Kelly Cowger

The Town Hall meeting, hosted by the President of Salisbury University in collaboration with the SGA and Graduate Student Council, focused on institutional communications and pandemic response. Key discussion points included the ongoing strategy for providing the best possible university experience while prioritizing safety through mask-wearing and social distancing, leading to lower positivity rates compared to county/state/nation benchmarks. Progress in diversity and inclusion efforts, highlighted by the hiring of the Chief Diversity Officer, was also noted. Student representatives provided updates on planned graduate student workshops, the revitalization of the Volunteer Center, and the continuation of the 'Actions Not Words' resolution efforts concerning curriculum change and diversity. Substantial time was dedicated to addressing student and employee concerns regarding COVID-19 protocols, including the availability and eligibility for the vaccine rollout (Phase 1C for educators and those over 65), the policy against mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, protocols for reporting social gatherings, increased testing frequency for certain populations (like student-athletes), and the distinction in COVID restrictions between varsity and club sports. Concerns about limited eating/microwave space for commuter students and the impact of recent departures from the Counseling Center were also addressed.

The town hall meeting addressed concerns and plans related to preparing for the future and returning to campus. Discussions included addressing racism, diversity and inclusion initiatives, progress on racist graffiti investigations, and strategies for a safe return to campus. The plans involve different levels of operation, reducing density in classes, and providing options for students and faculty who prefer to remain at home. Housing, dining, athletics, and student health services are also being adapted to ensure safety, with measures such as limiting on-campus beds, providing single accommodations, enhancing sanitation, and offering telehealth appointments.

The University Town Hall addressed various topics including the transition to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions covered support for students, faculty, and staff, including resources for online services and technology. The town hall also addressed concerns about off-campus housing, the pass/no pass grading option, summer sessions, clinicals, and potential financial fallout. Plans for a deferred in-person commencement ceremony in December were also discussed.

The Faculty Senate recommends establishing mechanisms for justifying administrative positions, requiring a designated Administration representative to collaborate with the Faculty Financial Oversight Committee (FFOC) to share justifications for non-Faculty, exempt positions with salaries at or above $80,000 before the positions are officially established, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and shared governance.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics, including the new SU website, the National Folk Festival, Chipman Cultural Center events, and the new tennis court policy. Updates were provided on the fall door-knocking campaign and the SU Downtown Working Group. An upcoming economic development and higher education conference was announced. Additional topics included the opening of SU's new downtown spirit store, Homecoming and Family Weekend, candidate forums, lifelong learning offerings, and a presentation by Tim Junkin.