Feb. 13, 2020 – Information for Postdocs from China
Dear Vanderbilt postdoc,
I am writing to update you on the Vanderbilt response to the Coronavirus outbreak. We recognize that this may be a particularly difficult time for many of you and you may be feeling anxious and concerned about the well-being of family and friends in China.
Vanderbilt is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. The university is actively monitoring the outbreak and, at this time, there are no reports of coronavirus cases on the Vanderbilt campus, and there are no confirmed cases in Tennessee.
If you believe you have been exposed to or infected with the novel coronavirus, please contact the Occupational Health Center. It is important that before you go to the Occupational Health Center – or any health care provider – to call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms so they can plan for your visit.
If you are feeling anxious, have experienced losses, and are struggling to cope and to come to terms with the impact of the Coronavirus, please contact the Postdoc Wellness Program at the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for assistance and support.
Additionally, if you have experienced harassment or bias related to concerns about the virus, we also want to know as part of our commitment to creating and sustaining an inclusive campus community. Please do not hesitate to contact the Equal Employment Opportunity office to file a report about such conduct.
As you know, the spread of the virus is an evolving situation, we encourage you to monitor the Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Department of State websites, as well as the university’s coronavirus webpage on Vanderbilt University’s Emergency Preparedness website.
Vanderbilt is committed to a safe and welcoming community for all. We encourage you to report incidents that are in conflict with our shared community values.
We have included a list of resources below that can provide additional assistance.
Please know that we are here to assist you. Do not hesitate to reach out.
Mark Wallace
Dean, Vanderbilt Graduate School
Clare McCabe
Associate Dean, Vanderbilt Graduate School
Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs