July 1, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Last week, in my June 26 letter, I shared information with you about the Flex@Pitt teaching model, as well as our work to date on classroom and technology arrangements. While there will be more detail coming soon on both of those topics, I also want to provide the latest developments on campus safety as the University’s Resiliency Plan continues to emerge.
Yesterday the Chancellor shared details regarding the Resilience Framework, the foundation of our planning for operating during the pandemic. As we move toward the start of classes on August 19, the safety of the Pitt community and maximizing our mission remain the goal. Toward that goal, Pitt will be applying a set of universal health rules and constantly monitoring conditions on our campuses to ensure we can respond to the prevalence of the virus.
The University has defined three operational postures to inform decision making around operations and safety. Like Pennsylvania’s red-yellow-green phases, these postures define what is allowable for Pitt’s community, places and programs. When risk is lower, most decision making will happen within schools and offices. Should we find ourselves at highest risk, decisions will be made by the University’s senior leadership.
If you’re unable to view the image, view this information at coronavirus.pitt.edu.
While we depend on Pennsylvania’s phases to identify the minimum level of safety precautions, we will also customize our operational postures based on the measurable risk we observe on each campus. Based on current conditions, on July 13, we plan to move from the emergency posture our campuses have been in since March to the Elevated Risk Posture on the Pittsburgh campus, and to the Guarded Risk Posture for our campuses in Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown and Titusville.
Pitt’s newly formed Healthcare Advisory Group has established universal health rules to help keep us safe. These rules underpin the principles for planning and operations on all campuses. As we have learned over the last several months, everyone’s behavior contributes to keeping all of us as healthy as possible, and the health rules are not surprising:
- Everyone will be required to wear a face covering on our campuses.
- Physical distancing is necessary, with a minimum of six feet between you and others when possible.
- You should limit your time with others in small spaces, like elevators and bathrooms.
- Gatherings should be held remotely, although Guarded Risk and Elevated Risk Postures allow for some limited-capacity events.
- Frequently wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
The Flex@Pitt model allows faculty and students to avoid coming to classrooms when they deem it unsafe for their personal circumstances. In addition, we are asking faculty and staff to work from home when they are not teaching or when it is possible for them to accomplish their research or administrative tasks remotely.
Moving forward, we will share guidance about international travel safety for students, faculty and staff as well as additional details about virus testing, symptom monitoring, quarantining and contact tracing.
Please check coronavirus.pitt.edu for the very latest updates.
I thank you for your ongoing collaboration and commitment to provide the finest educational experience possible for our students. I recognize how much effort this entails, and I sincerely appreciate your patience and resourcefulness. Each of those strengths is integral to our success in the time ahead.
As always, I welcome your perspectives and questions. Please reach out to me at provost@pitt.edu.
Hail to Pitt!
Ann E. Cudd
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor