Action items from Faculty Senate meeting

M. Katherine Banks
President

September 14, 2021

I would like to thank the Faculty Senate for inviting me and my leadership team to yesterday's first meeting of the fall semester.

The senators raised many good questions and provided insightful feedback, especially on additional safety measures regarding COVID-19.

Several Faculty Senate ideas will be implemented immediately.

First, a suggestion was made to provide masks in every classroom for students who may not have brought a mask. We are working with SSC to place masks in all classrooms.

Second, there was a request to increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations across campus. We will expand the number of opportunities on campus to make it more convenient for anyone seeking a vaccination.

Third, an important concern of mine was articulated by many: the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. Effective today, I am asking my staff, Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services to immediately begin increasing resources and improving service delivery of mental health resources across campus. We provide mental health guidance online for faculty, staff and students.

Fourth, it was recommended that we continue to use our university social media platforms to continually remind our campus community of the importance of wearing face coverings and vaccinations. We will increase our social media presence directing our campus to follow TAMU COVID-19 guidance and will continue to remind our campus community about the extensive information provided there.

Finally, there were several questions raised regarding academic processes. Timothy Scott, interim provost and executive vice president, will provide clarification on these processes in a separate document.

Again, my appreciation to the Faculty Senate for the open, honest dialogue.

Katherine Banks, Ph.D., P.E.
President