Clarion University Coronavirus Response
Update April 17, 2020
As we approach our sixth week of full remote instruction and our fifth week of telecommuting for employees who are
able to do so, I want to take a moment to again say thank you to all employees for pulling together for our students
and to provide an update.
We continue to operate under the commonwealth’s stay-at-home order, which is in place through April 30, 2020.
Further, we are implementing the mandatory requirements that the secretary of health announced April 15, specifically:
•

All employees working on campus are required to wear masks while at work. Employees may wear a mask they
bring to work with them or may use a mask provided by the university.

•

Employees are required to work individually, maintaining at least 6 feet of social distancing at all times.

•

Employees are required to practice social distancing during breaks and meal periods.

•

Employees who are sick are not to report to work.

No one knows the status of the order beyond April 30, but we anticipate these precautions will remain and additional
precautions will be added when we are able to return to campus.
Today, the governor announced that his administration will work with economic and public health experts to
determine the metrics used for safe reopening by taking a regional, sector-based approach. The chancellor has advised
all State System universities that all summer instruction is to occur remotely. Campuses have also been advised to plan
on suspending on-campus activities and large group events for the summer; we will continue to monitor the evolving
situation and follow the governor’s and chancellor’s recommendations in the days and months ahead.
We are developing alternative delivery methods for important events such as commencement and orientation.
The university is also developing a model for remote summer student employment. More information will be
available as plans are finalized.
Many campus activities continue, but in a different form. Departments, committees and other employee groups are
meeting via Zoom. Yesterday, Student Affairs hosted an open forum with students; last night, Student Senate hosted
the 18th Annual Reinhard Awards Ceremony; and UAB and CAB have partnered to offer weekly Zoom-ba sessions
to help the university community remain active, all using the Zoom format.
Special thanks go to our boiler plant, custodial, grounds, maintenance and public safety employees who continue
to report to campus as scheduled to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of the university. Our employees,
whether on campus or telecommuting, continue to demonstrate a high level of commitment to our students, their
co-workers, and Clarion University as a whole.
The contributions and engagement of each member of the campus community – students, staff, faculty, alumni
and friends – are vital, particularly as we navigate this challenge. Thank you!
I encourage each of you to continue to keep calm, keep safe and keep connected.
Dr. Dale