Celebrating fall semester successes
As we complete our sixth week of classes, I’d like to take some time to share three meaningful successes we’ve experienced this semester.
We all have seen the impact of COVID-19 on our society — whether in the health care sector, business operations, long-term care facilities, or education, all areas have adjusted to continue operations in as effective, safe, and normal manner as possible.
Both the K-12 and higher education environments have been turned upside down with planning, preparation, execution, and responsiveness to new learning environments, pedagogies, and student activities. VCSU has succeeded greatly in this response.
As of this writing on Sept. 25, our campus COVID-19 dashboard reports only two active positive cases with two students in isolation off-campus, and 11 individuals (2 on-campus students, 8 off-campus students, and 1 employee) identified as close contacts in quarantine.
I wish to extend thanks to the entire campus community for their efforts in keeping our student, faculty, and staff safe and successful during this challenging semester. It’s important, however, to remain diligent and not get complacent. As we all know, the current low numbers of active cases could escalate quickly if we become negligent or careless in following our guidelines and protocols.
On a different note, our final enrollment numbers have been released, and we are thrilled to report our headcount has set a new record and our FTE is the second highest in the past decade. These positive numbers — a record 1,676 total headcount, a record 1,541 undergraduates, and 1,159 total FTE — reflect the tremendous work of our entire community, the quality experiences we offer in and out of the classroom, the value of a VCSU education, and the personal approach students recognize and appreciate here.
Other success measures we celebrate this week are our selection by U.S. News as the No. 4 public regional college in the Midwest and our recognition by College Raptor as one of 21 Great Plains “Hidden Gem” schools. These accolades confirm what we all believe — that VCSU is a special place! I’m so thankful to be working with our talented and dedicated students, faculty, and staff as we continue to grow and improve our standing in this competitive higher education environment.
Under normal circumstances, many alumni and friends would be returning to VCSU for homecoming. Although COVID-19 concerns have resulted in the cancellation of alumni activities, our students are moving forward with a full week full of their own events and activities in celebration of homecoming week.
Despite our challenges this fall, we’re off to a great start, and I’m very proud of all the good work that has contributed to our campus successes. Go Vikings!