Dean’s Letters

With one week to go until we begin distance learning at Washington State University, I wanted to provide you an update on where we at with our preparation efforts.

I want to let you know how proud I am of all the efforts that are going around the college to prepare for distance learning that begins March 23.

I’m hearing several departments are organizing “train the trainer” groups to assist each other in the technical and pedagogical challenges associated with teaching and advising remotely.

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.

With Spring Break nearly upon us, I wanted to give you a quick update on where we are with our efforts to update Voiland College’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan.

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.