Campus Safety Update: Coronavirus

sent to all faculty & staff March 2, 2020

Dear Colleagues: 

As you know, there is an evolving situation with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) happening beyond the boundaries of our campus. We have reached out to students to share the importance of health and wellbeing in our community and that we are closely monitoring what is happening. 

Please take a moment to read this message. 

At this time, the University is issuing a travel restriction for travel related to University business to China, South Korea, Japan and Italy. Any faculty, professional staff member or student who is planning an international trip to those countries on behalf of the University will require written approval from the Office of the Provost. Prospective travel will first need approval from one’s respective dean or department head, with all requests then submitted to the provost's office for review and final decision. Domestic business travel is not impacted at this time.

Individuals who plan on traveling on personal business to any of the countries listed above will need to receive medical clearance before being permitted to return to campus. For questions regarding personal travel, please refer to the travel guidance issued by the U.S. State Department here.

The University’s Crisis Management Team and senior staff are continuing to monitor the coronavirus situation and following closely the situations in South Korea, Japan and Italy, where the number of cases is increasing. There are no scheduled student programs in those countries. Any student on study abroad in those countries has been contacted by Student Affairs for follow up. 

During this time of year, and as with any flu outbreak, we want to remind you that it is important to proactively minimize the spread of viruses through good hygiene, including:

• covering your mouth when coughing;

• covering your nose when sneezing;

• frequently washing your hands, scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds; 

• avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;

• avoiding close contact with people who are sick;

• staying home if you are sick; and

• and sanitizing personal spaces.

You can find more detailed information about the coronavirus on our website’s Community Safety section.

We are committed to preserving and maintaining the health and safety of all members of our community. We will provide additional updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, we appreciate your adherence to these guidelines.

Sincerely,

Rick Longo                                                                                                                            Vice President for Academic Operations