Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes for May 17, 2022

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In spring 2020, all of our jobs — and our lives — changed significantly when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe.

Together we worked hard over the last two years to keep the university operating while protecting the health and safety of faculty, staff and students.

This was an arduous task, and we all worked harder and under different conditions than we ever have before. Our efforts paid off — we delivered classes, supported students and kept the university driving forward.

Thank you for all of your work.

Expiring policies

As we draw closer to COVID-19 being deemed endemic, we have reached a new stage of the pandemic. Case numbers continue to fluctuate, but we are nowhere near the highs we experienced early on.

Vaccines are readily available, hospitalization rates are much lower, and the medical community has more research and new tools at its disposal to manage COVID-19.

At the end of this semester, we will roll off the bulk of our COVID-19 policies and initiatives.

We will discontinue our COVID-19 dashboard at the end of this week. We will plan for travel, campus events, and university operations to be normal during the summer and throughout next academic year; recognizing, of course, that changes in the COVID-19 situation could require us to bring back certain mitigation policies and initiatives.

The following policies will terminate May 23, 2022:

The last of our temporary pandemic policies — the COVID-19 Emergency Paid Leave Policy — will expire June 30, 2022.

As masking continues to be required in many healthcare facilities, campus clinics will have authority to set their own masking policies.

Asymptomatic testing will continue to be available, and Magers Health and Wellness Center will continue to administer COVID-19 vaccinations and test and treat students or employees who have symptoms of COVID-19.

Celebrate our #BearGrads

I hope you will join me for commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.

We will recognize over 3,100 graduates in three ceremonies on the Springfield campus and one ceremony on the West Plains campus.

At the 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ceremonies on Friday, Dr. Frank Einhellig and Dr. Jim Baker will deliver commencement addresses. These two long-standing administrators at MSU are retiring in June, and you don’t want to miss their parting remarks. I look forward to having them by my side for one last set of commencement ceremonies.

At the 5 p.m. ceremony on Friday, Dr. Glenn Coltharp, the retiring President of Crowder College, will receive an honorary doctorate from the Springfield campus and deliver his commencement address.

At the West Plains’ campus at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Mike Ennis, owner of Eminence Manufacturing and long-time supporter of workforce training programs at Missouri State University-West Plains, will receive an honorary degree. Dr. Baker will deliver the commencement address.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for Jan. 25, 2022

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Unfortunately, the pandemic caused us to cancel this year’s Staff Awards Luncheon. Work is underway to schedule a different event in May to honor all of our staff and recognize service milestones.

In the interim, I want to announce the recipients of this year’s Staff Excellence in University Service Award.

Recipients announced

Jeremy Beach

Jeremy Beach works as a dispatch specialist for the office of university safety.

Jeremy’s nominators mentioned his superior customer service and proactive approach to reducing crime on campus.

While Jeremy performs a wide array of duties that contribute to the success and safety of the university, he excels in identifying suspicious activity on the university’s extensive camera system. His attention to detail while monitoring the cameras has led to the apprehension and identification of several suspects.

One nominator shared, “Jeremy has had an unparalleled impact on reducing crimes on campus. His use of the camera system to prevent crimes has a profound impact on the would-be victims, without them ever knowing it.”

Michelle S. Rose

Michelle S. Rose works as the assistant director for the office of creative services.

Michelle’s nominators highlighted her incredible work ethic, her dedication to diversity and her ability to create award-winning material used to recruit students, promote private support and raise the profile of Missouri State University.

She serves as the managing editor of Missouri State’s alumni magazine and the new Advancements magazine and is the lead writer for the university’s highest-level admissions piece, the Viewbook.

Michelle has won over 30 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awards.

Jesse Scheve

Jesse Scheve works as a staff photographer for the office of creative services.

Jesse’s nominators spoke of his dependability, professionalism and willingness to go “above and beyond” to contribute to the university’s visual identity. Jesse obtained his drone pilot license in order to capture still and video assets for university projects and publications.

He is one of the main photographers for high-profile publications, such as Mind’s Eye, the Missouri State alumni magazine and the admissions recruitment viewbook.

One nominator shared, “Jesse makes us all look good. The public, prospective students and families first see the university through the lens of Jesse’s photos. He captures the essence of the game-winning shot, the hard-fought touchdown, the happy students and is also careful to showcase the diversity of our campus population. Jesse really captures campus the way it is felt by all who work and live here.”

Daezia Smith

Daezia Smith works as a leadership programs specialist in the international programs office.

Daezia’s nominators highlighted her passion for providing a quality educational experience for MSU’s international students. She plays an essential role in the ongoing education, involvement and well-being of students far from their home countries.

Daezia co-created Global Leaders and Mentors (GLaM), an organization that creates and develops peer-to-peer relationships between domestic and international students.

One nominator shared, “Daezia is a living example of what it means to be a Citizen Bear and to live the public affairs mission. As a staff member, she represents MSU at the highest level to our international students, their families and the cooperating governments. Her passion, customer service, as well as her joy and true compassion, sets a shining example of Missouri State University and its successes to the local and international community.”

Erin Snider

Erin Snider works as a fieldwork education and admission specialist in the department of occupational therapy.

Erin’s nominators spoke about her dedication to student and faculty success, commitment to lifelong learning, and desire to use her knowledge and experience to serve others.

One nominator shared, “Erin embodies the public affairs mission in her actions, professional duties, and in relationship with faculty and students. She is a trusted resource who beautifully represents our department in outreach activities and campus-wide events. Erin is a welcoming face, a wealth of departmental information, and a progressive, dynamic thinker. This combination of growth-mindset and caring is certainly an asset to the university.”

Gary Wells

Gary Wells works as a maintenance supervisor in the department of facilities management.

Gary’s nominators spoke about his knowledge of “all things Missouri State, his servant leadership, and his dedication to helping staff and students have a positive experience at Missouri State University.”

Gary volunteers time to promote the United Way campaign, serves on the Staff Senate Executive Board and is a part of the International Friends program.

One nominator shared, “Gary Wells goes above and beyond. His title may be maintenance supervisor, but I know him as a role model, a well of knowledge, an inspiration and a friend. Not only does he work hard on campus to do his job, but he also advocates for his workers and others in his job family.

“He advocates for changes to increase morale and encourage positivity. He asks for nothing and is willing to give everything. Gary Wells is the best of MSU.”

I hope you will join me in recognizing the outstanding work of this year’s recipients.

Nominations for Wall of Fame open through March 18

These stories make one thing very clear: Missouri State University has developed a rich heritage of outstanding faculty and staff who have contributed much to the success of our university.

The Wall of Fame, located outside the Ballroom in the Plaster Student Union, is a designated location for the university to recognize and honor former employees who have excelled at Missouri State and significantly contributed to the success and positive collegiate experience of students.

Nominations are now being accepted for next year’s honorees. I encourage you to nominate former Missouri State University employees who you believe should be recognized with this honor.

Nominations will be accepted until March 18, 2022. A reception and installation of honoree recognition plaques will take place Oct. 29.

Review criteria and nominate

Attend our Jan. 28 Virtual Town Hall

I hope you will join me for a Virtual Town Hall meeting at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Dr. Frank Einhellig and I will provide an update on COVID-19 and other matters.

You will have the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.

Access the Zoom link and other details

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for Jan. 11, 2022

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The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt life throughout the world. Most recently the Omicron variant has swept the United States, now accounting for over 95% of all new COVID-19 cases.

The variant was first detected in Missouri on Dec. 3 and in Greene County on Dec. 17.

We remain in constant contact with federal, state and local health officials. Preliminary data suggests several facts about the Omicron variant:

  • It is milder but more contagious than prior variants.
  • An individual who contracts the Omicron variant has a lower risk of being hospitalized or experiencing serious COVID symptoms than prior variants.
  • However, because the Omicron variant is so contagious, its wave has dramatically increased COVID-19 infection and hospitalization numbers in most communities it impacts.

Public health officials have warned us that we will see large numbers of students, faculty and staff contract the Omicron variant in January and early February.

Plan to be flexible

As we prepare for the spring semester to begin on Jan. 18, I want to update you on the protocols that will exist on campus to mitigate spread of the virus and remain operational as our campus experiences the Omicron variant wave.

Classroom procedures

We do not plan to change the overall modality for classes, but faculty should be prepared to work with their department head and dean to make temporary adjustments as needed.

These adjustments could include moving a seated class to Zoom for a week or two, rescheduling labs and experiential learning opportunities to later in the semester, and the like.

Faculty must gain approval from their department head (in consultation with the dean) before making any temporary adjustments to course delivery due to COVID. Faculty should also be prepared to accommodate the large number of students who will contract the virus and miss class meetings and assignments.

Flexibility for employees

We do not plan to implement widespread work-from-home arrangements as we did in 2020.

However, between now and mid-February, supervisors should be prepared to be flexible in accommodating large numbers of absences by employees who have tested positive, are awaiting COVID-19 test results, or are caring for family members who have tested positive or are awaiting test results.

To facilitate this flexibility, we have implemented a temporary policy providing employees with up to eight (8) additional days of paid COVID-19 leave. Our Guiding Principles for Employee Return to Campus continue to provide good guidance for supervisors managing through the Omicron wave.

Events on campus

Organizers of university events and meetings scheduled to occur between now and mid-February should implement appropriate mitigation measures.

These measures could include rescheduling an event to later in the semester, moving a live meeting to a virtual format, relocating an event or meeting to a larger space to facilitate social distancing, requiring masking at an event, and the like.

Contact the COVID-19 Response Team if you need assistance in determining what mitigation measures are appropriate.

Masking policy

We will begin the spring semester with the same campus masking policy in place as we had last semester. We will reevaluate this policy in mid-February.

In addition to this policy, organizers of university events and meetings scheduled to occur between now and mid-February will have discretion to require masking at their event regardless of whether the event is scheduled to occur in an academic building listed in the temporary masking policy.

Save the date for town hall meetings

We will have a virtual town hall meeting 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 14. I will update you on COVID-19 data, discuss our plans for the spring semester, and answer questions. Please plan to attend.

Find information about how to participate.

We will have a follow-up virtual town hall meeting two weeks later at 3:30-5 p.m. Jan. 28.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for Sept. 28, 2021

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Flu vaccines are available at Magers Health and Wellness Center. I got mine last week. If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to make an appointment for your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

You can sign up through your MyHealth Portal for an appointment Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

There is no cost for students, MSU employees, household members of employees and retirees on MSU’s insurance.

Getting your flu vaccine before Dec. 1 qualifies you for a $10 per month discount on your health insurance premiums.

Schedule an appointment

Reduce your premiums

In addition to getting your flu vaccine, getting your COVID-19 vaccination before Dec. 1 qualifies you for a $20 per month discount on your health insurance premiums.

I recently talked to a faculty member who said they had been vaccinated off-campus and did not submit their vaccination status to the university. I reminded them that they will not qualify for the $20 per month discount unless they notify Magers Health and Wellness Center of their vaccination.

You can do this by submitting a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card to Magers in person, by fax to 417-836-4133 or by email to magersmedicalrecords@missouristate.edu.

White House plans

We are tracking recent developments on COVID-19 vaccination.

The White House announced plans to require vaccinations for many more individuals through the federal government’s various rule-making processes.

Our legal team is engaged with these processes. We will update our policies if, as and when rules come to fruition that require some or all of our campus community to get vaccinated.

The CDC recently recommended third dose Pfizer vaccinations for certain immunocompromised individuals. You can find more information on the Magers webpage.

If you believe you qualify for a third dose Pfizer vaccination, please schedule an appointment through your MyHealth Portal.

Oct. 4 Town Hall

Our next virtual town hall meeting is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. on Oct 4. Details can be found online. I encourage you to attend.

I will provide an enrollment update and an update on relevant COVID-19 data. I will also discuss the university’s temporary pandemic policies and updates to those policies.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for Aug. 31, 2021

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Over the last two weeks I attended many college meetings and received a number of questions from faculty and staff about the university’s efforts to mitigate spread of COVID-19.

You can find information about these efforts on the university’s COVID-19 Information Center. I would also encourage you to monitor the status of COVID-19 on campus through the university’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

We update the dashboard each day, and it is a good resource to learn about COVID-19 cases on campus, progress on vaccination and virus testing.

Schedule an appointment at Magers

Last week the FDA approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. If you have been waiting for this approval to get your vaccine, I would encourage you to schedule your vaccination appointment at Magers Health and Wellness Center as soon as possible.

Get an appointment

Vaccination Incentive Program underway

We have already drawn names for the first $1,000 cash prize winners through the Employee Vaccination Incentive Program. You can see the names of those winners online.

We will draw more names this Friday and again on Friday, Sept. 10.

If you weren’t vaccinated at Magers and you haven’t already submitted your vaccination card to enter the drawing, please submit your card as soon as possible. All full-time and part-time employees who have been fully vaccinated are eligible to win.

You can submit your vaccination card by:

Additional information can be found on the Employee Vaccination Incentive Program webpage.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!