Coronavirus / Covid-19 Update
We are keeping a constant watch on the progression of COVID-19 and the recommendations and responses by public health authorities. On Saturday, New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency. The declaration is a technical act, which allows the State to increase available resources for healthcare. In the same announcement, the Governor also provided some perspective on the issue and urged us to remain focused on facts and try to avoid panicking.
This morning, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced additional guidelines. Of particular note, the Mayor urged that, in order “to reduce overcrowding on mass transit, the City is advising private-sector employers and employees to consider telecommuting where possible and to consider staggered start times for workers. Those who take the subways at rush hour should consider commuting to work via alternative modes of transportation, like biking or walking, if possible.” Consistent with these guidelines, senior administrative leaders and executive deans will be communicating within their respective units on plans to promote remote work, adjust work schedules, or make other arrangements to address public health concerns.
Please be assured that the senior leadership of the university is carefully monitoring the situation and planning for some possible scenarios based on different paths this virus might take. We will continue to follow the guidance of Federal, State, and local public health sources. We want to be sure we are protecting our university community as much as possible, in ways that will be least disruptive to our students’ academic progress.
The university remains open and all classes, programs, and services are operating. We have taken some additional proactive measures and ask you to take a few minutes to read the following updates about university operations during spring break, a new alternative teaching and learning week immediately following spring break, and technology resources for faculty.
Spring Break
During Spring Break next week, residence halls and other campus buildings and services will remain open for students who are choosing not to travel. If you are traveling during spring break, please take care to monitor updates, anticipate possible disruptions or delays, and understand the potential need to self-quarantine upon your return. International students should also take into consideration that circumstances involving COVID-19 may change, and they may be prevented from reentering the United States. Read the CDC’s information for travelers here.
Spring Break will also serve as a time when specific administrative offices will begin to pilot remote work arrangements for some staff members, in areas where a remote work situation does not compromise the delivery of services.
NEW: Post Spring Break “Alternative Teaching and Learning” Week
Plans are developing to take an alternative approach to teaching and learning university-wide during the week following spring break. Because we do not know the course the virus might take, we would like to prepare for a future period of time in which traditional classes may not be possible. Regular Classes will not meet during the week of March 23 to March 27. Instead, during that week, we ask that the entire New School community plan and prepare to use online resources, teleconferencing, and other creative ways to advance teaching and learning and ensure the academic requirements of their classes are being met. These plans are developing, and there are many details to be refined. Additional information will follow soon.
- Regular classes will not meet from March 23 – March 27. Students will not be expected to attend classes that week, but you may certainly be on campus. You should be in close communication with your faculty members to understand what alternate arrangements are being made for meetings, sessions, or other ways to engage.
- Faculty should determine how you are going to advance the educational goals of your classes outside of the traditional classroom environment.These options include organizing special study groups, offering extra time to develop an assignment, and honoring time spent conducting field research. Faculty are encouraged to take advantage of this week to develop creative adaptations for delivering coursework in virtual environments. Please consult with your dean if you need additional guidance.
- The university will remain open and learning will continue even though regular classes will not be held that week. Regular services and operations will continue, public programs will proceed, youth programs will meet on Saturdays as regularly scheduled, and faculty and staff should plan to follow your normal schedules.
Resources for Faculty
As we accelerate our training and encouragement for faculty to become more conversant in technology-resources for teaching remotely, we want to call your attention to several new resources and opportunities:
- Webinar-style workshops are starting Monday, March 9 three times daily every weekday at 10:00am, 3:00pm, and 6:00pm. Simply follow this link to join one of the sessions.
- This user-friendly Remote Class Set-Up Guide provides an orientation or refresher on how to make the most of Canvas and Zoom.
- Faculty can also schedule an appointment with the Distributed Education team to learn more and get personalized assistance.
Reminder: Prevention Remains Key
Please continue to be vigilant about following the CDC’s recommended practices for avoiding the spread of illness. These include:
- Frequent and vigorous handwashing;
- Coughing and sneezing into your elbow, not your hands;
- Avoiding close physical contact;
- Remaining at home if you are sick; and
- Following the guidance of health agencies regarding self-quarantine situations and when to see a doctor.
As an additional part of our prevention efforts, our facilities staff has installed additional hand sanitizer dispensers in every building and will continue to add more. Cleaning protocols have been significantly enhanced. Soap dispensers are checked and refilled continuously and surfaces throughout our buildings are being regularly cleaned with disinfectant. As you notice members of our facilities team around the buildings, please thank them.
We are a strong community and need to trust each other to take the appropriate steps. We know the coronavirus is spreading in parts of the country and parts of the world, and it is likely this will continue for some time. Amid growing concern and uncertainty, it is easy to get caught up in the swirl of anxiety and emotions. Individuals will respond differently to the stress caused by the virus and its impact. We all need to try to remain rational and fact-based, guided by our drive to creatively problem-solve. As a diverse global community of learning, we must avoid making assumptions about individuals based on their origin or heritage and fight the stigma of xenophobia that has accompanied this virus.
For the latest and most comprehensive information from The New School, visit newschool.edu/coronavirus.