University Takes Major Steps to Respond to COVID-19

Last week, University of Alaska President Johnsen released new guidance on the university system-level response to the coronavirus pandemic. The chancellors, as well as various members of the university, have collaborated on this significant new direction.

While there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alaska, prevention is critical. In an effort to keep the university communities safe and help slow the spread of the coronavirus, the university’s Incident Management Team and — after consultation with the chair of the Board of Regents, the chancellors, and union and governance leaders — the UA president determined that the following steps are in the best interest of the UA communities:

• Remaining spring 2020 semester classes will be delivered online or by video- or teleconference.
• Spring break is extended for students to give faculty time to prepare for alternative delivery methods for classes.
• Students are urged to stay at their permanent homes during the semester to reduce the risk of infection possibly spread through residence halls.
• All gatherings of 25 people or more should be canceled until March 31. Reevaluation after that will determine which remaining spring semester events will occur.
• No one should travel on university business to any locations in the U.S. or international that have had any COVID-19 cases.
• Extra steps will be taken to sanitize the university facilities.
• Employees should stay home and potential visitors to campus should stay away if they have returned from travel to certain areas outside Alaska, or if they have come into contact with anyone with COVID-19.

ACEP's Leadership team will meet Monday, March 16 at 9 a.m. to clarify ACEP specific protocols.