Dear Campus Community,
The purpose of this message is to update you on the ongoing work of the Fall Planning Group that is planning for the return to campus for faculty and staff currently working remotely, as well as for the return of students. In addition to the members of the President’s Staff, this group includes representation from health services, facilities management, campus safety, residential life, human resources and communications. The group is also coordinating with the Academic Planning Group, which is addressing course instruction models going forward. Information from the governor’s office, local public health officials and consortia discussions (e.g., Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA), Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities (MICU) and Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA)) are forming the basis of discussion and decision making.
Some of the planning tasks currently underway include:
- Drafting a Return to Work Plan as required by the State of Michigan, which includes faculty, staff and student training; requirements for daily health monitoring; reporting requirements; and assessment of each workspace for potential modifications to reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19. (This plan must be in place and available for review by employees for two weeks before employees begin a phased return to campus.)
- Drafting protocols for individuals at higher risk for COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions.
- Identification and purchasing of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for faculty, staff and students based on their positions, and determination of quantities and recommended inventory of PPE items to have on hand so that we are prepared for fall.
- Assessment of appropriate phasing for returning faculty, staff and students to campus.
- Square footage measurement of all classrooms and other public areas to establish density guidelines.
- Establishment of cleaning guidelines (frequency and type of cleaning) for various spaces on campus, including offices, classrooms, labs, bathrooms and residence halls.
- Identification of potential quarantine spaces for residential students should any become ill with COVID-19
There are many issues and details that need to be put into place before faculty, staff and students can begin to return to campus; however, the Fall Planning Group is working diligently and hopes that a phased return to campus for employees can begin no later than mid-July. We will continue to keep you updated on our progress. You should also continue checking the College’s COVID-19 website for updates.
For the Fall Planning Group,
Sarah B. Westfall
Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students