Dear members,
We are all concerned about the surging COVID-19 numbers in our community right now.
Based on our conversations with Admin, we do not believe PSU is going to go all remote this term. That said, the most important thing right now is that you, your family, and your students do what is needed to stay safe. We suggest that you reach out to your department if changing the modality of your class will make you feel safer, and we will support you with that request.
Below are:
PSU's written guidelines for switching your class to remote
Advice on what to make of this policy
What we know about getting tested as an employee of PSU
What we're doing as a union
A few actions you can take
PSU Policy on Going Remote
Here is the current PSU policy regarding COVID-19 and working remotely, which was part of an email sent by Provost Susan Jeffords on Friday, January 7:
In classes in which 20% or more of students are absent due to COVID-19, faculty may—in consultation with deans and department chairs—shift in-person classes temporarily to remote instruction. It may not be feasible for some classes, such as labs or internships, to shift to remote modalities.
For classes that remain in person, instructors are encouraged to utilize the existing Zoom capacities that were installed in all general pool classrooms to enable students who cannot attend in person to be able to stay current with the class;
In-person classes in which the instructor must quarantine or attend to symptoms may shift temporarily to remote instruction.
Please provide at least 24-hour notice to students when class modalities are changed.
Any in-person classes that shift temporarily to remote should return to in-person instruction by February 7.
More info: Employee resources for Return to Campus; PSU COVID-19 Dashboard.
Our Advice
We encourage you to make liberal use of the guidelines above. If you, someone in your household, or someone you take care of has ANY symptoms—such as a sore throat or fatigue—then you should feel confident in making a request to your supervisor to go remote.
Unfortunately, there is no clear guidance for measuring whether student absences are COVID-related. Thus, if approximately 20% of your class is absent (regardless of whether or not you know they are absent for COVID-19 reasons), you should feel confident in making a request to your supervisor.
We understand how language like “faculty may—in consultation with deans” can seem daunting, but nothing should hold you back from being able to work in an environment in which you feel safe. If you want to work remotely, then you have to take action! If you want any support in doing this, please reach out to president [at] psufa.org.
Testing
University Communications sent out an email yesterday with the subject “New COVID-19 testing access for PSU employees” with instructions on how to access these services. The access method is not through SHAC and instead focuses on a voucher system which can be used to set an appointment at three locations:
Portland Lloyd District (walk-up clinic, accessible via MAX and Streetcar)
The Vancouver Mall in Vancouver, WA (drive-through clinic)
Washington Square Mall in Tigard (drive-through clinic)
Start by filling out this form.
We also want to plug the Curative site again, where you can book a free test in Portland. Sign up in advance for an assured appointment or try walk-in appointments, which are often also available. You are asked to provide your insurance info if you have it, but there is no out-of-pocket cost. As of last night some of the Curative sites were offering next-day appointments.
What We’re Doing
PSUFA is meeting with PSU this afternoon to get more clarity around COVID-19 numbers and whether there is a threshold at which they would consider fully remote teaching. We are going to be contacting you via text to hear your specific concerns.
We also invite you to join us at the next PSUFA Executive Council Meeting this Friday to discuss any COVID-19 issues. You can join the meeting here at 1:30 p.m. If you can’t make it but want to ask a question or share anything about your experience, email president [at] psufa.org.
Our bottom line is that you should feel safe while doing your job. If you do not, let us know and we will do what we can to fight for you.
Other Actions You Can Take
If you do test positive, please let SHAC know via this form. Contact tracing is an important tool in minimizing the spread of the virus and protecting our community.
You can request that the university provide PPE (masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning wipes) via this form. We encourage you to use this request form as it is important for PSU to know how much need there is for proper equipment to keep us safer in our workplace.
If you want PSU to move to all remote, there is a petition led by students that you can sign. Students are collecting signatures demanding the entire university go remote for at least two weeks.