Important Updates and Reminders About COVID-19 Planning and Actions – March 13, 2020


March 13, 2020 at 10:28am


Dear Members of the Allegheny Community,

We are writing to share several reminders and updates about the College’s ongoing planning and actions related to COVID-19. We are very grateful for the community’s flexibility and understanding as we work through a very complex set of circumstances. Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of our entire community, and we are making every effort to do that while upholding our educational mission and addressing questions about our plans for modified operations. Details about the modified operations are available here.

We encourage you to visit the College’s COVID-19 website for the latest updates and information, and please keep in mind the following:

Travel Guidance

College-sponsored and Student Organization Travel

Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the safety and well-being of our campus community, the College is restricting all non-essential Allegheny-sponsored travel for faculty, staff, and students, including student organizations, at this time.

If employees are aware of upcoming travel for the student organizations they advise, please communicate the above with them. If you have any questions, please contact the Dean of Students Office at (814) 332-4356. Employees are encouraged to work with their Administrative Executive Committee (AEC) member to evaluate upcoming essential Allegheny-sponsored travel.

We are requiring all students, faculty, and staff to register any essential College-sponsored travel, both domestic and international, by providing us with your date(s) of travel and destination(s). The travel registration form can be found here.

We ask students, faculty, staff, and visitors to be respectful and not travel to campus if they are ill or have traveled to any CDC-restricted area. Travelers are advised to stay home for 14 days from the time they left an area with widespread, ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice countries) and practice social distancing. Follow CDC guidance for travelers returning from high-risk countries.

Update About Travel Advisories and Spring Semester 2020 Study Abroad Programs

The International Education Office in the Gateway is closely monitoring changing conditions and travel advisory levels in countries where our students are currently studying abroad. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently elevated their travel warning to a Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) for most of Europe (excluding the UK) and to a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) for the rest of the world. In addition, the U.S. State Department has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory – Reconsider Travel.

Effective March 13, Allegheny is requiring that all students currently studying abroad in a location with a CDC Level 3 Warning (Germany and France) begin to make arrangements to return home as soon as possible. The International Education Office is assisting these students and their families in making the necessary travel arrangements to return to the U.S.

For all other students currently enrolled in study abroad programs in locations with a CDC Level 2 Warning, Allegheny is allowing students the option of continuing in their program as long as their program provider/institution continues to offer instruction. If their study abroad provider/institution cancels the program, or if their abroad location moves to a CDC Level 3 Warning, International Education will work with students to make arrangements to return home.

Domestic Travel Advice

Spring Break Return Shuttle Transportation

The Spring Break return shuttles on March 22, 2020, have been canceled. Shuttles for the same times (5 and 7:30 p.m.) from the Pittsburgh (PIT) airport and 6 p.m. from Megabus) have been set for Saturday, March 28, 2020. Students who have already paid for March 22 and re-book for March 28 will receive credit for the March 28 booking. Students who need to book a return shuttle can do so here. If this does not accommodate your travel plans, please contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@allegheny.edu.

Athletics & Recreation

Varsity Athletic and Club Sport Activities

All athletic-related activities are suspended effective March 13 until on-campus classes are scheduled to resume on March 30. During this time, no practices or competitions will take place. The College will continue to re-evaluate the situation as necessary.

Wise Sport & Fitness Center

Beginning March 13 at 8 p.m., the Wise Center will be closed until March 30 when on-campus classes are anticipated to resume. This follows Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s recommendation discouraging individuals from traveling to recreational activities like gyms.

Meetings, Events, and Gatherings

As a reminder, non-essential events through March 27, 2020, are canceled. Employees should refer questions about essential events to their Administrative Executive Committee (AEC) member.

Springfest

Due to the shortened time-span for planning this event and out of an abundance of caution, the Major Events Committee (MEC) is canceling Springfest 2020, scheduled for April 3-4. MEC is exploring ideas for another smaller celebration later in the semester.

Modified Hours for Campus Services

Pelletier Library

During Break

  • Friday, March 13: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 14: CLOSED
  • Sunday, March 15: CLOSED
  • Monday, March 16 – Friday, March 20: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 21: CLOSED
  • Sunday, March 22: CLOSED
  • Monday, March 23 – Tuesday, March 24: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

During Remote Instruction

  • Wednesday, March 25 – Thursday, March 26: 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Friday, March 27: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28: CLOSED

In preparation for classes resuming on Monday, March 30

  • Sunday, March 29: 2:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
  • Monday, March 30: Resume normal hours

Dining Services

Dining services will be available for limited hours/locations. McKinley’s will be open on March 13 until 8 p.m. and March 14–15, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–6:30 p.m. Brooks will be open March 16–28, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–6:30 p.m. McKinley’s will be closed March 16–28.

Winslow Health Center Hours

Winslow Health Center will be open March 16–20, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., by appointment only. The self-care clinic will be open March 16–20, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., as well. Winslow will resume normal hours of operation starting March 23.

Counseling and Personal Development Center Hours

The Counseling and Personal Development Center will be open March 16–20 during business hours for crisis appointments. Walk-ins may be available; please call (814) 332-4368 for walk-in hours. CPDC will be open March 23–27 during business hours for crisis appointments, and walk-in hours will be added. Therapists will be in contact with current clients about scheduling options. Students needing additional support are encouraged to call the 24/7 Line at (814) 332-2105.

Risk Prevention Guidelines

The best protection from the spread of any virus, including the flu and COVID-19, is through everyday preventive actions, including the following:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Cough into your elbow if you do not have a tissue.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. This includes your cell phone and computer keyboards and mice.

View more information about preventing illness on the CDC website.