What the University of Minnesota Is Doing to Prepare for Pandemic Influenza
As for other emergencies, pandemic response at the University will be guided by the Emergency Operations Plan. Due to the complicated issues posed by a pandemic and the anticipated extended time frame needed for response, however, pandemic-specific planning is warranted. The University has been engaged in comprehensive pandemic planning for the past three years. Goals, plans, and products from this planning effort are contained in Annex R of the Emergency Operations Plan. Modifications to this plan are anticipated based on future circumstances and variables.
Goals:
- The Principles of Prioritization identifies the University's primary goal of protecting the health, welfare, and safety of students, staff, faculty, and others on campus.
- Important additional goals include protecting the health, welfare, and safety of the many research animals on campus and maintaining the essential mission functions of the University.
Plans:
- External Coordination:
- The University will continue to cooperate and communicate closely with external partners such as the Minnesota Department of Health in pandemic influenza planning and response efforts.
- Teaching:
- Every effort will be made to continue the teaching mission at the University during a pandemic. In the event that the Minnesota Department of Health requests class suspension, distance education or alternative format options will be explored on a class-by-class basis.
- If classes are suspended for a period of time, the University may adjust the academic calendar to minimize the impact.
- The decision to suspend or cancel classes rests with the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, in consultation with appropriate senior administrators. Authority to cancel classes does not reside at the collegiate or departmental level.
- Housing and Residential Life:
- If in-person classes are suspended or cancelled, the residential halls will close, and students will be asked to return home.
- It is anticipated that, even before official residence hall closure, many students may leave residential facilities; however, there will be a small number of students who are unable to vacate due to travel restrictions or illness.
- Housing and Residential Life (HRL) has developed an online census system to monitor the daily student population within residence halls.
- In cooperation with Boynton Health Service, the HRL online census system will also track the daily health status of students who remain in residence halls.
- University Dining Services will plan to feed students in residence halls who are unable to leave campus.
- Health Services:
- Boynton Health Service (BHS) is responsible for the day-to-day health care needs of students on campus.
- It is anticipated that, during a pandemic, routine health visits will be suspended and BHS will initiate its emergency triage and communication plan for students seeking care. Students who are ill and seeking care at BHS will be asked to wear face masks. BHS staff will also be given appropriate personal protective equipment when caring for ill students.
- The staff from BHS will work with HRL to care for ill students who remain in residential halls. Health care staff may be augmented through deployment of the University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps.
- Human Resources:
- During a pandemic, personnel who are ill will be asked to remain at home.
- Public health officials may request that people discontinue gathering in groups during a pandemic outbreak. In this case non-essential workers may be asked to stay home. Modified work environments or work responsibilities may also be instituted.
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Pandemic Background
Key Messages for Students and Parents
Key Messages for Staff and Faculty
What You Can Do Now to Prepare for a Pandemic or Other Emergency
University Pandemic Response by Pandemic Phase and Severity (.pdf) |
