Monday Update Messages | Summer 2020

Please see below for Monday Update messages from summer 2020. Click here for the spring 2020 semester.

UW-Parkside Learning Community:

As we move forward with our phased reopening, Ranger Restart, we are prepared to welcome back faculty and staff to a clean and safe working and learning environment. Learn more about Phase 1 of Ranger Restart on our website. At this time, we encourage anyone who can work remotely to continue doing so.

I encourage each of you to watch these brief (5-minute) COVID information videos (excellent work by the Ranger Restart Team and Kim Sekas): General COVID information; Returning to campus

Our Facilities Management team is committed to providing the cleanest environment possible for UW-Parkside employees and we are implementing multiple strategies to protect the health and safety of all faculty and staff in Phase 1.

Ranger Restart Phase 1 includes   

  • Promoting social distancing in all public areas and in offices;
  • Requiring that everyone on campus wear a face covering in public areas we encourage you to wear face coverings when meeting with someone in your office space; and
  • Making sure anyone who does not feel well stays home.

In addition to social distancing and face coverings, continue to wash your hands often, and clean surfaces that you and others are touching frequently. Please contact our Facilities Management team (262-595-2228 or https://www.uwp.edu/explore/offices/facilitiesmanagement/) if you need cleaning products for your individual offices. And continue to be mindful and respectful of your colleagues.

Some UW campuses have announced plans to reopen in fall. The campuses that have are in parts of the state where the number of COVID-19 cases is far less than what we are experiencing in southeast Wisconsin. A number of your colleagues are serving on committees exploring possibilities for the fall semester at UW-Parkside with the top priority of creating and sustaining a safe and healthy learning environment while continuing our academic mission. We’ll share more information with campus in the coming weeks.

The past couple of weeks have been a challenging time for our region, state and nation. UW-Parkside is an inclusive learning community that places great value on dignity and respect for everyone. Each of us has the responsibility to stand up to injustice as we work together to create a more equitable society. If you did not see my message to campus last week, you can read it here.

Even as we are apart, we remain connected and much has been happening on our campus.

Denise Olstinske received the UW System Board of Regents Academic Staff Excellence Award – congratulations, Denise!

Betty Rockendorf received the Wisconsin Health Management Association Education Award – congratulations, Betty!

I am pleased to announce that Jordania Leon-Jordan has been named UW-Parkside CIO. Jordania has served our learning community as interim CIO since 2016 – join me in wishing Jordania continued success.

At last week’s Board of Regents meeting, the Regents approved 10 faculty promotions – congratulations to our amazing faculty!

Sincerely,

Chancellor Debbie Ford

Colleagues:

Black lives most certainly matter at UW-Parkside and we must, and will, do a better job serving and supporting our black students, faculty, staff and alumni. As chancellor, I am fully committed to leading this effort. The events of the past few weeks have caused me to think more deeply about my responsibility to use my voice and my position as a leader to improve the educational experiences and outcomes for our black students, and all students of color at UW-Parkside. I fully recognize that what we have been doing is not enough, and I own the disappointment for not making necessary changes. We need to do better. 

 

As a regional public institution of higher education, we have an obligation to close equity gaps and confront racial disparities. Our efforts have been too isolated and the burden to influence change has been assigned to too few staff members. We all have a responsibility to explore how our actions and inactions contribute to systematic racism, and to commit to resolve these inherent disparities. 

I know that what we do speaks more loudly than what we say. As chancellor, I commit to lead our campus in implementing the following needed and necessary actions.

  • Allocate the resources for faculty and staff to participate in training focused on implicit bias, inclusion, equity, cultural competencies, and equitable teaching and learning practices. Our current efforts must be enhanced, and require faculty and staff to participate in these training sessions. 
  • Host a series of meaningful, productive, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations to understand more fully our campus climate.
  • Conduct a campus climate survey with students during the fall 2020 semester and use the findings to inform our priorities and actions.
  • Support the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council in completing and launching the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. 
  • Increase the diversity of our workforce to reflect the composition of our student population.
  • Continue to implement student success strategies to close equity gaps that currently exist and improve the success of our under-represented students.

We have discussed many of these actions over the years, and now we must move to more persistent and consistent action. Over the summer, I will work with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council led by Dr. Sheronda Glass, Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; Governance Leaders; Student Organization Leaders; and the Chancellor’s Cabinet to implement these actions. Updates and additional information will be provided in the forthcoming newsletter focused on our equity, diversity and inclusion data and efforts. 

 

As we build on the progress we have made over the years and commit to doing better, I ask that you continue to support one another with dignity and respect. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside binds us together in our shared commitment to transform lives – the lives of our students and the lives of members of our university community. As we focus on doing better on behalf of our black students, faculty, staff and community members, we will transform even more lives. 

Sincerely,

Chancellor Debbie Ford

Colleagues:

UW-Parkside is proud to host – virtually -- the 32nd annual Taking Care of Business Celebration! The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs; Student Support Services TRIO; and the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UW-Parkside sponsor the Taking Care of Business Celebration recognizing the academic achievement and leadership development of UW-Parkside students of color.

COVID-19 may have prevented students, faculty, staff and families from celebrating this occasion in person, but it hasn’t stopped the university from honoring student success online and engaging with students via the Parkside Taking Care of Business website. I appreciate the work of everyone involved in this virtual celebration and I have great admiration and respect for our hardworking students. I hope that you’ll take a moment with me to congratulate this year’s scholars and honorees.

I invite you to scroll through the entire website for messages of congratulations and support from many key staff representing the aforementioned offices, including Dr. Sheronda Glass, associate vice chancellor of Human Resources, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Dr. Chris Zanowski, director of Student Support Services TRIO; and a special video message from Chancellor Debbie Ford. Thank you all for everything you’ve done for our campus and for our students.

The website honors many students for their academic recognition, but also recognizes students for leadership and involvement. In addition, some UW-Parkside seniors shared their thoughts about their academic journey, reflecting on their time at the university. This includes this year’s Chancellor’s Award recipient, Zachary Atkins.

Four students in particular received special honors:

  • Raelea Palacios, a UW-Parkside senior majoring in psychology, was selected as the Always Reaching Upward (ARU) Success Coach of the Year.
  • Elonna Jones-Turner, a UW-Parkside freshman majoring in communication was selected as the Always Reaching Upward (ARU) Protégé of the Year.
  • Tekeyia Bell, a UW-Parkside senior majoring in psychology, was selected as the Student Support Services (SSS TRIO) Coach of the Year.
  • Jorge Peralta, a UW-Parkside freshman majoring in psychology, was selected as the Student Support Services (SSS TRIO) Protégé of the Year.

Dr. Glass shared some particularly powerful quotes of inspiration and encouragement, in addition to her own words of congratulations and support: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Here at UW-Parkside, we’re all about building doors for our students. I am sincerely pleased to be on the same team as faculty and staff that are so committed to student success.

If you take to social media and would like to share another message in support of these students, please use the hashtag #ParksideTCB to keep the conversation going.

Damian Evans
Assistant Dean of Students and OMSA Director

Colleagues … Friends:

Chancellor Ford said I could use MONDAY UPDATE for this…

Some of you know that Thursday, July 2, will be my final day at UW-Parkside. Time to retire.

My various marketing and communications positions over the past 19-plus years have provided me the opportunity to meet and get to know a lot of really neat people.

If I tried to thank everyone who has helped me tell the Parkside story, the list would contain hundreds of names – and I would leave someone out. I am a lucky person to have had the assistance of talented and dedicated members of the UW-Parkside family. THANK YOU!

Over the course of my career, I have always been proud to tell people that I am part of the UW-Parkside team. And, honestly, 99 percent of the time the reaction to the question of “Where do you work?” or “What do you do?” is extremely positive.

It has always been interesting to hear about the connections members of the community have with UW-Parkside. Maybe it was a particular professor who made a lasting and positive impression; maybe it was meeting a life partner; maybe it was attending a Rangers game; maybe it was being a member of the fencing team; maybe it was an unforgettable concert, art exhibit or theatre production; maybe it was running, hiking or skiing the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course (what a gem); maybe it was a foreign film; or maybe it was appreciating how a UW-Parkside education transformed a life. Whatever the connection, it’s a positive connection – 99 percent of the time. Maintaining and advancing the UW-Parkside academic and community mission is important work – and good work. Listen to the 99 percent, pay attention to the 99 percent, and focus on the 99 percent.

What’s my favorite memory (not that anyone asked)? Long before I joined the Parkside family professionally, I attended quite a few Rangers basketball games. One night, the Rangers were playing UW-Green Bay. The De Simone Gymnasium was jam-packed. I took my son to the game – he was probably 2 years old – and in the second half he fell asleep under my feet near the top of the bleachers on the south side of the gym. The place was rocking and he was sleeping under my feet. I can still picture where we were sitting, how nice it was that the bleachers made it impossible for him to fall through, and how I realized at that moment he could sleep through anything. My favorite photo (again, not that anyone asked)? Has to be the one with Frances Bedford in the Frances Bedford Concert Hall (another gem – person and the space).

I’ve been fortunate to get paid to tell the UW-Parkside story, and I have been fortunate to have talented friends to help me do that. THANK YOU! Keep telling the story.

Regards,

John Mielke
Communications Director

Colleagues,

These days social media, TV, radio, podcasts, and newspapers are filled with ideas about how to have an enjoyable summer despite Covid and its attendant constraints. The College of Arts and Humanities is excited to add two safer-at-home activities to the list.

In collaboration with the College of Lake County, the Department of Theatre Arts has cooked up a wonderful, Zoomed, staged reading series called Summer Shakes. The series kicked off last week with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Craig Rich, Chair of the Theater Department at CLC, and featured 8 student actors from UWP and as many from CLC. Students inhabited the roles with aplomb, using minimal props to great effect. The transformation of the Nick Bottom (Ben Compton) into a donkey was especially amusing, and King Hang’s turn as Mustardseed was nothing short of waggish. Next Sunday, 12 July at 5 pm, Brian Gill will take the reins and direct Macbeth. The third play in the series will be Twelfth Night, directed by Fabrice Conte-Williamson on 19 July. To watch, you need to register but then it’s only a click away! https://www.uwp.edu/therita/summershakes.cfm

In addition to offering the community a compelling evening of Shakespeare, the series affords our students both at Parkside and CLC an opportunity to create together. While many students appear in front of the camera, others hone their skills as designers. During the ten-minute intermission, students present their conceptual research and drawings to the audience, thus giving them an opportunity to experience design in a virtual environment. For all these students, who had lost employment, performing and working in regional theaters due to the pandemic, the summer looked bleak. But thanks to the pluck and determination of the faculty from these two neighboring institutions, theater is happening this summer at Parkside and CLC.

If you’re missing the sounds of students’ voices, specifically those of Parkside Range, we’ve heard you! Next Monday, Professor Ami Bouterse and student extraordinaire, Kalyn Harewood, will spin a few tunes for you from their recorded music. What’s more Dr. Donna Hewitt will interview them to learn more about their musical adventures. This evening represents the second concert/interview in the UWP Music Department’s series, Melodious Mondays. Russ Johnson launched it with samples from his recordings Lithosphere, Still Out to Lunch, and his Grammy-nominated album, Headlands. Looking forward, on Monday 27 July, we will hear the originally-composed music of Dr. James Crowley, who will be interviewed by Dr. Laura Rexroth. To cap off the series on 10 August, Professor Alvaro Garcia on viola and Dr. James Kinchen will discuss conducting and playing music with students. The series is streamed live on UWP Music Department’s FB page. https://www.uwp.edu/therita/musicperformances.cfm

Art, by its very nature, is created within a series of constraints, think of the sonnet or the sonata. So, despite the limitation imposed by the coronavirus, we will continue to create and educate in view of bringing hope and joy and some fun to your summer.

Go Rangers!

Lesley H. Walker
Professor of Literatures and Languages
Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities
Lwalker@uwp.edu
262-595-2349

Colleagues,

Typically the summer months are a time of reflection (and much needed vacations!) as we wind down from another school year and gear up for another. Those of you who participate in our New Student Orientation program however know that the summer months are really our “go” months, with different events taking place throughout June, July, and August that help welcome our newest Rangers to campus! Planning to welcome the newest members of #RangerNation takes place as early as the start of the fall semester and great care is put into the selection of educational topics and resources that are shared with students during their Orientation experience. With COVID-19, our best laid plans would no longer suffice, and like many of you, we’ve had to pivot to plans B – Z.

We’ve been able to be innovative and creative with our delivery of our New Student Programs this summer. Our first year students are participating in a new program titled, “Virtual Course Registration Days”. During our course registration days we kick off the experience with a virtual Welcome done via Zoom. Our very own Chancellor Debbie Ford has been present to welcome students and answer questions they may have as we approach the fall semester. From the Welcome students then attend a pre-assigned group advising session with our professional advisors from the Advising and Career Center via Collaborate Ultra. The time commitment for the day is approximately 90 minutes with the primary goal to register students for their fall courses.

While we were optimistic that may be able to provide an in-person Orientation experience this August for our first year students, the continuing growth of COVID-19 in our region has halted us from bringing students, guests, and families to campus. Instead, the nuts and bolts of the orientation program will now be delivered online, through our new platform from Advantage Design Group. This platform will walk students through eight modules that include important preparatory information as well as various campus resources. While we certainly would prefer to be face-to-face, we are excited to offer an engaging digital experience.

Our Transfer Student Orientations have been moved online via Canvas, and our Transfer students have been thriving in this environment. Once a student is accepted at UW-Parkside they are added to the Online Orientation Canvas course. The course is self-paced and typically takes students 45-60 minutes to complete. Once they have completed the course they are then able to meet with an advisor to design their course schedule. According to our statistics, we are tracking approximately a 33% increase in the completion rate of orientation among our Transfer students. The ability to complete the program at their own pace and at a time that is most convenient for them has proven to be a success.

I would be remiss if I did not also mention the hard work of our student Orientation Leaders. The following women are currently serving on our 2020-2021 Orientation Leader team:

  • Faith Flores, Junior, Nursing Major
  • Wendy Licona, Senior, Business Management Major
  • Dacia Luckett, Sophomore, Communication Major
  • Jada Peters, Senior, Communication Major
  • Sarah Sullivan, Senior, Psychology Major
  • Shania Weaver, Senior, Applied Health Science Major

These ladies have continued to provide support, encouragement, and guidance to our incoming students through a virtual environment. Our Orientation Leaders are truly the backbone of our Orientation programs and serve as an expert in all things Parkside.

While we certainly did not envision welcoming students to campus through a computer screen at the start of the year, we see that we are still proudly building that sense of Parkside Pride through our new virtual delivery. Our mission has been and continues to be facilitating information, resources, services, and programs that guide students in the pursuit of their educational goals. No matter the circumstance, we will continue to find a way to get students excited about their college experience.

Stay healthy, stay safe, and GO RANGERS!

Caitlin Dobson
Coordinator of New Student Services

Colleagues,

The second semester began with a number of staff teams and offices already planning for their normal routines to be up-ended by the pending Wyllie Hall renovation. Several weeks into the semester we all had our normal routines un-ended by something much more serious, a pandemic. It is hard to ignore the changes that can be seen on the campus these days: fewer people, fewer cars, more construction equipment, more construction barriers and signage, and simply more barriers and signage.

After nearly 2 years of planning and design, the Wyllie Hall renovation project construction has begun! In May construction crews from Camosy Construction descended upon Wyllie Hall and began the first of a multi-phased renovation of the building. If you have walked by the library on the main concourse level and looked through the large storefront windows the change taking place inside is a sight to see. The L1 level of the library, which is the 1st phase of the project, is progressing well. The Library offices, new classrooms, new coffee venue, new library entrance, and new library circulation space are all taking shape. However, as there are in all construction projects, there are delays. We are currently navigating some of those delays, determining the impact to services, and developing alternatives to delivering those services for the start of the fall semester. Along with the construction taking place in the L1 of the library there is simultaneous construction being done by the Facilities Management staff team in RITA. As a part of the Wyllie Hall renovation project a number of spaces within the D1 areas of Wyllie Hall will be changing and moving. The graphic design spaces currently in the D1 area of Wyllie Hall will be moved to the L1 area of RITA (rooms L117, L121, L123, L127) in spaces renovated to suit the needs of the programs that will utilize them. As we near the end of July yet another change will occur in Wyllie Hall as the service offices and resource centers in the D1 area of Wyllie Hall move to their new temporary homes in the L1 and L2 levels of the library. 

The Wyllie Hall renovations are not the only major changes to the campus. Over the past few months the campus has taken steps to plan and respond to the pandemic. The Ranger Restart is aimed at providing informational resources to the campus community as it relates to our campus operations and expectations during the pandemic. People coming to campus will note the need to enter the main connected campus through one access point, and increased signage alerting them about social distancing and face coverings. Classrooms and laboratory spaces are being designed to provide proper social distancing, and stocked with disinfecting supplies for in-person instructional needs. Space modifications and barriers at transactional counters are occurring in offices around campus so that people can safely conduct the business of the university. The campus continues to procure supplies needed to operate in this pandemic environment. Supplies and space modification needs are being handled through the Facilities Management department. All requests should go through the work order system (https://parkside-isd.webtma.net/) as either a work order for cleaning and protective equipment supplies, or as an estimate for any space modifications. It is important to note that supply orders and space modifications are directly dependent on the capacity of our supply chain.   

None of the work that has been done the past few months would have been possible without the hard work of A LOT of people on this campus. My sincere thanks to all who have contributed to our progress up to this point. I hope this message finds all who read it in good health, and I look forward to seeing you all back on campus when the circumstances allow.

Stay healthy and stay safe!

John Bruch

Director of Facilities Management

(Note: You can see a video of remodel progress here.)

**

Regarding the Solar Now project:

As part of a partnership with University of Wisconsin-Parkside, WE Energies is leasing approximately 10 acres of land east of the Facilities Management building to construct and operate a 2.25 Megawatt ground-mounted solar array for energy generation. The energy generated by the array will be sent back to the WE Energies electrical grid. This ambitious project is the product of months of negotiations. Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer of 2020, and the array is anticipated to be operational in the fall of 2020.

**

Regarding parking:

Permits are required to park on-campus for the 2020-2021 school year. Annual permits remain $235, semester permits $122, reserved permits $460, and part-time employee permits $132. Given current COVID-19 concerns, it is strongly encouraged to choose the payroll deduction option if it is available to you and have your permit delivered via intercampus mail. New for this year: Payroll deduction must be done before October 1st, 2020.

Permits will be available to order online beginning early August.

Students, faculty, and staff will have until September 21st to obtain their permits. University Police will begin citing vehicles for not displaying a valid permit at that time.

The Ranger shuttle has been retired and is no longer operating.

For questions about parking, please contact University PD.

UW-Parkside Faculty & Staff, 

I hope you are doing well and staying healthy as we adapt to the changes and challenges of the pandemic. Teams of faculty, staff and administrators have been working hard to prepare for a successful fall 2020 semester. I am sure that you have a lot of questions about what to expect when classes start, and we want to provide you with the most up to date information available. We continue to implement the “Ranger Restart” plan as we resume campus operations and are updating our website regularly.

Many of you are probably wondering:  What provisions will be in place to flatten the curve of COVID-19? What’s going to be different this semester and what am I expected to do? How will my classes be delivered?  How will I participate in campus life? 

In short, we will be “open,” but things will look and work differently. We have not made decisions lightly and we will continue to monitor and respond to the situation as it develops. Please see below for additional information.

Health & Safety of the Campus Community 

Here are some important updates related to campus operations:  

  • Face coverings are required in all public spaces, including classrooms  
  • The Student Health Center will offer COVID-19 testing for symptomatic students 
  • We will be limiting visitors and guests on campus, including in the residence halls  
  • We will increase the cleaning and sanitization of classrooms and public areas  
  • We will not be hosting community events or performances during the Fall term in order to repurpose the Student Center Ballroom, Cinema, and Rita spaces for academic instruction 
  • Furniture across campus will be arranged to accommodate appropriate social distancing and we ask for your cooperation in not moving it  

Testing & Monitoring

Everyone is encouraged to self-monitor each day before coming to campus using the State of Wisconsin Health Connect screening tool. It is imperative that during this pandemic, you do not ignore warning signs. If you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, cough, or other symptoms, even if they are mild, stay home. As a member of the campus community, we ask that you do your part and remember the 3 Ws:

  • Wear a mask or face covering
  • Watch your distance
  • Wash your hands often

Disinfection and Cleaning

Departments and offices can order a pre-made kit of disinfecting supplies, face coverings and hand sanitizer (as supply allows) by putting in a request through iService desk: https://parkside-isd.webtma.net/. Individual items in the kit can be re-ordered through iService desk without ordering a whole new kit. Limit 1 kit per department at this time.

Faculty and instructional staff who wish to request a clear face shield for classroom instruction should coordinate with their Dean or Director. Each college should submit a single order per college for clear face shields. Order requests are to go through iService desk: https://parkside-isd.webtma.net/. 

Instruction

The semester begins on September 2 and the deans have worked closely with faculty to develop a revised fall course schedule with approximately 35% of courses being delivered on campus and 65% that will be delivered virtually in either synchronous (scheduled-online classes) or asynchronous (traditional online classes) format. More information for students can be found be found on this page.

Traditional online classes have regular due dates and assignments, even though there are no scheduled class meeting times. In scheduled online classes, students are expected to meet virtually with their instructors and classmates at set times. For your information, online course fees will not be charged for any class that was previously scheduled for in-person instruction and moved online due to COVID-19. 

Who to Contact and FAQs

Faculty and Instructors, please keep in close contact with your department chairs and deans. We ask for your continued understanding and patience. We encourage you to keep checking the Ranger Restart Faculty and Staff FAQ page for further information.

  • If you have technology-related questions and concerns, please contact Campus Technology Services
  • If you have questions about student health, counseling services, disability services, or testing/monitoring, you can contact Dr. Renee Kirby, Director of Student Health, Counseling & Disability Services 
  • If you have questions related to facilities management and cleaning procedures, you can contact Director of Facilities Management John Bruch
  • If you have questions or concerns related to HR, you can contact theOffice of Human Resources or e-mail HR@uwp.edu.

You can also contact Provost Ducoffe or the deans directly with concerns, if you have questions for specific colleges:

  • Dirk Baldwin -- Dean of the College of Business, Economics, and Computing
  • Lesley Heins Walker – Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities
  • Peggy James – Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Professional Studies
  • Emmanuel Otu – Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences

Housing & Residence Life 

Campus housing will be available this fall for those students who choose to live on campus. Face coverings will be required in all public areas and occupancy limits will be enforced in common spaces. Only assigned residents and staff will be allowed in the residence halls and university apartments. No guests will be allowed. The university has also established an isolation area for students who may need to be quarantined as a result of contracting COVID-19. 

Messaging and Town Halls

We will continue to communicate with you through Monday Update messages and through other campus updates. Please make sure to check your e-mail frequently and stay in touch with your department.

In addition, we will be hosting a series of “Virtual Town Hall” meetings in August for students, faculty and staff, parents, and community members. We will share updates and open things up for Q&A. Faculty and Staff Town Hall Meetings will be held on Wednesday, August 12th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Thursday, August 13th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can register via the links provided (click on “Wednesday” or “Thursday”), but we will also be sending out invitations again via e-mail.

As always, stay safe, and Go Rangers! 

Sincerely,

Debbie 

Colleagues,

I’m sure that many of you have questions about how we will be enforcing policies, what to do if students develop symptoms, and what processes are in place. Everyone’s safety is paramount. The protocols described below are based on current guidance from the CDC and our local county health departments. As we have seen up to this point with the pandemic, circumstances change and guidance is updated frequently. We commit to providing you with the most up-to-date information as it becomes available. And, as always, do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns.

As a member of the campus community, we ask that you do your part and remember the 3 Ws:

  • Wear a mask or face covering
  • Watch your distance
  • Wash your hands often

Everyone is encouraged to self-monitor each day before coming to campus using the Wisconsin Health Connect screening tool. It is imperative that during this pandemic, you do not ignore warning signs. If you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, cough, or other symptoms, even if they are mild, stay home. If you’re interested, UW System also released a great informational video that you might want to check out.

Please see below for current processes and FAQs related to testing and monitoring.

How will mask rules be enforced?

  • We are developing a robust public health campaign to reinforce our messages about masking, physical distancing, hand washing, and other health requirements.
  • Frequent verbal reinforcement and campus signage will help to remind everyone of these rules.
  • Intentional and/or repeated violations may be subject to the student misconduct process.

What should a student do if they develop symptoms? Whom do they notify? What if it’s at night or on a weekend, will testing sites still be open?

  • If a student develops symptoms during business hours, they should contact the Student Health and Counseling by phone for screening and instructions, or contact their family healthcare provider. They should try to self-quarantine, practice good hygiene, sanitize high-touch or commonly used surfaces, and continue to monitor their symptoms until they can be evaluated by a provider for specific guidance.
  • After hours and weekends students should access a prompt care clinic or go to a local emergency room. Another option would be to use the Wisconsin Health Connect screening tool which will provide further guidance from a health professional.  

Will COVID-19 testing be available on campus?

  • We are working with UW System and our local health partners to evaluate testing options and establish procedures for testing students through the Student Health & Counseling Center.
  • Faculty and staff who need testing should contact their healthcare providers or visit local testing sites.

What is the process if a student in the residence halls tests positive?

  • Spaces will be set aside for isolation of residents if a student tests positive for COVID-19.
    • During isolation, students must stay in their relocated room until cleared to resume activities by a healthcare provider.
    • Students may be encouraged to return home for the isolation period if they are able to do so safely.
  • UW-Parkside will coordinate contact tracing in conjunction with Kenosha and Racine County Public Health to help identify those individuals who may have come into contact with anyone testing positive on the UW–Parkside campus.
  • The University is finalizing protocols to provide medical care and food service to students in isolation.

What is the process if a faculty/staff member tests positive? What do we do?

  • Stay home and follow the directives or your healthcare provider. We do not have the ability to provide isolation spaces for faculty/staff.
  • Please contact your supervisor to let them know you are ill.

What about isolation for students living off-campus?

  • The campus does not have the ability to provide isolation spaces for students who are not living in University Housing.
  • We recommend that these students speak with their roommates to develop, and agree upon, how they will handle the situation if a roommate develops symptoms and/or has a positive COVID test.
  • Our off-campus students will have access to the Student Health and Counseling Center, and we will work with them, in cooperation with the local public health department, to conduct contact tracing.

How should my student handle their classes if they become ill?

  • Students will be in regular contact with their professors, as always, and will be able to notify them (or we will do so on their behalf) in the event they are too ill to participate in class activities. The instructor will work with the student to provide alternative ways to complete the work.
  • At the same time, we will conduct contact tracing and notify any person who might have been in contact with the student so that they can self-quarantine.

Once again, we are actively monitoring the situation as it develops and are trying to come up with the best response to it. If you have suggestions or concerns, please let me know. Stay safe!

Renee Kirby
Director-Student Health, Counseling, and Disability Services
kirby@uwp.edu | 262-595-2610

**

And now, an important message from the Ranger Restart Committee regarding training:

On behalf of the Ranger ReStart Committee, we are committed to the health and safety of all employees. To help reduce the spread of Covid-19, we are asking you to take a few minutes to review the following training video no later than 8/14/2020.

Training

(Note: Scroll down on the page to find the videos!)

This pandemic has made us come together to rally our greatest strength, the human spirit. Through all of this, we are re-emphasizing what is most important – our employees, students and our communities.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Faculty and Staff FAQs. Thank you, and be safe and healthy!

The Ranger Restart Committee

**

Important News - Governor issues new executive order

Last week, Governor Evers announced a new executive order mandating face coverings indoors or in enclosed spaces, other than when at home. We know that face coverings are an effective tool in fighting COVID-19, and we encourage you to do your part in protecting the health and safety of your fellow Wisconsinites by wearing a face covering and encouraging others to do so.

Over the last month, Wisconsin has seen a surge in cases. This increase in cases cuts across the entire state with a significant majority of counties at high COVID-19 activity levels. Statewide action is necessary to protect the health and well-being of Wisconsinites.

Please see the press release for more details.

Press Release

**

Congratulations, Dean Walker!

The Racine Arts Council has appointed Lesley as the board president. She has been on the board of the Racine Arts Council since 2016. She has worked on a variety of projects from fundraising to the celebration of the council’s 50th anniversary gala at Wingspread. Read more here.

**

Day in a Life of a NBA Producer

2012 Art Department alum José Castillo started his vlog, “Day in a Life of a NBA Producer,” chronicling his work as a Video Producer with the Milwaukee Bucks! Watch it here.

**

5 Things to Know

Please don’t forget to keep an eye on uwp.edu/news for new stories! 

Hello Colleagues,

Adapting to the Next New Normal

As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, we are all anxious to find the next new normal. The pandemic seems to be taking longer than anyone expected. What were thought to be temporary changes on campus are taking on a more permanent look. It’s still hard to get use to the empty hallways and the reduced social interaction. Social interaction is what makes our institution of higher education a cultural center.

We are now planning for operational changes to extend well into the next academic year. Some of the changes will be obvious: face coverings, plexiglass barriers, and reconfigured classrooms to support social distancing, to mention a few. Other changes will be more subtle; increased ventilation in campus buildings, an increased cleaning regimen, and reduced campus access are changes that have already been implemented to help reduce the spread of the virus.

The classroom experience will be noticeably different. Chairs will be at least six feet apart and all students and faculty will be wearing face coverings. Faculty will be sporting clear face shields making it easier for them to lecture and students to learn. Even though classrooms will be thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis, classrooms will have cleaning supplies available to allow students and faculty to clean surfaces between class sessions.

If you are thinking our costs to operate the campus are increasing as a result of the pandemic, you are correct. We are receiving CARES Act funding that will help cover some of the increased expenses. In addition, we have implemented furloughs during the summer and we continue to reassess our staffing levels and expenditures in response to reduced activities on campus.

In addition, leadership is in the process of reducing budgets to ensure the campus will remain financially strong. Reduced state funding and revenue losses due to the pandemic have made these reductions necessary. Budget reductions are never easy to do in any organization. The pandemic is creating disruptions of uncertain intensity, duration, and effect in all aspects of our lives. Since, we cannot predict the future only prepare for it, we will continue to manage our finances and make the necessary budget adjustments to position our campus to provide the high-quality education our students deserve.

Enhancing Our Learning Environment – Wyllie Hall being transformed

The pandemic is not the only disruption on campus. Visiting campus will reveal significant changes coming to the L1 and D1 levels of Wyllie Hall. Progress on the long-awaited Wyllie Renovation is in full force. The L1 library space is already looking vastly different as contractors tear out the old and begin to bring the designs into reality.  These are exciting times for our campus and the transformation in Wyllie Hall serves as a nice distraction from the pandemic. We are certainly seeing the future of UW-Parkside and these changes will enhance our learning environment.

Embracing change does not come naturally to most of us and experiencing history in the making is rarely appreciated or realized as it happens. Let’s all make the best of the situation; wear that face covering, practice social distancing, and give our students the outstanding educational experience they deserve.

Our Beautiful Campus Community

One last comment; if you have not visited campus in a while, when you do, expect more wildlife than usual. Wildlife, particularly deer, have become accustomed to fewer humans around campus. Seeing deer grazing close to buildings is not an uncommon sight.

Scott Menke

Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration

**

Regarding Parking

While we understand that many people are dealing with financial issues, all UW parking lots are self-funded spaces – no tax dollars or tuition go into parking. Money raised selling permits goes back into the lots for snowplowing, resurfacing, restriping, signage, and installing/maintaining pay-to-park machines. Nearly half of the annual parking budget goes towards debt service (payments on the Student Center and RITA lots). Parking also pays a share of the University’s contract for ambulance services, and a share of the commonly-used campus computer systems such as PeopleSoft/SOLAR.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact University Police.

Parking Permits Available

Faculty and staff are able to purchase 2020-2021 parking permits by the following methods:

Payroll deduction: 4 equal after-tax deductions will be made from your paycheck during the year. Certain employees such as LTE’s, other part-time employees, and contract employees are not eligible for payroll deduction.  If you are not sure if you are eligible for payroll deduction, please contact Human Resources. 

New for this year: Payroll deduction will only be available until October 1st, 2020 and it will be taken in four installments. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we highly recommend that everyone who is eligible for it choose payroll deduction and for the permit to be delivered to your office.

If you have SOLAR access, you may log in to your SOLAR account and then under “Self Service,” choose “Purchase Parking Permit.” Select the type of permit and payroll deduction. Your transaction will be processed and your permit will be sent by campus mail to the office or room listed in the UW-Parkside directory.

Those without SOLAR access who are permanent faculty/staff (not LTE’s, other part-time employees and contract employees) may click here and fill out the order form.  You will receive a confirmation email and your permit will be sent to you by campus mail.  

Pay by credit card, check, or money order:

  • If you have SOLAR access and would like to order the permit ahead of picking it up, you may log in to your SOLAR account and under “Self Service,” choose “Purchase Parking Permit.” Select the type of permit and payment method. Stop by UWPPD, Tallent Hall, room 188 to obtain your permit and pay. 
  • Those without SOLAR access, LTE, other part-time employees, or contract employees need to come to the UWPPD in person, in Tallent Hall room 188, to obtain a permit.

Please note that the Ranger shuttle bus has been retired and is no longer in service.

At Parkside, we enjoy convenient parking options and our facilities team does a great job maintaining our parking areas, roadways and walkways. Permit costs for 2020-2021 remain the same as 2019-2020.

Parking Permits 20/21 Cost

Annual Commuter Student  $235

Annual Housing  $245

Semester Commuter $122

Annual Full-Time Staff  $235

Annual Part-Time Staff  $132

Semester Staff $122

Reserved $460

Tallent* (Student-Only Discount)  $175

Daily Commuter $5

Housing Overnight $5

**

Town Hall Reminder

Hello UW-Parkside Faculty and Staff, 

Your safety is our priority. We have taken steps to ensure that you will feel safe and secure here at UW-Parkside and that you will have the tools and support you need, whether you are operating a class in person in one of our newly-prepared classrooms or you are moving your class online. The Ranger Restart Committee has been preparing for this day and responding to new developments as they appear. We ask for your continued understanding and support. If you have questions or concerns about campus operations in the fall, or if you would just like to tune in, please register for our “UW-Parkside Faculty & Staff” Town Hall event on August 12 & 13. You can register via the links below. We look forward to working with you this fall! 

Wednesday, August 12, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, August 13, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

**

Fall, Convocation, Wednesday August 26th

Stay tuned for an invitation!

**

5 Things You Should Know:

As always, don’t forget to keep uwp.edu/news for updates!

Dear Campus Colleagues,

First and foremost, thank you for all that you have been doing to prepare for this very unconventional Fall semester and for the return of our students whether in-person or online. As has been reported by the Provost throughout the summer, our enrollment numbers continue to trend in a positive direction and we are cautiously optimistic that this will hold through the Fall term. While a majority of our courses will be conducted virtually, roughly 38% of our courses will be bringing students to campus and we expect to house approximately 575 students on campus in the residence halls.

I know this email is a bit long, but I encourage you to take the time to read it thoroughly. The information below outlines the expectations and protocols that have been put in place to help all of us have a safe and academically successful semester. Additionally, a number of items are being shared with you so that you can provide guidance to students who may reach out to you for assistance.

Faculty/Staff Information:

Ranger Restart Responsibility Pledge

As members of the UW-Parkside community, we must all play a part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The Responsibility Pledge outlines protocols that must be followed in order to maintain a safe campus living and learning environment. Please review the pledge carefully and commit to protecting yourself, protecting others, and protecting the UW-Parkside community.

COVID-19 Training Videos

If you haven’t already viewed the short training videos on the Ranger Restart Faculty & Staff webpage, please take a few minutes to do so. The videos provide information on how COVID-19 is spread and guidance on how to avoid contracting the virus.  

Coming to Campus

As you prepare for the Fall semester, please be sure you have the following:

  • A supply of disposable masks or 4-6 reusable/washable masks or face coverings. Masks/face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces, including classrooms and common areas in the residence halls, and are strongly encouraged outside when physical distancing is not possible. Disposable masks will be available at the CTS Tech Bar and Student Center Concierge Desk in the event that someone needs one.
  • A reliable thermometer for daily self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms. Prior to coming to campus each day, you are encouraged to use the WI Health Connect self-screening tool. You should stay home if you are not feeling well.

Ranger Restart Plan

Please be sure to visit theRanger Restart website regularly. We are currently in the process of updating information as we transition from summer to fall.

Title IX Update:

On Friday, August 14, 2020, updated Title IX regulations from the U.S. Department of Education went into effect. In response to the changes, UW-Parkside has made the necessary interim updates to applicable policies based on guidance from UW System. In the coming days, you can anticipate an email from UW-Parkside Title IX Coordinator, Tyler Lenz-Fisher, with more specific information about the regulations and links to important resources.

UW-Parkside remains committed to ensuring all students, faculty, and staff feel safe and protected from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, stalking, dating/relationship violence and sexual assault. If you have questions or are looking for resources, please email titleix@uwp.edu or visit uwp.edu/titleix.

Student Information:

Housing

The Housing & Residence Life staff are busy preparing for students to return. In order to provide a safe and healthy living and learning environment, a number of steps are being taken, including but not limited to, enhanced cleaning protocols, physical distancing of furniture in lobbies and common areas, and changes in guest policies. Move-In information and additional details can be found on the Housing website.

Dining Services

The Brickstone Grill & Eatery will be open with reduced hours beginning August 26th through September 1st. On September 2nd, the Brickstone will open with its regular operating hours as the primary dining venue. Other venues will have limited hours of operation. Seating in the Brickstone cafeteria will be reduced and spaced to ensure appropriate physical distancing. Grab & Go options will be expanded.

Buying Textbooks

Students can order textbooks and supplies online via the UWP Bookstore. Orders can be shipped to their home or picked up at the Bookstore and charges (including shipping fees) can be billed to the student’s account. Visit the Bookstore website for updates on store hours.

Student Life

As I’m sure you’ve already guessed, student activities and programs will look very different this fall. Safe and physically distanced programs and activities are being planned by staff in Campus Activities & Engagement, OMSA, Residence Life, and other departments to keep students engaged and connected. Plans for promoting student organizations and supporting student leaders are also in the works. More information on these efforts will be shared soon.

The Student Center will also operate differently this semester. In order to accommodate as many in-person classes as possible given physical distancing requirements, the Cinema, Ballroom, and a number of the meeting rooms will be used as classrooms this Fall. In light of this, most student organization meetings and events will need to occur virtually. Events that do occur on campus must follow all health and safety guidelines including room occupancy limits and mask/face covering mandates.

Online Resources

For students looking to get a head start on the semester, we are encouraging them to check out the online resources and tutorials available on the Ranger Restart Student Resources page. You’ll find information about resources such as:

  • Canvas – our learning management system
  • NetTutor – a free online tutoring service available 24/7
  • SilverCloud – a self-paced wellness program focused on reducing stress, anxiety, & depression
  • Student Success Resources – tips for succeeding online & advice from Parkside students

Thank you for reading to the end of this important message! We will continue to monitor the local COVID-19 situation, follow guidance from the CDC and our local Public Health Officials, and update our campus protocols to provide the learning environment you and our students have come to expect from UW-Parkside.

We look forward to engaging with you whether in-person or virtually very soon.

Stay safe, stay health, and GO RANGERS!

Sincerely,

Tammy McGuckin

Vice Provost

Student Affairs & Enrollment Services

**

5 Things You Should Know:

As always, don’t forget to keep uwp.edu/news for updates!

Parkside Community and Colleagues,

As we continue to prepare for the fast-approaching and unconventional semester for all of us in the Parkside community, I wanted to share with campus some updated related to Parkside Athletics, our intramurals and recreation programming, and the Sports & Activity Center.

Parkside Athletics

Last week, we announced in conjunction with our conference colleagues in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference that all competition has been suspended until at least January 1, 2021. While this decision was not made lightly and was shared with our student-athletes with heavy hearts, our priority was the health and safety of our student-athletes, their friends and families, and our communities. At Parkside, we are incredibly proud to represent UW-Parkside and our state as the lone Division II school in Wisconsin, and we look forward to putting on the Rangers jerseys and competing again in 2021.

We look forward to seeing many of our student-athletes back on campus in the coming days and weeks, and we are planning ahead with the intent to provide them with meaningful opportunities to engage in team activities this fall, including workouts and practices. More detailed plans related to those activities will be shared directly from our coaches to our student-athletes.

As always, the latest news and information on Parkside Athletics can be found at ParksideRangers.com.

Intramurals and Recreation

In alignment with other campus activities and student programming, safe and physically distanced in-person intramurals programs are being developed for the fall semester. Additionally, plans are in place to offer virtual intramurals and campus recreation activities. Continue to monitor your email and the Ranger Restart website to stay up-to-date, or reach out to Intramurals and Facilities Operations Coordinator Jason Cooper at cooperj@uwp.edu.

Sports & Activity Center

The facilities at the Sports & Activity Center, including the wellness center and the strength and conditioning center, remain closed at this time to all users. Our staff continues to work in adherence with guidance from health officials and in alignment with the University to finalize our plans for a modified re-opening. We look forward to providing the facilities for our campus community, including students and faculty and staff, to utilize the SAC for your fitness needs.

As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community, please note the re-opening of the SAC will include modified protocols, including but not limited to:

  • Enhanced cleaning protocols
  • Face covering requirements at all times including during workouts
  • Revised facility hours
  • Reduced capacity limits
  • Temperature checks upon entry
  • Health screening requirements for users
  • Modified and/or restricted locker rooms

Continue to monitor your email and the Ranger Restart website for the latest updates from the Sports & Activity Center.

RangerVision 2020

Despite the changes in the upcoming semester with Parkside Athletics and our facilities, we continue to be focused on progress. On March 5 at Parkside Day, we were ecstatic to launch RangerVision 2020, a facility and fundraising campaign with the vision to dramatically improve the Sports & Activity Center. The plans call for the creation of the Mark Olsen Indoor Golf Center and a multipurpose indoor turf center and a significant enhancement to De Simone Gymnasium.

We have continued to talk with alumni, supports, and business partners that are excited to support RangerVision 2020, our progress, and the future of our University! A major highlight was on July 1, when we announced a multiyear partnership with Educators Credit Union in support of the De Simone Gym project.

For more information on RangerVision 2020, please click here.

Thanks!

Andrew

Dear Colleagues:

COVID-19 is still beating us and another terrible shooting, this time close to home, has sparked protest, rage, and destruction in our community. I am thinking about what this means to me, what it says about our country, and what we might do about it at UW-Parkside.

I’m from Montreal, about an hour from the U.S. border. Like most Canadians growing up, I was awash in everything American. I meandered through as an undergraduate commuter, the first in my family to attend college. When it was time, I left to learn more, married, dug into a career, became a U.S. citizen, raised a family, and chased the American Dream that has attracted and excluded countless. I got a good deal of what I came for and increasingly understand that a good deal of it depended on others as well as on access to a high-quality, higher education. 

I wonder about the American Dream for others, for our students, and for those who could be our students?

When I emigrated, the U.S. was the only superpower, democracy was ascendant worldwide, and nations were opening their markets to American goods, services, culture, and science. Today, the vision for our nation’s role in the world has contracted, wealth and influence continue increasing among the few, and our democratic institutions seem less up to their tasks. Many of us don’t believe we can address our biggest challenges. About half do not even vote in presidential elections, almost the lowest rate among highly developed, democratic states. And African Americans, who for most of our nation’s history have been subjected to laws intended to limit their access to the benefits of our more perfect union, are waiting impatiently for the rest of us to recognize this and do more about it.

How well we address our national problems is the report card for our democracy. I don’t think we’ve done that well in recent semesters. Some think we’re doing really poorly. They protest and offer powerful input on what we should do to make improvements. A small number that don’t believe they have another way to be heard, use violence to tell us what they want. If we condone this, we condone lawlessness and dissolution of civil society. We can’t and don’t. But, if we don’t seek to understand why this is happening, how can we move forward?

As a society, we need to better educate ourselves to understand the complex issues we face and participate as citizens in the solutions. Universities, especially those engaged in their communities like UW-Parkside, are institutions well positioned to do this work. This is our work! 

Our Academic Plan elevates strengthening student success, enrollment, curriculum relevance, and campus community as goals. It is based on a theory of change implying more education improves quality of life and the health of our region. We’re making progress in measurable ways on all these goals and will hopefully continue to do so.

This moment in history calls us to reflect more deeply on the health of our democracy and what we can do to create greater access to an American Dream for all our students. And if our next academic plan focuses on the needs of students of color, we can model civic engagement our country will need to heal our democracy.

Rob Ducoffe

Provost & Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs

**

Ranger Restart Update from Dr. Renee Kirby:

Many of you have asked why we have transitioned away from using the phasing approach as part of the Ranger Restart. Our phasing was created several months ago and based on the Badger Bounce Back Plan from the State of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the use of the Badger Bounce Back plan for the state during the summer. In addition, Kenosha County Public Health disbanded the phasing from their dashboard.

Since that time, campus leadership has been monitoring key indicators from area counties which are listed on our website below the COVID-19 dashboard. We look specifically at the number of tests administered, number of cases which are positive, percent positive cases on a 7-day and 14-day rolling average, and hospital capacity for patients.  We also meet weekly with the Kenosha Public Health Officer to review data and discuss plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

**

2020 Census

The U.S. Census Bureau is ramping up its efforts to accurately count students, faculty, and staff at institutions of higher learning for the 2020 Census. Due to COVID-19, the deadline for the Census had initially been pushed back to October 31. However, the federal government recently moved the deadline up to September 30. 

**

5 Things You Should Know:

And as always, make sure to keep an eye on the News page and on our social media for updates!

*Please note that this week, we had held several news stories from being published out of respect for current events.

Scroll to top