Muleskinner @MuleskinnerUCM
NEWS FEATURES OPINIONS SPORTS
• Vol. 114 • Issue 1 • Aug 31. 2020
@muleskinner_ucm
Best Optimistic for Future
cost reduction. Best acknowledged the
challenge this presents and admitted tough choices will likely be made to the budget.
State of the University Addresses COVID-19, Diversity and Inclusion
“In case you have thoughts otherwise,
this work will not be easy,” he said. “And
MATTHEW GOLDSMITH Sports Editor
I have to be open and honest with you,
UCM President Roger Best gave the
university. During the final quarter
the Elliott Student Union auditorium
lost approximately 12% of its state
2020 State of the University Address in Aug. 27. The speech focused on diversity, inclusion, as well as the coronavirus and how it has affected UCM.
The speech demonstrated the major
impact COVID-19 has had on the
p. 2 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7
of the 2020 fiscal year, the university appropriations, which was budgeted for
the year, which was higher than expected and spent $4.3 million in COVID-19
response expenses in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.
we can’t leave any area, nor any program
UCM is facing a final 2021 fiscal year
deficit of $10,750,000. The university is being allowed two fiscal years, with the
support of the Board of Governors, to fully resolve the current deficit.
The university plans to make up almost
$9 million of the deficit this year through
revenue generation, cost containment and
unexamined.”
The address also included the university’s
phased plan for a response for potential
COVID-19 outbreaks on campus and in the community. The plan ranges from phase zero, the university’s current operating
phase, to phase four, which Best said is
the worst case scenario and would move
all courses to online-only learning for the remainder of the semester.
Despite the concerns, Best said there is
This work will not be easy. We cannot leave any area or program unexamined.” — Roger Best
reason for optimism at UCM. A video was played at the address, highlighting the
accomplishments of faculty and students during the past 12 months.
“I think when you start with a base of
faculty and staff who not only have that level of commitment, but also have that
level of expertise and passion for what they do and what we do, then it’s hard not to be optimistic for the future of this institution,”
UCM President
Best said.
Another significant part of the address
was on diversity and inclusion. Best
discussed university goals to improve the
Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, President Roger Best speaks to 39 faculty and staff for the Annual State of the University Address on Aug. 27 in the Elliott Student Union auditorium. Best said UCM’s level of comittment and expertise make it “hard not to be optimistic for the future of the institution.” The address was also available virtually to ensure social distancing directives. Photo by Tyler Langenberg
as well as adding more gender-neutral
bathrooms. Best also said diversity and
inclusion are major focuses of his job, and
said he believes inclusion leads to diversity.
Downtown Gets Back to Business CARLEY TAYLOR
Muleskinnner Minute Manager On July 6, Johnson County officials
mandated the use of face coverings
many have gravitated downtown. Fitter’s
concerns of public health officials.
still at half capacity for cutomers, but they
taste of freedom. With no curfew or parents
bartender Tyler Greer, said the restaurant is
by residents and visitors in any public
have opened all tables for seating.
grocery stores, offices, places of worship,
all times. The pub also requires patrons to
pandemic, students are still going out for
and if they leave their table at any time,
stopped young people across the country
Greer said, “A lot of people think it’s a hoax,
indoor location including retail stores,
Employees are required to wear a mask at
restaurants and bars. Despite a global
wear masks until they receive their order,
“Thirsty Thursday.” COVID-19 has not
they’re expected to put their mask back on.
from going out to bars, despite the risks and
the younger people, not the older ones.
warnings.
Warrensburg is home to multiple bars,
the majority of which are located on Pine Street. Upon the return of students,
College students definitely aren’t taking it as seriously.”
For many students, college is their first
waiting for them at home, going out and socializing is that much more enticing. UCM
sophomore,
Kensey
Lamb
said,
“Clearly, students are still going to the bars. They do have tables at the restaurants that
are closed to maintain social distancing. You
have to wear your mask around the bar, but they don’t implement the 6 feet rule. They try to, but it’s not enforced.”
According to a press release from Johnson
Although establishments might be holding
County Community Health Services, “this
patrons are not and that is one of the main
back to a more normal way of life, while
up their end of the deal, it seems as though
small sacrifice now will help get everyone
helping get kids back to school and resume regular activities.”
“I think everyone wants to do the right
thing and contribute to the end goal. Small
sacrifices are being made now so we can
get back to our previous way of life,” Karri
Lewis, community outreach coordinator for Johnson County Community Health Services, said.
Lewis further said she hopes that everyone
takes personal responsibility and students are mindful of social distancing and masks on and off campus.
Illustration by Victoria Cimerman
