Mar. 11, 2020 – Message to staff about alternative education for remainder of semester
Dear colleagues,
As Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente shared today, Vanderbilt University Medical Center has informed us that a VUMC health care worker has tested positive for COVID-19.
Out of an abundance of caution and based on public health recommendations and best practices, we are moving fully to online and alternative learning for the remainder of the semester starting Monday, March 16, and have instructed all undergraduate residential students to make plans to move out by March 15.
Our campus remains safe and open, and staff are expected to work their normal schedule. If you have questions about your schedule or work arrangements, please inquire with your manager.
We understand that staff may be concerned about their own safety in light of these developments. It is very important to note that our residential facilities have different public health concerns than our other facilities: They are the students’ homes, where they eat, sleep, bathe and socialize. As such, they carry very different risks and standards than workplaces, and require different actions to protect health and limit the transmission of the disease. To be clear, no students living on campus have tested positive to date—this is a preventive step.
We are continuing our cleaning, sanitizing, social distancing and other best practices to keep our campus safe. Please see the FAQs on our coronavirus website for details on the many actions the university is taking to protect the safety of our community. Please also review Human Resources-specific information at the HR FAQ on the site. The website will be updated regularly and frequently with the latest information.
Staff are an integral part of supporting the mission of the university and keeping campus operations running smoothly, now more than ever. The university is committed to protecting your safety and well-being and to working with you to address any questions you may have. Again, if you have questions, please first talk with your manager. If you need additional help, you may find your HR consultant on the HR website.
It is with deep appreciation and admiration that we serve with you, our staff colleagues.
Sincerely,
Laura Nairon
Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for People and Business Services
Eric Kopstain
Vice Chancellor for Administration