Friday, March 20, 2020
Virtual Faculty Meeting
As faculty contine to prepare to move to remote instruction on Monday, Vice President Maynard Schaus held a virtual faculty meeting to answer questions and facilitate the transition to the new format.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
A Message of Reflection and Gratitude
Today I shared the below message with the Virginia Wesleyan University Community, which can also be viewed here.
I write to you this afternoon, not with instructions or processes, but with reflections from the heart on the challenges we are all facing. In my 30 years as a college president, I have never experienced circumstances quite like these. It is a learning curve for all of us, one that comes with many emotions.
Students: I am sad that your on-campus experience has been taken from you. I especially ache for our seniors, who must forgo their final moments with friends, classmates, professors, and athletic teams. Please know that the decision to move to remote instruction for the remainder of the semester was extremely difficult and made with your safety at the top of our minds. I can only hope that you are comforted in knowing that your sacrifice means a great deal and directly impacts the health of our community, country and world. We pledge to continue the top-quality education you are accustomed to, and we are here to support you in every way we can through this time.
Faculty and Staff: Thank you. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your dedication and resolve over the past several weeks as we have navigated this seemingly unprecedented situation. From our faculty’s swift development of remote course materials, to our staff’s efforts to maintain normal administrative operations and keep our campus clean and safe. I know you have all done this with our students’ safety and well-being at the forefront of your minds, and you’ve done it while taking care of your own families and keeping yourselves healthy. Thank you for being a part of this team and this family. We couldn’t make it through this without you.
Parents, Alumni, Community Partners and Friends: I am overwhelmed by the support we have received from you. The phone calls, emails, and messages of encouragement have warmed our hearts and served as a valuable reminder that we are all in this together—and that we are always better when we work together. We are juggling a lot of decisions and working at break-neck speed to change our way of life. Our hope is that we share pertinent information with you in the most timely and efficient manner possible, but if you do have questions or concerns that are not being addressed, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will respond as soon as we can.
University Leadership: Whether we are celebrating successes or navigating challenges, I am consistently amazed at your strength and steady hands. Our gratitude is immeasurable for the guidance and support of our Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, Alumni Council, President’s Council, and Parents Council. I especially want to thank our Emergency Response Team, led by Vice President for Academic Affairs Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Moore, Vice President for Finance and Administration Jim Cooper, and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Seward. They have closely monitored breaking news and best practices from state and national health organizations and have responded appropriately and effectively to the challenges at hand.
# # #
In the last several months, our world has changed in ways that are difficult to understand and process. We are frustrated. We are disappointed. But, we are Marlins, and we will face this unexpected challenge together—to the best of our abilities, and with strength and grace.
On Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m., I’ll be hosting a town hall with members of our Emergency Response Team. This virtual meeting will be more informational in nature and is meant to offer clarity on this evolving situation and next steps for the Virginia Wesleyan community. Please watch for more information coming soon.
I know anxieties are high, but let us take comfort in knowing that as a community we are taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of this disease and protect our most vulnerable.
Be diligent, and be well.
With gratitude,
Scott
I write to you this afternoon, not with instructions or processes, but with reflections from the heart on the challenges we are all facing. In my 30 years as a college president, I have never experienced circumstances quite like these. It is a learning curve for all of us, one that comes with many emotions.
Students: I am sad that your on-campus experience has been taken from you. I especially ache for our seniors, who must forgo their final moments with friends, classmates, professors, and athletic teams. Please know that the decision to move to remote instruction for the remainder of the semester was extremely difficult and made with your safety at the top of our minds. I can only hope that you are comforted in knowing that your sacrifice means a great deal and directly impacts the health of our community, country and world. We pledge to continue the top-quality education you are accustomed to, and we are here to support you in every way we can through this time.
Faculty and Staff: Thank you. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your dedication and resolve over the past several weeks as we have navigated this seemingly unprecedented situation. From our faculty’s swift development of remote course materials, to our staff’s efforts to maintain normal administrative operations and keep our campus clean and safe. I know you have all done this with our students’ safety and well-being at the forefront of your minds, and you’ve done it while taking care of your own families and keeping yourselves healthy. Thank you for being a part of this team and this family. We couldn’t make it through this without you.
Parents, Alumni, Community Partners and Friends: I am overwhelmed by the support we have received from you. The phone calls, emails, and messages of encouragement have warmed our hearts and served as a valuable reminder that we are all in this together—and that we are always better when we work together. We are juggling a lot of decisions and working at break-neck speed to change our way of life. Our hope is that we share pertinent information with you in the most timely and efficient manner possible, but if you do have questions or concerns that are not being addressed, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will respond as soon as we can.
University Leadership: Whether we are celebrating successes or navigating challenges, I am consistently amazed at your strength and steady hands. Our gratitude is immeasurable for the guidance and support of our Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, Alumni Council, President’s Council, and Parents Council. I especially want to thank our Emergency Response Team, led by Vice President for Academic Affairs Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Moore, Vice President for Finance and Administration Jim Cooper, and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Seward. They have closely monitored breaking news and best practices from state and national health organizations and have responded appropriately and effectively to the challenges at hand.
# # #
In the last several months, our world has changed in ways that are difficult to understand and process. We are frustrated. We are disappointed. But, we are Marlins, and we will face this unexpected challenge together—to the best of our abilities, and with strength and grace.
On Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m., I’ll be hosting a town hall with members of our Emergency Response Team. This virtual meeting will be more informational in nature and is meant to offer clarity on this evolving situation and next steps for the Virginia Wesleyan community. Please watch for more information coming soon.
I know anxieties are high, but let us take comfort in knowing that as a community we are taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of this disease and protect our most vulnerable.
Be diligent, and be well.
With gratitude,
Scott
Spring 2020 Batten Bulletin
The Spring 2020 issue of Batten Bulletin—the newsletter of VWU's elite and highly selective Batten Honors College—is now available: https://bit.ly/2WqFQUM
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Urgent - VWU Moving to Remote Instruction
Please see the below message to the campus community from Vice President for Academic Affairs Maynard Schaus:
Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.Virginia Wesleyan officials have been monitoring developments closely, and continue to heed guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health, and Sentara Healthcare in order to make the best decisions for the health and safety of our campus community. Based on the most recent CDC recommendations, we have decided to shift to remote course instruction for the remainder of the semester. Our faculty members have been preparing for this possibility, and will contact students with specific course information by the end of the day on Monday, March 23.
The University will also shift to remote work for employees with supervisor approval. Certain essential staff will need to report as directed. Instructions from your Vice President will follow.
All campus events are cancelled through the end of the spring semester (May 8). This includes Spring Alumni Weekend, Port Day, Spring Honors Convocation, and all athletic events. It also includes the Marlins Day Open House scheduled for April 4, though the Office of Enrollment will continue in-person campus tours to small groups by appointment throughout the semester, as well as offering virtual tours.The May Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies will be postponed to a later date. We are communicating with senior student leadership about this and will announce a specific date soon.
The University will continue to offer on-campus housing to current residential students who apply and are granted special permission to reside on campus through the end of the semester. Permission will be granted on a case by case basis. For those who stay, all group gatherings and events will be cancelled, limited campus resources and services will be available, and no guests will be permitted on campus. Based on recommendations and guidelines from state and national health officials, students will not be permitted to return to campus to retrieve belongings until instructions for how to do so are communicated. Students will receive detailed information from the Office of Residence Life shortly. Information will also be forthcoming regarding a prorated student account credit for room and board for those who do not return to campus housing.
We thank our students for their flexibility and understanding, as we know this news is disappointing, especially to our seniors. We also offer our sincerest appreciation to our faculty and staff for keeping operations and instruction running smoothly during this time. We ask that you stay safe and continue to monitor your Virginia Wesleyan email and the VWU COVID-19 resource page at www.vwu.edu/coronavirus.
Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.Virginia Wesleyan officials have been monitoring developments closely, and continue to heed guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health, and Sentara Healthcare in order to make the best decisions for the health and safety of our campus community. Based on the most recent CDC recommendations, we have decided to shift to remote course instruction for the remainder of the semester. Our faculty members have been preparing for this possibility, and will contact students with specific course information by the end of the day on Monday, March 23.
The University will also shift to remote work for employees with supervisor approval. Certain essential staff will need to report as directed. Instructions from your Vice President will follow.
All campus events are cancelled through the end of the spring semester (May 8). This includes Spring Alumni Weekend, Port Day, Spring Honors Convocation, and all athletic events. It also includes the Marlins Day Open House scheduled for April 4, though the Office of Enrollment will continue in-person campus tours to small groups by appointment throughout the semester, as well as offering virtual tours.The May Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies will be postponed to a later date. We are communicating with senior student leadership about this and will announce a specific date soon.
The University will continue to offer on-campus housing to current residential students who apply and are granted special permission to reside on campus through the end of the semester. Permission will be granted on a case by case basis. For those who stay, all group gatherings and events will be cancelled, limited campus resources and services will be available, and no guests will be permitted on campus. Based on recommendations and guidelines from state and national health officials, students will not be permitted to return to campus to retrieve belongings until instructions for how to do so are communicated. Students will receive detailed information from the Office of Residence Life shortly. Information will also be forthcoming regarding a prorated student account credit for room and board for those who do not return to campus housing.
We thank our students for their flexibility and understanding, as we know this news is disappointing, especially to our seniors. We also offer our sincerest appreciation to our faculty and staff for keeping operations and instruction running smoothly during this time. We ask that you stay safe and continue to monitor your Virginia Wesleyan email and the VWU COVID-19 resource page at www.vwu.edu/coronavirus.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The Trails at Wesleyan Woods
Signage arrived recently for The Trails at Wesleyan Woods — the scenic walking, running and biking trails on our beautiful, park-like 300 acre Virginia Wesleyan University campus.
Marlin SportSplash: March 17, 2020
Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2Wk9XNv
Monday, March 16, 2020
Event Alert: Spring Alumni Weekend
Our risk management team is closely monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), the World Health Organization (WHO.int), and the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov). In addition to published recommendations, we routinely dialogue with experts at the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, and Sentara healthcare.
The safety and comfort of our students, alumni, parents, and friends is of the utmost importance. At this time, the Class of 1970 50th Anniversary Celebration, originally scheduled for Friday, April 3, has been postponed to Homecoming and Family Weekend (October 2-4). All other Spring Alumni Weekend activities (Parents Council Business Meeting, Alumni Social, Pig Pickin' Picnic, and Strike Out Cancer) have been cancelled. Please see our University's website for institutional updates regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
We thank you for your understanding and wish you good health in the weeks ahead. We look forward to seeing you at Homecoming and Family Weekend on October 2-4.
The safety and comfort of our students, alumni, parents, and friends is of the utmost importance. At this time, the Class of 1970 50th Anniversary Celebration, originally scheduled for Friday, April 3, has been postponed to Homecoming and Family Weekend (October 2-4). All other Spring Alumni Weekend activities (Parents Council Business Meeting, Alumni Social, Pig Pickin' Picnic, and Strike Out Cancer) have been cancelled. Please see our University's website for institutional updates regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
We thank you for your understanding and wish you good health in the weeks ahead. We look forward to seeing you at Homecoming and Family Weekend on October 2-4.
Event Alert: Robert F. Boyd Institute at VWU (March 23-24)
Our risk management team is closely monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), the World Health Organization (WHO.int), and the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov).
For the safety and comfort of our speaker, Rev. Olu Brown, and our guests, the University has decided to postpone the Robert F. Boyd Institute originally scheduled for March 23-24. At this time, registration fees are suspended in the hope that those who have registered will still be able to join us. Please keep an eye on your email for our announcement regarding the new date.
We thank you for your understanding and wish you good health in the coming weeks.
For the safety and comfort of our speaker, Rev. Olu Brown, and our guests, the University has decided to postpone the Robert F. Boyd Institute originally scheduled for March 23-24. At this time, registration fees are suspended in the hope that those who have registered will still be able to join us. Please keep an eye on your email for our announcement regarding the new date.
We thank you for your understanding and wish you good health in the coming weeks.
Nota Bene: Weekly Update
Our risk management team is closely monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus), and is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), the World Health Organization (WHO.int), and the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov). In addition to published recommendations, we routinely dialogue with experts at the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, and Sentara Healthcare.
The safety and health of our students, faculty/staff, alumni, parents, and friends is of the utmost importance. At this time, the Robert F. Boyd Institute originally scheduled for March 23-24 has been postponed. An announcement regarding the new date will be forthcoming. The Class of 1970 50th Anniversary Celebration, originally scheduled for Friday, April 3, has been postponed to Homecoming and Family Weekend (October 2-4). All other Spring Alumni Weekend activities originally scheduled for April 3-4 (Parents Council Business Meeting, Alumni Social, Pig Pickin' Picnic, and Strike Out Cancer) have been cancelled.
Additionally I share with you information released by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference:
“The ODAC has also been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on operations at ODAC member-institution campuses. The ODAC announces the following procedures regarding the remainder of the 2019-20 athletic seasons:
All regular season conference competition will be suspended indefinitely beginning Saturday, March 14 in response to growing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference will remain in communication with its member institutions on a regular basis to monitor the landscape and evaluate its response. Updates will be made when appropriate with regards to the possible continuation of the spring seasons as well as any upcoming postseason events. This news does not prohibit institutions from continuing their athletics programs as they see fit.” At the present time, VWU is working toward continuing its practice and competition schedule as soon as opponents are available to resume competition in a safe and reasonable manner.
I share with you a link to statements from the NCAA on the cancellation of winter and spring championships and regarding eligibility.
As was communicated with the campus community last week, all campus events are being monitored, modified, or cancelled based on supporting information and the nature of the event. University services and offices, including residential halls and dining services, will still be available to students during spring break. All University-sponsored international travel has been suspended until further notice. University-sponsored domestic travel is being evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All VWU students studying abroad have been asked to return to the U.S. Students returning from high-risk areas will remain in a two-week self-quarantine at home prior to returning to campus.
More information will be shared on Wednesday of this week (March 18) regarding operations for the two weeks following spring break. Faculty have developed plans for remote course delivery, should that become necessary. We do not intend to cancel classes outright.
Please continue to monitor the University website for institutional updates regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus). We thank you for your understanding and wish you good health in the coming weeks.
# # #
On a brighter note, it's hard to believe it's Spring Break at Virginia Wesleyan! We certainly have had a lively and eventful spring semester, and last week was no exception. Wednesday was a special day in Virginia Wesleyan's history as we celebrated the rededication of H.C. Hofheimer II Library and paid tribute to its namesake. Mr. Hofheimer was one of the first major contributors and visionaries of not just the library, but of the institution. He served on the Board of Trustees and was instrumental in the growth of Virginia Wesleyan, providing strong support from the beginning. The library was originally dedicated on March 5, 1970 under the leadership of Mr. Hofheimer and then-President Lambuth Clarke, and it was a true privilege to re-dedicate the library 50 years later. The celebration included a special unveiling of a commissioned portrait of Mr. Hofheimer that is prominently displayed near the main entrance of the library. I was honored to join Dr. Steve Mansfield, University Archivist and Vice President and Dean Emeritus, and Sue Erickson, Director of Hofheimer Library, in delivering remarks, honoring the past, present, and future of this significant building in the heart of campus.
We were honored to host some very special guests for the ceremony, including Clay Barr and Linda Kaufman (two of Mr. Hofheimer's daughters), Ms. Elena Baum (granddaughter of Mr. Hofheimer) and her husband Gary, and President Emeritus Lambuth Clarke's wife Alice Clarke and daughter Virginia Hitch. We thank Elise Wright, Mr. Hofheimer's daughter, for sending her support and celebrating with us from afar. Read more and view the photo gallery here.
ET CETERA
President's Council
We had a productive spring meeting of the Virginia Wesleyan University President's Council recently. The Council is comprised of business leaders who embrace, embody, and similarly align with the University's vision and values in their management practices. Their personal and professional influence and support ensures students are strategically positioned to participate in opportunities such as internships and externships that will prepare them for a meaningful life and career. VWU Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Wesleyan Engaged Brian Kurisky along with student India Khanna gave an engaging presentation on our civic engagement and service learning initiatives and progress.
Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI)
Virginia Wesleyan joined more than 100 major businesses, investors, and higher education institutions in supporting the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI), a regional effort to decrease transportation-sector emissions from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. TCI presents an opportunity to address climate change and ensure state economies continue to thrive while modernizing the region's transportation system.
A list of our fellow signatories in each state, as well as more information about the policy and resources to learn about TCI can be found here. Read more in the press release.
Duplication and Postal Services
The Virginia Wesleyan University Mail and Copy Services has been renamed as Duplication and Postal Services to better reflect the activities and functions provided to our faculty, staff, and students. To further improve services and efficiencies to our customers, Duplication and Postal Services has a new location in the Scribner University Store located in the Batten Student Center. The email address has changed to reflect this renaming: duplicationandpostalservices@vwu.edu. These changes went into effect last week.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
Recently I attended the 2020 Virginia Beach State of the City at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Thanks to Mayor Bobby Dyer for the invitation and updates regarding the city. Mayor Dyer discussed key business development initiatives, provided strategic municipal progress updates, addressed challenges and opportunities, and provided a glimpse into the city's future.
Thanks to Doug Smith, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA), for the informative and engaging presentation at our Greater Norfolk Corporation Executive Committee meeting last week. Doug discussed HREDA's new business model and current Initiatives.
At a meeting of the Hampton Roads Chamber Virginia Beach Board of Directors, Norfolk International Authority provided a briefing. The meeting was held earlier this month in Virginia Beach Town Center.
I enjoyed visiting with Kurt Krause, President and CEO of Visit Norfolk, at Mayor Kenny Alexander's reception welcoming the MEAC Tournament to Norfolk. During the event, MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas announced the cancellation of the tournament--which had already started. The reception was held at the newly renovated NEON House on Granby Street. Kurt has been the visionary for "Campus 757"-- a new multifaceted collaborative of the five Norfolk-based higher educational institutions that will soon be announced.
Finishing touches were made on the new entrance at the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center.
We recently welcomed scholars from across the country for our third and final Batten Honors Competition of the academic year. View the photo gallery here.
Kudos to student-athlete Hanna Hull of the Virginia Wesleyan softball team for picking up her third Pitcher of the Week honor of the season by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Read more here.
Read up on the latest accomplishments of Virginia Wesleyan University faculty and staff in the March edition of The Pharos.
Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in the recent edition of Marlins SportSplash here.
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES
REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS
I invite you to stay updated on these activities here.
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Stay well!
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