We encourage students to test. KSU took no cheerleaders to the Capital Classic because seven were positive. The contact seems to be mostly from roommates, not from campus activities. We’ve been blessed that no student has been hospitalized. Young people are being hospitalized in the current surge of cases in Kentucky.
Katianna Yates, director of Campus Life, has announced that all campus events will require proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours.
We know that 374 students are fully vaccinated. Those are the ones who have reported their status to Student Health. This would be an on-campus vaccination rate of 34 percent. So far this semester, three clinics have vaccinated 72 students. Vaccination clinics will be held September 11, October 2, October 4, October 25 and November 15. All clinics will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Exum.
There will be a blood drive September 15 in the Student Center Ballroom, especially promoting blood donation among people of color. There will be gift cards and T-shirts.
A senator noted that a negative rapid test may be inaccurate and give a false sense of security. Nurse Todd replied that the American College Health Association endorses rapid testing. She also noted that she has not been seeing employees at surveillance testing events. She also said that what Ms. Yates is doing with campus events will improve testing. Athletes are tested frequently. Any student with symptoms gets a PCR test even if the rapid test is negative.
Another senator asked, what is the time lag between a student getting a quarantine order and faculty being notified?
Nurse Todd said that her office has to wait for students to provide names of faculty. Also, if a student doesn't follow quarantine instructions, she emails faculty.
Another senator asked if students are being given information about what the vaccine is not? Nurse Todd replied that the required training course for students covers some of the myths. She has also distributed information from one of the agriculture professors specifically about vaccination for students at HBCUs. Also, Anthony Passarette, MS, LAT, CSCS athletic trainer has put together a PowerPoint presentation for student athletes addressing myths about the vaccines.
Dr. Colson-Clark reported that University College is working on the next pre-registration, for Spring 2022 and curriculum maps for all the programs. In her next report, she will update the Senate on progress made with the First Year Experience program. She reported that the first to second year retention rate this year is 80 percent. In the past it was 70 percent. More data is available on the University College web page.
Dr. Schneller reported that Master of Public Administration received a positive initial response on its accreditation, with three questions for follow-up. Business has its reaffirmation site visit in October. Nine grants are in progress with KSU faculty.
Dr. Graves reported that a draft of the Program Review Manual is circulating for suggestions. Assessment reports are due to her by September 15. Also, as faculty make plans, please note that we need to contact her about any new programs or program closures to ensure compliance with CPE and SACSCOC guidelines.