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Weekly Update: Taking Care of Our People

This year, we will invest more than ever before in salary, wage and benefit increases from central sources. Investments allow us to increase access to the best care, while holding down costs of health care coverage.

Investing In Our People: Our Proposed Compensation Plan

We will be proposing to the Board of Trustees in June a compensation plan that doubles the annual amount we’ve been investing over the last 10 years for pay raises – $8.6 million on average to more than $17 million this coming year. Taking care of our people is a principle of our Strategic Plan. This compensation plan demonstrates that our plan is more than words. We are investing in our workforce.

Changes to COVID-19 Testing Policy

As of Monday, April 4, we will no longer require unvaccinated members of our community to be tested weekly for COVID-19. (This does not apply to UK HealthCare employees who fall under the CMS mandate).

A Budget That Invests in Higher Education, Kentucky’s Future

Advancing Kentucky in everything we do will require investments and resources to support our vital missions of education, research, service and care. The state budget that has emerged this week after months of work in the General Assembly makes critical down payments on the investments we need to advance our state.

Taking Care of Our People, Health Benefits

In June, the Board of Trustees will consider and vote on a university budget for 2022-2023. A critical element of that proposed budget is the investment we make in health care and how we work to keep costs as low as possible, while providing outstanding coverage. After all, one of the principles of our strategic plan is titled Taking Care of Our People. Health care coverage is an essential element of how we do that.

Vacation and Leave Time for Our Campus Community

We know the past two years have posed incredible challenges to so many in our community. One way we can ensure the health and well-being of our people is to provide flexibility where possible. One example of that commitment is our plan, again this year, to roll over vacation and leave time for members of our community.

Weekly Update: Weather, the Budget and COVID-19

It will be a busy weekend on our campus as we welcome hundreds of prospective students and their families. We will be monitoring the potential for inclement weather as we ensure as safe an experience as possible for our community and visitors.

Changes to Mask Policy

Beginning on March 9 we will adopt an optional mask-wearing policy in common areas across campus, such as the Gatton Student Center; common areas or hallways of classroom buildings; dining halls; libraries; workout facilities; and residence halls. Masks will remain mandatory in classrooms during classes and in private offices/suites and conference/meeting rooms where more than one person is gathered.

Supporting Each Other, Keeping Our Community Safe

Even as the trendlines are all positive, we know COVID-19 remains a tremendous challenge in our state, country and world. Get vaccinated. Get your booster shot. Continue to follow the healthy behaviors that have protected and safeguarded our community so well so far.

Demonstrating Our Commitment to Student Learning

Every 10 years, we seek reaffirmation from the body that accredits UK – the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). We are announcing our Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) – an important part of reaccreditation process. Our QEP focuses on what we are calling Transdisciplinary Educational approaches to advance Kentucky (TEK).