Team,
Idaho State University continues to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and we are committed to providing regular updates to our campus community. Last month, we convened a task force of senior leadership and subject matter experts, and the team continues to meet daily to plan our University’s preparations and response. We continue to align our recommendations with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and governmental agencies. As a University, we are doing everything we can to prepare, with your health and safety at the forefront of our minds.
While there are no University-associated cases of COVID-19, and the
State of Idaho has no confirmed cases
, we fully expect that there will be cases in Idaho very soon. We are being proactive in an effort to prevent illness and continue the important work of our University to educate and support our students. The safety of our campus community is always our top priority.
Our University's task force will continue to evaluate and fine tune our response. All University actions have been, and will continue to be, implemented after close consultation with the state health department. We are currently following the best practices as set by the CDC, the American College Health Foundation (ACHF), and the State of Idaho.
Infection Control on Our Campuses
Our University community is encouraged to follow
public health recommendations
to limit the spread of this virus. Facilities Services has increased their frequency of cleaning surfaces, doorknobs, handrails, and other high touch points, but everyone is encouraged to be their own advocate by cleaning areas when necessary. Hand sanitizer stations will be added at the entries to buildings, and protocols have been developed for custodians to provide more resources in high-traffic areas. Departments across campus are working together to use commercial equipment designed to clean large, heavily used spaces. Additional sanitizing supplies have been ordered for individual conference rooms.
Student Attendance Policies
Students who do not feel well should not attend classes, labs, or other campus activities. Faculty are asked to work directly with students to address their coursework.
Face-to-Face Classroom Instruction
In the event that Idaho State University moves to distance-learning based options for instruction, the University has developed the following
guidelines and options
. Faculty wishing to learn more about moving classes online are encouraged to attend a
workshop
on Monday sponsored by the Program for Instructional Effectiveness. We will continue to evaluate the situation and share updates or modifications as the COVID-19 situation in Idaho develops.
Travel Guidelines and Ban
Effective immediately and until further notice, all University-sponsored travel is suspended. This includes new travel and any currently booked trips between now and the end of the spring semester. The University will reevaluate our travel guidelines and share updates as more information becomes available. The most up-to-date travel guidelines are available
online
.
Near Future
As mentioned, the COVID-19 situation is evolving daily. All guidelines are subject to change as emerging events warrant the need. I appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation over the next couple of months. I also want to express my thanks to the individuals and teams who have worked many hours to develop and implement these plans.
We will continue to regularly monitor and make adjustments as needed with the well-being of our campus community foremost. Please check the University’s
coronavirus website
for updates and other information. I ask all Bengals to be supportive of their classmates and colleagues as we navigate this difficult time together.
––
Kevin
Kevin Satterlee
President
