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Mar. 9, 2020 – Update for staff

Posted by on Monday, March 9, 2020 in Community Messages.

Dear colleagues,

As you may be aware and will read below, Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente shared tonight that classes are cancelled for the remainder of this week, and students will be moving to alternative learning options from March 16 through March 30. This is based on the university’s desire to protect the health and safety of the Vanderbilt community and its most vulnerable members from the possibility of exposure. I am reaching out now with additional information on what this means for you, as staff, and to ensure you have the information that you need during this time.

We recognize that this development may create significant challenges and there are many unanswered questions to address. We ask for your understanding and patience as the university seeks to continue its academic mission during this unprecedented public health issue.

In partnership with Vanderbilt Public Safety Emergency Preparedness, department operational continuity plans have been developed. Staff should report to campus for the remainder of the week. You will hear from your supervisor/manager concerning work status for next week and meanwhile should reach out to your manager with any questions. Departments will continue to assess needs to determine staffing going forward and follow guidance outlined in the HR FAQ here and on our centralized COVID-19 website – vu.edu/coronavirus.

The university is committed to working with our staff members and to addressing any questions you may have. If you have questions, please first address them to you manager. If you need additional help, you may find your HR consultant on the HR website.

Sincerely,

Laura Nairon
Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for People & Business Services

Eric Kopstain
Vice Chancellor for Administration