Barton College Coronavirus Response Update 3
This message provides the campus with guidance on event planning, travel, campus operating schedule, internships/field placements/clinical placements, employee considerations, and membership of the Coronavirus Task Force, as well as contacts for general and medical inquiries.
Barton College continues to work closely with the Wilson County Health Department as we actively monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation in North Carolina and beyond. If necessary, the College is prepared to respond according to guidelines and directives by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We endeavor to keep our students, faculty, and staff informed about the coronavirus and any possible exposure on campus.
The health and safety of our students and employees remains a top priority for Barton College. Barton College, in consultation with the local and state health departments, is taking proactive steps to protect the health of our campus community by making the following recommendations.
At this time, Barton College is continuing a normal operating schedule. Because there are a number of events being planned this semester, the College will follow the guidelines associated with notifying those who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should they choose to attend College events on campus or in the community.
UPCOMING EVENT PLANNING
Barton College supports the recommendation from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid large groups of people as much as possible. This includes gatherings such as concert venues, conventions, church services, sporting events, and crowded social events. People at high risk should also avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
People at high risk include anyone:
• over 65 years of age, or
• with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, or
• with weakened immune systems.
Campus Event Organizers are encouraged to keep in mind the above recommendation as you continue to plan for upcoming events this semester on campus and in the community.
Please also:
• Urge anyone who is sick to not attend the event.
• Encourage those who are at high risk, described above, to not attend.
• Adopt lenient refund policies for people who are high risk.
• Find ways to give people more physical space to limit close contact as much as possible.
• Encourage attendees to remember to wash their hands frequently.
To assist event planners with the above guidelines, the College will provide a template for planners to use when communicating to event attendees. Further assistance is available via your respective vice president.
ALL TRAVELERS
Ongoing Barton College restrictions on travel remain in place. In addition, Barton College has restricted planned college travel for students and employees to any Level 3 countries. Please visit the CDC site for specific information regarding international travel at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html Any additional questions about travel should be directed to the Vice President supervising the college function associated with the travel.
CAMPUS OPERATING SCHEDULE
Barton College is currently operating on a normal schedule. If adjustments to the operating schedule become necessary, we will advise the campus of any changes in academic delivery, as well as changes regarding other campus services and events.
INTERNSHIPS/FIELD PLACEMENTS/CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Deans and faculty will work with students whose internships/field placements/clinical placements have been affected by the coronavirus. If students have any questions regarding this process, please direct those inquiries to your respective faculty member or dean.
EMPLOYEE CONSIDERATIONS
Should employees need to be away from campus as a result of illness, the College’s standard protocol for use of sick, vacation, and PTO days will be used for these absences. Should an evolving situation with the coronavirus require any changes or modifications to this campus protocol, those updates will be communicated in a timely manner. We encourage you to use good judgment and make healthy decisions for you and your families. Should there be specific employee situations that need further consideration, please bring them to the attention of Vicky Morris, AVP for Human Resources, at vamorris@barton.edu
CORONAVIRUS TASK FORCE
Barton College has created a Coronavirus Task Force, with a cross-campus membership, to meet regularly to stay abreast of the changing guidelines as the situation unfolds at local, national, and international levels. This task force will also make recommendations to the Senior Administration as warranted.
Jennifer High, Executive Director of Student Health Services / Coordinator of Health Promotion and Education at Barton College, leads this task force. Below is a complete list of the task force membership.
Coronavirus Task Force
Chair – Jennifer High, Executive Director of Student Health Services
Dr. Gary Daynes, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Vicky Morris, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
Joe Dlugos, Dean of Student Life
Amanda Metts, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management
Dr. Sharon Sarvey, Professor and Dean, School of Nursing
Mike Averett, Director of Facility Services
Brandi Orbin, Director of Special Events, Volunteers, and Donor Relations
Ginna Lewis, Senior Athletic Trainer
Gaven Mayo, Area Director for Residence Life
Kathy Daughety, Director of Public Relations
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Students should contact Joe Dlugos, Dean of Student Life, at jadlugos@barton.edu with any questions. Employees should direct their questions to Vicky Morris, AVP for Human Resources, at vamorris@barton.edu.
GENERAL MEDICAL INQUIRIES
Should you need to consult with Student Health Services on campus, contact Jennifer High, Executive Director of Student Health Services, at healthcenter@barton.edu. (Please also continue to review the reminder information in earlier emails regarding symptoms and prevention measures.)
Thank you,
Kathy Daughety
Office of Public Relations