1. How much has the University (on campus) spent on all COVID-19 related matters? Such as processing tests, paying COVID testing assistants and buying testing materials/equipment.

Currently, we estimate our additional costs due to COVID-19 at about $48 million. This includes COVID-19 testing, but it also includes safety measures like providing masks and other PPE for our students and staff, sanitizer, wipes and HVAC improvements and office renovations. This number also includes the investments we have made in software and hardware for our students, faculty and staff to enhance online course delivery and support for our faculty.

      2. What steps are being taken to potentially reduce costs and losses related to COVID-19 spending?  

We are taking a number of steps to mitigate the financial effects of COVID-19 including postponing certain capital projects, putting restrictions on hiring and encouraging all our Colleges and units to plan more strategically.

      3. At our current pace, do you think that students will be able to continue in-person classes until Nov. 20? What factor gives you the most confidence and what’s the factor that gives you the most concern? 

We are encouraged by the progress we have made in containing our positivity rate in the past several weeks, and we continue to work to prevent the spread of COVID as the weather gets colder. One factor that poses concern is the upcoming Fall Break. We want to prevent any possible spread of the virus to other communities when our students travel home for the break, so we are currently exploring strategies for addressing this issue.

      4. In your opinion, how has the confidential web form that allows students to report activities that do not follow social distancing guidelines been effective in curbing the spread of COVID-19? 

The web form that allows students to report activities that do not follow social distancing or other COVID-related guidelines is an additional tool that members of our community can use in helping stop the spread of COVID-19.  To date, we have received over 400 reports, which indicates our community values this option of expressing their concern.