Northwest touts COVID-19 data transparency
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MARYVILLE, Mo. — Northwest Missouri State University President John Jasinski last week touted the university’s commitment to COVID-19 data transparency, saying the school is doing its part to help track the outbreaks.
Last month, university employees volunteered to put together an online dashboard that tracks daily COVID-19 statistics countywide. Shortly after the university reopened to students for the fall semester, they followed that up with another dashboard that tracks information related to the university specifically.
In addition to the basics like total positive cases and the number of students in quarantine, it also includes deeper dives like the remaining isolation room capacity on campus.
Jasinski said the university’s philosophy has been that “we’re in this together,” and the more information available, the better for everyone.
“I’ll tell you that Missouri State University, Mizzou and Northwest have proven to be a model for putting the information out … and we believe that’s the way to go,” Jasinski said at last week’s Board of Regents meeting.
After spiking at 189 active cases on Aug. 31, the case count at the university has been steadily declining. Still, both the university and Nodaway County remain a COVID-19 hotspot nationally on a rate basis.
Other Northwest notes
- According to the results of the 2019-2020 Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory, Northwest students who completed the survey were more satisfied with their college experience in all areas than national and regional comparison groups. The survey used nationwide is distributed to freshmen and juniors.
- Northwest unveiled a new “microsite” at the Board of Regents meeting dedicated to “addressing and enhancing a diverse and equitable Northwest.” The site provides a compilation of information that details Northwest’s actions related to diversity and inclusion since 2013 and offers resources for further education.
