The newsletter for the WKU community
March 3, 2020
Updates from the Provost
WKU is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, which was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. While no instances of COVID-19 have been reported in Kentucky, it is prudent that as a community, we educate ourselves, we remain aware of the situation as it develops and we prepare to respond should the need arise.

The many unknowns and uncertainties about this virus make it imperative that we turn to credible sources for up-to-date information. Information for the WKU community can be found here . That site includes a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a leading source of information about COVID-19.

WKU’s emergency management team is working with appropriate groups across campus, and in our region, to refine our response plan to best support our campuses and assure continued operations in the face of an outbreak. As those plans come together, we will share them with you.

There are no current plans to cancel classes due to the low risk in our region. However, this is a good time to think about preparing for any situation that could disrupt class schedules, how we can complete courses outside of face-to-face instruction and how we can support our community in an emergency situation.
CLIMBING HIGHER
March is Social Work Month. The WKU Department of Social Work has several events planned . The department includes the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program and the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program and continues to experience growth in students, faculty and programs. Learn More
Forum this afternoon for finalist for Associate Provost
Four finalists for WKU’s Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Education are participating in on-campus interviews. The second is Jean Van Delinder, Senior Associate Dean for the Graduate College at Oklahoma State University. An open forum will begin at 2 p.m. today at the Mahurin Honors College-International Center, room 1011.
Spotlight: Nikki Ogorek
Nikki Ogorek’s pole vaulting career started in her family’s living room when she was about 5 years old. “I remember I was watching television, and the Olympics were on,” said Ogorek, a junior from Bloomington, Illinois, who studies graphic design and competes on the WKU Track and Field team as a pole vaulter. “I saw the pole vaulters on the screen, and I thought it was the coolest thing.”
Project PREP application deadline extended to March 8
Project PREP has extended the application deadline for its first cohort of students to March 8. In January, WKU announced a $1.1 million federal grant for the interdisciplinary initiative which will address the ongoing national, state and regional shortage of personnel certified to serve K-12 students with high-intensity needs.
Student Research Council seeking judges for conference
The WKU Student Research Council is seeking judges for the 50th Annual WKU Student Research Conference on March 28 in the Downing Student Union. Deadline to volunteer is Monday (March 9).
Campus Master Plan Survey
WKU is building a new 10-year Campus Master Plan that will help shape the future of our Hill. Share your thoughts and help us ensure that WKU’s campus remains unmatched in Kentucky and beyond.
View from the Hill
For WKU students from China, the past few months have been stressful as they worry about family and friends back home who are impacted by the COVID-19 virus, better known as the Coronavirus. WKU's Amy Bingham talks to them in this week’s View from the Hill .
Basketball Event Parking
WKU is hosting the Fourth Region High School Basketball Tournaments through March 10. Parking Structures 1 & 2 will be used for event parking. Check out an advisory from Parking & Transportation about parking changes for WKU faculty, staff and students.
WKU Week in Photos
Check out this week's installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU's Division of Communications and Marketing.
March
3
Tuesday
Alumni Speaker Series

The Potter College Alumni Speaker Series will host a lecture and workshop by Brad Netter, designer, letterpress printer, artist and educator, at 6:30 p.m. at Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center, room 156. More Info
March
3
Tuesday
Studio Series 2020

WKU's Department of Theatre and Dance will present its Studio Series, featuring The Secret Houses ; Boise, Idaho ; and Don't Fear the Reaper , at 8 p.m. at Gordon Wilson Hall Lab Theatre. More Info
March
4
Wednesday
Staff Senate

WKU Staff Senate's March meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at Downing Student Union, room 2081. More Info
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Bowling Green, KY 42101