this health and economic crisis.

In terms of salary policies, the Board approved Academic Promotion Salary Increases for the 2020-21 Academic Year ($1,000 Instructor to Assistant Professor; $3,600 Assistant Professor to Associate Professor; $7,200 Associate Professor to Professor), continuing the final phase of increases as previously approved for the 2019-20 Academic Year.  As you will recall, last year the Board endorsed a new timeline for salary recommendations, moving consideration to their December meeting, with the exception that faculty promotion amounts would be approved in June.

Starting with the new fiscal year (July 1), faculty and staff who have previously received annual contracts or salary letters will no longer receive these paper documents.  Instead, to optimize efficiency and reduce costs, faculty and staff will receive a position and compensation notification letter the first of July.  Information in the letter will soon be added to the Payroll tab within the Employee section of TruView.  Once this information is added, as all position and compensation information will be easily accessible through TruView, employees will no longer receive a paper document unless there is a change in their employment status.  A notice will be sent to campus once the information is added to the Payroll tab.

Finally, the Board approved the State FY2022 State Capital Improvement and Maintenance Request which requests funds for the top priorities including Pershing Phase 2 renovation, the Greenwood Center, a significant renovation of Kirk Building and an Emergency Electrical Backup System.  Although it is not likely that there will be state funding for these requests, the capital requests must be submitted each year to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and the Division of Design and Construction, Office of Administration.

During the closed session of the meeting, the Board approved recommendations for promotion and tenure effective at the beginning of the 2020-21 Academic Year.  I congratulate these dedicated faculty members and thank them for all they do for our students and our University.

Promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and Granted Academic Tenure:
Jose Carreno-Medina, Spanish
Jocelyn Cullity, English
Margaret Edwards, Political Science
Arlen Egley, Justice Systems
David Charles Goyette, Theatre
Chetan Jaiswal, Computer Science
Stacey Kaden, Accounting
Michelle Kleine, Communication
Victor Marquez-Barrios, Music
Amanda Medlock-Klyukovski, Communication
Sarah Mohler, English
Curran Prendergast, Music
Jocelyn Prendergast, Music

Promoted from Associate Professor to Professor:
Jamie D’Agostino, English
Ilene Elmlinger, Communication Disorders
Sergio Escobar, Spanish
Elisabeth Hooper, Biology

A copy of the complete open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website under Agendas.  The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, August 1.

Thank you for the unique and valuable contributions you make to our University.  Enjoy your summer and continue to be well.

Best regards,
Sue

Dear Truman Community:

As protests continue across the country and around the world demanding justice for George Floyd (and many others) and an end to structural and systemic racism, these protests are happening during a time when the nation is still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.  The anger and anguish of another senseless death coupled with the known disparate impacts of the pandemic on communities of color make it clear that for our University that values diversity, inclusion and excellence and deplores racial injustice and inequity, the time is now to confront the legacies of the past, acknowledge the realities of the present, and do real work to achieve an equitable future.

Community has always been an essential component of Truman’s identity and “we are in this together” has been a rallying cry during the pandemic.  But community and “we are in this together” will ring hollow if we don’t work as a collective whole to address the current realities that challenge us and develop effective, actionable solutions.  I have great faith that our community will rise to the occasion to take the steps necessary to confront injustice and support equity.

It is not enough to issue a statement that racial injustice and inequity must end.  As a liberal arts and sciences institution, it is in our core to be the change we want to see in the world.  To be that change, we must start with being self-reflective about what we are doing well and where and how are we falling short.  We must acknowledge that racism exists at our University and in our community.  We must listen to our students, faculty, staff and community members of color when they are ready to share their truth.  We must take action and not stand silent. Unto that end, as a first step in our self-reflection process, please be on the lookout in the next few weeks for an invitation to a virtual town hall where members of our community can share their ideas for meaningful, sustained ways Truman can be the change we wish to see.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Best regards,
Sue

Dear Colleagues:

Together, we made it through a challenging semester!  Even when it appeared impossible, we stayed focused on our students and our mission.  While there is much we missed by not being together in person, there is also much to celebrate as we and our students accomplished great things under very trying circumstances.

Although a very difficult hurdle is behind us, there is still much work to be done and many questions to be answered.  The pandemic is still evolving, difficult to predict, and it is having a significant negative impact in many areas.

This update is to let you know where things stand at the moment in terms of the budget situation and the employment statuses of different members of our campus community.  Remaining true to our guiding principle of balancing, to the greatest extent possible, the financial needs of each employee with the financial needs of the University, we have made a number of hard decisions in light of the financial challenges facing us.  The need to make hard decisions is not over.  Now, more than ever, we must continue to explore every possible solution to ensure the best future for our University.

State Budget Update
For the next fiscal year’s budget, beginning on July 1, 2020, the Missouri General Assembly has approved 90 percent of this year’s original core funding (before the $3.3 million withhold that happened at the end of March) for public universities.  An additional 10 percent was included through Federal Budget Stabilization Funds, should these funds become available.  Currently, these funds do not exist.  Even if the Federal Stabilization Funds become available, a substantial reduction in state support is still a very real possibility as the Governor is required by law to sign a balanced budget.  With a current 6.1% decrease in state revenues year-over-year, and a continued weakened economy, additional cuts are likely.  That is why University leadership remains committed to proactively preparing for potential financial challenges next fiscal year.

Four-Day Work Week
From now through July 24, University offices are operating on a four-day work week. This change is being implemented for the summer to reduce energy costs and consumption.

Offices will be open, at minimum, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.  In-person business remains suspended; however, services will continue to be provided through alternate delivery methods.  Buildings will remain locked during this time.  Staff are required to work 40 hours during each four-day week or make up the difference with vacation time.  If they haven’t already done so, supervisors will contact staff to determine work schedules.

Since all summer courses are being offered in alternative delivery formats, and do not require University offices to be open, they will take place as indicated in the summer schedule of courses.

Current Employment Statuses
Due to the disruption of normal University business, budget challenges, and in observance of CDC and White House guidelines for resuming operations, most Truman employees fall into one of the five categories listed below.  The health and well-being of all employees is the top consideration during this time.  Reiterating, moving forward, Truman will continue to balance, to the greatest extent possible, the financial needs of each employee with the financial needs of the University.

–On-Campus, “Critical” Position Employees
Those employees whose positions were deemed to be “critical” in terms of University operations have remained on campus.  Employees who remain on campus or who have been brought back to campus should adhere to the requirements of the four-day work week.  Given their work is outdoors in the summer heat, Physical Plant employees are the exception; they will continue their regular five 8-hour day shifts.

–Employees Working Remotely
Employees who are working remotely should continue to do so unless their supervisors request they return to campus.  Remote hourly employees are to follow the four-day work week requirements.

–Employees at High Risk
When possible, these employees should continue to work from home.  If they cannot work remotely, they should notify Human Resources that they are in a high-risk group either because of their age or by providing a note from their doctor that they have a medical condition that places them at risk.  High-risk employees who cannot work remotely may use sick leave during their absence.

–Non-Working Employees Home on Reduced Pay
Employees who were sent home April 20 on three-quarters pay have been notified if they need to return to campus on Monday, May 18.  If you are on three-quarters pay and have not received notification, please contact your supervisor.

–Furloughed Employees
A furlough is a period of unpaid leave for employees with the expectation they will return to full employment.  The University has notified 37 employees they will be furloughed, with an expected return date of July 27.  They could be recalled sooner if the need arises.

While the idea of furloughs can raise understandable concerns, with the $600 per week federal enhancement of state unemployment benefits, no furloughed employee should be financially disadvantaged by this action.  Furloughed employees will remain on Truman’s insurance plans for medical, dental, vision, life insurance and disability, and the University will continue to pay for its portion of coverage.

As Truman Today moves to a biweekly schedule during the summer, future updates related to the University’s actions related to the COVID-19 pandemic will be provided through email with the subject line COVID-19 Updates and the updates to be added to https://trualert.truman.edu/.

We are very fortunate that the faculty, staff, and students of our community are committed to working together throughout the summer to ensure Truman is positioned in the best way possible to effectively fulfill our mission and realize our vision, no matter the challenge.  Such dedication is a hallmark of our institution and powerfully represents one of the ways we are distinct by design.

Be well,
Sue