Campus Updates Indiana University Kokomo

Campus Updates

Indiana University is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is actively working to plan and prepare for a potential outbreak. For the latest information regarding this situation, please refer to coronavirus.iu.edu.

Read the latest IU public safety advisory

On this web page, you will find campus-specific information from Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke for Indiana University Kokomo as information becomes available.

Campus Updates from Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke

IU President Michael McRobbie recently released the adjusted academic calendar for 2020-21 giving the most consideration to the health and well-being of the IU faculty, staff and students, while continuing to focus on providing the education and experience you expect from this world-renowned institution. 

Chancellor Susan Scieme-Giesecke welcomes students back to virtual class with important information as we work to complete the Spring 2020 semester.

In light of yesterday’s Governor’s order for us to stay home, much has changed on campus. As you can imagine, this unprecedented crisis has made change a constant. All buildings will now be locked except for the Library. The only open door to the Library will be the entrance closest to the fitness center door. The hours for the library will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. It will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. We will re-evaluate the hours once we know the need for student access to technology.  

Some of you may have heard Gov. Holcomb’s announcement today. He is telling Indiana residents that they should stay home to help contain the coronavirus. As you can read in President McRobbie’s message, which you should have received today, IU continues to be open, although we want to limit the number of people who are on campus. We understand that some faculty may be coming to campus this week to pick up necessary items or use technology.  

It’s Friday! It has been a busy week as we adapt to all the changes related to COVID-19. I am sure that you saw the President’s message that Commencement has been postponed. I will send more details as they are shared. I have been impressed with everyone’s creativity as we try to connect with one another. I have noted a couple of great ideas below. In addition, there are a couple announcements about resources. Keep sending me your stories and ideas!   

It is hard to believe that our first week of spring break is coming to a close tomorrow.  I appreciate all the support and messages you are sending my way. I learned this week that our advisors are meeting virtually with students to get them registered for fall semester. They have adapted quickly to using the zoom technology and report that students are quite satisfied with the process. 

I heard a great quote on the Today show this morning; “We know we have to practice social distancing to keep everyone safe, but we can’t forget to stay socially connected.” In these times, I hope you will reach out to colleagues via phone or technology and ask how they are doing. Sarah Sarber shared that she is having a virtual coffee break. She is connecting with her colleagues, with a cup of coffee in her hand, checking in to see how they are doing. I have heard from many of you that you are anxious about this unprecedented situation. So, let’s connect with one another! I could use a cup of coffee, too!  

There is not much news to share today. So, I thought I would send a St. Patrick’s Day wish and a great quote (see below) that is applicable to all that we are experiencing – trying to stay positive with constant change. We would like to collect stories from you and your students as we continue on this journey.

Let me begin by thanking you for your positive response in the face of the uncertainty caused by this global pandemic! I know each day has brought more changes and more disruption of our lives, and now we know that it is going to last throughout the semester. I am missing the loss of personal contact with all of you and I am sure you are missing your colleagues and students.

This will be my last message for the week. I hope you have a great weekend and spring break. Thank you for all of your work! It has been quite a week! President McRobbie sent out a message late this afternoon and noted that IU has amended its travel policy to require self-quarantine for 14 days only by travelers returning from countries under a CDC Level 3 warning.

As promised, I am providing you with a daily update on what we have learned and any new measures put in place. I recently shared a message with faculty that went out to all students that outlines how they can access tutoring remotely. I would recommend that you include that message on your canvas sites. I also announced the hours of the Library where students can access technology.

I will be sending a message to all faculty, staff, and students every day, for the next few days, as we work through our new challenge.  Then I will reassess how often we need to communicate during this time. I ask that you read each message closely as we will be sharing new information as it becomes available.