Phased Repopulation of Campus

All Faculty and Staff:

The COVID-19 Response Team has developed a plan for a phased repopulation of campus. 

The goal of this plan is to gradually bring faculty and staff back to campus this summer, based on work needs, as we prepare for the 2020-21 academic year. This plan is composed of a phased approach starting June 1 to give us time to assess and modify as necessary. Prior to each phase, we will outline personal safety responsibilities, expectations, policies and procedures once on campus. During each phase, we will evaluate operations prior to moving on to the next phase.

Phase 1: June 1 -20
The goal of this phase is to start with repopulating 25 percent of the campus workforce. We will launch a campus-wide wellness campaign to share information with those on campus and those hosting visitors, such as Admission tours.

Phase 2: June 21 -July 15
The goal of this phase is to return to 50 percent occupancy on campus.

Phase 3: July 15 – September 1
The goal of this phase is to finalize and clarify expectations for College-wide operations as we reach 100 percent occupancy.

During each phase we will focus on three key guidelines:

  • Social Distancing
  • Health & Wellness
  • Campus Safety

This week, department heads and deans will work with their respective vice presidents to identify faculty and staff who would most benefit from being on campus, while also managing the overall number of personnel on campus. Faculty and staff members who need to be on campus to complete their jobs should be designated to return first. Those who can continue to successfully work remotely should be encouraged to do so until either the second or third phase of our repopulation plan.

Flexibility will be key, for both employees and the College, as we begin to repopulate campus. We recognize that this is not a return to pre-pandemic conditions, as many services, such as child care, summer camps, and elder care are not available. As much patience and flexibility as possible should be allowed, while still accomplishing departmental goals in support of our overall mission. In addition, we will continue to work individually with those in higher health risk populations. Your supervisor will contact you if you will be asked to return to work during this phase.

As you plan for your return to campus, please keep in mind the following prevention strategies:

  •  Wear masks or face coverings when not alone.
  • Wash hands frequently. 
  • Maintain physical distance: stay 6 feet apart at all times. 
  • Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if symptomatic.
  • Stay home when you are sick (or leave work immediately) and notify your supervisor. Do not return to work without clearance from your supervisor and from Human Resources. 
  • Call your health care provider’s office in advance of a visit. 
  • Limit movement in the community and wear a face covering in public. 

Facilities has implemented a new cleaning schedule that ensures coverage seven days a week. Following CDC guidelines, the team will continue to focus on cleaning high-touch areas. We will provide more details about specific procedures in our campus-wide wellness campaign.

We have purchased 260 gallons of hand sanitizer from Winter Park Distillery and will work to distribute that during Phase 2. If you return to campus before that time, please plan to bring your own hand sanitizer.

Starting June 1, face masks will be required on campus when interacting with others. The College’s Costume Shop is currently making washable masks, and we will provide a timeline in the coming weeks regarding when those will be available and plans for distribution. During Phase 1, we ask that you bring your own face mask when you are on campus. From what we know of the spread of COVID-19, we not only wear masks for ourselves, but to help protect others.  When students return, they will be asked to comply with wearing masks, so we ask that faculty and staff model this behavior.

Ordering and management of PPE supplies for Fall 2020 is overseen by Director of Business Services John Overberger. If you or your department have specific needs or concerns, please contact John.

Thank you for your patience and compliance as we roll out this plan.