By Grace Farrell
University Implements Isolation-in-place Policy
As of Sept. 14, an isolation-in-place model has been implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19 on campus. Individuals who test positive for COVID are to remain in their dorm rooms, while their roommates can contact Residence Life to be assigned an alternative room for the duration of the isolation period. New COVID boosters should also be available shortly; the CDC recommends that students make vaccination appointments at a local pharmacy once they are released.
New Senior Director for Intercultural Engagement, Miriam Chitiga
The University welcomes the new Senior Director for Intercultural Engagement, Miriam Chitiga. Chitiga specializes in educational administration and currently holds a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship. She began working at the office Aug. 7.
Newly Renamed Puget Sound Museum of Natural History appoints new Director
Professor of Environmental Policy and Decision Making, Kena Fox-Dobbs, is the new director of the Puget Sound Museum of Natural History.
University hires new Provost, Drew Kerkhoff
Puget Sound’s new Provost, Drew Kerkhoff, worked previously as an associate provost at Kenyon College. He is especially passionate about fostering student success in a liberal arts setting. The University began its search for a new Provost in July 2022 after Laura Behling stepped down.
Athletics Department joins Student Affairs
Logger Athletics has switched from Academic Affairs to Student Affairs in accordance with the Puget Sound Performance Success Initiative, which the University hopes will support students and foster a championship culture around campus.
Four staff members lose job amid budget reductions
The University is attempting to return to financial equilibrium by Fiscal Year 2026. In order to achieve this, measures include budget reduction targets of $2.4M for faculty and $1.9M for staff and necessitated the elimination of four staff members from their positions.