and KSU immediately began training faculty. To ensure adherence to high standards, the Acting Provost and the Deans observed each of the learning templates in Blackboard and performed a course by course assessment to make sure the courses were online and built out. In response to student concerns, the course withdrawal period was extended and a pass/fail grading policy was instituted.
All buildings have been sanitized and, except for three that are currently in use, all buildings have been closed. Students who did not have computers for online instruction were loaned laptops from the University's depreciated inventory. The relevant contacts, particularly Sodexo, have been re-negotiated and KSU will receive a refund of $54,960. Staff is monitoring the CARES Act and working through the initiatives on how to apply the funds. The first portion of the relief can be applied to direct student aid but can't be applied to existing campus debt, facilities, or student accounts.
Student Engagement and University College have been engaging students with online programming and the BREDS Scholastic Rectitude Panel has been established to review grades issued during the COVID-19 period for fairness and consistency and to hear student appeal of grades.
KSU has been able to expand its brand virtually into new markets and has received media attention for what it is doing. In fact, CPE has engaged KSU to assist with their graphics and media.
All in all, the University is doing its best to make sure it is in a good position and not caught by surprise.
Regent Farris then opened the floor for questions from the Regents.