COVID-19 Coronavirus  Updated April 3, 2020 at 2:45 pm

2:32 PM

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Good afternoon. As a follow-up to my first email about commencement, I wanted to provide you an update on the university’s plans for alternative events. As mentioned in the first email, we are considering whether to have a delayed commencement ceremony later this year or to hold a virtual commencement as some universities have chosen to do. We sent out a survey to graduating seniors and received a significant number of comments and innovative suggestions, which we are considering carefully.

Given the importance of the participation of academic departments and other stakeholders in celebrating commencement, we are asking for your patience while we confer with them. In this extraordinary time with information and events changing sometimes daily, we want to consider the opinions of key stakeholders, as well as the logistics involved in the options, before we make our announcement.

We will announce a decision by Friday, April 10. Thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

Klamath Falls students,

The COVID-19 situation is rapidly changing now in Klamath Falls with an increase in positive cases announced today.  In order to maintain health and safety, we have many staff members working from home and some areas of campus not open at all.  It is unfortunate that we can’t have a vibrant campus for spring term, but it is important that we play our part in preventing community spread of the virus.  Please see below the status of offices/services starting Monday.

Message from the Libraries

While the Oregon Tech Libraries might be closed, we wanted to reassure you that we are still available to help you remotely.  Our top priority is that you have a safe and successful Spring quarter, so library staff are:

• Available to meet with you or answer your questions via phone, email, chat, Zoom, and Skype
• Getting you access to library materials either electronically or via the mail
• Extending due dates on all library check-outs to June 12^th & working with you on other arrangements, as needed
• Updating our online help resources
• Staying active on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and the Oregon Tech app to keep you updated and connected

Let us know if you have any questions and/or if there is anything else we can do to help.  We look forward to hearing from you and take care.

As you begin to navigate your spring term classes remotely, please contact the appropriate office for assistance – we are only a phone call away.  Please continue to check your Oregon Tech email and various campus websites regularly.

Please stay connected and let us know if you have questions and/or needs.

Stay well,

Erin

9:33 AM

Dear Oregon Tech Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I am reaching out to let you know that Oregon Tech today learned that a Klamath Falls employee has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the second reported case for Oregon Tech; the first was at Portland Metro campus and we learned of that one yesterday and send out notification to the campus last night.

Because of social distancing measures already in place and non-essential employees working from home, the Klamath Falls employee has not been on campus since March 9, and is quarantined at home and doing well. The university is working with Klamath County public health officials to assist the county in its standard case investigation processes. Klamath County will lead the follow up process. Although the identity of the patient will remain undisclosed to the public to protect their privacy, Oregon Tech officials will be cooperating with the Public Health investigation to expedite notification to those who may have been exposed.

If you are directly contacted by the Public Health Division, it does not necessarily mean that you have contracted COVID-19. It may simply mean that you could have interacted with the patient at some point within the last two weeks, and may be at risk for developing symptoms. If you are a student, as soon as you can, call the Integrated Student Health Center (ISHC) at 541-885-1800 to let them know that the Public Health Division has reached out to you. ISHC is available to provide counseling by phone or video conferencing to support you in this situation. If you are an employee, you are not required to inform Oregon Tech that you have been contacted by the Public Health Division, but can call ISHC to notify them, as well, if you choose. You can also contact the Employee Assistance Program for support at 800-433-2320. Please know that we are here to help so reach out if you have any questions or concerns in any area.

We remain committed to the well-being and safety of the Oregon Tech community, and encourage each of you to continue doing your part to reduce the likelihood of further transmission of this virus. We will continue to communicate as new or updated information is available.

Should you have questions, please visit the Oregon Tech COVID-19 website, which is updated daily, or contact Dr. Erin Foley at erin.foley@oit.edu.

Thank you,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

8:10 PM

Dear Oregon Tech Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I am reaching out to let you know that Oregon Tech today learned that a Portland Metro employee has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first reported case for Oregon Tech’s Portland Metro campus; no cases have been reported for the Klamath Falls campus.

Because of social distancing measures already in place, the employee has not been on campus since March 13, and is quarantined at home. The university is working with Clackamas County public health officials to assist the county in its standard case investigation processes. Clackamas County will lead the follow up process.

• If you are directly contacted by the Public Health Division, it does not necessarily mean that you have contracted COVID-19. It may simply mean that you could have interacted with the patient at some point within the last two weeks, and may be at risk for developing symptoms.
• If you are a student and if you are contacted by the Public Health Division, as soon as you can, call the Integrated Student Health Center (ISHC) at 541-885-1800 to let them know that the Public Health Division has reached out to you. ISHC is available to provide counseling by phone or video conferencing to support you in this situation.
• If you are an employee and are contacted, you are not required to inform Oregon Tech that you have been contacted by the Public Health Division, but can call ISHC to notify them, as well, if you choose. You can also contact the Employee Assistance Program for support at 800-433-2320. Please know that we are here to help so reach out if you have any questions or concerns in any area.

We remain committed to the well-being and safety of the Oregon Tech community, and encourage each of you to continue doing your part to reduce the likelihood of further transmission of this virus. We will continue to communicate as new or updated information is available.

Should you have questions, please visit the Oregon Tech COVID-19 website, which is updated daily (www.oit.edu/coronavirus), or contact Dr. Erin Foley at erin.foley@oit.edu.

Thank you,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

Oregon Tech students,

I hope you have been able to relax a little since finishing winter term. As spring break is half over, students are beginning to ask questions around spring term courses taught remotely, tuition and fees, and services available. This email is the first of many that Oregon Tech will send about navigating the spring term remotely. Please read this email carefully (sorry for the length of it).

Spring Classes

Some classes will be taught ‘live’ via Zoom, i.e. the faculty member will be teaching remotely at their computer but you will all be on Zoom with the instructor at the times regularly scheduled for the course. Please be available at your class’s scheduled time. This is called synchronous delivery. Other faculty may teach asynchronously, i.e. they will be posting materials and videos in Canvas along with guidance. For these classes you may not need to be available at the specific times the class is scheduled. Faculty will include this information in their syllabi, which will be available at the latest by the first day of class.

Teaching remotely is a change for everybody – students and your faculty members. Please be patient as they figure out the technology. We have all been working over spring break to practice on the equipment, adjust lesson plans and be prepared to offer you the same high quality Oregon Tech experience you have come to expect.

Add/drop deadlines are extended to reflect the normal timeline; April 17 is the last day to use Web for Student for all registration changes.

Tuition and fees

Tuition for spring term will remain at the same rate for previous terms this academic year as courses will be delivered remotely with the same content. You will NOT be charged the online course rate. As an example, if you took 14 credits winter term and 14 credits spring term, your tuition amount would remain the same if you took 14 credits in spring term.

To address spring fees, campus leaders have met with ASOIT officers to identify how these could be reduced. The President will bring a recommendation to the Board of Trustees at its April 2^nd meeting to not charge any of the mandatory fees for spring term or course/lab fees and in their place charge a reduced “Adjusted Spring Fee.” Pending Board approval, this reduced fee will sustain services and employment in the fee funded areas that students rely on and fund fixed costs like debt service and utilities, but will save students as much as is possible. This will be reflected in your bills for spring term.

Financial Aid

The university has been working hard to create mechanisms to support students and families during this uncertain time. We recognize that the fallout from COVID-19 may be quite significant. Below are several new initiatives that we have put in place to directly assist those that have been impacted, including links on where to access this support.

• In partnership with the Oregon Tech Foundation, the university has established the Helping Owls Scholarship Fund for spring term. This aid is designed for those students experiencing COVID-19 related financial difficulties. Applications can be found on the Financial Aid here. The maximum disbursement is $1,500 and we will be spreading the funds as widely as possible. If you have been directly impacted in ways that impact your ability to afford classes this term, please seek out assistance. We are here for you.

• Emergency loans for students have been increased from $500 to $1,000 and are available for all students enrolled for Spring Term, this is effective immediately. Please see link to the emergency loan form located on the Cashier’s Office website here. This can be particularly helpful for those students needing assistance before financial aid checks come through.

• Emergency loans are available for veterans receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill and VR&E benefits up to $5,000 to bridge potential delays in VA benefits. These loans will be repaid when VA benefits come through later in the term. Please use the emergency loan link located on the Cashier’s Office website here.

• Late fees and interest charges will not be charged for students on Winter Term and Spring Term tuition through the end of Spring Term.

• For students directly impacted by layoffs please avail yourself of state and federal benefits such as unemployment insurance which is designed to help people through this time. More information can be found here.

Student Employees

Wherever possible we are maintaining student employment opportunities for spring term. If you are available to work during spring term, please contact your supervisor. Because of changes in operations student jobs may be in different areas/with different duties than held previously or may be a job that can be done remotely. Student unable to work in their current positions but wanting hours should contact Rachel Winters at Student.Affairs@oit.edu about getting hours in a different office in need of additional student workers.

Bookstore Info

The Oregon Tech Bookstore is available to support students and make sure they have their textbooks and necessary materials. Students should shop online and place orders quickly. For everyone's safety and health, the bookstore will be open at the counter window March 30^th - April 3^rd from 10:30am-2:30pm (subject to change).

The Bookstore is currently offering the following services for Oregon Tech students: FREE UPS Ground shipping (International Orders excluded) all Spring long for online orders; and extended rental charge date through March 27^th with FREE UPS Return Service Labels to those students who still need to return Winter Term textbook rentals. Please contact the bookstore at sm8337@bncollege.com or visit the website (www.oregontech.bncollege.com) if you have any questions or concerns.

Commencement

We will not be able to have an in person graduation ceremony in June. We know that this is a great disappointment to everyone at Oregon Tech, but particularly our students and their families. As other universities have announced, we are working to determine whether we can honor the tradition of commencement with a virtual version, or perhaps defer the celebration to a later date. This decision will be announced by April 3.

Student Health Services

• Klamath Falls Students – the Integrated Student Health Center continues to provide both medical and mental health support through Spring Break (including the extension week) and throughout Spring Term. ISHC staff are offering in-person, telephone and video conference counseling. Medical appointments will continue to be in-person, and they are exploring telephone and virtual appointments as well. Call ISHC at 541-885-1800 to schedule either type of appointment.

• Portland Metro Students – Counseling services will be available over Spring Break (including the extension week) via telephone and video conferencing. Appointments can be made by calling 503-821-1313.

Academic Support

As the new term gets underway, information about accessing academic support through Peer Consulting and other services, will be provided in future emails, and posted on the Student Success Center webpage. We know this transition to remote courses is new to many students and will be challenging initially. Campus resources are available to assist and will be communicating about receiving services remotely.

The Oregon Tech faculty and staff are working to make spring term a success for all. Please continue to monitor the COVID-19 website and check your Oregon Tech email regularly as this is the university’s official means of communication. Please reach out if you have questions or need support.

Making the best of our new situation!

Erin

2:50PM

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

The COVID-19 situation has made it apparent that, regretfully, we will not be able to have an in person commencement ceremony in June 2020. We know that this is a great disappointment to everyone at Oregon Tech, but particularly our graduating students and their families. As other universities have announced, we are working to determine whether we can honor the tradition of commencement with a virtual version, or perhaps defer the celebration to a later date.

To help us make that decision, we are sending a simple survey to graduating seniors to gauge their preference. We will share the university’s decision on Friday, April 3, 2020.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. This is an unprecedented time in our history and there will be disappointments, adjustments, and creative solutions needed along the way. We appreciate your engagement with us to make the best decision possible, amidst these extraordinary circumstances.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As the number of COVID-19 cases surge in the U.S., we must remain alert and closely monitor, assess, and take prompt action to continue providing our student, faculty and staff safe campus facilities and services, in support of University’s mission. We must also make good use of the extended spring break, now running through Sunday, April 5, 2020, and direct our energy and resources to prepare for the spring term.

In view of the above, effective Tuesday, March 24 through Sunday, April 5, 2020, a majority of the facilities on our university campuses and sites will be closed, except those required to support critical functions. There will be an exception to the restricted access on April 2nd and 3rd when select computer labs will be accessible on both Portland Metro and Klamath Falls campuses between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, to provide students the ability to review course instructions/syllabi in preparation for classes starting on April 6th. Campus specific closure information is included further below in this message.

In relation to this closure over the spring break, we are defining critical functions as those that must keep operating to assure the safety and welfare of students, faculty, and staff, key activities, and the integrity of the University’s infrastructure. Critical functions and services include those necessary to:

1. protect life and safety,
2. assure campus security,
3. maintain key health services,
4. prepare for delivery of remote instruction,
5. maintain campus housing and dining services for students still on campus, and
6. maintain business, finance and physical infrastructure necessary to operations and services during an emergency or to the prompt restoration of normal operations and services, as determined by divisional vice-presidents or their designees.

Campus/site specific information for the period between Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and Friday, April 5, 2020 is below.

Klamath Falls: The residence halls will remain open to students but with restricted access for others; hours and numbers are posted on the facilities.
During the weekdays, the following Klamath Falls buildings will be open to members of the Oregon Tech community (students, faculty, and staff), but not the public:

• Integrated Student Health Center (8:00 am – 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm),
• College Union (10:00 am to 3:00 pm),
• Snell Hall (6:30 am to 5:00 pm), and
• Boivin Hall to access ITS (10:00 am to 2:00 pm).

All other Klamath Falls campus facilities will be accessible only by university faculty and staff who have keys and are performing critical functions.

Portland-Metro: Portland-Metro campus’s university facilities will be accessible only by university faculty and staff who are performing critical functions.

Chemeketa: Chemeketa site facilities will be accessible as determined by the administration of the Chemeketa Community College. At the present time, Chemeketa campus is completely closed through March 29, 2020.

Seattle: Our Seattle campus at Everett is completely closed. Faculty are already working remotely.

Scappoose: Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center R&D (OMIC R&D) facility will remain open to continue research projects and related critical functions, following social-distance measures.

Additional communications to targeted audiences including any leave guidance will follow. Further, these restrictions are subject to any additional directives which may be issued by Governor Brown for the state or by county administrators in the counties in which we operate. Please continue to monitor your emails and frequently visit our university’s COVID-19 website for the most current information.

I appreciate your understanding and support in recognizing that these decisions are made in the spirit of Oregon Tech Together , to do everything that we can for the collective well-being of our university community and the communities that host us. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

Dear University Community,

In this rapidly changing environment, Oregon Tech continues to make decisions guided by our goal to protect the health and safety of our students, employees, and communities, while also ensuring that our students receive the high-quality academic course work that Oregon Tech is known for.

Today, we made the difficult decision that Oregon Tech will deliver ALL course work remotely throughout the Spring Term between Monday, April 6, 2020 and Friday, June 12, 2020. University campuses will remain open during the break, but with some limitations. As we have previously announced, student housing will remain open both during the break and when classes are delivered remotely during the spring term. More details will be forthcoming.

We fully understand that this decision greatly impacts our students, employees, and operations. In the coming days and over spring break, please continue visiting the COVID-19 website for additional information, updated FAQs, or to submit a question. Also, please make sure you are checking your emails at regular intervals.

Even when we are apart, we are always Oregon Tech Together.

Thank you and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

9:16PM

Dear Oregon Tech Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

This communication addresses important operational changes affecting spring break, teaching modality, and reporting to work. I am also appending a copy of the correspondence I will be sending to our students later this evening; I wanted you to receive a copy of it first.

As we are acutely aware, these are unprecedented times. What will define this chapter for Oregon Tech will not only be how this crisis affects us but how we pull together and focus on the wellbeing of each other and our students. To most effectively move forward, we need an abundance of empathy and patience for each other. Thank you for all that you are doing to prioritize our students.

The university’s senior staff have been meeting regularly including through the weekend and coordinating with state and local officials as the situation with COVID-19 develops.

We are instituting the following adjustments to our operating plans.

All Oregon Tech campuses will continue to be open and operational. However, ALL Spring Term courses (classes and labs) will be delivered remotely for at least the first two weeks of Spring Term, which is now scheduled to start a week later on April 6 (see below).

Our ITS team is working to set up appropriate software licenses through Zoom and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) systems to allow for remote access of specialized software during this time. To accommodate the time it will take for licenses to be acquired and for faculty to transition classes and labs to a new format, Spring Break will be extended by an additional week with Spring Term classes beginning on Monday, April 6. We do not anticipate extending spring term; it is scheduled to end on June 12. Class time and labs will need to be adjusted to fit the new, condensed schedule. More on this will come from Provost Mott.

Provost Mott is also working with the Deans and Chairs to identify plans and needs of faculty in teaching classes remotely. This will be different than what some faculty are used to, and we appreciate all that you are doing to facilitate these changes and help our students continue their education. Many thanks to the faculty members and chairs who are well-versed in these tools and are helping others who will utilize them for the first time.

All regular functions of the university will continue, and employees will report to work unless instructed otherwise by their supervisor. All functions of the university are important and must continue to support our students, faculty and staff. To the greatest extent possible, Oregon Tech will allow and encourage telework/remote work. This is not practicable for all employees. When telework is not an option, we will make every effort to employ social distancing techniques in accordance with the Governor’s and OHA’s guidance. Supervisors are instructed to be as flexible as possible adjusting work schedules for those employees who are impacted by the mandatory K-12 closure. Maureen De Armond, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, is providing supervisors with additional guidance, updates, and details to help with these decisions. For additional information related to these measures, please refer to my March 13 communication, available on the Oregon Tech COVID-19 website.

Supervisors will be in communication with employees regarding how flexible schedules and telework will be managed in each department and who is eligible for these arrangements. Forms are being developed to track authorization of remote work and will be distributed in the coming day(s). Employees must communicate with their supervisors if they need accommodations and receive approval for any changes in work location or schedules.

It is important to reiterate that the university continues to be open and operational and all campuses will remain open. Sites located on other institution campuses will abide by those institution’s operational decisions, and employees on those sites should coordinate with their supervisors. As we move into Spring Term the scope of services and buildings available for general access will be adjusted to ensure appropriate social distancing for employees who will continue to report to work on campus and for students who live on campus or will need to access computer labs or other resources.

With this evolving situation we will be continuously evaluating and updating our plans and communicating them to you.

If you have questions, please reach out directly to your supervisor and refer to the FAQs on the Oregon Tech COVID-19 website. Questions may be submitted on that website through the “Ask a Question” link or through Tech Tips.

Thank you for all that you do to support our students and each other. We are Oregon Tech Together.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

Dear Oregon Tech Students,

As we confront unprecedented situations such as COVID-19, it is important to know that the university and all of our faculty and staff are here to support you and will do our best to ensure a safe environment on our campuses. This event is affecting us all in a different way, so please reach out to your friends, family and any members of the campus community to offer compassion or to discuss your concerns, including staff counselor(s) at the Portland-Metro Campus and at the Integrated Student Health Center on the Klamath Falls campus. In true Oregon Tech fashion, I am confident we will be kind and caring to each other, and faculty and staff will carry on with providing you the high quality education Oregon Tech is known for and is proud of.

The university’s senior staff have been meeting regularly including through the weekend and coordinating with state and local officials as the situation with COVID-19 develops. Similarly, the Provost, Deans, Department Chairs and faculty are working collectively to support your continued education. Please refer to the Oregon Tech COVID-19 website for additional information and FAQs which are regularly updated. If you do not see the answer to your question, please use the “Ask a Question” tab to submit your question.

As we communicated earlier, Oregon Tech has two principles which guide how decisions are being made:

1. Reduce the transmission of COVID-19 to protect our students, faculty, staff and the communities we are part of, and
2. Ensure the continued academic progress of our students.

To support these, updates to the academic calendar and course modality are outlined below.

Final Exams will continue at their regularly scheduled times and locations, unless you have received specific guidance from your course faculty.

Spring Break will be extended an additional week (2 weeks in total).

Spring Term classes will now begin on April 6. ALL classes and labs will be taught remotely for at least the first two weeks of the term, through April 17. The additional week of Spring Break will allow faculty to adjust course plans to offer classes and labs remotely. We do not anticipate extending spring term; it is scheduled to end on June 12.

Remote delivery after Spring Break will include tools for you to participate in spring term courses through remote teaching software and access to required software through virtual labs. Additional information on these systems will follow during spring break as these are put in place. We request your patience and understanding as faculty and staff work diligently to implement these changes.

Campus locations will remain open and operational during spring term, though with some possible reduced services and facility access to ensure social distancing. Students, faculty and staff will be able to use some campus facilities including housing, food service and a limited subset of computer labs to ensure access to computing infrastructure necessary if students do not have their own computers, or internet access, or if their equipment is unable to run specific software needed for classes or labs. Specific information on which buildings, rooms, computer labs and other campus facilities which will remain open during spring term will follow in future communications.

Financial Aid disbursements will be delayed by one week because of the delay in the start of spring term. However, the university has an Emergency Loan program which is available for those students who receive financial aid and are enrolled in spring term and will need funds immediately for necessities like rent or groceries at the beginning of April. Please contact the Cashiers Office to enroll in this program; additional information can be found here.

Residence halls will remain open during the extended spring break, with limited food service availability. At this time the residence halls will remain open for Spring Term for those students who live on campus. Residence Life staff will contact those students living in the residence halls, with additional specific information.

Student Employees who have on-campus jobs will continue to work during Spring Term. To the greatest extent possible, we will maintain hours for student employees. If you are a student employee who is not able to come to campus or report to work, please contact your supervisor. Some student employees may be reassigned depending on the varying needs across departments. We will adjust operations to match employer guidance from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) regarding social distancing. Please refer to the Student Employee FAQs on Oregon Tech’s COVID-19 website.

With this evolving situation, we will continuously evaluate and update changes to these plans and communicate them to you. Please check your email regularly for updates (including during spring break).

Please be safe and know that all of us at Oregon Tech deeply care about you, your well-being and your continued academic progress, especially during these unchartered times.

We are Oregon Tech Together. Go Owls!

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow

President

2:19PM

Dear Faculty & Staff,

Good afternoon.

As you all know, Governor Brown has announced that all K-12 schools in Oregon will be temporarily closed from Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31. We recognize that this announcement will have varying impacts on our faculty, staff, and students.

This memo is focused on measures to help our faculty and staff and our university meet our responsibilities and to manage our operations through the closure of our K-12 partners.

As we committed yesterday, our primary goals in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak is to:

1. Reduce the transmission of COVID-19 to protect our students, faculty, staff and the communities we are part of, and
2. Ensure the continued academic progress of our students.

Both of the above require that we come together as a university community to support each other.

For those colleagues who are directly affected, if you are unable to find appropriate childcare during the upcoming K-12 closure, we ask that you work directly with your supervisor to determine what solution or combination of solutions can be arranged. Please see below. Later today, we will be sending additional guidance to supervisors and updating the COVID-19 website with information specific to this topic.

Further, I have asked the Office of Human Resources (OHR) to serve as an additional resource for supervisors and employees to problem-solve the most complex situations involving staff. Faculty are requested to work directly through their Department Chairs and Deans prior to contacting the Provost’s Office for assistance.

For those that are not able to find appropriate childcare, below are some options to consider discussing with your supervisor. It must be understood however that each department must consider both your job duties and the essential functions of the department.

1. Use accrued leave – With supervisor knowledge and consent, employees may use accrued leave for related absences (as applicable: compensatory time, personal leave, sick leave, and/or vacation time). Accrued leave should be exhausted before leave without pay is considered. This may include partial days off. Please work with your supervisor to proactively identify solutions to keeping your department operational.

2. Adopt a temporary flexible schedule – Some departments may be able to accommodate individuals to adopt a temporary flexible schedule (come in early, leave later; come in late, leave late; etc.) to better coordinate childcare with their spouses, partners, and babysitters.

3. Early morning/evening or weekend work – It is possible that some work time could be made up before or after regular work hours and/or over the weekend, especially for those who may have significant work with deadlines or those with insufficient accrued leave.

4. Work from home –Work from home arrangements are for employees who can perform their job duties away from campus at the same level of effectiveness as when they are on campus. If employees are caring for young children while working from home, some of that effectiveness will be lost. Employees who can work from home will be asked to assess the actual time they worked and use accrued leave to supplement the time they were performing childcare duties. It is okay and understood that there will be balance needed and proactive communication with supervisors will be key.

5. Combination –It could be that a combination of the suggestions above may be used on a day-by-day basis to best cover operational needs and the employee’s childcare obligations.

OHR is creating a form that will help map out the dates and times to record temporary changes in an employee’s regular work schedule. Please check on the COVID-19 website later today for the form or contact your supervisor.

One question that may come up is whether employees can bring their children to work. While a fair question, this is not a viable option for a variety of reasons—including safeguarding your child’s own safety and well-being.

As I mentioned in a previous memo, we are in unchartered waters. Today, the landscape has shifted once more, but we are a resilient and caring community and I am confident we can and will work through this latest challenge.

Please check the COVID-19 website frequently. If you have questions, please use the submit a question link on the COVID-19 website, or through Tech-Tips. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and support.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

10:06AM

Dear Oregon Tech Faculty and Staff,

Last night, Governor Brown announced that all K-12 schools in Oregon will be temporarily closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. At the present time, Oregon Tech intends to stay with our plans as announced yesterday afternoon.

However, we recognize that the Governor’s announcement will have varying impacts on our faculty, staff, and students. The senior leadership team has already begun meeting this morning to consider various scenarios and will provide additional guidance later this afternoon related to flexible work schedules and remote work to support our employees, families and the academic progress of our students. Please also keep checking back on the COVID-19 website, as we continue to update and expand its content.

First, to those of you with children too young to be left without supervision, we will work with you to find the best way possible for you to balance your family obligations and your work duties. Solutions for some of you may be apparent and easily managed. For others, we may need to get creative.

Second, I ask members of our community who may not be facing direct challenges due to this school closure, be willing helpers. Whenever and however possible, please be compassionate, understanding, and willing to support your colleagues, your managers, and most importantly our students.

This is a time for us to come together as a university community, supporting each other.

Thank you for all you do for our students and our university every day.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

2:43PM

Dear University Community,

Like many of you, members of the Executive Staff and I have been carefully monitoring the various updates and news about the coronavirus (COVID-19). We have been working closely with other university leaders, public health, and government officials to consider how it has and could continue to impact our students, faculty and staff, and we have been developing plans as we monitor the spread of the virus. While there are no confirmed cases at Oregon Tech, it is important for communities to look out for one another and to do what is best for our university, regional and, global communities.

• Oregon Tech is open and will take every step to remain open and operational to ensure the academic progress of our students.

• Finals for Winter Term will be held as scheduled unless students receive specific information from their faculty. Any additional guidance will be provided by Provost Joanna Mott in consultation with the deans.

Based on advice from experts our focus in responding to this emerging situation aligns with two primary goals:

1. Reduce the transmission of COVID-19 to protect our students, faculty, and staff and the communities we are part of, and

2. Ensure the continued academic progress of our students.

In keeping with guidance issued by Governor Brown, the Oregon Health Authority and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, Oregon Tech is enacting the following measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 by increasing “social distancing” practices.

Social Distancing Guidance (Effective March 23, 2020):

• University Events: Nonessential employee, department or other university sponsored gatherings will be limited to no more than 20 people, with an appropriate exception process for larger size gatherings. Teleconferencing and videoconferencing technologies should be used as much as possible to facilitate continued operations. If events are being held in other venues outside of Oregon Tech, determination of whether to hold events may be decided by the hosting organization.

• Sporting Events: The NAIA athletic conference is suspending all sports until March 29, 2020, pending further developments.

• Campus Housing: All student housing facilities will remain open and in normal operations, utilizing social distancing and other precautions.

• Campus Food Service: Campus food service will remain in service including limited availability over Spring Break.

• Employee Travel: Non-essential employee travel will be curtailed to the extent feasible. Any institutionally sponsored travel must be approved by the employee’s direct supervisor. Student event travel will be approved by Vice President for Student Affairs.

• Continuity of Work and Remote Work: Employees are expected to report to their normal work locations and work their regular schedules. When feasible, and with prior approval, employees may be permitted to work remotely. Division executives will determine which positions are eligible for remote work in consultation with managers and employees.

• Social Distancing Procedures: Social distancing guidance will be evaluated on a frequent basis and adjustments will be communicated to the campus community.

Spring Break (March 20-27, 2020):

• Travel: The university strongly recommends that students, staff and faculty limit travel, particularly international travel or to areas of the United States that have high infection rates.

• Returning: If you have been to areas with high infection rates, have reason to believe that you have been exposed to COVID-19, or have cold or flu like symptoms, practice increased personal hygiene and social distancing techniques as outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [EDIT: If you have been to areas with high infection rates, have reason to believe that you have been exposed to COVID-19, or have cold or flu like symptoms, practice increased personal hygiene and social distancing techniques as outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you do travel and become ill, please delay your return to campus until you do not have a fever or other symptoms for 24 hours.]

Spring Term (Effective March 30, 2020):

• Classes: Spring Term lecture classes will be delivered remotely wherever feasible for at least the first two weeks of classes from March 30, 2020 to April 10, 2020. Additional information will be communicated to students and faculty by the Office of the Provost.

• Labs: Laboratory instruction will continue to be offered in their current modality and as scheduled, with efforts made to employ social distancing practices.

• Computer Labs: Select computer labs will remain open for student use during Spring Term to ensure all students have access to courses delivered remotely.

• Social Distancing Guidance: Social distancing techniques outlined above will continue in effect.

• Clinics Operations: Clinics run by Oregon Tech will continue normal operations until further notice.

• Student Externships: Students externships and co-ops will continue; guidance will be updated on a regular basis by the department, and the extern partner in consultation with the Office of the Provost.

• Evaluating Further Steps: Each of these steps will be reevaluated on a frequent basis and adjustments will be communicated to the campus community.

Please familiarize yourself with precautions and steps to help keep yourself healthy and avoid transmission of the disease announced by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We are thankful for the leadership and support that Oregon Tech along with all public universities in Oregon have received from the Governor’s Office, OHA, and the HECC as well as other institutions. This close coordination will continue as this situation develops.

As further guidance from federal, state and local health authorities are provided, we will communicate with our university community by email and at Oregon Tech’s COVID-19 response page located at https://www.oit.edu/coronavirus.

In situations like this we recognize that we cannot eliminate all risk; but we are determined to do all that we can to minimize it. We will continue to focus on protecting the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff and our regional communities as well as ensuring our students’ continued academic progress.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and support as we move forward as Oregon Tech Together.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

5:40PM

Dear Oregon Tech Faculty and Staff:

Oregon Tech along with all other public universities in Oregon have been in regular communication with the Governor’s Office, the Oregon Health Authority, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and local health authorities. Active planning is underway at Oregon Tech.

We just received confirmation that Governor Brown and the Oregon Health Authority are planning to release updated guidance and information tomorrow morning. Following the Governor’s announcements, we will send a more detailed set of guidelines to our university community to address topics such as remote work, academic delivery, and social distancing.

I thank you for your support and engagement as we move forward together in these uncharted times.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

12:00PM

Oregon Tech Campus Community,

As you may have heard, a few more possible/presumptive cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been announced this morning in Klamath, Jackson, and Washington Counties.

Oregon Tech takes the health and safety of all its community members as highest priority, and is planning for a variety of contingencies in the event of a confirmed case on any of our campuses/teaching sites. University administration receives frequent updates regarding COVID-19 from the Oregon Health Authority, and the university’s Director of the Integrated Student Health Center (ISHC) is also in close contact with Klamath County Public Health and other state agencies.

Oregon Tech has assembled a response team that is developing and implementing (as needed) plans related to all known aspects of a university response, should one be needed. Oregon Tech prefers to be proactive rather than reactive in case any measures related to the virus, such as a temporary closure, become necessary. The contingency areas upon which the response team are focused include: academics – including teaching delivery; students and housing; business continuity; and communication with internal and external stakeholders. These areas will be examined from the perspectives of the different Oregon Tech campuses and sites, as response tactics may vary depending on the location.

As we get more information, this will be sent out to all of you; and please note that we are posting daily or even more frequent updates and FAQs to our website: https://www.oit.edu/coronavirus

Should you have any questions, please see the website, or contact Dr. Erin Foley at erin.foley@oit.edu.

Thank you,

Dr. Nagi

Oregon Tech Community Members,

Last week you received the first correspondence regarding the coronavirus and this is the next (of what will be regular) communications.  Please know that the priority is the health and safety of all of our university members at all of our locations.  We are also supportive of our community members who have family and friends directly impacted by this disease.

COVID-19 Status Update #1 – March 6, 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports (as of today) 99,624 cases globally (90 countries), with 3,400 deaths.  The current situation is considered a world health crisis but could become a pandemic at some point. Cases in the United States number 263 with 12 deaths. Oregon has 3 confirmed cases with 13 tests pending and the number of persons under investigation and monitoring are 61 and 353, respectively. In Washington, 70 confirmed cases, 11 deaths and 231 under supervision. 

Oregon Tech’s Planning and Response

A Planning and Response Team met this week and developed subcommittee groups to plan for a variety of scenarios and related needs for all aspects of the university operations. The subcommittees are: Academics, Business Continuity, Communications, Infrastructure and Medical, and are meeting regularly. For more information specific to Oregon Tech, please go to www.oit.edu/coronavirus/ .  Oregon Tech officials are in communication with local and state health authorities and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) to stay informed of the latest information and guidelines.

Academics

A subcommittee of the OT Planning and Response Team is preparing for a variety of possible scenarios, both immediate and longer term. The Oregon Health Authority is recommending that universities (and K-12) do not close for an extended period (7-28 days) should the numbers of infection dictate such action, but only close for a day or so in order to deep clean impacted areas. Oregon Tech will follow these state guidelines. Thus, closures are more likely to resemble a “snow day(s)” and be of limited duration rather than a prolonged period.  The Oregon Tech – Boeing campus is working to balance needs with information relative to the Seattle area and at the relevant Boeing facilities with the university’s support. The Dental Hygiene program at Chemeketa Community College will follow the guidance of that institution, and keep the Oregon Tech administration apprised of any information that they provide to their campus community.

Prevention

Please continue to protect yourself by taking these actions:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 sec (2 rounds of the ABCs song). If not available, use hand sanitizer (60% alcohol based or higher).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing; dispose of the tissue immediately and wash hands.

Travel – Spring Break

At this time, Oregon Tech has not issued a ban on international travel of university students or employees. Please consider all of the factors when deciding to travel abroad; some countries are prohibiting individuals from entering. Spring break is approaching quickly and we are encouraging everyone to consider not traveling to areas with cases of COVID-19. If you do travel and become ill, please delay your return to campus until you do not have a fever or other symptoms for 24 hours. Students living on campus in Klamath Falls can stay in housing over the break by signing up with the Housing Office.

Next Steps

University officials will continue to be in contact with local and state health authorities. COVID-19 Planning and Response Team subcommittees will to meet and address new developments around this disease.  Please watch for additional communications about the COVID-19 situation and Oregon Tech’s response.

Questions

Please let me know if you have any questions.

For more detailed information on COVID-19, please visit the websites below:

Oregon Tech’s page: https://www.oit.edu/coronavirus/

Oregon Health Authority 2019-nCoV page: http://healthoregon.org/coronavirus

CDC 2019-nCoV page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

WHO page: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/novel-coronavirus

Please take all actions to stay well as we complete winter term, especially staying at home if you are ill. Thanks for helping Oregon Tech’s community stay healthy, and to continue our normal operations.

Sincerely,

Erin M. Foley, Ph.D.
Vice President & Dean of Students

Dear University Community,

Oregon Tech is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our university community and we are actively monitoring the news regarding the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Oregon Tech has assembled a COVID Response Team that is meeting to develop campus continuation plans. Additional information regarding these plans will be shared as developments occur. We’d like to remind the entire community to continue to take the CDC-recommended precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza.

Oregon Tech is committed to providing credible and timely information to our university community and is working closely with local, state and federal public health agencies to make informed decisions and provide considered guidance. The Integrated Student Health Center continues to communicate with health officials and monitor the situation.

At this time, Oregon Tech is operating under normal schedules. If there are changes, we will communicate with our campuses immediately.

Sincerely,
Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President