August.pdf

President's remarks at the BOV meeting on August 31, 2021, focused on preparing for an in-person fall semester amidst the evolving COVID-19 challenge. Key points include:
- 95% of students and 88% of employees are fully vaccinated, with 100% of the Board of Visitors vaccinated.
- Employees have until October 1st to submit proof of vaccination, with exemptions subject to weekly testing and mask-wearing.
- The university has seen a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases on campus, with 28 positive tests and 2% positivity during the first week of classes, compared to 157 positive tests and 15% positivity last year.
- Despite concerns about high transmission rates and hospitalizations in the surrounding community, the university is hopeful about relaxing mask requirements when transmission drops.
- The entering class is outstanding, with an average high school GPA of 3.98, and is the most diverse in Virginia Tech history, with 39.3% underrepresented and underserved students.
- The university has implemented an enrollment freeze, resulting in a lower admission rate of around 55%, but is hopeful to increase enrollment in the future.
- Virginia Tech is aspiring to become a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), with metrics and milestones aligned with AAU membership indicators, and has asked Vice President of Research and Innovation to chart a course toward AAU eligibility.