Date: Sat, Mar 21, 2020 at 4:40 PM
Subject: Governor's Latest Executive Order - 100% Workforce Reduction
Yesterday, the Governor issued an executive order mandating a 100% workforce reduction, with an exception for staff performing essential services. During this past week, the residential life staff has worked diligently to reduce the student population in the residence halls. All residence facilities will be closed at 5pm on Monday, March 23. The dining hall will close on Monday at 4pm until further notice.
At this time, we expect all staff, with the exception of identified essential persons in public safety, facilities and some mailroom personnel, to work from remote locations. Limited exceptions can be made for faculty and IT staff working in support of our transition to online education. While campus access is possible on a very limited basis, even this could change. We don't know when the city or state will enforce tighter restrictions.
If you feel you must come to campus, you must contact your department head and receive their approval. You must also call ahead to the Public Safety Command Center at 718-636-3540. Many campus buildings will be locked, so this will be the only way to gain access.
We have had to adapt our guidance to rapidly changing circumstances and are deeply grateful for your continued flexibility. While many of us will be working from home, a core group of employees will continue to return to campus on a daily basis to ensure it is safe, secure and in good condition for our eventual return. They deserve our heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation for their efforts.
For more guidance on Pratt's operations in light of COVID-19, please visit https://www.pratt.edu/coronavirus.
Cathy Kenny
Vice President for Finance and Administration
Date: Wed, Mar 18, 2020 at 11:34 PM
Subject: Notification of a COVID-19 Case in the Pratt Community
Dear members of the Pratt Community:
While we do not have complete information at this time, we feel it is important to inform you immediately that a member of the Pratt community has reported testing positive for COVID-19 and is receiving appropriate care. This individual, who proactively self-reported this status to Pratt Health Services, is no longer on campus.
The NYC Department of Health oversees contact, investigation, and notification. Persons who have had close contact with the individual in question have been or will be notified by the Department of Health in accordance with standard public health principles.
If you have not been notified, then you are not deemed to have increased risk from exposure to this individual.
This the first reported case within the Pratt community. As a community, we must do everything we can to support anyone who contracts the virus, protect anonymity, and help one another through this incredibly difficult time.
Helen Matusow-Ayres
Vice President for Student Affairs
Dennis Mazone
Assistant Vice President for Campus Safety and Preparedness
March 16, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Given worsening pandemic developments in New York City and globally, the Institute has made several determinations for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester.
Online Instruction and Internships
Beginning Monday, March 30, as previously announced, classes will no longer meet in person. It has now been determined that instruction will continue online for the remainder of the semester. Following Spring Break and the study week scheduled for the week of March 23, classes will resume online on a regular schedule as of Monday, March 30.
Students registered for internship credits this semester should no longer travel to internship sites and should consult with their internship coordinator regarding alternate modes for completing these credits.
Campus Academic Facilities Closed
Effective today, all campus academic facilities (classrooms, labs, shops, studios, libraries, etc.) are closed until further notice. Faculty and staff may request access to facilities through a process to be communicated shortly.
Students will receive important information and further instructions regarding residence hall occupancy and their studios later this afternoon. With this closure, all non-essential administrative offices remain at your service and available online. Continue to visit www.pratt.edu/healthadvisory for information.
Canceled Events
Given New York City restrictions on public gatherings, all public lectures, thesis exhibitions, screenings, and all other Pratt Shows events are canceled. Academic departments may develop alternate, virtual ways of presenting, discussing, and celebrating student work this spring.
All major events of the spring semester must be canceled. This includes, among other events, the Fashion Show (May 7), the Design Show (May 13-18), and Awards Convocation (May 15). Again, academic leadership may explore virtual alternatives to some of these events.
Commencement
Regretfully, our Commencement exercises, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at Radio City Music Hall, must be canceled as an in-person gathering. We will not hold Commencement at Radio City Music Hall, but students who have completed all requirements of graduation will earn their degrees and receive their diplomas regardless. The Institute will explore alternate virtual ways to celebrate student achievement in May.
Unprecedented circumstances require that we take these steps in order to protect the well-being of the Pratt community. I urge everyone to remain focused on protecting their health and supporting each other, while completing the spring semester successfully and virtually.
Sincerely,
Kirk E. Pillow
Provost
From: Pratt President Frances Bronet & Student Affairs VP Helen Matusow-Ayres <memo@pratt.edu>
Date: Wed, Mar 11, 2020 at 3:45 PM
Subject: Important Announcement About Classes Before and After Spring Break
Dear Pratt parents and guardians,
I know that you are as hypervigilant as I am about the impact of the serious and rapidly evolving coronavirus outbreak on your students' well-being. We want to make sure you know that the Pratt staff and faculty are here to support them.
Just now we announced to students, faculty, and staff that in-person classes are cancelled for the rest of this week, and that Pratt will make temporary changes to our teaching and learning formats following Spring Break. These changes are meant to support student completion of the spring semester while protecting our community further in the current situation.
We are living through an unprecedented crisis, but fortunately here at Pratt we have not yet had a coronavirus case on campus. This has allowed us to keep classes in session, hoping to keep the semester on track for students, and has given us the time to seek good guidance from official health agencies and our peers to prepare for alternative modes for delivering courses through the rest of the semester, in light of the continuing challenge facing New York City.
A great deal of care, research, and planning guides the Institute’s decisions on the Pratt Community’s behalf. Health Services and Counseling Services have and will continue to look after students who seek their help. Faculty and department chairs will continue to answer student concerns individually. Residential Life will continue to look after the needs of our students who remain on campus. And a host of others from every department on campus will continue their heightened work and availability to the community.
This Week
Effective Thursday, March 12, Pratt classes are canceled for the remainder of this week, on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses.
Spring Break Week
We will observe Spring Break as scheduled in the Spring 2020 Academic Calendar, from March 16 through Sunday, March 22.
Residence halls will remain open for students who cannot make alternative arrangements and will remain open through the completion of the semester for those students. Students who go home for the break should take necessary personal belongings, project materials, and educational equipment with them in case the situation changes while they are away.
As previously communicated, Pratt community members are strongly urged to reconsider any travel plans over Spring Break.
Week of March 23
All classes are cancelled for the week of Monday, March 23, immediately following Spring Break. (The sole exception concerns the Rome Architecture program students, whose program resumes at the Pfizer Building on Monday, March 23.) Instead of scheduled classes, we will observe a study week during which academic departments, faculty, and students will be transitioning to alternate methods of continuing courses without in person meetings. All students should begin to familiarize themselves with Pratt’s Telepresence Cloud Kit at www.pratt.edu/telepresence.
Faculty will be communicating with their students during the week of March 23 regarding how they will convene class sessions online, and distribute to students any changes to course syllabi designed to facilitate completion of courses this spring, assigning readings, writing projects, or other work for students to complete, in lieu of in-person class sessions.
Week of March 30
Classes will resume on a regular schedule as of Monday, March 30. Classes will not meet in person.
Going Forward
The Institute will monitor the evolving situation to determine the duration of time classes will not be held in person. At least one week’s notice will be provided should the decision be made to resume in-person class meetings.
The campus will remain open throughout and operations will continue with appropriate measures to protect the health of the community.
Our focus remains on keeping this community healthy as we fulfill our important academic mission and maintain our values. We are listening to public health experts, staying calm, using common sense, and communicating the best hygiene practices.
This situation continues to evolve; please go to our website at www.pratt.edu/healthadvisory for the most up-to-date information. Questions and concerns should continue to be addressed through email at healthadvisory@pratt.edu.
Thank you for your patience and compassion as we make our way through these challenging times together.
Sincerely,
Frances Bronet
President
Helen Matusow-Ayres
Vice President for Student Affairs
From: Pratt Provost Kirk E. Pillow <memo@pratt.edu>
Date: Mar 11, 2020, 3:22 PM
Subject: Important Announcement about Classes Before and After Spring Break
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
In light of the continuing COVID-19 challenge facing New York City, after today in-person classes are canceled for the rest of this week and Pratt will make temporary changes to our teaching and learning formats following Spring Break. These changes are meant to support student completion of the spring semester while protecting our community further in the current situation.
This Week
Effective Thursday, March 12, Pratt classes are canceled for the remainder of this week, on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses.
Spring Break Week
We will observe Spring Break as scheduled in the Spring 2020 Academic Calendar, from March 16 through Sunday, March 22.
Residence halls will remain open for students who cannot make alternative arrangements and will remain open through the completion of the semester for those students. Students who go home for the break should take necessary personal belongings, project materials, and educational equipment with them in case the situation changes while they are away.
As previously communicated, Pratt community members are strongly urged to reconsider any travel plans over Spring Break.
Week of March 23
All classes are canceled for the week of Monday, March 23, immediately following Spring Break. (The sole exception concerns the Rome Architecture program students, whose program resumes at the Pfizer Building on Monday, March 23.) Instead of scheduled classes, we will observe a study week during which academic departments and faculty will explore and prepare for alternate (principally online) methods of continuing courses without in-person meetings. Faculty should consider how they can accelerate achievement of student learning outcomes in the remainder of the semester.
Faculty are welcome and encouraged to begin this planning over Spring Break where possible, and seek out support from Information Technology for their planning. All community members should begin to familiarize themselves with Pratt’s Telepresence Cloud Kit at www.pratt.edu/telepresence.
When they are ready to, faculty should communicate with their students during the week of March 23 regarding how they will convene class sessions online, and distribute to students any changes to course syllabi designed to facilitate completion of courses this spring. Faculty should assign readings, writing projects, or other work for students to complete during this study week, in lieu of in-person class sessions.
Additional information will be provided to faculty by their departments, Information Technology, and the Office of the Provost, regarding resources to support alternate methods of continuing courses.
Week of March 30
Classes will resume on a regular schedule as of Monday, March 30. Classes will not meet in person.
Going Forward
The Institute will monitor the evolving situation to determine for how long classes will not be held in person. At least one week’s notice will be provided should the decision be made to resume in-person class meetings.
The campus will remain open throughout and operations will continue with appropriate measures to protect the health of the community.
Sincerely,
Kirk E. Pillow
Provost
From: Pratt Provost Kirk E. Pillow & Finance and Administration VP Cathleen Kenny <memo@pratt.edu>
Date: Mon, Mar 9, 2020 at 3:51 PM
Subject: Event and Travel Restrictions in Light of Coronavirus
Dear Pratt Faculty and Staff,
As of today, in light of recent advisories from New York City and State, Pratt Institute is cancelling all events with a capacity of 100 or more attendees, from now until Friday, April 10.
Event organizers should review any contracts with Pratt’s Department of Legal Affairs at 718.687.5352 for assistance with cancellations, deposit returns, or refunds, to the extent possible. Subsequent decisions will be made about extending the directive beyond April 10, as the situation continues to develop.
Additionally, until further notice, Pratt will not support Institute-sponsored individual or group travel, including any domestic or international course-related travel. All scheduled travel should be cancelled. Contact the Purchasing Department at 718.636.3430 or purchasing@pratt.edu for assistance in determining the potential for obtaining refunds or applying deposits to future travel.
We, also, highly recommend and urge you to reconsider and avoid any personal travel over spring break.
Sincerely,
Kirk E. Pillow
Provost
Cathleen Kenny
Vice President for Finance and Administration
From: Pratt President Frances Bronet <memo@pratt.edu>
Date: Fri, Mar 6, 2020 at 5:17 PM
Subject: Community Responsibility for Coronavirus Prevention and Care for One Another
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Last night’s “SGA Student Forum: What’s Pratt doing about the Coronavirus?” was well attended both in person and online, and student questions truly evidenced the concerns and care Pratt’s community members have for one another. These are values that are always present in our community, but even more so now as we face this public health crisis together.
A truly generous and healthy community depends on our individual and collective integrity and our mutual respect and sense of responsibility for one another. We each are responsible for our own handwashing, for following good health practices, and if we’re sick, for seeking the appropriate medical care and staying home until we are symptom-free.
We each are also responsible for keeping ourselves informed, for not spreading misinformation or rumors, and most importantly for showing respect for one another, no matter how we perceive another person’s health or background.
Pratt’s faculty and administration are committed to the health, well-being, and academic success of our students. Health Services and Counseling Services are looking after students who seek their help. Faculty and department chairs are answering student concerns individually. Residential Life is looking after the needs of all our students who live on campus. And a host of others from every department on campus are heightening our work at this time.
As you’ve learned from our previous communications to the community, the Coronavirus Task Force is meeting daily, monitoring the situation closely, and seeking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the New York City Department of Health (DOH) in order to make well-informed decisions on the community’s behalf.
It’s also important to know what is beyond our control. Decisions about travel restrictions abroad or locally, as well as protocol in the event that someone in our community contracts the virus, are made by the CDC and the DOH, particularly for community members returning to the US and what happens thereafter. We can only highly recommend that our community members practice specific health precautions and follow our recommendations. However, we must rely on one another to be responsible for ourselves.
We recognize that this is a stressful and challenging time for everyone in our community, particularly those of you who are taking and giving midterm exams. The situation is evolving rapidly and we are calling on everyone to follow recommended protocols and stay generous. We are fortunate to be in a caring and supportive community. Should you need assistance, please reach out to each other and the many services available, which are listed at www.pratt.edu/healthadvisory.
Sincerely,
Frances Bronet
President
**DOH = Department of Health
**CDC = Center for Disease Control & Prevention
There are no cases on either of our campuses
All work being done now is preventative
- Situation is continuously evolving and is being monitored very closely by Pratt’s Coronavirus Taskforce
- Our understanding of how others are doing is very important at this time.
- Read all Communicator emails, read website https://www.pratt.edu/healthadvisory (constantly being updated), direct people with questions, concerns or needs to healthadvisory@pratt.edu
Dennis Mazone - Assistant VP for Campus Safety and preparedness
- Taking us through the actions Pratt has taken to help prepare for the virus:
- Constantly staying in contact with CDC and NYC dep of health
- Most of the resources Pratt is referring to are Johns Hopkins, CDC, World health org, NYC Dep of health, etc.
- A Pratt coronavirus taskforce of faculty, staff, and students started meeting weekly in January, then biweekly, and has been meeting daily as of the pasts 2 weeks
- Taskforce has established several sub-committees
- Care Team - to address and respond to student concerns and needs surrounding coronavirus
- Academic Team - to respond to issues and challenges surrounding academic policies and practices.
- Employee Concerns Team - to address and respond to faculty & staff concerns, as needed surrounding Coronavirus.
- There is a Pandemic Operations Plan at Pratt that is also being updated by going through this real situation
- Administrative Decision Making Team for the virus taskforce
- President Bronet
- The Provost
- VP for Student Affairs
- VP for Communications
- VP for Information Technology
- Assistant VP for Campus Safety & Preparedness
- There will be a 2nd community forum for faculty and staff on Tuesday 12:30-1:30 in the Student union. Students are welcome to attend, in person or virtually.
- International Travel and Study Abroad
- Before you travel this semester, we strongly urge careful consideration of the evolving worldwide situation and risks associated with the coronavirus.
- The situation changes on an hourly basis so stay updated.
- Individuals returning to campus from Italy have been advised to follow the guidance provided from the CDC and the NYC DOH for self-monitoring for 14 days. Residential life staff and Pratt health professionals are prepared to support and assist these students as they return to campus.
- How to prevent spread of virus:
- Pratt students can contact Health Services with medical concerns during business hours at 718-399-4542 or Public Safety after hours at 718-636-3540.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as cell phones and other mobile devices
- Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
- What we can do for one another at Pratt
- Remember we are in the middle of flu season and the CDC recommends that everyone get vaccinated for the flu.
- Stay home when you are sick and do not return until you’ve been fever free for 24 hours
- Use caution against stigmatizing international students. If students report that they are subject to bias or harassment please refer them to the Student Affairs office for assistance in room 008 in the Main Building
Please do your best to refrain from spreading misinformation. Information is easily misrepresented when people are not reading their emails, not reading the information on the website, or not asking questions in person. We are holding this forum as a way to answer questions directly from you, in person and keep everyone updated.
QUESTIONS FROM AUDIENCE:
Q: Students who returned from Rome, where are they staying, what is the procedure?
A: Some went home but some are staying in residence halls. Those students have returned from an area that was not an area with a lot of cases, they are not showing any symptoms, they have not come in contact with anyone who had symptoms. Before inviting them to stay in residence halls, Pratt contacted CDC to receive guidance with what to do with students and they advised students to self monitor and self isolate. Food is being delivered to them 2 times a day (3 meals). Supplies are being donated to them as well. They have a virtual RA who is responding to their needs. The students in Willoughby Hall are not sick. They have no symptoms, they are doing temperature checks, and documenting their status to Pratt Health Services daily. So we are constantly being updated on their condition. Trash service is being provided. Pratt does not want to stigmatize these students. Everyone at Pratt was alerted on their return via Communicator email. Facilities staff are doing additional cleanings of common areas and entrances several times a day. The students are not sharing kitchens or baths with others. They are in self-contained units and being reminded every day not to leave their spaces. We are following guidelines given to us by CDC.
Q: Can you talk about the plan for students who have applied for study abroad over the summer and fall and spring?
A: No decisions have been made about summer and fall yet. However, we want to run the programs, if possible. In terms of deposits/financial commitments, if programs are cancelled students will get their money back. The committee is meeting daily and delaying the decisions until we need to make them. Decisions are not being made in a vacuum, Pratt is looking at other colleges across the nation to see what decisions are being made. They are constantly reevaluating and assessing.
Q: If we should stay home when we are feeling sick, can changes to attendance policy be made?
A: All faculty were sent an email early in the semester encouraging them to be more liberal with their attendance policy and work flexibly with students who are sick. Make sure to communicate with faculty members so they are aware of what is going on. We know that our students’ natural tendency is not to do that. You tend to keep working and coming to class no matter what. So we are encouraging you, and asking your faculty encourage you, to stay home if you are sick
Q: Shouldn’t there be a stricter restriction on Rome students staying in self isolation? I saw one on campus.
A: There have been 3 students who have left their rooms and they have been spoken with and will not be leaving again.
Q: What will be done if there is a case of Coronavirus on campus?
A: We will contact NYC Dep of health and they will take the lead on that and advise us what to do. In terms of what would happen on campus, the rules will come from the Dept of Health on what to do. There is a sub-committee on the task force that is looking at plans on how to address changes in our academic operations that and we are preparing for that and other potential outcomes.
Q: I have the health insurance Pratt provides. Does this insurance cover if i want to get tested for the virus in the future?
A: NYC has committed to testing people who are showing symptoms and need to be tested. If you went to the hospital with symptoms they would test you.
Q: Do you have staff sanitizing work surfaces in between classes?
A: Facilities staff members are doing additional cleaning twice daily: sanitizing handrails, evelators, residence halls, academic buildings, etc, all surfaces. It is being done twice a day in addition to normal cleaning. As we see demand, efforts will be ramped up further. These extra cleanings are focused on common areas and entrances at the moment.
Q: Should Cafeteria workers should be wearing masks?
A: The NYC DOH are not recommending masks for people who aren’t sick, even if they are food handlers. If that were to change, Pratt would follow those changes. This concern will be raised with AVI during the taskforce meeting tomorrow.
Q: Can we cancel field trips to places off campus (such as museums) or elect not to attend?
A: NYC DOH has not alerted nyc residents to stop traveling around the city as of right now. If concerns are expressed to faculty members, they should be able to make exceptions for you.
Q: Is the administration aware of the petition signed by over 1000 people to cancel classes?
A: We are aware of the petition and have responded to the individual who brought it to our attention. We are following the directions and guidelines from the CDC and NYC DOH, as well as checking with other campuses, and there has been no indication that we should cancel classes.
Q: I know the CDC is saying people shouldn’t wear masks but since it takes up to 14 days to show shouldn’t they still be wearing them?
A: The typical surgical or dust masks you see people wearing are unfortunately not very protective. You need a mask that is properly fitted to your face (N95) to truly be protected and Pratt does not have access to those. The CDC does not recommend that the general public wear masks to protect themselves from the virus. We are encouraging people to always wash their hands as much as they can and after they touch anything. If you see someone not doing what they are supposed to do, you should politely correct them. This is a very new virus. Things are developing and changing hourly, as soon as we are aware, we are taking all the actions we are advised to take. We are not waiting until we have a case on Pratt’s campus, we are following the directions given to us by the health organizations.
Q: I know someone who has been denied testing when they went to the hospital.
A: As far as seeking treatment goes, please go to Pratt’s Health Services. They will see and advise anyone about his or her symptoms and will work with that student to get the appropriate support.
Q: Who is responsible if a student gets infected?
A: We will not know under which circumstances a student gets the virus. The task force is responsible for the decisions we are making.
Q: How is Pratt dealing with students who are traveling for spring break?
A: In terms of helping students, if they are not able to come back, plans will be made to try to help them, but our resources or influence would be limited. We advise you to seriously evaluate your travel plans for spring break. If you are an international student and are having a problem with travel, the Office of International Affairs is who you should contact. But if you are stuck in a country based on policy, we cannot circumvent national policy. Pratt will not be able to change your situation. We will work with you to see what is possible in terms of academics, etc. If you are planning to travel abroad we recommend you to look at the CDC website or their info on travel: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. Info changes daily so make sure to constantly be checking and staying aware.
Q: Is there anything Pratt can do to comfort their psychological stress in terms of finishing academic courses?
A: I would encourage students who are feeling stressed about the virus to contact The Senior Student Advocate and Care Coordinator, Martha Cedarholm, mcedarho@pratt.edu, and she will work with you. Counseling is available 24/7 on the phone by calling the Pratt counseling services at 718.687.5356.
Q: Can we provide other means of finishing coursework if we feel like we are unsafe?
A: That question cannot be answered in a general sense, we are working individually with students to help them and make the decision appropriate for their situation.
Q: What is Pratt's plan on monitoring students returning from spring break trips?
A: If you are traveling abroard, and you return from an area with CDC travel restrictions (see the CDC website), we are asking you to self monitor. If you are planning on traveling you should consider that when you return, you may need to self monitor and self isolate. As community members, we have a responsibility to keep each other safe. If you have a concern about someone, you can make an anonymous inquiry on the healthadvisory@pratt.edu email. We have already reached out to some specific students to make sure they understand where they are traveling and their situation.
Q: What is the specific protocol for someone who goes to Pratt Health and then goes to hospital with flu-like symptoms, will there be a follow up by Pratt to be updated on their condition?
A: Yes, if the student went to another facility, the facility would contact Pratt, even if they didn’t come to Pratt Health first. If anyone in our community is confirmed as having the virus, Pratt will be contacted. If the student visited Pratt Health Services but tested negative for the virus at the hospital, Pratt staff would still follow up with them.
Q: If Pratt decides that it does need to cancel classes or I want to put myself into quarantine, how will that affect my credits and graduation?
A: If a student decides they should self monitor and self isolate, they should reach out to faculty to make sure they can understand what’s happening, we will always try to work with the student. And, we are inclined to make sure you are able to complete work. There are many scenarios we are continuing to work through. Since different areas of study have different requirements and needs - most cases need to be taken on a case-by-case basis. We are making sure to keep everyone on track in a timely manner, and as we begin to know more, our commitment is to make sure everyone is able to complete their work and we are working hard to make sure everyone can conclude in their areas of study. If anyone is currently having reservations about attending class, we highly recommend you email your faculty and copy your department chair or assistant chair so we can all be aware of situations.
Q: How would you distinguish a person having the flu from a person having Coronavirus?
A: In general, many of the symptoms at first look alike. But if you don’t know, make sure to call Health Services and tell a nurse what you’re experiencing over the phone and they will advise your next steps.
Q: Could Pratt send a confirmation email after the 14 day period and all the students from who returned Rome have not shown any symptoms and are healthy?
A: Yes, we will continue to communicate with the campus.
Q: By summer break, if this is still a problem and I have to go home (to Hong Kong) what will happen if I am denied entry back to US?
A: The restriction on entry to the US is only related to Mainland China and Iran at the moment. If the situation is the same as it is right now with policy, other areas will not be impacted. But, this is a constantly changing situation, and if something does change, then we will consider Pratt’s strategy. Again we have limited to no influence over restrictions imposed by the US government or the government of another country.
Q: Will something happen with the Graduation ceremony?
A: We are meeting every day and examining things day by day. We are currently working within a 30-day window to make decisions. If we reach a point where we have to reconsider something like graduation, we have an academic task force meeting to discuss what will happen in those scenarios. We are waiting until we are closer to that time period to make decisions about graduation.
Q: Will this situation affect OPT application?
A: There is nothing affecting that at the moment. The only thing that could happen would be a delay, but there is no link between your eligibility for OPT and the coronavirus.
Q: What steps are being taken to protect students in Pratt Manhattan since there are more cases there than anywhere else in NYC?
A: There is no different protocol between Pratt’s Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses. There are hand sanitizers everywhere and facilities are taking the same updated cleaning measures.
Q: Can Pratt be a bit more transparent with the precautions that are being taken?
A: If there's any time that you should be reading the communicator emails Pratt sends out-- IT’S NOW! All information on precautions and what Pratt is doing has been sent out through communicator as we receive and address them. All info is also on Pratt’s Advisory Health page at http://www.pratt.edu/healthadvisory, and our emails to the community are archived there. We are trying to be as transparent as possible and keeping the information in a centralized place on the web and in Communicator emails so you can keep up with our communications. But if you have a question that isn’t answered by reading the communicators, you can email healthadvisory@pratt.edu and they will answer your question.
Q: What's Pratt's attitude towards wearing masks?
A: If you’re not ill, you do not need a mask. However, the choice is up to you. We are not encouraging people to wear masks because that is not what our public health officials are advising people to do.
Q: How do we make sure that students that have come back from Rome are not leaving their dorm rooms?
A: We are kept updated and know whether those students are leaving the building. We have told the students that have left already that there will be consequences if they continue to do so. We have spoken to all the students who haven’t followed protocol, and they have agreed to do so now.
Q: In the scenario that the virus continues to spread during the semester and if other schools are shut down, is there any scenario in which Pratt would interrupt classes?
A: Pratt has a pandemic operations plan and as part of that plan, we are meeting daily to forecast what will happen in the future as well as how to best support students. With our plan, there are certain metrics and triggers that would make us need to suspend operations at Pratt, but as of right now, we are nowhere close to that. However, we are constantly staying informed and adapting the plan appropriately. International affairs is currently working on how to best adjust for the situations in which things would have to be worked on from self-isolation or at home.
Q: Since Pratt is an open campus, are we going to restrict any non staff or non-student from coming into campus?
A: We are currently following the guidance of NYC DOH and CDC. At this point there is no plan to stop anyone from coming onto our campus. Should that change throughout the city, then we would assess that decision before taking any action. Our pandemic operations plan does factor in how to deal with closing our campus and residence halls, buildings, etc. It is not a decision that will be taken lightly, but it is an option in our plan. It’s important to remember that Pratt is an extensive and lively learning environment in which guests, members of our surrounding community and the City, participate.
IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL: healthadvisory@pratt.edu
THERE WILL BE ANOTHER FORUM ON TUESDAY 12:30-1:30 IN THE STUDENT UNION.
From: communicator-noreply@pratt.edu
Date: Mon, Mar 2, 2020 at 6:31 PM
Subject: Coronavirus Update: Spring Travel, Community Forums, and Returning Students
Dear Pratt Community,
Pratt's Coronavirus Taskforce is monitoring the situation closely with the needs of the Pratt community as our greatest priority. Here are pertinent updates regarding spring travel and how Pratt is managing the return of students to campus from countries with travel restrictions.
As always, more information is detailed on the Pratt Health Advisory web page at http://www.pratt.edu/healthadvisory.
This web page also contains important information about steps to maintain good health and protect yourselves from any illnesses. We encourage you to read these suggestions carefully and follow them in order to maintain the health of the entire community.
The Institute cleaning staff is continuing to follow an escalated cleaning protocol that includes the placement of hand sanitizer dispensers around the campus, and thorough cleaning of public spaces several times per day.
Pratt students returning to the United States.
Students who had been abroad in countries with travel restrictions began returning to the United States over the weekend, and will continue to arrive over the next couple days. As they return to Pratt's campus housing, they are being very well looked after by staff from Residential Life, Health Services, and Student Affairs.
These students are following the CDC guidelines and self-monitoring in their own individual residential units for 14 days.
Upon their return, students have been greeted with food and services, and given the pertinent information and guidelines. An appointed care taskforce led by Martha Cedarholm is managing daily communication with the students, ensuring that they have what they need, and asking them what else we can do to make them most comfortable.
Communication:
We urge you to read all of the emails that the administration is sending through Communicator and the Pratt Health Advisory webpage. If you still have any concerns related in any way to the Coronavirus, please send them to healthadvisory@pratt.edu.
Pratt will hold an open community forum for students in the Brooklyn Student Union, with a live-stream to PMC this Thursday, March 5 from 8 to 9 pm, during the regularly scheduled Student Senate meeting. We will be making arrangements for a live stream of this meeting on the Pratt Manhattan campus.
A community forum for faculty and staff is scheduled for next Tuesday, March 10 from 12:30-1:30 pm in the Student Union. Students who cannot attend the forum on Thursday, March 5 are welcome to attend on the 10th. This forum will also be live streamed at Pratt Manhattan.
More information about these meetings will follow in Communicator emails and will be posted on the Pratt Health Advisories webpage.
Spring Travel Advisory:
Before you travel at any time this semester, including during the upcoming Spring Break week, we strongly urge careful consideration of the evolving worldwide situation and risks associated with the Coronavirus.
As the situation changes dramatically by the hour, countries outside the United States are adding restrictions that could disrupt or prevent your travel to other countries, and more importantly, your return to the United States. We are particularly concerned for non-US national students who may encounter greater difficulty returning to the States if strong restrictions are imposed by the United States government.
Please visit the Health Advisories webpage of the Pratt website for the most up-to-date information, along with links to pertinent websites, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The Health Advisories page also includes recommendations for international travel preparations, as well as contact information for Pratt offices that can assist you if you have any questions or concerns. These resources are available at http://www.pratt.edu/healthadvisory.
Please continue to read all Communicator emails from the Institute for updates.
Sincerely,
Helen Matusow-Ayres, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dennis Mazone, Assistant Vice President for Campus Safety & Preparedness
From: communicator-noreply@pratt.edu
Date: Sat, Feb 29, 2020 at 11:36 AM
Subject: Important Update: Safely Welcoming Students Returning from Italy
With travel situations rapidly changing, public health officials are monitoring incoming passengers from Italy and other CDC designated areas accordingly. Travelers are advised to monitor their symptoms and inform a health professional of any changes. Thus, students will be allowed home to their Pratt residences or their own apartments with guidance for self-monitoring for 14 days. Pratt has consulted with the CDC and the NYC Department of Health and received guidance for housing our students returning from Italy safely and comfortably. Pratt health professionals and residential life staff are prepared to support and assist these students as they return to campus. Please be assured that these students will not be attending classes or be active in the community until a health professional confirms the end of their self-monitoring period.
Please join us in giving our returning students a sincere and heartfelt welcome home!
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at hmayres@pratt.edu.
From: communicator-noreply@pratt.edu
Date: Fri, Feb 28, 2020 at 11:27 AM
Subject: Pratt Students Abroad Returning to Brooklyn
Dear Students, Staff and Faculty:
As government responses to the Coronavirus outbreak in Europe change dramatically by the hour, we have decided to ask our students in Rome and their faculty from the United States to evacuate voluntarily and come home to Brooklyn immediately.
We are relocating Pratt's Architecture program in Rome to Brooklyn where students will be able to complete the program in the remainder of the semester. We have asked our exchange students at John Cabot University in Rome to return voluntarily as well and are making arrangements for them to complete their program successfully.
While there are as of yet no cases of the Coronavirus in Rome, we have made our decision in light of recent experiences at some American campuses in China, knowing that at any moment our Pratt students and faculty may not be able to leave Italy and may be subject to quarantines and other measures imposed by the Italian government. We are particularly concerned for non-US national students who would encounter the most difficulty returning to the States. We are also concerned that the longer this epidemic continues, the fewer resources will be available to our students and faculty in Italy, and we will be less able to assist them from here.
As you know, our taskforce of administrators and faculty have been watching this situation carefully since the first outbreak in January, and have been keeping the community informed in emails and at http://www.pratt.edu/healthadvisory. The taskforce has the well-being of our entire community in mind and are ensuring that our returning students will have the necessary campus housing, studio, and classroom space, and instruction to complete their coursework.
We continue to monitor the health and well being of our students and faculty in New York and in other parts of the world as this epidemic progresses, and provide the necessary advice and assistance. We will be sending out further guidance about spring break and other travel later this afternoon. We encourage you to keep yourselves informed, watch for and read Communicator emails, and use the available resources at http://www.pratt.edu/healthadvisory.
As a reminder, we caution against potentially stigmatizing Pratt community members perceived to be or actually coming from affected regions of the world. Anyone who feels that they have been subject to bias or harassment should contact the Student Affairs Office for assistance in person in Room 008 of the Main Building, or at studaff@pratt.edu or (718) 636-3639.
Sincerely,
Kirk Pillow,
Provost
Helen Matusow-Ayres
Vice President for Student Affairs
From: Pratt Provost Kirk E. Pillow and Dean of Architecture Harriet Harriss <memo@pratt.edu>
Date: Fri, Feb 28, 2020 at 4:01 AM
Subject: Pratt Architecture program in Rome relocating to Brooklyn
Dear Students and Faculty,
As government responses to the Coronavirus outbreak in Europe change dramatically by the hour, we have decided to bring Pratt’s program in Rome back to Brooklyn. We ask that you evacuate Rome voluntarily and come home to Brooklyn as immediately as possible.
We are cancelling your classes for next week so that you can make arrangements and travel back to the United States. Your program will resume on March 9 in Brooklyn and will be completed in the remainder of the semester. This means you will also need to cancel any spring break plans you have made.
As Vice President Helen Matusow-Ayres described in her email yesterday, our decision has been made in light of recent experiences at some American campuses in China, knowing that at any moment you may not be able to leave Italy and may be subject to quarantines and other measures imposed by the Italian government. We are particularly concerned for non-US national students who would encounter the most difficulty returning to the States. We are also concerned that the longer this epidemic continues, the fewer resources will be available to you in Italy, and we will be less able to assist you from here.
You should start by calling your airlines and asking them how they will be able to help you, as some airlines are waiving fees to enable travelers to get back to their homes. Richard, Emanuella, and the rest of the faculty and staff in Rome are committed to assisting you locally with these arrangements and any other needs and concerns that will arise.
Our taskforce of administrators and faculty have your well-being most in mind and we are preparing for your return. We are ensuring that you can complete coursework, have campus housing, studio, and classroom space, and we will provide documents that will help with your landlords in Rome and travel arrangements.
The Institute will communicate detailed information, instructions and documents to you as they become available.
Sincerely,
Kirk E. Pillow
Provost
Harriet Harriss
Dean of Architecture
From: Helen Matusow-Ayres <hmayres@pratt.edu>
Date: Thu, Feb 6, 2020 at 12:33 PM
Subject: Coronavirus Outreach
Greetings!
I am reaching out to all of our students from China to offer support and share information regarding the coronavirus outbreak. The Pratt community is concerned about each of you and how this is impacting you and your families.
The latest information about travel restrictions can be found here: https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/coronavirus-critical-resources
Currently, foreign nationals, including international students, are unable to enter the U.S. if they have spent time in China in the past 14 days. It is unknown how long these travel restrictions will be enforced, but they are likely to continue through the month of March. Please rest assured that if you are impacted by continued restrictions, Pratt is here to help you address any challenges.
Many of you have shared your concerns with staff and faculty members. I want to further encourage you to reach out if you have questions, concerns or specific needs. Martha Cedarholm, the Student Advocate and Care Coordinator can assist you with any needs that you might have. You can visit her in room 008 of the Main Building or by responding to this email. Please let us know how we might help. Pratt’s counselors are also available for you if you need someone to speak with about your concerns and challenges. The Counseling Center is located in the ISC and they are open from 9 am to 5 pm M-F and can be reached after 5 pm at (718) 718.687.5356.
Please also visit Pratt’s Health Advisory Web page at pratt.edu/healthadvisory for updates.
--
Helen Matusow-Ayres | Vice President for Student Affairs
PRATT INSTITUTE
200 Willoughby Avenue | Main Building 008D | Brooklyn, NY 11205
phone: (718) 636-3639 hmayres@pratt.edu
Pronouns: she, her, hers
From: Kirk Pillow
Date: February 5, 2020 at 11:06:43 AM EST
Subject: Coronavirus
Dear Faculty Colleagues:
We write with an update about Pratt’s ongoing response to the coronavirus. Pratt’s Emergency Management Team continues to monitor the national and local coronavirus situation. The Pratt community is at low risk for infection.
That said, we are asking community members to be extra vigilant in preventing the spread of any virus or infection at this time. This may result in increased student absences from class. Please make every effort to accommodate these absences. The staff at the Learning/Access Center can assist you in developing alternative assignments, and can be contacted at LAC@pratt.edu.
Please remember to check our website frequently for updates on the situation on the Pratt Health Advisories web page.
Sincerely,
Kirk E. Pillow
Helen Matusow-Ayres
From: International Affairs Account <oia@pratt.edu>
Date: Fri, Jan 31, 2020 at 9:07 PM
Subject: U.S./China temporary travel restrictions
Greetings,
The United States government has announced new temporary travel restrictions for entering the country from China related to the Coronavirus. Please keep this in mind for yourself, family, and friends.
U.S. News Sources providing updates:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/31/business/china-travel-coronavirus.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/coronavirus-china-live-updates/2020/01/31/eeac61b6-442b-11ea-b503-2b077c436617_story.html
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/coronavirus-travel-advice/index.html
Additional advisory information related to the Coronavirus
https://www.pratt.edu/student-life/student-affairs/health-counseling/health-advisories/
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html
Please notify us if you are affected. We are wishing you health and safety!
Sincerely,
Kristin
The Staff of International Affairs
PRATT INSTITUTE
International Affairs
200 Willoughby Avenue | Myrtle Hall 2 E-5 | Brooklyn, NY 11205
phone: (718) 636-3674 | fax: (718) 636.3497 | oia@pratt.edu
From: communicator-noreply@pratt.edu
Date: Wed, Jan 29, 2020 at 5:10 PM
Subject: Coronavirus Update
Pratt Institute is closely following the emerging public health situation arising from the discovery and spread of the Coronaviruses (CoV). We have compiled information on the Health Advisory section of the Pratt website (at the link below) to provide the campus community with guidance and information about how to keep our community safe. We will continue to update this page as information becomes available.
Please help us to share accurate information and prevent the spread of infection. We ask you to check our Health Advisory page regularly, familiarize yourself with the health advisories, and communicate with students as needed.
If you are ill, please stay home and rest until your symptoms have subsided. We ask that faculty and supervisors work with students and staff to make up any missed assignments.
Helen Matusow-Ayres, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dennis Mazone, Assistant Vice President for Campus and Student Safety
Pratt Health Advisory
hmayres@pratt.edu