Weekly Update Issued Feb. 25
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2022) — University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto issued a weekly update to the campus community about the university's response to COVID-19 on the afternoon of Friday. Feb. 25. You can read that update message below.
Key Takeaways
- Students are why we are here. We have outstanding teachers who make the success of our students their top priority. The Great Teacher Awards, formally announced this week, are an inspiring reminder of our mission and purpose.
- We keep ourselves and each other safe by getting vaccinated, getting a booster shot and getting a flu shot.
- We are on a positive trajectory with the virus, but we must remain vigilant in keeping our community safe. Against that backdrop, we are continually evaluating our policies and procedures with respect to COVID.
- We will continue that process and communicate any time we are ready to make changes, in consultation with campus leaders among our faculty, staff and students.
Campus Community,
So much consumes our daily lives — the hectic pace of work, the concerns of family and other obligations and, of course, the challenges of life amid a pandemic that has understandably occupied so much of our energies these past two years.
It’s inspiring to me, every year at this time, to receive a reminder of who we are, what we do and how we have incredible people in our midst who are called to teach.
On Wednesday evening, we formally announced the winners of the annual Great Teacher Awards, sponsored by the UK Alumni Association since 1961. You can read more about the winners here.
Six teachers were recognized. They came from across our campus and represented different colleges and disciplines — from education to engineering, and from communication to business and law.
But they shared profoundly important values and priorities.
They are passionate about what they do. They care deeply about students. And, even on the inevitable bad days that we all experience, they are motivated by the powerful idea that what they are doing is making a difference – not simply for today and those students they directly touch, but for generations to come.
“I’m doing what I feel like I’m called to do,” said one award winner.
“I love the process of helping students learn, and they help me learn,” said another.
What wonderfully compelling expressions of what we are supposed to be as a university — a place that helps students find their passions and then gives them the skills they need to make their marks on the world.
It was inspiring for me, as we begin the final stretch of one more academic year, to see and hear firsthand some of the outstanding teachers who make this community so special.
COVID-19 Update
Please remember that masks are required in all indoor spaces. We wear masks not only to protect ourselves, but also to protect those around us, particularly those who are vulnerable.
To be sure, there is a great deal of discussion throughout the country right now about COVID-19 policies and mitigation strategies. Mask policies are the focus of more and more attention.
We are continually evaluating our practices and policies – always with a focus on what is best for the health, safety and well-being of our community.
- You can learn more about the proper way to wear your mask here.
- If you see that people are not compliant with mask-wearing and want to report it, you have several options. Learn more here.
Thank you to those who have made the compassionate and responsible decision to be vaccinated. This week’s vaccine rates are below:
UK Community: 92.0% Campus: 91.2% UKHC: 94.1% Faculty: 97.5% Students: 89.8% Staff: 94.1%
Vaccines represent our best defense against COVID-19, particularly against serious illness and hospitalization. You also can sign up for incentives if you have received your booster shot.
Student Booster Incentive Program
Employee Booster Incentive Program
Thank you for being a community that cares.
Eli Capilouto
President