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Dear Colleagues,
The senior leadership team has spent the day reviewing the latest developments related to COVID-19. The college’s emergency response team has been planning and developing contingency plans since January. President Hass has spoken with several health leaders today. While there is a confirmed case in Memphis, at this point we are told there is no evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in Shelby County.
Based on the guidance we’ve received from public health experts, the college is taking several new steps in an effort to delay the emergence of COVID-19 in our community.
Travel Updates
With increased community transmission being reported both in the United States and globally, the college is updating its travel policy.
College-related non-essential domestic and international travel is not permitted. Your division vice president and– for faculty, the provost’s office– will determine what qualifies as an essential trip on a case-by-case basis.
We encourage you to be vigilant when planning personal travel. Avoid cities and regions with community transmission.
If you are sick or have been told you’ve been exposed to COVID-19
Please do not come to work if you have any cold or flu symptoms. If you believe you have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 or if you are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath), please seek treatment from a healthcare professional and follow CDC guidance.
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or you are under surveillance for COVID-19
please contact Claire Shapiro, chief human resources officer.
Paid Sick Leave
If your healthcare provider recommends self-quarantine for 14 days, faculty & staff will not be required to use vacation or sick leave during that period. The college will require documentation from a healthcare provider for the leave to be approved.
Campus Events & Visitors
We are currently reviewing our event and visitor policies. Some events have already been cancelled. We may need to limit on-campus events of a certain size. Organizers should be prepared to postpone or cancel on-campus events, if necessary.
At this point, we encourage you to consider rescheduling or postponing visitors to campus.
Please contact your vice president if you need additional guidance.
Remote Learning
Academic Affairs and Information Services are reviewing our plan for remote learning. We have been advised it may become necessary to move from face-to-face class meetings to remote learning for some period of time. Academic Affairs will send additional information to faculty members soon.
Remote Work
Remote work may be allowed in certain situations. Division vice presidents will need to approve remote work requests in consultation with Human Resources.
Prevention
Please remember to follow the CDC’s prevention guidance and wash your hands with soap often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
College leaders are assessing several other issues, including: business continuity planning, student recruitment issues, athletic competition, and contingency plans due to financial market instability.
This situation is evolving hour-by-hour. We will continue to send updates as developments arise. We will be communicating with students before they return to campus next week.
Kyle Webb
Vice President for Finance & Business Affairs
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