Students on Campus | Photo by Grace Ramsdell | The Wright State Guardian
As students and staff prepare for the fall semester, it is important to reflect on recent events and changes on campus. From taking steps to embrace diversity to balancing a water warning and evolving health protocols, students and staff at Wright State University (WSU) had an eventful semester.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Plots
Former Student Body President and Kappa Alpha Psi member Adrian Williams and Wright State University (WSU) NPHC’s President Dai’Shanae Moore worked to pass a resolution to dedicate plots on campus. These plots are to further cement the diversity and inclusion that WSU seeks to represent and honors former African-American college students across the country.
Read More: WSU to Celebrate African American Fraternities and Sororities with NPHC Plots
Water warnings
On June 9 a drinking water warning was issued at WSU’s Dayton campus.
This warning started off as a precaution, but further investigation showed a toxic chemical called ethylene glycol was found in six samples from various locations on campus. The warning resulted from an accident involving construction of an HVAC system.
Students and staff were advised to use bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food.
The semester-long warning ended on August 3 and water is now safe to use.
Read More: WSU Lifts Summer-Long Water Warning
Evolving mask policies
At the beginning of the summer semester masks were still required on campus.
However, on June 7 WSU announced that vaccinated students and staff would no longer be required to wear a mask or practice social distancing.
This change was overturned on August 4 when WSU reinstated the indoor mask mandate.
Read More: WSU Reinstates Indoor Mask Mandate
Summer preparation by student organizations
WSU student organizations primarily used the summer semester to prepare for fall events and the transition to in-person activities.
University Activities Board (UAB) President Jeffrey Shehee and other organizational leaders took time this summer to coordinate events and activities for the fall semester. One of the biggest events, Fall Fest, is on August 27 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and all students and staff are encouraged to attend.
Read More: Fall Fest: The First big In-Person Event of the Semester, Are you Going?
Low engagement with student organizations
The number of registered student organizations is at an all-time low. Only 89 registered organizations were reported in 2021 while 2020 and 2019 had 124 and 152 respectively.
Program manager for student organizations Courtney Laukitis ascribed this declination of engagement to the pandemic, communication issues and the uncertainty of Fall 2021.
Read More: WSU Sees Lowest Number of Student Orgs Registered in Three Years
Changes in staff
The Division of Inclusive Excellence was formed at WSU to help promote diversity and inclusion on campus. In June, Dr.Chaney was announced as the replacement for former Chief Diversity Officer Lindsay Miller. Chaney’s goal is to learn more about the social issues and processes on campus in order to devise a plan for action starting Fall 2021.
Read More: Meet Dr. Chaney: New Vice President for Inclusive Excellence
After 17 years at WSU, Librarian Sue Polanka is transitioning to a new position at Appalachian State University. Polanka is eager to help make libraries more accessible to students in North Carolina at her new opportunity. As of now, her position has not been filled.
Read More: WSU Librarian Polanka Leaves for Appalachian State University
