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August 23, 2021
Reflection on the Anniversary of the Jacob Blake Shooting
Chancellor Debbie Ford

In the coming days, our region will reflect on tragic events and days of unrest that unfolded after Jacob Blake was shot and injured by a police officer on August 23, 2020. While this anniversary is certainly not one to celebrate, it is one we must all remember.

Unfortunately, our community is not immune to the challenges of inequity and injustice.  The afternoon of August 23, 2020, forever changed Kenosha. That event, and the events which followed, should serve as a catalyst for needed and lasting improvements. UW-Parkside, on its own, cannot make sustainable change; real change occurs through partnership and participation.
 
It is our duty and responsibility to address the disparities. We must have the courage to honestly explore our differences and work together toward equitable solutions. UW-Parkside is a place where diverse voices are heard, and many perspectives are encouraged and welcomed. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff have a deep sense of connection to our communities. When something happens – good or bad – the event impacts our campus.

The story of civil unrest which followed the shooting of Mr. Blake impacted all of us – business owners who saw their livelihoods destroyed; families that lost a loved one; and community residents who watched in disbelief. That is not, however, where the story ends. Our communities came together, we grieved, we shared, and we turned our words into action.
 
An uptown restaurant that was burned reopened a few weeks ago. The Gorman project, with plans for retail and housing, is moving forward to strengthen the Kenosha Uptown community. And I am proud to say that UW-Parkside is working alongside other higher-education and community organizations to create an Emerging Leaders Academy for youth in the former Brown Bank Building in the Uptown neighborhood. I applaud the efforts of leaders from government, business, education, social welfare, and faith-based organizations that are already under way.
 
Also, I am honored to work closely with my friend and colleague Dr. John Swallow, president of Carthage College, who is gathering information on various community conversations so that our region’s higher-education institutions are better able to help and to lead where needed. In addition, as the first region in the US to join the Moonshot for Equity with Carthage College, UW-Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College and EAB, we are committed to eliminating equity gaps in higher education attainment by 2030.
  
Last year, UW-Parkside Communication Professor Dr. Jonathan Shailor and students in the certificate program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CCARE) designed a community-based learning project: “Rebuilding Kenosha: Community Conversations.” They shared many ideas and identified areas where improvement is needed. The results of these conversations will continue to inform our actions at UW-Parkside as we partner with our communities.   

A year ago – sometimes it seems like just a moment ago – I concluded a statement to our campus and community with the following… “Join with me in being strong advocates to bring UW-Parkside’s core values of equity, diversity and inclusion to all. Support each other, listen to one another, and embrace our differences, as these are the actions that make our learning community even stronger. I know we will respond to yet another challenge and emerge stronger together.” 

This week is certainly a time for reflection. It is also a time to look forward, as the challenging process of bringing needed change to our community has already begun.  The success of positive community efforts depends on all of us. We ALL need to be involved.  We are putting words into action. 
Fall Protocols and Vaccination Information

Fall 2021 Semester is Almost Here! 
 
As we begin the fall 2021 semester, we continue to monitor the evolving trends with COVID-19 and adapt our health protocols to protect the health and safety of our learning community. We plan to have the majority of classes held in person this fall, maintaining social distancing at the recommended three-feet in all classrooms and on campus, so more than ever we greatly appreciate your cooperation, support, and patience in doing your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 
 
Here are the most up to date health protocols:
  • Vaccines are highly encouraged. Employees can make an appointment for vaccines at the Student Health and Counseling Center by calling 595-2366, or you can find a vaccine clinic near you by visiting www.vaccines.gov.  We are currently working with our public health partners to hopefully offer a vaccine clinic on campus during the first week of classes. The University and UW System are offering incentives for those students, faculty, and staff who share proof of vaccination. To upload your vaccination status to MyChart, please follow the instructions at: https://www.uwp.edu/RangerRecovery/vaccination-record-mychart.cfm.

  • For employees who do not share proof of vaccination, you will be expected to show negative COVID-19 test results to your direct supervisor on a bi-weekly basis.

  • For employees who are vaccinated and exposed to COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested 3-5 days after exposure, but you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms.

  • For employees who are not vaccinated and exposed to COVID-19, you will be required to quarantine for 10 days. Employees are expected to take leave or receive approval for telecommuting.

  • Masks are required indoors regardless of vaccination status.

 
Convocation Postponed

As a result of the uncertainty related to the delta variant, the time needed to transition back to campus, the moves into the new Student Success & Learning Commons, and the conflicts with the start of K-12 schools across the region, we are postponing Convocation until January 2022. We recognize that those of you who have worked remotely for the past year will need time to transition back to campus, so we encourage you to focus on returning to campus and/or moving to new offices; reengaging with colleagues face to face in your respective departments; and getting ready for the return of students to campus.  
 
Town Hall Sessions Aug. 24 and Aug. 25; Coffee with the Cabinet Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2

To get the semester started, we will be hosting Town Hall Sessions on August 24, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; and August 25, 2-3 p.m. in a hybrid format. Join us live in the Debra and Darshan Singh Dhaliwal Lecture Hall in the Rita (seating is limited), or virtually via WebEx (meeting linkhttps://uwp.webex.com/uwp/j.php?MTID=medf5f0d96396830d245277b5d4d539faaccess code: 1205508613; password: Fall2021). And don’t forget to save the date for Coffee with the Cabinet on August 31, September 1 and 2, in the new Library Lounge from 9:00–11:30 a.m. 
 
We appreciate everyone’s patience, support, and dedication as we continue to navigate through the challenges presented by COVID-19. Your commitment to delivering our mission and your engagement with our students positioned us to celebrate the largest graduating classes in UW-Parkside’s history in May 2021 and May 2020. Thank you for all of the little and big things you did to make an impact on student success and to transform the lives of our students!
HERA
As a proud member of the Higher Education Regional Alliance – Wisconsin, we are excited to announce the collaborative’s achievement in meeting a crucial demand within our region for more talent in data and artificial intelligence. HERA’s Foundations in Data and Artificial Intelligence badge was awarded to 70 students of MKE Tech Hub Coalition’s pre-internship program. Check out how this badge will showcase the students’ new skillset and make a difference in our region: https://www.herawisconsin.org/newsevents/
Utility Tunnel UPDATE
  • The section of tunnel adjacent to the north entrance to Molinaro Hall east to the Student Center turnaround is nearing completion and will be open for the start of the school year.
  • The section of tunnel extending from University Drive east to Wood Road is scheduled to be completed by September 3. This will allow the campus to fully open University Drive in both directions between Parkside Boulevard and the Wood Road roundabout.
  • Access to Tallent Hall from the Wood Road roundabout is scheduled to re-open by September 3, though the road may not yet be paved.
  • The tunnel sections east of Wood Road adjacent to Heating & Chilling Plant and Tallent Hall are expected to be completed in September.
  • The attached map denotes in red the final section of the utility tunnel, which extends from University Drive west to the Student Center turnaround. This section of utility tunnel is planned to be excavated in the next 3-4 weeks. Parkside Boulevard from University Drive to the Student Center turnaround, and the south entrance to the Student Center parking lot (Lot A), will be closed until late October 2021.
  • The attached map denotes in green by Tallent Hall, the pedestrian access to the main doors of Tallent Hall from the Tallent Hall parking lot.
 
We appreciate your continued patience with this project.
Ask Me Volunteers
The University Staff Committee and the Ranger Welcome Committee invites YOU to participate in the “ASK ME” and Welcome Table initiatives. “ASK ME” has been extremely successful and very well received. This will be our 10th year for the initiative which began in 2011. This year we are offering 2 different volunteer opportunities, the “ASK ME” and Welcome Tables.
 
The NEW Welcome Tables on September 8th and 9th will celebrate the first few days of classes for Fall 2021! We are offering the opportunity for students to take “1st Day of School” photos and grab a donut or some fruit as they make their way to class. These tables will be placed next to “ASK ME” tables in the Student Center & Rita Parking Lots (8th & 9th) and Ranger Hall and Pike River Suites (8th only). The timeframe is from 7:30 am-11 am and we are asking for a 1-2 hour shift.
 
Currently, we are looking for University Staff and Faculty to volunteer for a 1-2 hour shift at one of the staffing tables. The dates and times needed to staff ASK ME tables are as follows.
 
If you are willing to volunteer for the “ASK ME” tables. please send your availability to April Puryear at puryeara@uwp.edu.

If you are willing to volunteer for the Welcome Tables please contact Amanda Balistreri at balistre@uwp.edu.

If you are UNABLE to staff a table but would like to assist and welcome students, PLEASE wear an “ASK ME” shirt and/or “ASK ME” button (We have a limited supply available).
Paws to You

Paws to You is an employee appreciation program designed to offer gratitude to a fellow coworker. Maybe they helped you complete a task or project and it made a large impact on the outcome. You can show them thanks and appreciation by sending them a Paw they are able to display for all to see in their email signature, and a running total of all Paws will be displayed here on the Paws to You website. So what are you waiting for?

Moon Shot For Equity Update
Recovering from Racial Inequities Produced and Exacerbated by COVID – 19 is our next USC Moonshot for Equity e convening.  We hope you will join us for this important and timely conversation on August 18th at 11 a.m. The link for the program is available on the  Moonshot for Equity E convening website along with recordings of past sessions and materials.

On August 24th at 9 a.m., the EDI Council will be hosting its first â€śSo Let’s Talk” session for anyone interested in continuing the conversation.
Question? Contact possehl@uwp.edu or patterst@uwp.edu
Vaccination Testimonials
Hi Rangers! Have you been vaccinated? Awesome. Are you going to get vaccinated? Sweet!

We want to know why you are getting vaccinated and why getting vaccinated is important to you. We are going to feature these responses on social media to help encourage our community to get vaccinated so when we return to learning in Fall 2021, it is a little more normal. 

Thank you for leading the way! 

Wear your Parkside Gear on September 17 and get into Summerfest for FREE between 12 - 3 p.m.!
Tech Fest & Show Your College Pride Day at Summerfest!

George Vukotich will be moderating the Smart Cities Panel at Milwaukee's Summerfest Tech. This FREE event will feature keynotes, panel discussions, breakout sessions & a pitch competition on September 8! REGISTER HERE

Summerfest has announced new entry protocols where you must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Learn more
Teacher Education has MOVED!
The entire Teacher Education department, including the faculty and staff, have permanently relocated to the 2nd floor of Greenquist. The main IPED office is in Greenquist 210, and the department phone number remains 595-2180. Our general email address is: teachereducation@uwp.edu.
 
Please make a note of this change in case you or a student need to contact us.
Recap







  • Have something you want shared in the Monday Update? - Let Us Know!
Ranger Reminders
COVID TESTING UPDATE: Been Vaccinated? Congratulations! Upload your vaccination card and let us know that you've been vaccinated at uwp.edu/vaccine

Major in you.
University Communications
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
900 Wood Road, Kenosha, WI 53144
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