Dear Laney Graduate Community,

 

 

As the number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) increases, questions and concerns will arise regarding the University’s current and future preparedness and response. I write to share guidance around coronavirus developments and to assure you that the health and wellbeing of our community, as well as the continued academic progress of our students, remain at the forefront of our conversations and plans around this unfolding event.  

 

The University is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health. The Emory University Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) and the Office of the Provost are coordinating resources and plans for deans and others so that disruptions to academic programs, student progress, and research are minimal. LGS is part of the discussion and planning related to the specific needs and circumstances of our graduate community and families.

 

At this time, there are no disruptions to on-campus operations. We recognize and expect some inconveniences and/or delays with university-related travel and will continue to handle those on a case-by-case basis. 

 

LGS remains in close communication with faculty, Directors of Graduate Studies, Program Directors, and Program Administrators to ensure that everyone is aware of any change to normal procedures and operations. We encourage anyone planning domestic and international travel to also stay informed. Below are travel-specific and coronavirus-related webpages for your information. These sites provide guidance and the most current information on health and safety-related travel advisories. 

 

• Emory University: Coronavirus
• Laney Graduate School: Coronavirus
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Traveler’s Health
• World Health Organization: Coronavirus

 

Recognizing that these current events can cause us all to experience feelings of anxiety, fear, and even isolation, please remember that the CDC has emphasized that there is currently no coronavirus epidemic in the United States. Please feel comfortable resuming your normal on-campus routines. In the meantime, students can remain vigilant and prepared by taking the following action steps:

 

• Registering International Travel Through Emory’s ISOS:  We strongly encourage all students to register your travel through Emory’s International SOS (ISOS). This service, housed within the Office of Global Strategies and Initiatives, provides security and medical evacuation services, and a variety of health, safety, and security resources for the university community traveling abroad on university business or sponsored activities.
• Use Emory Resources for Mental Health Support: A variety of Campus Life resources and community referral options are available.
• Connect with LGS Staff about Travel/Student Affairs Needs: A list of contacts is provided below that includes LGS staff who can assist students, faculty, or staff who are currently or planning to travel abroad.
• Communicate with Faculty/Mentors: To ensure that academic progress is not compromised or delayed, it is important that students communicate with faculty, mentors, regarding any special accommodations or needs that may arise related to Coronavirus developments.

 

Additionally, we can all help to eliminate and reduce the spread of infectious diseases by remembering to follow common health best practices such as handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette, reducing interaction with others while sick, and surface cleaning of commonly used areas. 

 

As ever, it remains important for us to stand together in support of our students here at Emory, who have been affected by these events, and students and faculty working abroad. We will continue to provide LGS related updates as they become available. Our goal is to stay in contact with you and others so that expertise and guidance are widely shared.

 

Coronavirus-specific issues within the LGS community should be addressed to the following individuals with responsibility for the listed areas:

 

• Academic and Program:  Cathryn Johnson, LGS Senior Associate Dean 
• HR and Staff:  Donna Lynch Cunningham, LGS HR Sr. Manager
• Student Affairs, Student Travel, Student Well-being:  Mackenzie Bristow, LGS Interim Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
• PDS, Professional Development:  Robert Pearson Assistant Dean for Professional Development and Career Planning

 

With appreciation,  

 

Lisa A. Tedesco, Ph.D.

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs – Graduate Studies

Dean, James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies

Professor, Rollins School of Public Health

 

 

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ADDITIONAL LINKS:

 

Student Health:  Emory Student Health Services (EUSHS): 404-727-7551

(EUSHS) provides outpatient care for enrolled Emory students with a valid Emory ID card. International student's spouses, Domestic Partners, and unmarried children over 18 years of age are also eligible for primary medical care if they are currently enrolled in the Emory/Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan.

 

Faculty and Staff Guidance: The Office of Occupational Injury Management (OIM), 404-686-8587. If after hours or on weekends, please call the OIM Nurse Practitioner on call at 404-686-5500 and enter the ID #50464. 

 

The Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR): This office serves as the center for Emory enterprise-wide planning for and coordinated response to catastrophic events that affect Emory and the broader community. Emory CEPAR is recognized locally, nationally, and globally as a leader in sustainable community disaster resilience.