The University of Wyoming’s Board of Trustees held a meeting concerning the course of action in response to COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, in regards to other issues on March 26.
The meeting was held via Zoom, a teleconferencing app that has allowed people to connect as effectively as they can while also taking the right precautions to stay healthy during this unique time. The executive session lasted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trustees decided to allow students to switch from conventional grading to “satisfactory/unsatisfactory” grading. This option is typically only viable until February 5, during the typical “drop/add” period. However, due to these unpredictable circumstances surrounding this spring’s semester, the Board has decided to allow this option of alternate grading until April 17. If a student has a C or higher in the class, then they may be granted a “satisfactory” grade and receive credit. If not, the student would receive an “unsatisfactory grade” for the course and not obtain credit for the class.
One of the first things on the agenda during the teleconference was WYDENT/WWAMI (two contracts between the state of Wyoming and other state schools concerning medical and dentistry schools) appeals made by alumni for loan repayment.
“I move to make a standing motion to delegate to administration the ability to determine in all cases of WYDENT and WWAMI appeals that a request to reduce loan payment based on telehealth or practices that is not physically located in the state of Wyoming, those appeals will not be granted,” said Michelle Sullivan, Board of Trustee member since 2015 and founder of the Center for Inspired Learning Environment.
The motion passed.
Sullivan also moved to “reduce loan repayment based on practice in the state of Wyoming of 50% or greater, that loan repayment forgiveness will be granted based on the exact percentage of practice physically located in the state of Wyoming within the three year period of loan repayment.” The second motion also passed.
The Board then discussed construction projects, including the Ivinson Parking garage, student housing, and the Student Union. The Board passed a motion to consult a design team and begin the first phase of the Student Housing Project.
Another proposed motion concerning these construction projects was in regards to entering a contract with ByArchitectural Means and AMD Architects, with a budget of $926,400.00. The continued construction of the Student Union and relocation of the Starbucks near the First Interstate Bank was also discussed. The construction costs would not exceed $950,000 and would be provided by the Student Affairs Plant Fund. The Ivinson Parking Garage construction and Student Housing Project are in the early stages of operation, both agreed by the Board to go forth with the first stages of the design plans. All three motions were approved by the Board.
A motion was proposed concerning the granting of a posthumous degree, a title given to the university after a student or faculty member has passed away, by the Board of Trustees to the University of Wyoming in honor of Jacob Kientz, 42, following his passing on January 23. Arts and Arts History Department of the College of Arts and Sciences and Academic Affairs Committee was in support of awarding the degree.
“He was kind and open and had a quiet wisdom that comes from life experience outside the academic or home environment. He really wanted to be in the studio and work with clay. I remembered enjoying his enthusiasm for the medium. He was a wonderful model for the other students, because of his enthusiasm and sincerity. They looked up to Jacob,” said Sullivan while quoting a testimony submitted by one of Kientz’s professors.
