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March 10, 2020

COVID-19: Update 14 [Events Canceled]

The College continues to monitor communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD), and other public health agencies regarding COVID-19 (also known as the coronavirus) on a regular basis and we are updating our own policies, practices and recommendations accordingly. We encourage the ArtCenter community to obtain information from trusted and verified news sources, and avoid rumor and speculation which can be especially misleading.

Since our last COVID-19 update #13, sent by the president on Wednesday, March 4, the County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles and the City of Pasadena have all declared public health emergencies. This is an administrative call to action that frees up funding for future scenarios. It is not an indication that there is any greater risk to the public.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CPDH), California now has 153* confirmed cases of COVID-19, including one death. The College diligently follows-up on reports of any potential outbreaks in our community. PPHD has confirmed that any previously reported concerns, including news that 50 “medium risk” individuals are under self-quarantine or members of the ArtCenter community may have been exposed to the virus, are either of no consequence or unsubstantiated rumors.

The following are updates to ArtCenter’s policies, practices and recommendations regarding maintaining the safety and health of our community:

Illness Prevention/Staying Home

  • It is imperative that individuals stay home if they are not feeling well. Students will not be penalized for staying home. Students, faculty and Chairs should all be prepared to engage in alternative lesson plans in the event someone is unable to attend class.
  • Staff members should discuss prolonged absences with their supervisor. Administrative departments should update and implement business continuity plans as needed.
  • The provost is working with key stakeholders to prepare for remote teaching and mandatory social distancing, should the need to do so arise. Updates will be provided as they become available.
  • While COVID-19 is highly contagious, it can be combatted by maintaining common sense hygiene practices: avoid close contact with people who are sick; cover your cough or sneeze; avoid touching your face; wash your hands often with soap and water; and, again, stay home when you are sick.
  • The College also continues to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Additionally, we continue to adhere to deep cleaning practices in the evening.
  • Hand sanitizers and/or sanitizing wipe dispensers are located throughout both campuses.
  • To avoid community spread of the virus, modifications have been made to food services at Hillside and South Campus, including an increase of pre-packaged food options and  individual service items, and the removal of the self-serve salad bar (at Hillside). Additionally, catering events will no longer include self-serve food options, All food service locations will move to card-only  transactions to avoid handling of paper currency.

Travel Restrictions

  • All international and domestic travel by employees and students for ArtCenter purposes is canceled until further notice.
  • If urgent or personal travel is necessary in the coming weeks, individuals will be required to self-quarantine upon their return home for a 14-day period. It is imperative to protect individuals at the College from potential community spread. Please contact the office of Environmental Health and Safety to facilitate your return to campus.

Special Events and Spring Grad Show/Graduation Ceremony

  • For now, the College will focus on core operations including conducting all scheduled classes and routine business meetings. However, all other campus events and activities are canceled, effective immediately.
  • A decision regarding the possible postponement or cancelation of the Spring term graduation ceremony and Grad Show will be made no later than April 1 depending on overall circumstances and any guidelines issued by the City of Pasadena. All degrees will be awarded at the completion of the Spring term regardless of whether or not the ceremony takes place, and affected graduating students will be able to participate in the Summer or Fall ceremony and Grad Show.

Resources

  • Please continue to monitor your ArtCenter email for ongoing updates from the College about COVID-19.
  • Download the ArtCenter Safety app to receive push notifications and review regular updates.
  • The College recognizes that COVID-19 may be causing stress or anxiety for people in our community. Students in need of emotional support are encouraged to contact the Center for the Student Experience (CSE) for an appointment with a mental health counselor. Staff and faculty should consult with our Employee Assistance Program.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the office of Environmental Health and Safety at ehs@artcenter.edu with any specific questions or concerns.

When this notice was originally sent, we mistakenly conveyed that CPDH had confirmed 53 cases of COVID-19 in the State of California, The correct number at the time of this notice was 153.