March 25, 2020 by
Dean Richard L. Page
Dear Larner Community:
As per the Governor’s Executive Order, and guidance today from President Garimella, as of 5 p.m. today we are suspending all in-person activities at the Larner College of Medicine, and expecting all employees to respect the STAY HOME/STAY SAFE order. The College buildings will be locked and all work must be conducted from home until at least April 15, 2020. Guidance on telework was provided today by Wanda Heading-Grant, Vice President for the Division of Human Resources, Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
Relevant exceptions to these policies on telework are individuals in health care or support thereof. We will identify any other individuals who are considered essential to on-campus work. There is exemption for essential research activities such as research related to COVID-19 and critical work related to animal and other organism populations. Guidance is provided by Richard Galbraith, MD, Vice President for Research. Further guidance specific to our College is attached to this email.
The College will continue to operate, albeit remotely. Our medical students will continue to take classes remotely and clinical courses are currently suspended. Graduate student classes are already on line, and accommodations are being made for remote research.
I recognize that, even with our preparation over the last few weeks, this is a major disruption for everyone’s lives and leaves many questions unanswered. Further and frequent information will be provided by the College and the University.
I also understand the uncertainty, fear and anxiety that this current situation has brought about. Things will not always be this way. However, right now it is all of our responsibility to do everything we can to battle the greatest public health crisis in our lifetime. This is an amazing community, and I am reminded daily of how special our people are, and how we are committed to our missions of education, clinical care and research. Thank you for all you do and stay well.
Rick
Richard L. Page, M.D.
Dean, The Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine
The University of Vermont