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March 14, 2020

COVID-19: Update 18

We are a few days into the announcement of the class suspension period, and we are progressing well in our work and preparations. We appreciate that students have retrieved their personal items as of Friday, March 13 and will remain off campus through Sunday, March 22. During this period, administrative functions are operating normally, but some with modified hours, and we continue the practice of cleaning the facilities and preparing for remote learning. Thank you all for your swift response and cooperation.

We are in regular contact and consultation with the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD), which is in full support of our efforts to date, including our early awareness campaign and temporary suspension of classes. There is no need for additional measures at this time. We will continue to regularly update our community. 

During this suspension period we would like to remind you of the following:

  • Practice social distancing
  • Stay home when you are sick. Do not visit any public spaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with facial tissue, and promptly discard the tissue into the trash. Alternatively, you can use your sleeve but do not sneeze or cough directly into your hands.
  • Self-monitor your own health and wellness
  • Consult a doctor as soon as you feel any flu-like or cold symptoms

ArtCenter’s efforts to reduce the risk of community spread, including our current suspension of classes, is dependent on our entire community’s ability to follow these guidelines. These guidelines must be followed by all members of the ArtCenter community—students, faculty and staff—regardless of age, recent travel itinerary (domestic or international), social activities or overall health.

Since the California Public Health Department has confirmed that there is potential for community spread, we ask that everyone be mindful of their actions during the suspension period. When classes resume on March 23, anyone who feels ill; who has traveled from or through major airports or regions with sustained, ongoing outbreak of the virus; or who has attended any large gathering in excess of 250 people must adhere to the 14-day self-quarantine rule. ArtCenter is committed to strict adherence to this policy.

We would also like to emphasize that this is a global pandemic that warrants attention at the local, national and international level. Attempts to relate the outbreak to a particular region or group of people are irrelevant and misguided at best.

The College recognizes that COVID-19 and the disruption in our normal activities may be causing stress or anxiety for people in our community. Students in need of emotional support are encouraged to contact the Center for the Student Experience to make a free appointment with an on-campus mental health counselor. Staff and faculty should consult with our Employee Assistance Program.

General information about the local COVID-19 outbreak can be obtained from the Pasadena Public Health Department and the L.A. County Department of Public Health. All campus-wide communications related to COVID-19 have been posted to the ArtCenter website. Please also continue to monitor your ArtCenter email for ongoing updates from the College.

Lastly, we encourage everyone to update their emergency contact information via Inside ArtCenter as the College may choose to use the emergency notification system to send especially important messages. Updating your emergency contact information ensures timely notification during a very fluid situation.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at ehs@artcenter.edu with any specific questions or concerns.