TERRE HAUTE, Ind – During its regularly scheduled meeting Friday, Indiana State University President Deborah J. Curtis shared with the university’s Board of Trustees the plan to engage the ISU campus community in developing steps for phased-in summer operations.

The plan will be consistent with the governor’s Back on Track Indiana Roadmap and include input from shared governance units including representation from the Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Student Government Association, and other campus leaders.

“As university leaders engage our campus community, safety is our top priority,” Curtis said. “Engaging the campus is an important step toward our goal to carefully return employees to campus in small waves, and we will remain vigilant in following the guidance of public health agencies while preparing for summer operations.”

While at the present time most university employees continue to work remotely, Curtis reminded trustees that “ISU remains open for business.”  Curtis continued, “As we phase in summer operations, the university will be taking numerous steps to enhance safety including constructing barriers between work stations where social distancing is impossible and staggering work schedules.”

 

The Trustees met virtually via Zoom, as allowed by the governor’s Public Health Emergency order. The media and public received instructions on how to join the meeting. Jeff Taylor, board chair, and Curtis were together on campus for the meeting.

 

In other actions, the Trustees:

• Approved 2,050 candidates for degrees.

• Approved the operating budget for 2020-21.

• Elected board officers for 2020-21. Taylor is board chair, with vice chair Kathy Cabello, secretary Kim Smith, and assistant secretary Ed Pease.

• Approved the naming of the Tabco – Tom and Dotty Bilyeu Lab located in Room 002 of Federal Hall, in recognition of a $25,000 gift from the families of the late Tom and Dotty Bilyeu.

• Passed changes to the campus tobacco policy.

• Heard information on a proposed policy that would prohibit ISU employees from wagering on the university’s intercollegiate athletic contests.

•  Extended President Curtis’s contract to June 30, 2022.