Arkansas State University - Newport

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COVID-19 Messages

Message from the Chancellor to Faculty/Staff
Tue, Apr 1, 2020 9:14am

Good morning and welcome back from Spring Break!  These next few weeks will continue to be challenging for many reasons, but I have all the confidence in the world that you all will handle it like champs - in true AVIATOR style!  We continue to function at a much higher level than other colleges around the nation.  Much of that is due to your early preparation for this type of event.  I can’t thank you all enough.  You continue to amaze me with your high spirits, flexibility, teamwork and genuine concern for our students and one another. 

As we continue to navigate this uncharted territory, I will start sending you recaps of the daily White House Task Force Briefings and the Governor’s Press Conferences.  I receive the summaries the following day.  As I learn additional information, I will pass that along, as well. 

Predictions for the peak of this crisis and the timeline for recovery vary widely depending upon the source.  It is really hard to know what lies ahead at this time.  We will continue to plan based on the best case scenario while also being prepared to respond to the worst case scenario. 

As further decisions are made, we will keep you informed. But please understand this can change hour-to-hour.  My goal is to provide as much stability as possible. 

BULLETS will continue.  Please send in accomplishments, successes, challenges and even kudos!  We will also post pictures of the most creative, attractive, and unusual workspaces.  Please send those to Kristen. 

We are looking for creative and innovative pictures related to how we are keeping our students engaged.   Please don’t be shy, as they are dependent on you for content these next few weeks. 

Also, please don’t forget the One Small Step Challenge: pick a small step that you can commit to each day that will move you closer to becoming a mentally/physically/spiritually healthier person.  May 1, we can all be proud of our One Small Step!
 



Message from the Chancellor to Faculty/Staff
Tue, Mar 24, 2020 4:51pm

Good Afternoon,

While I know this Spring Break is not exactly what we had in mind, I hope you are all enjoying some earned relaxation in the comfort of your homes. The spread of Covid-19 is unlike anything we have ever seen before, and I am grateful to have a team that works to adapt under these extreme circumstances.

Business is still taking place and students are continuing to register for the summer terms.  Remote offices are really working!  It is great knowing that we are prepared for any future emergencies. Thank you all for your dedication and flexibility.  

This week, our institutional services assistants have worked tirelessly towards disinfecting each and every surface on our ASUN campuses. I would like to express my gratitude to the physical plant team for their efforts.  As of this morning, ASUN’s nursing supplies were delivered to Unity Health/Harris, St. Bernards and NEA hospitals.  Thank you for making this happen!  Tomorrow, IT will install the Newport campus battery backups.  The ITS team has worked around the clock to ensure seamless delivery of services and instruction.  Another big shout out! 

With all of this in mind, please know we understand the difficulties you face as we continue to work remotely. For many, this is not ideal. However, there are resources to guide you as you work from home. Here are a few tips:

  • Find a comfortable location to work that you can associate with your job duties, and during breaks step away from your “office.”
  • Need to talk? Miss socializing? Find a buddy and schedule a time to chat through video conferencing or text.
  • Stay moving. Take advantage of your allotted health and wellness hours while you are working remotely.
  • Remember, everyone works differently. The need for flexibility is crucial as we navigate working remotely.

Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today that there are more than 200 positive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas, and the state now has two deaths due to the virus. He stated that as this is just the calm before the storm and we will not reach the peak of the disaster for several more weeks, it is important to find the right balance between continued activity and more closures. 

Thank you again for all you are doing to make sure ASU-Newport is able to keep running and serving students.

Sincerely,
Dr. Sandra Massey

 


Message from the Chancellor to Faculty/Staff
Thu, Mar 19, 2020  4:15pm

As many of you have probably heard, Governor Asa Hutchinson has just issued a directive for the State of Arkansas that all state employees shall begin telecommuting immediately and until further notice.  Onsite work will only be allowed to the extent it is essential to operations.  That being the case, ASUN facilities will officially be closed tomorrow.

Fortunately for ASUN, we have been making plans for such a directive.  ASUN is well-positioned to move forward with remote operations so that we can continue to serve our students. 

At this time, it is our hope that we will be able to return to campus following Spring Break as planned and resume on-campus classes April 6.  However, the Governor did not issue an end date for his directive, so are plans are subject to change.    

I want to thank you all again for your patience and understanding during this time. I have been extraordinarily proud of how our teams are working together and remaining calm so that we can continue to provide the best possible service to our students.  I promise to keep you updated with guidance from the State and the System as I receive it.  Please put you and your families health and welfare first.  Please be responsible and do your part to help contain the spread of COVID-19.  Go Aviators!      

 


Message from the Chancellor to Faculty/Staff
Wed, Mar 18, 2020  1:36pm

ASU-Newport will close campuses for cleaning during Spring Break 

Arkansas State University-Newport moved to online courses on March 16, 2020. Since then, there have been limited number of staff working on ASUN campuses. While we appreciate the dedication from faculty and staff to keep business practices up and running, ASUN will take advantage of the Spring Break holiday to allow for intensified cleaning efforts of each campus.

During Spring Break, full-time employees will work remotely while ASUN Institutional Service Assistants diligently sanitize all work spaces.  

Furthermore, ASUN administration has asked full-time and part-time employees to notify Human Resources directly if they are experiencing any symptoms that could be related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  

  • Fever  
  • Cough  
  • Shortness of breath  

More Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html 
This information is critical to accurately track potential cases, exposure and/or spread. 

To reiterate, beginning March 23, ASUN facilities will be closed for deep cleaning on all three campuses. Staff will work remotely during that time. Campuses will reopen on March 30 for regular business hours.  

This early preparation will position the college to respond efficiently while still prioritizing student success.