As we have all learned, COVID-19 (the coronavirus) presents a serious challenge to the health and safety of our campuses. Campuses around the country have closed or moved to all-online teaching. Minnesota State’s Chancellor has suspended all international travel. This includes study abroad programs and any other activities involving faculty, staff, or students.

The IFO is in regular communication with the System Office advocating to develop contingency plans as this crisis continues to evolve. We encourage faculty to engage in contingency planning to complete your courses should face-to-face no longer be an option. In certain situations, it may be necessary to close a campus or move to online instruction to safeguard the health of the campus community.

We urge you to reach out to your dean and discuss your contingency plans within your departments immediately. Please contact your local FA leadership if your dean is unwilling to work with you on a contingency plan. We are working with FA presidents to ensure campus administrations are communicating their expectations and adhering to the contract. We will work closely with our faculty associations to ensure your safety and that the safety of your students is being protected.

It is hard to know what the ultimate impact of COVID-19 will be on our campuses. We are here to support you during these difficult and uncertain times. We will update you as more information is available. Please stay safe.

For more information about COVID-19 please visit www.coronavirus.gov. Of course, we recommend everyone take precautions to prevent the spread of any virus -- whether it’s the flu, coronavirus or the common cold. Here are the guidelines offered by the CDC:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
Wash or sanitize your hands before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home if you’re sick

If you have any questions, please contact us by email at advocacy@ifo.org.