April 2020 Association Minutes Via Zoom
The meeting of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Emeriti and Retirees Association with Chancellor Ronnie Green and Provost Elizabeth Spiller was held online via Zoom beginning at 1:30 pm. Chancellor Ronnie Green, Provost Spiller, Chief of Staff Mike Zeleny, President Donald Weeks and President-elect Kim Hachiya appeared on-screen and other participating members were able to view the meeting once they logged on.
The primary topic for the meeting was for Chancellor Green to provide an update to Association members as to how UNL is coping with the Covid-19 virus and the plans to move forward during the coming months.
Chancellor Green first reviewed the events that occurred in March related to the virus. He noted that planning began in late February as campus leaders became aware that the nation was likely facing a pandemic. On March 11 the high school boy’s state basketball tournament was cancelled and the next day, UNL announced that all classes were moving to remote access only.
A decision was made to keep University Housing open for students who needed to stay in Lincoln, and employees who were able to work from home were expected to do so. The regular May graduation plans were cancelled but an alternative on-line celebration is planned. May graduates will receive a special gift from the university and they will also be able to attend a future graduation ceremony to be recognized in person.
Summer classes will be held on-line and registration so far is higher than the previous year.
Chancellor Green introduced Provost Spiller and she provided ERA members with an overview of her goals and objectives at UNL. She then answered a number of questions posed by the Zoom meeting attendees.
In response to questions directed to him, Chancellor Green noted the following:
--There will be significant system-wide budget challenges. Discussions are underway on how best to meet the challenge while minimizing impact on students, staff, faculty and the public.
--He is optimistic that enrollment will remain fairly steady for the fall but it is possible that student demographics will change, particularly with fewer out-of-state and international students enrolling.
--The campus is planning for a range of scenarios for the fall and spring semesters.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:45pm.