March 04, 2020

COVID-19: Update 13 [International Travel]

The health and safety of ArtCenter students, faculty, and staff are our top priorities, and we write today on the status of campus operations, activities, and events in light of the current COVID-19 risk assessment.

As of March 4, there are no identified cases of COVID-19 on the ArtCenter campus or in Pasadena. We are in regular communication with the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) and will continue to follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health agencies. The following is an executive summary of the most pressing issues for your review.

Continuing International Students

• International students who choose to travel home during the break should be aware that returning to the U.S. may be problematic with respect to consulate activity, visa acquisition, travel restrictions, quarantines, etc. Students are encouraged to remain local, if possible.
• We have created a limited, special emergency fund for international students if remaining in the U.S. during the break creates unanticipated financial hardship. Students are encouraged to work with the Financial Aid office as needed.
• We will add academic offerings during the Summer term to accommodate any additional students.

Exchange/Study Away

• All Exchange and Study Away programs not already active are canceled for the rest of Spring and Summer terms. We will revisit Fall programs during the Summer.
• Students who are currently abroad in countries designated by the U.S. State Department as a Level 1 or 2 can choose to stay and complete their studies. We will inform them, however, that there may be serious consequences to staying abroad if circumstances change such as travel restrictions, quarantine, U.S. immigration limitations, etc. If students choose to come home early, we will try to assist them with whatever travel needs they may have and will work with each student to ensure proper completion of academic credit.
• The Exchange and Study Away office will work with students to resolve any issues related to travel reimbursements, program fees and credit concerns.

Special Events and Spring Grad Show/Graduation Ceremonies

• All campus events and activities featuring international speakers and visitors (who are not already in the U.S.) have been canceled.
• Graduation and Grad Show are on schedule to take place as planned, however, as the COVID-19 situation unfolds, restrictions may prohibit mass gatherings or large community events. Additionally, there may be limitations on the ability of loved ones to attend our end-of-term activities. We are working with the appropriate groups (internally and externally) to create an alternative plan should it become necessary. All degrees will be awarded at the completion of the Spring term regardless of whether or not the ceremony is postponed.

Employee Policies regarding workplace and travel

• All international travel for ArtCenter purposes is canceled until further notice.
• Any domestic travel for ArtCenter purposes should be scheduled in consultation with your supervisor.
• We are only limiting travel that occurs on ArtCenter’s behalf. If urgent or personal travel is necessary in the coming weeks, please exercise caution and review the latest health and travel information from the CDC and Department of State so you are fully informed of potential health risks and travel restrictions or screenings that may be in place upon your return.
• All exempt employees should continue to work with supervisors if they need to work from home or take leave due to the current circumstances.
• All non-exempt employees should work with their supervisors if they need to work from home or take leave. We will deal with each individual on a case-by-case basis with appropriate leniency as necessary during the crisis.

FY Budget and Fall 2020 Enrollment

• The College will continue to create a FY21 budget that will include new initiatives and positions. Due to the unpredictability of the current COVID-19 situation, however, we will hold back an additional contingency and, therefore, many of those new expenses will not be funded until Fall enrollment numbers are clear. Staff and faculty are encouraged to continue plans and position searches with the awareness that there may be delays in funding during the course of next fiscal year.

Admissions

• We are currently working on special accommodations for incoming classes for Summer and Fall 2020 in the event of restricted travel and/or visa acquisition, etc.

Precautions and Resources

• Please continue to monitor your ArtCenter email for ongoing updates from the College about COVID-19.
• Everyone should continue to take daily preventative actions to stop the spread of germs (wash your hands, stay home when you are sick, cover your cough or sneeze, etc.).
• The College provides a number of health, wellness and counseling services for those who are feeling overwhelmed by the COVID-19 situation. Students in need are encouraged to contact the Center for the Student Experience (CSE). Staff and faculty should consult with our Employee Assistance Program.

Thank you for your attention to these matters. These are troubling times, but hopefully we can find strength in community as we face a very challenging and fluid situation.

Lorne M. Buchman
President