SF State COVID-19 updates - 3/13/20

Dear campus community,

As the University quickly plans in a rapidly changing environment, there are bound to be unanswered questions, anxiety and confusion. I’m hopeful that this update, as well as some changes to the COVID-19 website, will help assuage some anxieties and further clarify some of your most pressing questions.

At this time, no SF State employees or students have been reported to have COVID-19 and our campuses remain open. We are committed to continuing student learning and progress-to-degree while mitigating the spread of the virus. However, social distancing has required us to suspend face-to-face classes to allow all faculty to prepare for remote instruction beginning March 16. Mitigation efforts, including enhanced cleaning and social distancing, are effective in reducing the transmission of viruses.

Students can expect to hear from their faculty members, who will provide information on how individual classes will operate remotely. We have also canceled events and nonessential meetings and have severely restricted University-sanctioned travel.

Students and employees who are ill should stay home. Students and employees who are at higher risk if they contract COVID-19 should consult their health care provider for recommendations. For questions related to work options, employees should consult with their direct supervisor and Human Resources (HR).

We are now looking at the number of staff and managers to remain on campus to maintain necessary University operations. We must continue to provide the services that will allow the University to support students and faculty who are engaged in remote learning and teaching, as well as support the students, faculty and staff who remain on campus. Some employees will be allowed to work remotely based on an approved Temporary Telecommuting Agreement. On Monday, March 16, managers and staff will confirm business continuity and telecommuting plans. Altered services and work schedules will be effective Tuesday, March 17.

We have added new resources to the University’s COVID-19 website. You will find in the left-hand column links to individual pages with information for students and families, faculty, and staff and managers. I have met — and continue to meet — with Cabinet and other University leadership daily to ensure we provide accurate and timely information. If you identify additional areas of information you’d like to see addressed, do not hesitate to email me at president@sfsu.edu.

• Student and families: Find updated information about classes, how to succeed in remote learning modalities, information for student employees as well as news of continued efforts to meet students’ health and basic needs.
• Faculty members: The updated For Faculty section will provide faculty members information about assistance in moving classes to virtual or remote modalities. You will also find guidance on research and sponsored programs at our link to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs site. Faculty with questions and concerns should contact the Provost’s Office.
• Staff and managers: Updated information for staff and managers can be found on the HR website. If you have more questions, contact your supervisor or HR.
• Current travel restrictions on University-related travel are also detailed.

With any evolving situation, there is a lot to learn and more to come. However, there is one thing we know for sure: We have a shared responsibility to limit the spread of COVID-19. Here are steps you can take. We take these steps not only to protect ourselves, but to protect others.

I appreciate everything that our students, faculty, staff and administrators are doing to contribute to the mitigation of COVID-19 in the city and the Bay Area. I thank you as well for your patience as we continue to shape plans in a rapidly evolving environment.

Stay well!

Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President