COVID has left so much up in the air over the past year. President Junn clears some concerns in her latest address to the Stan State community. Junn explains the six major takeaways that can help inform you on how to begin planning for the fall here at CSU Stan.
The education and well-being of the Stan State community is top priority
President Junn began her address by clearly stating that her intentions in reopening campus are based on, “two North stars: staying true to the educational mission of Stan State and ensuring the safety of all students, faculty, and administrators by relying on science our local health guidelines needed to protect the health and welfare of everyone on campus.”
In-person, “campus-based experiences” expect strong return
A critical examination to “identify possible equity gaps” will be done in order to foster a more successful atmosphere for students. President Junn adds, “while we have all learned many valuable lessons this past year, we are not an online institution…we know that our remarkable students thrive and succeed on our campus because of the rich and close relationship they develop with our faculty, staff and administrators as well as the wonderful and transformative experiences they may develop with their peers through student clubs and other activities.”
Intent to mandate vaccines with limited exceptions
In accordance with other CSUs, “the COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. As the CDC has already pointed out, households where everyone is vaccinated no longer must use face coverings or practice social distancing…The CSU system has issued an intent to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations upon FDA approval for all students, faculty, staff and administrators, with exemptions only granted for medical or religious reasons.” The chancellor’s office is still working on how the identities of those who are exempt will be documented and protected, while still following safety protocols such as “frequent and regular testing and personal protective equipment,” like face masks and shields.
Important dates to keep in mind for students and faculty
Since the vaccine takes roughly 5-6 weeks to reach its full immunity potential it is recommended to get your vaccine as soon as possible as to avoid any hiccups going into the fall semester, the latest recommended date is by the end of June. Located at Fitzpatrick Arena is a county vaccine site making an appointment is easy and hassle free.
Looking for willing faculty to return to face-to-face learning
As of the class schedule posted on May 5, “we have 809 F2F/hybrid courses, 1052 synchronous online course selections and 612 asynchronous online course sections.” President Junn goes on to add that, “In order to support a much greater number of in person classes and operations, we anticipate most staff a return to work but in a phased approach with a balance of in-person and remote work to be determined… we are asking faculty to consider changing their online courses to F2F/hybrid, if comfortable and interested those changes need to be known ASAP.” However, it is worth noting that it is optional for professors to return to in-person teaching at this point in time.
Plans set by June 1 and returning dates for staff, faculty, and the President’s Cabinet
“The message has been prominently added to student portal/course schedules letting students know that the class schedule is subject to change this summer as we move toward a more open fall 2021…courses will not be changed after students begin registering on June 1.”
Beginning in August, staff will return 2-3 days a week, continuing into the fall.
Starting July 5, also for 2-3 days a week the President’s Cabinet members and other MPP’s will be returning to campus.
Campus employees who volunteer will also be welcomed back with supervisor approval after July 5.
President Junn concludes her address by reminding everyone that, “We’ve waited a long time and feel the optimism, hope and excitement about returning to our beautiful campus and returning with each other and our students with the goal of making our campus a safe refuge from the virus by implementing these important protective measures.”
Freedom from the virtual world is almost here, get your vaccine and possibly step foot on our beautiful campus for the first time in fall 2021.