As we are ramping up our efforts to begin distance learning only starting March 23, I wanted to share some information I received from WSU Provost Bryan Slinker, David Cillay, Vice President for Academic Outreach and Innovation (AOI), and others around WSU that may help provide you with direction in your efforts.
Following yesterday’s communication from the WSU Office of Research, and in planning for potential impacts regarding COVID-19 and for general best practices, the VCEA Safety Council would like all Voiland College personnel to ensure laboratory procedures are in place, including for communications, securing reactions, experiments, facilities, and live cultures. Each lab’s procedures should consider options for the quarantine of individuals, interruptions of service, and limited access.
Many of you have already seen today’s news that all campuses in the Washington State University system will transition from face-to-face classes, testing, and advising, to distance delivery beginning on Monday, March 23, following WSU’s Spring Break.
Thanks to everyone who came to yesterday’s VCEA Town Hall COVID-19 Q+A- either in person (or online!).
For those who missed the meeting, I’ve attached brief notes.
In my liaison role with WSU Incident Command Group, I will continue to share important information about WSU’s COVID-19 response as it arises.
As such, I’m inviting you to attend a VCEA Town Hall TODAY at 10 AM in ETRL 101, where you’ll get an update on what’s happening around the college and university and have a chance to ask me questions about any concerns you may have about COVID-19 and WSU’s response.
I wanted to share today’s COVID-19 faculty update from WSU Provost Bryan Slinker, which you will find attached as well as below this email.
It provides timely advice and outlines some of WSU’s advance preparations for teaching during this complex and rapidly evolving issue.
Earlier this week Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in response to new cases of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, directing all state agencies to use all resources necessary to prepare for and respond to the outbreak.
As such, WSU formally activated its system-wide Incident Command (ICS) team to respond to this rapidly evolving situation. ICS consists of staff from medical, public safety, campus operations, student and academic affairs, risk management, and other university offices from across the WSU system.
The linked document provides university information and links to resources regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. College leadership is working with the university, campuses and our colleagues to develop and implement continuity of operations plans for our academic, research and other programs and services as this public health issue progresses.