Dear Colleagues,
Although there are still no confirmed on-campus cases of H1N1 during the current academic year, we continue to be concerned about the possibility of a significant outbreak on campus. I write now with some hints about dealing with the virus that have emerged from various meetings.
Self-Isolation- The Center for Disease Control advises that persons who have fevers that result from the H1N1 virus should remain in isolation until at least 24 hours after the fever has left. Lawrence has reserved some spaces in the Health Center and one of the Guest Houses for students to be self-isolated. Please encourage students and others who believe they may be ill to self-isolate. If you believe that you are personally infected, please arrange self-isolation.
Go to the Health Services Office- Persons who may believe they have H1N1 should be encouraged to visit the Health Services Office.
Social Responsibility- One characteristic of the flu is that persons can have a profound effect on others by how they behave. In particular, persons who may have the flu should voluntarily self-isolate. Even if they are feeling well, they may be infecting others. It may be helpful to point this out–that being responsible, particularly with respect to self-isolation, is part of the larger picture of developing social concern for others.
Flexibility- Please consider ways to make it possible for potentially infected persons to meet their responsibilities while maintaining “social distance”. For classes and other group activities, this may mean modification of assignments. The Center for Disease Control has stated that large group gatherings are the most serious cause of H1N1 spread in institutions of higher education.
On-line Syllabi–For faculty– If you can post your syllabi on-line, this may facilitate access by students who are self-isolating.
On-line submission of assignments- If you can permit students to submit assignments on-line (where the nature of the assignment makes this feasible) that can facilitate work by students in self-isolation, as well as cut down on the physical exchange of paper that can be a source of spreading the virus. The Director of Information Technology Services believes there is enough storage capacity in our system to absorb a large volume of on-line assignments.
Sanitizers- We have been able to install a few sanitizers at various locations in academic buildings. In addition, some sanitizer containers may be available at various locations. Please encourage their use.
Thanks. If you have further hints, please let me know.
Dave Burrows
Provost and Dean of the Faculty
Lawrence University
