The safety and well-being of Shippensburg University (SU) students, faculty and staff is of utmost importance and the university is working collaboratively and earnestly to communicate the best information to help everyone remain informed and prepared regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
As of today, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided travel guidance for China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, and Hong Kong. It is anticipated that more countries will be added to the list.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to reconsider any personal international travel plans, or advise David Topper, chief human resources officer, of their planned itinerary. Students are also encouraged to reconsider any personal international travel plans, or advise Donna Gross, dean of students, of their planned itinerary.
The Shippensburg University students studying abroad currently are well and with partner organizations that have strict protocols in place to ensure their risk is minimized. University leadership is in contact with the students in the Warning Level Three classification areas to ensure their well-being and individual needs are being met. SU is addressing all study-abroad activities on a case by case basis as the situation evolves.
It is important to be aware that individual risk is determined by likelihood of exposure, which includes person-to-person spread and spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects.
The university has hand sanitizer dispensers strategically located throughout campus. The SU response team has activated protocols to remain prepared and responsive during this fluid situation. Updates and messaging will be made available on ship.edu/coronavirus, and through SU Alert if the situation warrants.
The CDC has identified COVID-19 as an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. To date, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reports “no one in Pennsylvania has tested positive for COVID-19.” The university will share updates as available, in addition to updated guidance.
The university will continue to work closely with the State System and adjust policies and protocols accordingly.
