Stock Room Markup, Return of students and COVID

Stock Room Markup

There has been considerable backlash on the markup in the stock room, which is understandable.  However, I must emphasize that without a very significant markup, the stock room will not be sustainable.  I think a lot of us rely on the ability to collect staple supplies locally.  Historically the stock room had a 20% markup.  This was temporarily suspended by auxiliary accounting to bring the stock room into compliance with Federal guidelines, so the new 25% increase brings prices to just above recent historical prices.  Once the budget shortfall for the stockroom starts to turn around, the markup will be re-evaluated (note that all of the facilities are constantly undergoing scrutiny by campus-level auxiliary accounting).  To restore the viability of the stock room, groups can consider procuring supplies from the stock room rather than ordering them from outside vendors.

As a reminder, the university is increasing its oversight and restrictions over the auxiliaries (billing in our facilities), purchasing, and travel. These changes are not under the control of the Department.

Return of students and COVID

The IU COVID dashboard introduced last Friday: https://fall2020.iu.edu/dashboards/

Students have been told to inform their instructors if they’ve been ordered to quarantine (they do not need to inform you of whether it is because they tested positive or were potentially exposed).  What are instructors supposed to do?  Work with the student to ensure they have access to the material, and set up a timeline for completing assignments, if necessary.  Instructors should not inform the other students in the class.  If a student tells you that they are experiencing symptoms, your main responsibility is to instruct them to get tested.