Irene Kniss Archives - EMU News

Vaccines in the Valley: EMU’s nursing students volunteer at clinics serving community and fellow students

Lauren Jefferson — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:59:48 +0000

As Virginia’s vaccine rollout spreads into the Shenandoah Valley, ��ݮ�� students are participating at both ends of the needle: both giving and getting the shot.

And in some cases, they’ve giving the shot to fellow students and EMU employees. According to an informal count kept by EMU Health Services, 110 students and 135 employees have received the full course of vaccines as of April 14. These numbers are based on copies of vaccination cards provided to Health Services (through covidhotline@emu.edu).

Micah Shristi, director of international student services at EMU, gets a vaccination from EMU student Natalie Stoltzfus at a clinic in the Convocation Center at James Madison University. (Photo by Kate Clark)

Senior nursing students in Professor Kate Clark’s community health course and associated clinical rotation this semester have been giving vaccines and aiding with processing at clinics up and down the Shenandoah Valley: in Lexington, at Augusta Health in Fishersville, the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, and Sentara RMH, the city jail and city community center in Harrisonburg. A recent afternoon saw a small group among the volunteer nurses, physicians, and other health professionals staffing a clinic in the convocation center at James Madison University.

While other rotations like shadowing in the emergency department and the ICU unit may be more exciting, Natalie Stoltzfus has enjoyed the hands-on work and the chance to contribute in an historic public health effort.

“These have been my favorite clinicals,” says Stoltzfus, who will work at Penn State Hospital Hershey after graduation. “Once you get the routine down, it’s pretty simple. Six hours goes by fast.”

According to Clark, EMU’s smaller program and long relationship with the local district of the Virginia Department of Health has contributed to unique opportunities to work small and large clinics and to interact with many different populations, including healthcare professionals, incarcerated individuals and senior citizens. [Read about spring 2020 clinical experiences and how the Class of 2020 nursing graduates finished their semester.]

Nursing student Katy Wessel confers with Professor Kate Clark before beginning her shift administering vaccines at a Virginia Department of Health clinic. (Photo by Rachel Holderman)

Nursing students provide Q & A at campus info sessions

The knowledge students have gained as vaccinators and in the public health context has also benefited their fellow students and campus community. In mid-March, EMU Director of Health Services Irene Kniss contacted the nursing department about hosting a Q & A session.

“We knew students had lots of questions and a need for information related to the vaccines,” Kniss said. “We encourage everyone to educate themselves and our nursing students and professors could be an important and trusted resource in that process.”

On Wednesday, April 7, students in the community health nursing class, with Clark and nursing instructor Lisa Burkholder, hosted a virtual information session about COVID vaccines. Questions from the attendees ranged from possible health impacts of the vaccines, the testing process and efficacy of each type of vaccine, and the biotechnology that has been developed.

In recent weeks, Kniss, along with other area health officials, has been in near-daily communication with VDH representatives for updates about the status of vaccines arriving in the Valley. An application to host an on-campus clinic had been made in January.

EMU students now eligible for the vaccine

On April 9, students were emailed about opportunities to sign up at several local clinics hosted by the Virginia Department of Health within the Central Shenandoah Health District. The campus’s COVID Response Team has provided transportation if needed.

“Getting the covid vaccine is an act of care for the entire community,” Kniss said, adding that the more fully vaccinated the population is, the more vulnerable populations will be protected and “the sooner we can move towards sharing spaces and seeing faces again.”

Students (and faculty and staff as well) sharing a copy of their vaccination card will no longer need to fill out the daily symptom tracker, one of several measures instituted this year to help track individual and community health.

While some universities are requiring proof of vaccination in the fall, EMU officials are still collecting information and exploring options.

Committed, vigilant campus leads to successful completion of fall semester

Lauren Jefferson — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:15:55 +0000

As students and faculty wrapped up final exams last week, the ��ݮ�� community reflects on the achievement of a major milestone: completing a large portion of the fall semester on campus without a major outbreak in the middle of a pandemic.

“I am so very proud of our resilient, faithful EMU community,” said President Susan Schultz Huxman. “Our students, faculty and staff all worked courageously, imaginatively and generously this semester so that we could continue to fulfill our educational mission and learn together. This collective, community efforts says so much about who we are: We do indeed ‘Lead Together.’”

EMU held its traditional holiday celebrations early to both celebrate and share gratitude with students before they vacated campus Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday and winter break. Students finished one week of online classes and reading days before final exams.

The semester’s culmination in an online format, along with other minor changes to the fall semester academic calendar, was part of plans announced in August in anticipation of the predicted late fall surge in COVID-19.

Sacrifices made for low numbers

A nursing student participates in a clinical with “Floyd,” EMU’s pediatric manikin. Keeping COVID numbers low meant that students in pre-professional programs remained on track to graduate with participation in required clinicals, student-teaching, and practica. (Photo by Randi B. Hagi)

EMU’s COVID numbers were low throughout the semester. For the weeks when students were present on campus, the university recorded 12 cases. From Aug. 1 to the date of publication, the university community had 20 total cases. [See data at EMU’s .]

Exit COVID testing, offered to students before they left, was also an indicator of community health, successful monitoring and mitigation. Of the 94 tests conducted among students, faculty and staff, all were negative.

“Our students took the COVID Commitments seriously and were attentive to following recommended health practices,” said Dean of Students Shannon Dycus. “None of this was easy or light. EMU students made true sacrifices in areas like recreation and relationships for the collective health of our community.”

The university initially delayed the start of the fall semester in August because of four positive tests among student leaders on campus for pre-semester training. This decision proved to be beneficial, allowing administrators and staff to make adjustments to plans in place.

The move-in two weeks later and subsequent in-person classes continued smoothly and without major interruption through the rest of the semester. Read about how EMU faculty took on the challenge of hybrid classes.

All of the fall athletics teams, which will compete during the spring semester according to Old Dominion Athletic Conference plans, were able to continue skills training and conditioning, following strict masking and social distancing protocols, according to Director of Athletics Dave King.

The men’s basketball team concluded their season of practices with an inter-squad scrimmage. All of EMU’s athletic teams will compete in the spring semester. (Photo by Jared Oyer)

“I am very proud of the student-athletes and their cooperation with the safety protocols in place during practices this fall,” King said. “This gives me hope for the spring when we will need to be extra vigilant in our safety efforts.”

The teams concluded the semester with inter-team scrimmages. Spring semester will see all of EMU’s teams back in action. [Director of Athletics Dave King hosted his last week to share updates.]

Successful strategies

EMU Health Services director Irene Kniss points to testing and identification of positive cases and aggressive quarantine and isolation measures as solid strategies to keep the case load down.

Additionally, EMU had its own COVID hotline to facilitate efficient and effective response and conducted its own contact tracing. Each member of the campus community was required to fill out a daily symptoms tracker and data was monitored by a COVID Response Team, led by Beth Good. The director of EMU’s cross-cultural programs, Good holds a doctorate in nursing and has years of experience in public health.

“These strategies will continue in the spring semester,” Kniss said.

Many social activities continued this semester, thanks to efforts like this joint art event hosted by EMU’s Art Club and Psychology Club. Many events were held outside. (Photo by Rachel Holderman)

The COVID Response team, which will continue in the spring semester, included 13 employees who took on the care for students in quarantine and isolation. They managed meal delivery, transportation, contact tracing and other health and well-being needs.

Besides physical care, the EMU community also mobilized around providing ways for students to combat isolation, loneliness and anxiety – all common mental health issues but on the rise especially now. These efforts from Student Life, Residence Life and Health Services, will also continue in the spring, Dycus said, “from quaranteams to spring ‘pause days,’ various activities planned by Campus Activities Council, and different student-led worship opportunities.”

Collaborative effort

EMU’s COVID strategy has been managed by a collaborative team on the Crisis Management Preparedness Team, chaired by Vice President of Finance Tim Stutzman, and by the president and her Executive Leadership Team.

Five tents – the three shown here on the front lawn as well as two near residence halls – were set up this fall for students to use for socializing and studying. Music rehearsals and the occasional class also used the spaces.

These groups as well as subcommittees logged a huge number of hours during the summer and the semester, meeting sometimes daily to address issues. Much of the protocols and processes, developed in accordance with and by requirement of the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia, aided in a strong infrastructure related to public health, student life, athletics and academic plans for a safe return in the fall. These plans are currently being updated for spring semester.

“One of our successes has been the inclusion of a lot of people in their areas of expertise around campus,” Stutzman said. “That includes students, who helped us considerably in the summer with their representation on campus committees and who have shown exemplary leadership, from the Student Government Association to our student leaders in Student Life, and in various clubs and organizations.”

Stutzman and Dycus also noted strong partnerships with city officials, Virginia Department of Health staff, and other local partners. EMU played a role in two local public health campaigns calling on the community and university students to prioritize public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Communication was a priority from the beginning of the summer. A was launched in March 2020 and updated almost daily. From August to December, the university sent approximately 75 communications. Campus signage related to COVID was a major endeavor.

Looking ahead to spring

When students return in mid-January, many of the campus routines set in fall will continue. There will be some major changes related to testing, driven in part by the availability of testing resources. Additionally, all the athletics teams will be competing, with NCAA protocols for increased testing, as well.

“The takeaways from this semester are substantial,” said Dycus. “We’ve learned communication practices that keep the EMU community informed. We formed habits in the protocols that keep us healthy and are attentive to the needs of mental health and resilience that will help us maintain wellness. We benefited from our collective commitment this Fall and we are working hard to facilitate the same for our Spring return.”

The spring semester begins Monday, Jan. 18. That day, the university hosts its annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Most events will be virtual.

“We learned a great deal in the fall semester during what was an intense and serious learning curve,” Stutzman. “We know next semester will present its own unique challenges but the successful completion of fall gives us confidence that we are on the right track with our protocols and procedures, and that all of us, students, faculty and staff, are invested and committed.”

EMU awarded $300,000 Department of Justice grant

Lauren Jefferson — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 21:24:04 +0000

��ݮ�� has named Leda Werner as the project coordinator of a new grant funded by the U.S. Department of Justice that focuses on connecting with community partners to combat sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking on campus.

Harrisonburg Police Department investigator Aaron Dove meets with Leda Werner, grant project coordinator, and EMU Director of Counseling Tempest Anderson.

The grant is for $300,000 over three years.

EMU was among 53 colleges and universities ��around the United States to be selected for funding. The Department of Justice (DOJ) administers authorized by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and subsequent legislation. This particular program — “Grants to Reduce Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking on Campus” — was allocated a total of more than $5.7 million.

Werner was previously director of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding’s Women’s Peacebuilding Leadership Program. Since its founding, 50 women from Africa and the South Pacific have earned a graduate certificate in peacebuilding leadership.

“Along with her work with peacebuilding leaders, many of whom were working on issues of sexual and domestic violence, Leda brings considerable experience in grant implementation, collaboration with partners and monitoring and evaluation,” said EMU’s Title IX Coordinator and primary grant writer .

EMU’s long-standing relationships with the Harrisonburg Police Department and the Collins Center may have contributed to the university’s successful bid, Kniss said. , a nonprofit sexual assault crisis center, has provided trainings to EMU students for the past five years.

Collins Center staff Ross Erb (left) and Jackie Hieberand provide a training for EMU students in spring 2017. (Photo by Joaquin Sosa)

“The grant requires that campuses create and support external partnerships with at least one criminal justice system and one sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking victim service provider within the community,” Kniss said. “That’s a partnership we already had in place and we’d like to see grow, for the benefit of the EMU community but also of the Shenandoah Valley community at large.”

The representatives from HPD and the Collins Center will be part of a core group, called the Community Coordinated Response Team (CCRT), which will meet monthly.

During the first year of strategic planning, this team will attend three DOJ-mandated workshops, followed by two more in 2020 as initiatives continue to be implemented.

The CCRT team will work with a coalition of internal partners including, among others, representatives of student life, residence life, faculty, human resources, Multicultural Student Services, International Student Services, student clubs and athletics. Undergraduate and graduate student representatives will also be included.

The collaborations will serve to strengthen current programming and develop new initiatives, Werner said.

Some of those programs are conducted by the EMU Counseling program, which has been undergoing an expansion of services under Director of Counseling .

“This grant will enable us to review and develop our prevention education trainings for new students, student-athletes and coaches, as well as our men’s program focused on healthy masculinity,” said Anderson, also a member of the CCRT.

Other program requirements include training for campus security; services such as a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling services, medical attention and legal assistance; and campus bystander training, offered through a globally known prevention program, Alteristic-Green Dot.

EMU awarded record-breaking total of more than $3.3 million in grants in 2017

Lauren Jefferson — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 15:48:49 +0000

In 2017, ��ݮ�� was awarded grants in excess of $3.3 million, including more than $2.2 million in federal funding.

The grants support the health and wellbeing of local and state residents through such initiatives as improving behavioral health treatment and counseling to underserved populations; creating mentoring networks for pastors; increasing awareness of and proactive responses to sexual violence in the community; and working on social justice issues with marginalized communities.

On a global scale, EMU’s peacebuilding work supports citizens, including youth, in conflict areas in the Middle East and Africa by increasing both human capacity and academic infrastructure.

“This record of grant-writing success is outstanding for school of our size,” said Provost . “It’s a testament to the strength of our faculty and staff and the relevance of the programs they offer.�� It is gratifying that so many external funders want to partner with us in the significant work we do for our students and the world.

Following is a sampling of grants.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: $1.2 million
“Expansion of Counseling in Underserved and Rural Areas” program
MA in Counseling degree program

This four-year grant aids the in providing increased behavioral health treatment and counseling to underserved populations in the Shenandoah Valley region of western Virginia and beyond. Pre-professional counselors in the graduate program, who will provide the services as part of their requisite 600 hours of field placement, will also benefit from specific training and practical experience.

Lilly Endowment Inc.: $999,893
“Strengthening Foundations for Thriving in Ministry” program
Eastern Mennonite Seminary

has received a grant of $999,893 from . in support of a national initiative to help organizations create and launch programs that support pastors as they move through professional transitions and face challenges posed by their particular ministry contexts.

The Rev. Dr. Brenda Martin Hurst will direct the five-year grant. Hurst, who holds a doctorate from Union Theological Seminary, was pastor of Frazer (Pa.) Mennonite Church for 10 years, and a professor of practical theology at EMS for nearly six years.

The seminary is one of 24 organizations – including seminaries, universities, retreat centers, denominational judicatories, faith-based agencies and other interdenominational and non-denominational organizations – representing diverse Christian communities to be selected to help establish the.

National Science Foundation: $644,944
“STEM Scholars Engaging in Local Problems” program
Multi-departmental grant

This innovative new program will provide for academically talented students with financial need studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The grant funds 14 scholarships as well as other support services for students, including peer tutoring, attendance at conferences, and stipends for student clubs.

U.S. Department of Justice: $300,000
Office on Violence Against Women Campus Project
Counseling Services

EMU is one of several college and universities nationwide to be awarded this grant focused on interdisciplinary resources and trainings for students, faculty and staff. The project is being overseen by the newly named grant coordinator Leda Werner, as well as Title IX Coordinator and Director of Counseling Services . An announcement of a committee of community partners, including representatives from the Harrisonburg Police Department and The Collins Center, will be made shortly.

��United Nations Development Programme/Iraqi Al-Amani Association: $112,000
Youth Peacebuilding Development and Trainings Related to Peacebuilding Curriculum in Iraqi Universities
Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

Several Center for Justice and Peacebuilding alumni and faculty are involved in this multi-phase grant. Two separate cycles of youth peacebuilding trainings, one now in progress, develop young leaders and support community peacebuilding projects.

Another grant phase provides training to academics from five Iraqi universities to develop a common peacebuilding curriculum.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation: $10,695
“Restorative Justice in Education Pilot Program in Jackson, Mississippi Public Schools”
Center for Justice and Peacebuilding

This grant is continued support of a 15-month planning grant involving Center for Justice and Peacebuilding staff and faculty from the MA in Education program, as well as school officials and community leaders in Jackson, to strengthen youth engagement and use of restorative justice practices in the classroom and community.

Additional grant funds

Other supporting organizations providing grant-funding during the year include the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the JustPax Fund, the Center for Performance and Civic Practice, the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and the Arts Council of the Valley, among others.

Other donations

EMU is the annual recipient of numerous endowments and generous gifts.��More than 230 endowed scholarships benefit current undergraduate, graduate and seminary students.��.

A recent $672,000 bequest from the Virginia College Fund by the Guy E. Beatty Revocable Trust will also be used primarily for student scholarships.

EMU receives $672,000 bequest through Virginia College Fund

EMU president appoints ‘Action Plan’ Steering Committee

EMU communications staff — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 16:23:57 +0000

President Susan Schultz Huxman launched an Action Plan Steering Committee Jan. 26 at ��ݮ�� to continue to ensure that the university is meeting federal regulations and implementing best practices to prevent and respond to allegations of sexual misconduct.

The appointment of the steering committee is the first of four actions implemented by Huxman in response to the Board of Trustee mandates after receiving the D. Stafford and Associates .

In addition to the work of the steering committee, Huxman announced three other actions to address best practices in the education and prevention of sexual misconduct on campus: development of a full-scale Title IX training program for faculty, staff and students; the implementation of a campus climate survey; and a review of the effectiveness of EMU’s Title IX coordinator position, as recommended by DSA.

The DSA report found that EMU has “extensive and detailed policies” addressing sexual discrimination, but these policies are found in disparate places; their recommendation was to create one comprehensive institutional policy.

“We are eager to move forward,” Huxman said. “I was pleased by the focus and commitment at our first meeting. This group of full-time EMU employees collectively has the requisite special expertise in all facets of education around sexual violence and discrimination. I have full confidence that this committee will prepare a report that takes us beyond compliance, one that helps us to live into our mission and our Anabaptist values of peace and reconciliation.”

Board chair Kay Nussbaum expressed appreciation for the ongoing work of Huxman and the administration, as well as for the new steering committee.

“This work is vital in strengthening EMU’s capacity to prevent sexual violence, effectively respond to allegations, and create a safe environment for our campus community,” she said. “We are grateful to move forward on this agenda with intentional action and focused leadership.”

Committee begins work on new Title IX policy

Huxman has named six members to the steering committee. By June 2017, this committee will have proposed a comprehensive new model for EMU’s Title IX policy.

To create this model, the committee is charged with reviewing DSA’s Title IX policy recommendations, as well as those recommendations for best practices addressing sexual violence collected by a fall 2016 task force.

, director of counseling services, chaired a key EMU task force that met in the fall and is also a member of the steering committee.

, the new Title IX coordinator, will chair the steering committee. Other members include , director of human resources and former Title IX coordinator; , co-director of Multicultural Student Services; , director of residence life, student accountability and restorative justice; and , nursing professor and current chair of the committee that hears and adjudicates Title IX hearings.

Development of Title IX training

Another action requires the design of a full-scale Title IX training program for the board, faculty, staff and students. Kniss will design the program and present it to the board, with cost estimates, a timetable and a plan of implementation for the next academic year (2017-18).

“The safety of EMU’s community has been one of my primary concerns as director of health services and continues in this new capacity as Title IX coordinator,” said Kniss, from Orlando, Florida, where she is attending a four-day Title IX training certification conference. “The role integrates my experiences of more than 30 years in the medical field as well as 14 years in a law firm as a legal nurse consultant.”

Campus climate survey

A campus climate survey will be developed by the director of institutional research and effectiveness, , and presented to the board for approval at its June 2017 meeting.

The periodic survey will poll students, faculty and staff regarding their knowledge of racial and sexual discrimination or harassment, sexual assault/violence or any experiences with sexual/racial discrimination while attending or working at EMU. The survey will also assess awareness of EMU’s Title IX policies and procedures.

Review of Title IX coordinator

The action plan also includes review of the new Title IX coordinator position, completed by the president in consultation with the vice president of finance and human resources.

A summary of recent campus events related to healthy sexuality and institutional harms and healing

Here are some of the activities that have taken place on campus in the past six months related to the topic of raising awareness and educating students about sexual misconduct issues:

In fall 2016 EMU sponsored a Best Practices on Addressing Sexual Violence Task Force.
EMU hired a dedicated Title IX coordinator.
Four staff persons have received formal training in carrying out Title IX sexual assault investigations.
The Student Life Division integrated bystander training into orientation and first-year activities.
Students in the teaching, ministry and healthy sexuality class and the introduction to youth ministry class participated in a half-day sexual abuse prevention training provided by The Collins Center. [This is the fourth year the training has been offered.]
‘Conversations on Sexual Violence’ symposium, March 2016, aimed to nurture community-building and resilience, 2016:
A series of chapel addresses including: Sex and Millenials: #NewScripts, by Carolyn Stauffer, Oct. 5, 2016 (; Faithful Sexuality in an Age of�� Porn, by Ken L. Nafziger, vice president for student life and dean of students, Oct. 28, 2016 (; Service of Lament for Sexual Abuse, with Professor Jerry Holsopple, Nov. 9, 2016 (; Stumbling In The Darkness (Take Back The Night Seminary Chapel) by Charlie Tinsley, Nov. 15, 2016. (.
Symposium and lecture by Catholic victims’ advocate Tom Doyle which focused on institutional harms and healing, Nov. 15, 2016:
Student-planned Take Back the Night events which focused campus attention on sexual violence and victims, Nov. 22, 2016:

Scheduled for Summer Peacebuilding Institute, 2017

Professor Carolyn Stauffer

Course description: Incidents of sexual wrongdoing damage institutions in addition to injuring individuals. When relationships are ruptured by sexual misconduct, institutions have a responsibility to repair the harms done, address breaches of conduct, and work towards prevention. This course investigates the forms that sexual harms can take and provides participants with the knowledge, skills and tools to build more preventative and restorative organizational environments. View more information.