This page will no longer be updated. Please visit Reopening 2020 for the latest information.
Updated July 17, 2020
Email Communications to Staff
Below is an archive of communications that were sent to staff and faculty regarding services, university processes, and other important updates regarding the university response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You may also refer to the Staff FAQ, which contains information from the email communications and from university departments in a topical format.
- Students, Faculty, and Staff to Avoid Unnecessary Travel Domestically and Internationally (July 17, 2020)
- Return to Campus Technology Needs (July 13, 2020)
- Lab/Studio Access Update (July 10, 2020)
- From the President: Reopening Plan for Campus Offices (July 9, 2020)
- Fall Course Delivery Format Change (July 6, 2020)
- From the Provost: Return to Labs/Studios (June 26, 2020)
- From the President, re: Staff Returning to Campus (June 24, 2020)
- From the President: Fall Reopening Update (June 17, 2020)
- From the President, re: COVID Project Coordinator (June 3, 2020)
- From the President, re: Fall Reopening (May 29, 2020)
- From the President, re: End of Semester/Looking Ahead (May 20, 2020)
- Appeal Process for Pass-Fail Contract (May 13, 2020)
- Celebrating the Class of 2020 - Cap and Gown Update (May 11, 2020)
- From the President, re: Planning for Fall Reopening (May 11, 2020)
- From the President, re: Planning for the Fall Semester (April 28, 2020)
- From the Provost, re: Summer Sessions (April 17, 2020)
- To Faculty and Staff from Student Affairs VP Tracy Tyree (April 16, 2020)
- From the Provost: Summer Sessions (April 9, 2020)
- Technology Resources for Online Learning (April 6, 2020)
- Web Conferencing Security Warning (April 1, 2020)
- New Alert Feature in Navigate (March 27, 2020)
- Emergency Funds for Students (March 25, 2020)
- Jabber Phone Application Update (March 23, 2020)
- Policy and Procedures for Purchasing and Payments During the Campus Shutdown (March 20, 2020)
- Helpful Tips From Office of IT (March 19, 2020)
- Academic Support for Students From a Distance (March 19, 2020)
- From the President, re. Latest Developments with the Spring Semester (March 17, 2020)
- Moving Online for the Rest of the Spring Semester - From President Ojakian (March 17, 2020)
- Update on COVID-19 from President Ojakian (March 16, 2020)
- Online Trainings for Faculty and Staff (March 16, 2020)
- From the Provost, re. Faculty and Staff on campus (March 15, 2020)
- CSCU System Office on telecommuting, self-quarantining and what to do if you think you have COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)
- From the President: A Message to Faculty and Staff (March 13, 2020)
- From the Executive Vice President, re. Off-Campus Equipment Loans (March 13, 2020)
Telecommuting Guidelines
The University moved to online education for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester, and, since March 23, 2020, the campus has been closed to all but a small number of Level 1 (essential) personnel. Please see the Staff FAQ to learn about the University's expectations for you as a telecommuter and what you should do if you become ill. Read President Joe Bertolino's letter to faculty and staff (dated March 17, 2020) for more information.
Staff is now beginning to return to campus; see the Reopening 2020 website for information about the university's return to the physical campus.
Coverage and Continuity of Operations
In the past when the State faced pandemic situations such as SARS, the Avian (bird) flu, swine flu, etc., the State planned for coverage and continuity of operations in the event of a catastrophic outbreak leading to staffing shortages. Consideration was given to potential impacts to critical functions and how they could continue to be performed by telecommuting when possible, or temporary personnel if necessary. See the guidance for state agencies offered in this memo from the state Office of Policy & Management and the Department of Administrative Services:
COVID 19-related personnel situations in state agencies (March 4, 2020)
What Should I Do if I Feel Sick and Think I Might Have COVID-19?*
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention any recent travel or close contact with someone showing these symptoms. Your healthcare professional will work with the state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. If you do become sick, stay home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain at home until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. How long you need to stay home should be a decision made in consultation with your healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
If You Have Symptoms or Contract COVID-19
In the event that you become symptomatic, contract the coronavirus (COVID-19), need to be quarantined, were exposed to the virus or a family member has contracted the virus, or have traveled from one of the affected international locations, call Diane Mazza in Human Resources at (203) 392-5405.
*Information in this section was adapted from the CDC website on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
Travel Information
See the July 17, 2020, declaration on avoiding unnecessary travel, both domestic and international.
If you must travel, we ask you to share some basic information with us so that we have the background knowledge we need to keep our university community safe and healthy for all.
Student Basic Needs Form
Please fill out this form, to the best of your ability, if you observe a student who may be lacking basic necessities such as: food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene items, etc.