Board of Trustees | Photo by Sarah Cavender | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University’s (WSU) Board of Trustees gathered virtually on Thursday, Sep. 17 during their Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting.
Athletic update
Shortly after the Call to Order, WSU Director of Athletics Bob Grant took the floor and provided the committee with an update on how the athletic department has been proceeding with operations during the coronavirus, as well as informing the committee on procedures to be taken if a student-athlete, or a team, were to test positive for coronavirus.
“Not all athletes were tested upon return, however we are conducting surveillance testing on athletes, which sees 25 percent of athletes tested per week,” Grant said. “We have 6 positive cases thus far, which is far lower than that of similar programs across the nation. We are proud of our student athletes and those across campus for the work they have put in to acknowledge the seriousness of the issues at hand.”
Student athletes Laney Stephenson, Women’s Volleyball, and Tanner Holden, Men’s Basketball, paid homage to university efforts during the coronavirus, and echoed the love and support that WSU has shown themselves and their teammates throughout their careers at the university.
“Most of my classes are online this semester, and same for my teammates but we’re working through it,” Stephenson said. “Wright State has given me opportunities that I couldn’t imagine. I’m proud to be here and look forward to my future as a coach one day after graduation.”
Athletic Director Bob Grant was also asked about any hope of fall sports, and mentioned that while fall sports at WSU will not be happening, the department is looking forward to the spring semester when sports will hopefully resume.
Operation Move-In Day
Attention was paid to the changes in move-in day operations, with Dean of Students Chris Taylor providing Trustees with an overview of how the university was able to conduct move-in day operations while adhering to CDC guidelines.
“This year we were without the help of student volunteers and golf carts, which we are typically known for using throughout our move-in day,” Taylor said. “One-third of our normal contracted staff was used, and the overall cost was 20 percent of a typical move-in weekend.”
Taylor also highlighted the Wright Start Kits that were provided to students already residing in campus housing, along with those who took part in the 4 day move-in process this fall. These kits provided students with hand sanitizer, WSU branded face masks, as well as instructions on how to remain safe during the coronavirus.
Before the end of his presentation, Chris Taylor also made sure to thank the 58 student volunteers who helped put on first weekend events such as glow-in-the-dark mini golf, an outdoor movie, and various virtual tours. Attendance to first weekend activities surpassed 600 students, and is regarded as a complete success.
Classroom operations
During his presentation, Interim Provost Leaman gave statistical information regarding how courses are being offered this fall, as well as provided information on coronavirus testing happening on campus.
“Upon reopen, 70 percent of classes are being offered online, 5 percent of classes are taught in-person, and the remaining 25 percent of classes are being offered in what we call flex-delivery. Flex-delivery is where students can participate in-person, remotely with live video conference, or via recordings and other remote delivery services,” Leaman said.
In regard to coronavirus testing on campus, Leaman made note of the temporary facility located next to Wright State Physicians.
“Future expansion of this facility and testing happening within are likely,” Leaman said.
The next Board of Trustees meeting is set for Friday, Oct. 23 at 9:00 a.m., and will be available for live streaming.
