H 1 anyone?

Josh Robison, staff writer

The fall semester is over halfway done, but the cold and flu season is just beginning. Students around campus are dealing with a number of illnesses, including the notorious H1N1 virus, more commonly referred to as the “swine” flu.

The recent wave of illnesses has many rushing to the urgent care, checking to see if they have acquired the virus.

With so many students out sick, some question the university’s plan of action if the trend were to continue.

At this point, Vanguard plans to keep everything running as normal. However, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has assembled an emergency plan to be put into action if the situation worsens.

“We have a contingency plan in place…if we find out that this is affecting a certain percentage of faculty or staff, then we would [first] go down to preemptive measures and then reactive measures,” Dr. Ann Hamilton, Vice President of Student Affairs, said.

Some feel that the plan should already be in action, considering the current number of sick students.

“I don’t understand why [authorities] cancelled school before for fires that were still miles away, but won’t cancel school for a sickness that is actually affecting so many students within the campus,” said senior Mia Schneider.

Although Schneider has not been affected personally by H1N1, she works alongside others in the Music department who have acquired the virus.

A handful of students reported having the virus, claiming it to be comparable to a seasonal flu virus, only more severe.

“I had such a high fever…I was hallucinating and could not walk,” freshman Amanda White said, referring to the complications resulting from the H1N1 virus.

Vanguard has stepped up precautionary efforts in hopes of avoiding any further spreading of the virus. With no health center on campus, students are encouraged to be proactive in their preventative actions.

Many of those who were infected with H1N1 were advised to go home and stay in isolation and wear a mask when around others.

“[Doctors] had me wear a special mask called an N-95 mask…which is usually used for tuberculosis patients,” said junior Josh Quale, who returned to campus after recovering from the virus.

The H1N1 virus has its own unique difficulties, making it a more dramatic flu virus than the typical seasonal virus.

“This [H1N1 virus] is differentially affecting infants, children and college-age people as opposed to other flus that hit the elderly, the frail and the infirmed,” Hamilton said.

Sophomore Kelsey Keitzman was one of the first students to see the effects of H1N1, catching the virus in late May.

“It was different than the regular [seasonal] flu,” Keitzman recollects. “You don’t throw up as much…you just have more of the aches and chills.

While the exact number of students affected by H1N1 at Vanguard has not been released, this illness has the potential to impact everyone.

“This [virus] is different…it got all of our attention,” Hamilton said.

Orange County health officials and the Center for Disease Control are urging everyone to get two flu shots this year.

Seasonal flu vaccinations are now available at a number of nearby locations, including Target, CVS and Rite-Aid. By mid-November, the H1N1 vaccination is expected to be available at similar locations around the area.

WASC Grants Deferral as VU Works to Improve Stats

Amanda Samaan and Tamara Fowler, staff writers

WASC UPDATES:
The WASC commission has granted Vanguard’s request to push their deadline to report on improvements the University has made until May 1.
With this granted deferral, President Taylor and the administration are able to use the extended time to make the corrections necessary to better the University—such as provide a finalized review of the budget and demonstrate steady membership on the Board. The time will also give the administration the ability to review and assess programs on campus and supplement diversity initiatives.
On May 1 the University will need to show marked improvement in the areas outlined by the WASC commission. WASC will reply in June with their decision on whether or not to sanction Vanguard.
Since becoming President, Taylor and her staff have been working around the clock to fill the positions of Provost and the Chair of the Board of Trustees. The current make-up of the board is primarily clergy, causing a distinct lack of professional diversity. One of WASC’s stipulations calls for a remodel of the Board into one that consists of members who are well rounded in many different fields, including individuals who specialize in executive positions in business and finance.
“We need an independent and autonomous board that is neutral,” Taylor said.
The goal is to prevent board members from being in a position where they have to choose between the University and the District, but instead to create a board whose primary interest is always the University.
The names of the new board members are to be released by the end of April.
“Be assured that I take this new responsibility most seriously and will continue to work diligently on behalf of Vanguard University,” Taylor said in an earlier press release. “Vanguard was built on a vision to equip students to prosper and hasn’t stopped. This will be our finest hour!”
FINANCIAL UPDATES:
Along with a restructuring of board governance, progress is being made to create a sustainable budget. It is anticipated that $3.5 million will be cut from the budget next year, triggering changes to the academic programs that fail to show high or increasing numbers of students.
Although the budget for next year is significantly lower, students do not need to worry about scholarship or financial aid they are receiving.
“If a student maintains renewal criteria there should be no impact to their financial aid,” said Jessica Mireles, V.P. of Enrollment Management and Communications.
Mireles said that numbers are conservative for fall enrollment.
“We are currently expecting 1,250 students, with 412 new students and 838 current,” she said.
STUDENT LIFE UPDATES:
Student retention is one of the primary goals for the campus in the midst of these changes.
“There needs to be more student friendly policies made,” said Ann Hamilton VP of Student Life.“ Different departments need to work together more in advocating for the students.”
Student life is also working on specialized living and learning communities for fall 2009. In these, students will be surrounded with others who share common interests. There are tentative plans for a green living, hospitality, and global village.

ADDITIONAL UPDATES

• Regardless of current account balance, all are able to academically register during Registration Week, April 13-17.

• Fall semester Financial Registration deadline has been changed from Aug. 15 to Aug. 1. Monthly payment due dates are also now the 1st of each month.

• Tuition package for full time status has been moved back to 12-18 units.

• Summer tuition has been significantly reduced. New price per unit is $300 (previously $693 per unit). There is also a greater offering of courses.

• On-Campus housing during summer sessions is at a discounted rate of $100 per week for students enrolled in at least 2 units during that session.

• The financial aid staff will be moving to the Scott Academic Center this summer to create a Student Financial Services Center where both financial aid counselors and student account specialists will be located.