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	Monday, Aug. 24, 2020

Chancellor Diermeier: One Vanderbilt, One Purpose

The Vanderbilt community must come together, with its uniquely collaborative spirit, to support and encourage one another during the struggles—and the triumphs and joys—that this semester is sure to present, writes Chancellor Daniel Diermeier in a message marking the first day of classes.

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Return to Campus Update for Aug. 24

All of Vanderbilt’s schools and colleges will conduct classes on campus today for the first time since March 9, the result of plans developed with diligence and care over the summer to ensure the university is ready for faculty, staff and students to return.

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Campus surveillance testing launches this week

Vanderbilt’s COVID-19 surveillance testing program will begin this week to ensure as much as possible the safety and well-being of the university community.This program is based on analysis of COVID-19 test outcomes and other factors to ensure a representative, meaningful and targeted sampling of the VU community.

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Voluntary Faculty COVID-19 Surveillance Program available

Vanderbilt’s campus surveillance testing program—mandatory for students, staff and postdocs who come to campus and required for faculty engaged in specific in-person teaching activities with students—will launch this week. Other faculty may opt to participate in the program on a voluntary basis.

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2020 Fall Faculty Assembly to be virtual on Thursday

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier will share his vision and priorities for the new academic year and present many of the university’s highest honors at the Fall Faculty Assembly—to be held virtually—on Thursday, Aug. 27.

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Yadav named associate dean for diversity, equity and community at law school

Professor of Law Yesha Yadav has been appointed associate dean for diversity, equity and community at Vanderbilt Law School. In her new role, she will serve as a liaison to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office of Inclusive Excellence.

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Historian Jon Meacham speaks to the ‘soul of America’ during prime-time televised remarks

Jon Meacham, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Professor of the American Presidency, implored Americans to embrace “the best parts of our soul” and let history “be our guide” during a nationally televised speech Aug. 20.

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Get to know Vanderbilt’s residential faculty: Professor Rosevelt Noble

As the new academic year gets underway, Vanderbilt’s faculty heads of house are revealing some things about themselves in this special portrait series. Get to know Rosevelt Noble, senior lecturer in sociology and director of the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center and faculty head of Stambaugh House.

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Faculty and staff invited to join inaugural LGBTQI+ Affinity Group

Faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQI+ and their allies are invited to join a virtual launch party and brainstorming session of the new employee LGBTQI+ Affinity Group. The event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

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Incoming students celebrated at virtual Founders Walk

Incoming first-year, transfer and Next Steps students were welcomed into the Vanderbilt community on Sunday during Founders Walk, an annual event that marks the start of the academic year as well as the students’ time at the university.

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Women’s Equality Day film screening and virtual discussion set for Aug. 26

The Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center will sponsor the online screening of a short film followed by a discussion on Wednesday, Aug. 26, to mark Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment.

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Tips for talking about wearing masks, physical distancing

Both mask wearing and physical distancing are required on Vanderbilt’s campus, and it can be uncomfortable to ask a fellow Commodore to put on their mask or to move 6 feet away. Here are some proven techniques for encouraging compliance by others.

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Open Enrollment for 2021 Benefits: HSA vs. FSA–which is a better fit for me?

During Open Enrollment for 2021 benefits, Vanderbilt will offer two distinct types of tax-advantaged plans to help pay for health care costs on a pre-tax basis: the Health Savings Account for employees electing the Choice CDHP, and the health care Flexible Spending Account for employees electing the Select PPO or waiving coverage.

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Vanderbilt Magazine: During the Great Depression, Chancellor Kirkland urged strength in adversity

In his opening address to the university on Sept. 24, 1930, Chancellor James H. Kirkland shared his thoughts on the serious purposes of university life during a time of country-wide unemployment and financial devastation.

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Visit Faculty Q&A page on Return to Campus website

Vanderbilt faculty are encouraged to visit the Faculty Q&A page, which includes answers to questions asked by faculty at recent Return to Campus town halls. The page continues to be updated regularly.

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Take Note

VINSE Spotlight Podcast: Kaitlyn Ryder–sending electronics to space

Research-related IT resources at Vanderbilt info sessions Aug. 31, Sept. 18

Limited Submission Opportunity: 2021 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists–All Categories

Employee Appreciation: Become a Music City Platinum Ambassador

Vanderbilt’s EasyRide program expands to offer free regional bus, train rides

Pick-up service now available from all libraries

CampusPrint adds mobility enhancements

Blair Academy now open on Zoom

Blair Academy offers Kindermusik on Zoom

Blair offers senior adult classes through ZOOM

Blair School offers tai chi sessions via Zoom

Join Health Plus Fit for Fall Team Challenge

All three steps of Go for the Gold now ready

A Healthier You: ‘Nourish a Healthy Mind and Body’

Submit tuition benefit applications for fall 2020

Coming Up

· AUG ·

Vanderbilt, Nashville commemorate 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment

· SEP ·

Test of AlertVU system scheduled for Sept. 1

· SEP ·

Faculty can learn ‘Finance Fundamentals’ in new series presented by Finance and Faculty Affairs

· SEP ·

Webinar: ‘Federal Funding for Early Career Faculty’ Sept. 22

· NOV ·

Save the date: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Day set for Nov. 13

Follow Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt in the News

Reuters: Top FDA official says he would resign if agency rubber stamps an unproven COVID-19 vaccine

Kathryn Edwards, Sarah H. Sell and Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Pediatrics, is quoted.

ABC News: Doctors rebuff unproven and potentially dangerous oleander chemical falsely touted as COVID-19 ‘cure’

William Schaffner, professor of health policy and professor of preventive medicine, is quoted.

Newsy: Oracle is reportedly in the running to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operation

Doug Schmidt, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair and professor of computer science and computer engineering, is quoted.

The Tennessean: With the struggles of remote learning, why educators say ‘it’s impossible to separate’ academics from digital access

Carolyn Heinrich, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Public Policy and Education, is quoted.

The Wall Street Journal: COVID-19 data will once again be collected by CDC, in policy reversal

Thomas Talbot, professor of medicine, is quoted.

The New York Times: College officials clamp down on student behavior over COVID-19 fears

Vanderbilt’s message to students is quoted.

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myVU provides top news and information each week for faculty, staff, and students of Vanderbilt University and is published by the Division of Communications.
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