January 19, 2021
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Welcome to the Spring 2021 semester! While we are starting a new calendar year, I realize it might just seem like a continuation of last year. We continue to experience an unsettling national situation evidenced most recently by the unprecedented and disturbing events in our nation’s Capitol Building on January 6. I joined IU President McRobbie, as well as leaders across the country and political spectrum, in condemning the violence that disrupted our country’s peaceful transfer of power. Read my statement here. On the other hand, this new year is bringing hope in the form of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in our community. And, we have new leaders starting on campus soon, celebrations of Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, and the honor of continuing to work with smart, diverse and talented students in our programs again this semester. As usual, this message contains updates and information that I hope you will find useful as you start this new semester.
Welcome to Our New Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance
Carolyn Kasdorf began with us on January 19. I know she is very much looking forward to meeting you all so I hope you will take a moment to reach out and introduce yourself.
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy
The IU South Bend campus community is celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. all throughout the week of January 18. I encourage you to review our calendar of events. The week began with IU’s Where Do We Go from Here: Social Justice Conference and South Bend’s 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The week will culminate in Keeping Dreams Alive, a student-led discussion on Dr. King’s vision to pursue dreams.
Additionally, on January 24 The Civil Rights Heritage Center will be collaborating with the Michiana Social Justice Coalition to offer The People’s Inauguration: Making Michiana a Restorative Community. The event, free and open to the public, will feature a keynote speaker and breakout sessions where you can learn from and engage with different organizations doing transformative work in this region.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
As of Jan. 13, the state of Indiana has said frontline health care workers, public-facing first responders and those age 70 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As more groups are eligible, we will communicate with you via email to let you know when you will be able to schedule your vaccine. You can also always check the state’s vaccine website for additional information.
The state and county are managing vaccine distribution. When eligible, you will receive either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine at a designated vaccine clinic in our community. Both vaccines have been shown to be more than 95% effective at preventing COVID-19. Both vaccines require two doses to be effective. To receive the proper protection, both doses of the vaccine must be the same type and full protection begins 7–14 days after the second vaccine dose.
The vaccine is another tool we have in our arsenal to stop the pandemic. Vaccines help your body respond quickly to prevent viral infection if you are exposed. Continuing to follow existing CDC guidelines will help prevent you from being exposed to COVID-19, becoming infected, and infecting others - including those who are at high risk for severe illness. You will need both strategies to ensure effective protection against COVID-19. Those vaccinated will need to continue to use masks, practice physical distancing, wash their hands, and engage in mitigation testing until we have more scientific information about the impacts of immunity conferred by the vaccine on individuals and our communities.
On-Arrival Testing Volunteers Needed
Are you looking for an opportunity to help serve our IUSB community as well as be an advocate for public health? The IUSB Housing Spring Arrival Testing team is looking for volunteers to help with spring semester move-in February 4-6. Prior to moving in, students will be screened for COVID in the Education & Arts Building from 9AM – 6PM. Various shifts are available throughout the day and roles include greeter, check-in, runners, and more. This is a great opportunity for those in need of service hours or those wishing to bolster their resume. If you would like to be a part of an invaluable service, please contact Tiffany German-Hall at tgermanh@iu.edu or 574-520-4575.
Voluntary Asymptomatic Testing
As a reminder, IU South Bend will be offering voluntary asymptomatic COVID-19 testing during the intersession. These free, optional saliva-based tests will be offered to the first 50 who sign up each week. Testing slots open up at 2:00pm the Friday before the week of testing. Results will arrive via email within a couple of days. You can learn more and sign up for a test here.
Support for Employees and Students
I want to remind everyone that the SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP), administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, is a confidential resource that provides 24/7 access to professional counseling and referrals. SupportLinc’s licensed counselors can provide short-term assistance with issues such as: grief and loss, substance abuse, marriage and relationship problems, depression, work-related pressures, stress and anxiety. Services are provided at no cost to all employees and their household members. These are challenging times due to a variety of reasons and I want to make sure you know that there are resources to support you. Please know that the Student Counseling Center is also available to support students as well.
I look forward to seeing you all on Zoom and on campus soon! The next Coffee with the Chancellor will be in February and stay tuned for upcoming campus grab and go events. Don’t forget to nominate someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty as a COVID Superstar. Thanks again for all you continue to do for each other, our students and our community.