March 16, 2020 - Message regarding UMSL coronavirus response
Dear University Community,
As I have previously shared, the health, safety and well-being of our campus community is at the forefront of our decision-making in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. With that in mind, I want to share with you some significant decisions for the UMSL campus.
Travel Restrictions: Effective immediately, all university-related, non-essential international and domestic travel is suspended until May 18, including previously approved travel. This includes travel connected to university activities or programs for all faculty, staff and students, whether funded by the university, an external grant or any other source. Requests to engage in essential travel must be submitted at the dean, vice chancellor or vice provost level for review by the Office of the Provost in consultation with Human Resources.
Campus Restrictions: Out of respect for your health as well as the health of our students, faculty and staff, individuals who may have been in contact with someone who has been infected by COVID-19 or who exhibits symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection (fever, cough or difficulty breathing) should refrain from coming to campus. Instead, individuals should call a health provider for additional guidance, stay home and self-monitor for 14 days.
Event Restrictions: All nonessential university-sponsored events will be canceled until further notice, as well as any externally-hosted events. We are carefully considering plans for the spring commencement ceremonies and will communicate further as decisions are made.
Social Distancing: To further protect your health and help slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, all faculty, staff and students should adopt social distancing practices while on campus. This includes maintaining physical distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible. Free tools such as Zoom video conferencing can also help remove the need for in person gatherings when space does not allow for distancing.
Remote Work: The University of Missouri System is finalizing information and processes related to remote work for university employees and will soon share details to our campus community. For now, those employees seeking permission to work remotely or require special accommodations should submit remote work requests to the dean or unit-level director for review on a case-by-case basis in consultation with UMSL Human Resources.
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to make decisions to protect our community. We will continue to provide additional information and guidance as the situation evolves.
Sincerely,
Kristin Sobolik
Interim Chancellor and Provost
Additional Resources
Student health services: Health Services – 314-516-5671
Student services and support: Student Affairs – 314-516-5211
International student services/study abroad: UMSL Global – 314-516-5753
Questions regarding university-sponsored travel: Faculty: Academic Affairs – 314-516-5371, Staff: Human Resources – 314-516-5805
Equal employment/educational opportunity: Human Resources – 314-516-4538
Guideline on student or other participant international travel or study abroad: CRR 210.070
Faculty and staff insurance for authorized international business travel
Human Resources Manual Virus-Related Outbreak Concerns
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) international travel alert program
