Topic: Marshall board to vote to require masks for students; OK budget reductions

[Flat Tire 2]

There is an article in the H-D concerning the Board of Governors meeting on Thursday. I don't have access to the article. Maybe we will found out about the cuts to athletic department?

[whf]

Normally I don't take the privilege of sharing what I pay for, in respect to the provider.  But I find the proposal so anti-American that I just wanted to see how others felt when they get to see and evaluate the information recommended for themselves.  IMHO, if you can't attend without restrictions, the school should have to offer both in-class and on-line classes.  What do you think?


Marshall board to vote to require masks for students; OK budget reductions
By TAYLOR STUCK The Herald-Dispatch tstuck@hdmediallc.com 8 hrs ago
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Marshall University is planning various budget cut scenarios, depending on fall enrollment, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Ryan Fischer/The Herald-Dispatch file photo
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HUNTINGTON — It will be against the Marshall University student code of conduct to attend class without a face mask this fall.

Thursday, the Marshall Board of Governors will vote to approve Health and Safety Measures for fall 2020 compiled by the Environmental Health and Safety Department, according to the meeting agenda. The measures include requiring all students and employees to wear masks in buildings. The board will also vote to add the measure to the student code of conduct.

Other safety measures include required COVID-19 testing for all international students and all students moving into the residence halls, as well as athletes. Tests will be administered weekly to a select number of students as surveillance and tests will be administered to staff who are exhibiting symptoms.

Classrooms will be limited to 50% capacity, though residence halls will maintain current capacity. Single rooms will not be required, though single room options are being added to the First Year Residence Halls — the only residence hall without singles.

The board will vote to approve a revised student conduct policy, which will make it a violation to not wear a mask inside buildings and to not follow other safety measures like physical distancing.

Violating any of the student conduct policies can result in several escalating sanctions, starting with a written warning up to expulsion.

The board will also vote on budget reductions for the fiscal year 2021 budget as the pandemic continues to create uncertainty for the university. The reduction plan has two phases, with initiation of the second phase dependent on enrollment. The university is preparing for an up to 10% reduction in enrollment and anticipates $12 million in revenue loss.

The budget measures include reducing salaries for employees making more than $50,000, which the university already announced.

The first phase of the reduction plan will save $15 million. Along with the salary reductions, which total $1.485 million, the university has implemented a hiring freeze for all positions except critical ones approved by the president, saving up to $1.5 million.

[gochneaur645]

If even 3/4 of us wore masks in public, this would all go away and we can have sports back. It's almost criminal to go into a building with dozens of other people and not wear a mask at this point.

[2xBison]

If even 3/4 of us wore masks in public, this would all go away and we can have sports back. It's almost criminal to go into a building with dozens of other people and not wear a mask at this point.

criminal?

jesus christ

[gochneaur645]

criminal?

jesus christ

Almost criminal is a phrase. I'm not actually advocating arresting somebody for that.

But based on what we know, maybe "completely selfish and holding a total disregard for the safety of others" is a better term?

[HaveUherd]

If even 3/4 of us wore masks in public, this would all go away and we can have sports back. It's almost criminal to go into a building with dozens of other people and not wear a mask at this point.

It’ll somehow be the evil liberals fault though when we have no Herd sports this year. Just watch.

[herdorbust]

It’ll somehow be the evil liberals fault though when we have no Herd sports this year. Just watch.

Yes the  the hundreds of thousands of protestors in streets all across the nation and now we have a spike. But if one person walks in somewhere without a mask, it’s almost criminal. Go figure!!!!

[The Right Stuff]

I have had several health care people including doctors tell me that the mask are not that effective. The problem is that the organism is so extremely small that it can pass right through most materials.  The only mask that would be truly effective are those GI types that you get in basic training.  Plus another problem is as humans we breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.  So as we breathe back in with a mask on we are breathing in our own carbon dioxide.  One nurse told me she had a patient develop pleurisy by wearing a mask.   :o

TRS
MU 71

[herdorbust]

My theory is I don’t get up in people’s face. Also if I’m out at Walmart or lowes etc, and hear someone cough or sneeze, I avoid that isle. I keep my hands from my face and use hand sanitizer before I get in my vehicle. I see people wearing mask’s that have huge gaps in the sides and around their nose. If it makes them feel better great. But that is doing nothing.

[gochneaur645]

I have had several health care people including doctors tell me that the mask are not that effective. The problem is that the organism is so extremely small that it can pass right through most materials.  The only mask that would be truly effective are those GI types that you get in basic training.  Plus another problem is as humans we breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.  So as we breathe back in with a mask on we are breathing in our own carbon dioxide.  One nurse told me she had a patient develop pleurisy by wearing a mask.   :o

TRS
MU 71

Masks other than n95's are not perfect, but they are instrumental in stopping the spread. And they also reduce the load size (giggity) that causes infections that do happen to be much less severe.

The pleurisy thing is pure, absolute fiction unless you wore a mask horribly wrong and way too tight for several hours. No mask that I've worn has been uncomfortable in the least.

[marshallmark]

I have had several health care people including doctors tell me that the mask are not that effective. The problem is that the organism is so extremely small that it can pass right through most materials.  The only mask that would be truly effective are those GI types that you get in basic training.  Plus another problem is as humans we breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.  So as we breathe back in with a mask on we are breathing in our own carbon dioxide.  One nurse told me she had a patient develop pleurisy by wearing a mask.   :o

TRS
MU 71

Tom, you're getting bad info.  The organism might be small enough to pass, but it has to be carried on/in droplets coming from someone's mouth/nose.  Masks limit and dissipate the droplets a lot, and if 75-80% of people wore masks in public then we'd severely limit the spread and potential second wave of the virus outbreak.  People that refuse to wear masks in public are not only putting themselves in risk, but are risking being a carrier to bring that virus to more susceptible people.  Your former colleague's (and my) daughter is on the front lines of this as a CMO of a large health clinic system and she tells us that N-95 masks are the best, but if you don't have access to those, a cloth mask is pretty effective at limiting exposure to the virus - especially FROM the person wearing the mask.   

[bighat]

Right Stuff, my daughter is a doctor and she said there is no way you would be breathing enough CO2 to affect you at all.

[wesnky]

In a separate process, the athletic department’s budget will be reduced by $3.4 million. The athletic budget was not included in the board’s agenda.

[puma]

In a separate process, the athletic department’s budget will be reduced by $3.4 million. The athletic budget was not included in the board’s agenda.

Is there any kind of breakdown of what kind of cuts that will entail?

[wasbarryb]

Is there any kind of breakdown of what kind of cuts that will entail?

We could start with Doc.

[wesnky]

Is there any kind of breakdown of what kind of cuts that will entail?

No, that was the entire amount of info that was stated.

[sardistim]

Normally I don't take the privilege of sharing what I pay for, in respect to the provider.  But I find the proposal so anti-American that I just wanted to see how others felt when they get to see and evaluate the information recommended for themselves.  IMHO, if you can't attend without restrictions, the school should have to offer both in-class and on-line classes.  What do you think?

I've got 3 in college.  What Marshall is doing is similar to what each of my three's colleges are doing.  I didn't see it, but I'm also guessing Marshall will offer both in-person and remote classes, possibly even a combination with larger classes--like Freshmen Chemistry.

I get that it's a big hassle, but I don't find anything anti-American about it.  All of our liberties come with some restrictions.  Yelling "fire" in a crowded theater doesn't get covered by free speech.  We've all been obeying -- No shoes, No shirts, No service -- for years without protesters taking to the streets.  I figure we can do -- No masks, no shoes, no shirts, no service -- for a couple of years without losing our liberty. 

This is a highly contagious disease.  Without these restrictions I don't know how college campuses could even open in the fall.  With the restrictions the virus will still spread, but hopefully at low enough numbers that students will stay on campus.  But I wouldn't be surprised if some campuses have to close midway through the semester, just like in the spring.  And if that happens, then sports would come to an immediate end at those schools.  It sucks.  My kids are heading into their senior years a time when college life should be at its best, but now it's one big question mark.  We're just thankful college administrators are trying to create protocols that might work and might keep my kids on the path to graduation.

[puma]

We could start with Doc.

I still can't figure out if he'll impacted by the salary reductions. He makes enough to be in the highest group, along with Gilbert and a couple others, but it's unclear if his salary is considered a lump sum or just what is directly paid for by MU and not filtered through other avenues.

[elginherd]

I have had several health care people including doctors tell me that the mask are not that effective. The problem is that the organism is so extremely small that it can pass right through most materials.  The only mask that would be truly effective are those GI types that you get in basic training.  Plus another problem is as humans we breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.  So as we breathe back in with a mask on we are breathing in our own carbon dioxide.  One nurse told me she had a patient develop pleurisy by wearing a mask.   :o

TRS
MU 71

The wearing of cloth coverings are somewhat effective in protecting the individuals wearing them. N95 masks are very effective. But the idea behind wearing masks is to protect the other people around you. The primary pathway for community transmission are the tiny droplets spread by speech, coughing & sneezing, not the microscopic dry virus particles. Wearing the mask basically knocks down &/or traps those droplets. (The same holds for flu & cold viruses also.)

AFA respiration, our systems do use only a very small fraction of the oxygen we inhale, subsequently only exhaling a small amount of C02. None of the masks are anywhere close to airtight. N95's are not comfortable, but they're not dangerous, though you might want to use a breath mint or mouthwash before donning one.

In short, the primary reason for the wearing of masks is to protect your fellow citizens. The irony is that sports are more likely to restart if most people wear masks. 

[QuickStrike]

Doc should be forced to wear a mask for robbing Marshall since that contract extension.

[elginherd]

I've got 3 in college.  What Marshall is doing is similar to what each of my three's colleges are doing.  I didn't see it, but I'm also guessing Marshall will offer both in-person and remote classes, possibly even a combination with larger classes--like Freshmen Chemistry.

I get that it's a big hassle, but I don't find anything anti-American about it.  All of our liberties come with some restrictions.  Yelling "fire" in a crowded theater doesn't get covered by free speech.  We've all been obeying -- No shoes, No shirts, No service -- for years without protesters taking to the streets.  I figure we can do -- No masks, no shoes, no shirts, no service -- for a couple of years without losing our liberty. 

This is a highly contagious disease.  Without these restrictions I don't know how college campuses could even open in the fall.  With the restrictions the virus will still spread, but hopefully at low enough numbers that students will stay on campus.  But I wouldn't be surprised if some campuses have to close midway through the semester, just like in the spring.  And if that happens, then sports would come to an immediate end at those schools.  It sucks.  My kids are heading into their senior years a time when college life should be at its best, but now it's one big question mark.  We're just thankful college administrators are trying to create protocols that might work and might keep my kids on the path to graduation.

And read about the 1918 Kansas flu...one city, Philadephia decided to flaunt the best epidemiological advice. Another city did...St Louis.
Being a responsible citizen includes some responsiblity for the well-being of your fellow citizens, especially if it requires minimal effort.

[coalherd]

And read about the 1918 Kansas flu...one city, Philadephia decided to flaunt the best epidemiological advice. Another city did...St Louis.
Being a responsible citizen includes some responsiblity for the well-being of your fellow citizens, especially if it requires minimal effort.

Good, lengthy article, elginherd, in current issue of Sports Illustrated about how sports, mainly major league baseball, and society dealt with that 1918 pandemic.  If one is searching for anything "sports related" to help make up for our current lack of any significant team sports, or needs a "sports fix" and doesn't mind it dealing with a sport a century ago, might want to check out the article.

[coalherd]

In a separate process, the athletic department’s budget will be reduced by $3.4 million. The athletic budget was not included in the board’s agenda.

One area that apparently being look at in trying to reduce costs concerns scheduling and team travel, particularly, at least, in the "Olympic" sports.  The daily Paul Swann radio show in Huntington recently had as a guest veteran Herd tennis coach, John Mercer.  They discussed his upcoming team, new players, etc., and then discussed the schedule.  Coach Mercer noted that in tennis, the Herd team goes to a lot of in season tourneys where several teams compete, at one location per tourney.  Also noted the Herd has had a history of playing some out west teams, teams in the east (last year we competed against Yale, I believe).  The Coach seemed to suggest that the team may not be traveling to as many distant locations for matches as in the past.

I would think that the administration, including Mike Hamrick, may be directing, or "strongly" suggesting, that other Olympic coaches, volleyball, softball, swimming, soccer, etc., do the same in making or completing schedules for the 20-21 season, to curtail/cut down on travel, and, of course, COSTS!!

As for in conference schedules, believe that the CUSA "brain trust" is already working on that.  For example, I believe New Mexico is, or was, a CUSA member for soccer.  Doubt if we see them on the 20-21 schedule!  And I believe some of those annual trips to Texas for a lot of Olympic games and/or matches will be highly curtailed if not cut out altogether!

My only real "concern" is that Danny's basketball program will fall under the same guidelines (I'm sure the women's program is) and that in completing the OOC schedule, Herd fans may again be forced to see the likes of (Ugh!) the Kentucky Chrstians, Pikevilles, Rio Grandes, etc., of the world on the 20-21 schedule, all in the name of "cost cutting"!!

[Herdmeister]

One area that apparently being look at in trying to reduce costs concerns scheduling and team travel, particularly, at least, in the "Olympic" sports.  The daily Paul Swann radio show in Huntington recently had as a guest veteran Herd tennis coach, John Mercer.  They discussed his upcoming team, new players, etc., and then discussed the schedule.  Coach Mercer noted that in tennis, the Herd team goes to a lot of in season tourneys where several teams compete, at one location per tourney.  Also noted the Herd has had a history of playing some out west teams, teams in the east (last year we competed against Yale, I believe).  The Coach seemed to suggest that the team may not be traveling to as many distant locations for matches as in the past.

I would think that the administration, including Mike Hamrick, may be directing, or "strongly" suggesting, that other Olympic coaches, volleyball, softball, swimming, soccer, etc., do the same in making or completing schedules for the 20-21 season, to curtail/cut down on travel, and, of course, COSTS!!

As for in conference schedules, believe that the CUSA "brain trust" is already working on that.  For example, I believe New Mexico is, or was, a CUSA member for soccer.  Doubt if we see them on the 20-21 schedule!  And I believe some of those annual trips to Texas for a lot of Olympic games and/or matches will be highly curtailed if not cut out altogether!

My only real "concern" is that Danny's basketball program will fall under the same guidelines (I'm sure the women's program is) and that in completing the OOC schedule, Herd fans may again be forced to see the likes of (Ugh!) the Kentucky Chrstians, Pikevilles, Rio Grandes, etc., of the world on the 20-21 schedule, all in the name of "cost cutting"!!

many of our Olympic sports teams do not play a single CUSA team all year until the tournament at the end of the season

[elginherd]

many of our Olympic sports teams do not play a single CUSA team all year until the tournament at the end of the season

That is a shame.
Not that anything will be done about it, but this a another black mark against the mighty CUSA.