EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana Thursday, after a special meeting of the Board of Trustees, announced changes for the next school year as well as the approval of a tentative operating budget.

The announcements came from the USI Steering Committee, which represents more than 125 members of the COVID-19 task force.

'Flexible course delivery model' to take shape

USI will use a "flexible course delivery model."

With safety practices and social guidelines considered, the university will offer students a combination of face-to-face and online classes. Each college will provide a selection of courses with varying delivery options.

Course offerings by type will be available in the coming months, officials said.

New academic calendar

The committee also announced revisions to the Fall 2020 academic calendar. Assessment Day and Fall Break will change to instructional days, and students will transition to online-only classes after Thanksgiving break, followed by a week of finals.

USI Provost Mohammad Khayum said he expects most final exams to be moved online. However, there may be presentations on-campus depending on the syllabus of individual classes, he said.

Administrators are still determining how many classes will be offered virtually or in-person. At the moment, there's no exact number, Khayum said, but he and others will have a better understanding in two weeks.

Campus housing will be limited

After consultation with health officials, the University will open campus housing for the fall semester. However, student housing will be limited to 85 percent occupancy.

Despite the drop in occupancy, Khalilah Doss, the vice president of student affairs, said the university expects to accommodate all students intending to live on campus. Housing options will be administered on a first-come, first-serve basis, she said.

Apartment housing will also be limited, Doss said.

Apartment buildings will be intentionally vacant, with bedrooms and bathrooms reserved, for possible quarantine use. In case an outbreak occurs, contact tracing protocols will be given to Housing and Residence Life staff, including resident assistants.

Commencement to take place over three-day period

Spring Commencement has been rescheduled to take place in August. And to allow for adequate cleaning and social distancing between ceremonies, the program will take place over a three-day period in the Screaming Eagles Arena.

Friday, Aug. 14: Graduate Studies, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 15: Romain College of Business, 9 a.m.; College of Liberal Arts, 2 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 16: Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, 9 a.m.; College of Nursing and Health Professions, 2 p.m.

Kindra Strupp, vice president for marketing and communications, said the number of guests for each ceremony will be limited. For the first time in years, students will be given a limit of three tickets to hand out to their friends and family.

Specific information and instructions will be provided to graduates over the summer.

Campus facilities will reopen in July

Based on task force committee reports, the university is prepared to reopen campus facilities and welcome community members and staff July 6.

The Steering Committee conducted a walk through this week, monitoring the deep cleaning efforts that have taken place in high-touch points like bathrooms and walkways.

During the press conference, officials said the university will continue placing plexiglass dividers and shields, sanitizer dispensers and other items across campus. And while the use of face masks isn't required among students and staff, Rochon said they are highly suggested.

"We want to provide support through this service," he said. "We are not mandating anything along the lines of a face covering, but we are encouraging all our community members to wear one."

In light of these efforts, USI's reopening date remains subject to change given updates to COVID-19 guidelines, officials said.

Considerations for USI employees who are at risk

Older employees – age 65 and up – and those with serious underlying medical conditions are encouraged to contact the human resource department to request alternative work arrangements.

The department may also be contacted if an employee has a household family member considered in any of the high-risk categories outlined by the CDC.

The process for submitting a request for alternative arrangements is currently being developed.

Employees to receive full compensation

In the special session Thursday morning, the Board of Trustees approved an interim operating budget for the upcoming fall semester. The budget will allow for "economic wholeness," Rochon said, meaning all faculty and staff will be fully compensated through Dec. 31.

The approved budget allows the university to maintain the necessary workforce to deliver academic programming for students and support the state’s efforts to preserve economic stability for all Hoosiers.

“The approval of the interim budget is vital for USI’s employees to have a sense of security so they can continue offering academic excellence and services to our students,” Rochon said. “In a time where unemployment rates are at historic highs, thanks to our trustees, we will be whole until the end of the year.”

Steve Bridges, Vice President for Finance and Administration, said the university will make further decisions once more details are formed.

Student programs and athletics will move forward with social distancing guidelines

While continuing to adhere to state and federal directives, the university will allow fitness facilities to operate under social distancing guidelines. However, the task force assigned to monitor student programming are still working through potential scenarios.

Officials hope to have plans set in the next two weeks.

As for athletic events, Rochon said, a decision will be mapped out at a later date.

"What we want is their safety first ... That is our priority," he said.

Rochon said the university's task force committees will continue to monitor state and federal health guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, especially with fears of another wave of overwhelming cases.

USI officials approve tentative budget, new plans for fall semester