March 12, 2020

COVID-19: Update 17

We appreciate the level of engagement and active response exhibited by the ArtCenter community over the last several days regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.

We would like to reiterate important information from yesterday’s COVID-19 update (#16), which was sent by the President’s office, and share some other updates/reminders.

Campus Access
Classes are suspended from today, Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 22 to allow faculty, administrators and educational leadership an opportunity to focus on alternate models for remote teaching and distance learning.

Students can obtain their belongings or materials through 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13 (tomorrow). After tomorrow evening, students will be prohibited from entering either Hillside or South Campus through March 22.

Accordingly, all activities that involve students, including meetings, workshops, social activities and previously authorized projects are also prohibited. Activities may be canceled entirely or rescheduled until after March 23, depending on the situation.

All late fees and fines related to the use of any College-owned equipment will be suspended from March 12–23. This includes library materials, educational media equipment, props, computer lab tools, etc.

In an effort to reduce the risk of community spread, visitors will also be prohibited from entering either campus through March 22. This includes locations typically open to the public, such as galleries or food service areas.

Staff members will be expected to work March 12–22. Students who work on campus should communicate directly with their workplace supervisors to see if work is available.  If applicable, supervisors should send the name(s) of student workers requiring campus access to Jim Finch, director of Campus Security, at jim.finch@artcenter.edu. These student workers only will be permitted on campus for the purposes of performing their duties as an employee of the College. No other students will be permitted on campus after 5:00 pm on Friday March 13 tomorrow until Monday, March 23.

Health and Wellness
We encourage everyone to 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, contact your doctor as soon as you feel any flu-like or cold symptoms).

Be mindful of your surroundings and practice social distancing at all times.

Please also be wary of electronic (email, telephone) scams and phishing schemes. Refer to trusted and verified sources of information, including public health agencies and reputable news sources.

You should also be aware that the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has confirmed the first official case of COVID-19 in the city. The individual has been in quarantine since the exposure and is reported to be recovering. PPHD also notes that, as laboratory capacity for testing COVID-19 increases, there may be additional confirmed cases over the next several weeks.

Additional Information
Individual departments will be sending emails with additional details or instructions related to the services they provide, modified work schedules, etc. Please continue to monitor your ArtCenter emails as information will be coming from a variety of sources.

Payroll will not be interrupted during or after the suspension period. Part-time and student employees should contact their direct supervisor for any changes to their work schedule or duties.

You and/or your loved ones can reference all of ArtCenter’s past, current and future communications related to COVID-19 on the ArtCenter website.

Lastly, we encourage everyone to update their emergency contact information via Inside ArtCenter as the College may choose to use the emergency notification system for especially important messages. Updating your emergency contact information ensures timely notification during a very fluid situation.

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