As of Jan. 10, spring semester enrollment was up by 578 students compared to 2020. Bendapudi acknowledged that new online learning opportunities in both the College of Business and the College of łÉČËÖ±˛Ą and Human Development heavily contributed to this figure. She thanked advisors, admissions staff, the financial aid office, student success coordinators, and faculty members for their efforts and contributions toward student success and retention.

Bendapudi provided senators with information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine availability. Vaccination of all university health care faculty and staff is expected to be completed by late January. Next, the vaccine will be offered to UofL employees and students in order of their age groups. “Our best judgement is to distribute it by age, which is what the best science is telling us. Whether you are faculty, staff, or a student, those who are 65 or older will get it first,” Bendapudi said.

Executive Vice President and University Provost Beth Boehm provided additional information on the age categories for vaccine distribution. They will be available to students, faculty and staff over the age of 65, followed by those 50 and older, and then those under 50. Boehm further noted that there will be four rounds of required testing for individuals operating on campus. Those working completely off campus are not required to be tested. 

Boehm addressed senator concerns about recent vandalism at the Belknap Theatre building on the corner of Floyd and Warnock. The damage has been repaired and the building will have increased security as the matter is investigated further.

Faculty Senate Chair David Schultz presented the charge for the ad hoc committee on inclusion, diversity, anti-racism and equity. The committee will be comprised of one faculty representative from each of the 12 senate units, as well as chair and vice-chair of the Faculty Senate. While non-senators will have the opportunity to serve on the committee, a majority of the representatives must be faculty senators. 

Gary Becker, director of University Parking & Transportation Services, provided updates on campus parking. Parking fees were approved for increase in the year 2020, but the increases were suspended due to the pandemic. Becker reported that the previously approved increase will be recommended to move forward in 2021. The increase will vary between the different types parking permits and will range from a $10 to $21 addition to annual fees.

Becker further reported that university parking has an expected $1.3 million revenue loss due to COVID-19. This expected loss has deferred maintenance on some university parking facilities. Becker informed senators that maintenance on all university parking facilities is planned to occur in the next three to five years.

Committee reports and a of the virtual meeting can be accessed on the . The next faculty meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3 via Microsoft Teams.

Students who feel unsafe attending in-person classes are encouraged to sign up for distance ed and remote courses. If online options will not allow a student to make progress toward their degree, faculty are asked to continue to accommodate students who request to take hybrid courses fully online. However, students should declare before the add/drop period has ended (Jan. 15) that they need to take a hybrid course fully online, so long as that course does not depend on in-person instruction (e.g. labs or clinicals). 

Additional reminders and protocols you need to know to ensure a healthy and safe campus are below: 

• Required testing is underway. All students, faculty and staff who are on campus (or plan to be on campus periodically) are required to get tested for COVID-19 between 4 and Jan. 15. To sign up for a test, for information about exemptions and other details, visit the section of our COVID-19 website.
• Quarantine now if you are currently on campus or plan to be when classes start (Jan. 11). This includes refraining from non-essential trips to local businesses and restaurants and non-essential group gatherings and events.
• Get a flu shot. If you did not already get a flu shot in the fall, you must get one. If you received a flu shot with an off-campus provider, if you will not be coming to campus at all, or if you are seeking an exemption, complete this . If you completed this form in the fall, you do not need to complete it again.
• Wear a mask and practice physical distancing. If you are a new student with us, don’t forget to grab a free mask when you’re picking up for your university ID card or parking permit. Review our mask requirement and seven health and safety protocols .
• Read the Spring 2021 Student Acknowledgement. By coming to campus this spring, you acknowledge that you are aware of UofL’s health protocols and expectations, along with your individual responsibilities as outlined in the .
• Carefully review the on the COVID-19 website. This is your central source for key academic calendar dates, attendance expectations, resources for learning how to use Blackboard and more. Remember: Jan. 15 is the last day for adding/dropping courses and it’s also the deadline for requesting needed accommodations from your professors to take a hybrid course online.
• Contact the COVID Support Team for questions or concerns about the COVID-19 protocols. You can with a member of this team Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Reach out for help. If you have concerns, obstacles, or need assistance please reach out to the .

Here are the key dates to keep in mind for the spring semester: 

Key dates for the spring 2021 semester:

• Jan. 11: Classes start
• Jan. 15: Last day students may drop/add (This is also the deadline for students to contact professors about accommodations to take a hybrid course online)
• Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (holiday)
• Mar. 4 and 5: Spring break
• Mar. 12: Last day to withdraw
• Apr. 21: End of classes
• Apr. 22: Reading day
• Apr. 23-29: Final examinations

Spring Commencement is currently planned for May 8, however that may change due to the pandemic. 

More information about the spring semester – for students, faculty and staff – is available on . The page is updated as information changes.