Social impacts from COVID-19, the deaths of Ahmaud Arbury, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, calls for reforms to policing and criminal justice, voter access for state primaries and the lead up to the presidential election, social movements, and more. These topics have a race dimension that will be a significant concern for many of our students and employees during the coming year.

Please join us for another live episode of "Race and...Conversations About Race in America." The discussion will take place on Zoom at 1PM on Wednesday, September 2, with Rob Shelby, PhD. In this webinar, Rob will welcome special guests Kyle Jones and Becca Patton of Student Christian Fellowship.

Click the Zoom link to join the discussion: https://zoom.us/j/93117127417?pwd=SzVncExmK1RMcmh6Um9UbzFlNm1Ldz09

If you missed previous conversations, the recordings are now available on the Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion's webpage.

Contact:
Rob Shelby
rs262@evansville.edu
812-488-2949
Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As we begin returning to campus and in anticipation of the semester beginning on August 17, the COVID-19 Health Care Task Force would like to remind everyone that masks/face coverings are required on campus.

Why do I need to wear a mask?
According to the CDC, cloth face coverings are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings.

How will I get a mask?
You are welcome to bring your own mask; however, the University will also provide each student with a mask or face cover.

When do I need to wear it?
Inside any building and in cases when social distancing isn’t possible. This does mean you will be expected to wear a mask during class, unless your professor says that it is okay to remove (assuming everyone is at least six feet from each other).

How do I wear it?
Face coverings should:
• Fit snugly but comfortably against side of face
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Include multiple layers of fabric
• Allow for breathing without restriction
• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

I can’t wear a mask due to a health reason.
We understand that there are some students who are unable to wear a mask, and we will work with those individuals on accommodations that still keep everyone safe.

Sign up for the Community Race Project ChangeLab course this fall (CHNG 310-Y01). Students will design education resources that address racial issues on campus and in the Evansville community. For more information, contact Dr. Valerie Stein at vs9@evansville.edu.

Contact:
Valerie Stein
vs9@evansville.edu
812-488-1103
Philosophy & Religion

Wanting to practice Spanish throughout the summer? This opportunity is for anyone with an intermediate or advanced Spanish language level. For more information, contact associate professor of Spanish Diana Rodríguez Quevedo at dr130@evansville.edu. 

Contact:
Diana Rodriguez Quevedo
dr130@evansville.edu
812-488-2457
Foreign Languages and Cultures

This year, the July 4th holiday is on a Saturday. The University will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Monday, July 6. Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Contact:
Holly Smith
hh98@evansville.edu
812-480-5375

The Class of 2020 graduates of the Physician Assistant Program have achieved a first-time pass rate of 100 percent on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). This is the second consecutive year MPAS graduates have achieved this level of excellence.

“We are very proud of the hard work and commitment our students have exhibited, including this great achievement,” said Dr. Mike Roscoe, program chair and director. “Our graduates will make excellent medical providers and continue to represent UE and this program admirably.”

In 2019, the program’s first graduating class of 20 students achieved a 100 percent first-time PANCE pass rate. With the second cohort also achieving the same pass rate, UE is confident that current and incoming students will continue the trend. “Learning about the pass rates of our graduates was very exciting, because it is difficult to achieve such a rating,” said Roscoe. “To do this with new faculty and curriculum in the initial years of the program is even more impressive.” The national first-time PANCE pass rate is 93 percent.

The application period for the fifth cohort of students is open until August 1. Virtual interviews will be conducted in September to fill the 40 seats, and in-person classes are slated to begin January 2021. Roscoe reports that the application process has become more competitive as the program has seen exponential growth in applications since 2016. Interested individuals may apply for the program through graduate admission, or they may pursue the Baccalaureate to Physician Assistant pathway, in which students earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees through UE.

Physician assistants, or PAs, are nationally certified and state-licensed health care professionals who provide direct patient care across a broad range of medical services. PAs work in a wide variety of health care settings and specialties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of PAs is projected to grow 31 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In 2019, the profession provided a median salary of $112,260. 

The University of Evansville has been ranked among the top 100 best colleges for veterans by College Consensus. The complete list of schools was published to the organization's website in April.

To establish the order of ranking, College Consensus used a method that combined ratings from internationally recognized publishers (publisher rating) as well as student reviews (student review rating). Both ratings were averaged to form a complete list of 100 public and private college institutions across the nation. To qualify for the report, a college had to be a Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges member, have a recognized student veteran organization, be a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, employ dedicated support contact for veterans, and offer credit for military training.

"Our student veterans are a valuable asset to our campus culture," said Dr. Tracey Y. Folden, assistant vice president for academic affairs. "Their unique work as prior Servicemembers enriches the academic experience for all UE students."

UE offers a variety of services to support incoming and current students, including academic advising, tutoring, and career development. The student club, UE VETS (Veterans Education Transition Support), serves students, families, and active service members across the globe as they transition to college life, coordinating events and activities to provide additional support. For more information about services for veterans, visit evansville.edu/veteransaffairs.

"UE has been invaluable with the resources it provides for students with military backgrounds," said Jordan Wright, a disabled veteran and Class of 2023 student majoring in finance. "The University really makes every effort to set us up for success."

In 2019, UE was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the fifth best college for veterans in the Midwest. The University has also been previously recognized by U.S. Veterans Magazine and Military Times as a top college for veterans.

College Consensus is an online organization that highlights the best college programs and degrees offered in traditional and online formats. Studies recognize both public and private institutions at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You can read the complete report about the best colleges for veterans on their website.