Dear Colleagues,
Mason continues to prepare for the impact that a potential outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) may have on campus operations. For our campus community, the current risk level is low.
Should there be an interruption in campus operations, we would ask faculty to move all their courses to an online environment to enable continuation of instruction. Please note that Mason will notify all faculty and students if this becomes necessary in the interest of the safety of our community. No faculty should move forward on their own with this type of action, instead, we are asking you to take time now to prepare for this possibility should the need arise.
Disability Services will work with immuno-compromised students and their instructors to develop proactive plans in case the virus is found close to campus and students no longer feel safe coming to campus. Employees with specific health concerns should contact their health care provider for medical advice tailored to their individual situations.
Information and resources to support Mason faculty in teaching courses online during an interruption can be found on the Stearns Center website. Instructions on creating a communications plan for interacting with students, preparing alternate instructional materials, and guidance on increasing familiarity with online tools such as Blackboard are also on the site.
The university will announce when remote work and alternative teaching methods are needed to all members of our community. Supervisors should discuss requests for nonroutine telework with Human Resources & Payroll - Employee Relations.
Mason’s coronavirus website has the most up-to-date information on campus actions as well as guidance for students, faculty and staff. We are monitoring the situation closely and will keep you updated. If you have questions or concerns, please send an email to safety@gmu.edu.
Sincerely,
S. David Wu
Provost and Executive Vice President