LA CAMPUS UPDATES: APRIL 22
Updated: APRIL 22, 2020 at 4:24pm PST
Dear NYFA LA Community:
We hope you are staying healthy and safe during these uncertain times. Below is updated information for NYFA LA regarding the campus response related to the COVID-19 crisis. We encourage you to continue to review the NYFA Health Alerts and archived communication to the LA Campus, which are regularly updated on the NYFA Student HUB.
Date Extended for Remote Learning and Working
Remote online learning and working will extend until further notice
The County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles revised and extended the “Safer at Home” orders through May 15, 2020, additionally, the State of California “Safer at Home” orders are in place until further notice. NYFA will comply with these expectations which includes completing the current semester online and starting Summer semester (May 26) online. As we have been, we will remain online until we are absolutely sure it is safe to return to campus.
Students who wish to return home to their own country or state and continue remote learning there should feel free to do so. Refer to the NYFA Travel Alerts and the CDC Travel Advisories for the latest information about travel expectations.
We will continue to stream classes for any students who cannot immediately return to school.
For international students who do wish to return to home, consult with the International Student Office (LAInternational@nyfa.edu) to review details regarding your travel home and subsequent return to NYFA.
We will continue to monitor the situation and update the campus community when any determinations can be made. We are reviewing many options and monitoring information from multiple sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local health organizations, to help inform our decisions.
Concerns about COVID-19 in the NYFA Community
New information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and expectations from government agencies are continuously emerging. NYFA continues to monitor recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health organizations.
NYFA Health Alerts and archived communication to the LA Campus are regularly updated on the NYFA Student HUB.
As of April 17, the LA Campus has ONE CONFIRMED CASES of COVID-19.
The confirmed case is a NYFA Staff member who was last on the LA campus performing essential work on April 8 and reported having symptoms on April 10.
On April 17, the NYFA Staff member learned they tested positive for COVID-19 and they informed NYFA Human Resources upon learning this information.
Per NYFA practices for contact tracing, NYFA activated our notification process and has been in communication with anyone who may need to be isolated or tested.
If there are other confirmed cases, we will notify others who may need to be isolated or tested, and we will send a notice to the NYFA LA Campus community.
If you suspect you have COVID-19, if you have been tested for COVID-19, or if you believe a member of the NYFA community has COVID-19:
Students are encouraged to email Dr. Susan Ashe, Dean of Students (deanstudentsla@nyfa.edu).
Faculty/Staff are encouraged to email Pankti Shah, Human Resources Director (pankti.shah@nyfa.edu)
The City of LA continues to expand COVID-19 testing sites. Access the LA City Online Portal to see if you are eligible to get tested.
Summer Semester Registration
You all should have received emails from your chair outlining your program’s summer semester curriculum. The Registrar’s office will send an email this week regarding registration for the Summer semester. Please look out for this email from laregistrar@nyfa.edu.
Help for Those in Need
This unpredictable time can be especially trying for those in need. If you are in need, or you want to help, consider these options:
Food Assistance: If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, the LA Food Bank is continuing their efforts and is offering food pantry assistance.
The LA Food Bank is accepting donations and volunteers to help with their efforts.
Blood Donation: The American Red Cross continues to accept blood donations from eligible individuals to keep up with demand during the current health crisis. Interested individuals can schedule a donation through the American Red Cross website.
Violence Prevention: Despite the “Safer at Home” order, home is not safer for all. If you, or someone you know, needs support for violence prevention, the following resources are available:
Volunteering: Helping others is a constructive and positive thing to do during an unpredictable time. The LA City Mayor has several volunteer options to explore!
Feeling Anxious or Overwhelmed?
If you are experiencing stress and anxiety in response to the information you are receiving about the coronavirus, or if you fear for your own health and/or the health and safety of loved ones, you are not alone. It is normal to feel sad, anxious or overwhelmed in the face of these uncertain times. You also may be experiencing other normal but troubling symptoms of distress, such as difficulty sleeping, headaches or changes in appetite.
Students
NYFA Counseling Services is eager to help you cope and endure these stressful times.
Please reach out for support to CounselingLA@nyfa.edu.
Counseling Services is offering online therapeutic sessions, phone check-ins, group sessions, and other counseling services via Zoom to students who would like support during this time.
Check out the NYFA Well News with information, tips, and resources.
Faculty / Staff
NYFA offers free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), EAP offers no cost support to NYFA employees for a variety of emotional challenges
Please reach out to Life Balance for a professional consultation
Call: 800-854-1446
Log-in: www.lifebalance.net - User ID & Password: lifebalance
Check out the NYFA Well News with information, tips, and resources.
Staying Connected
NYFA is still bringing LA students together and we’d love to see you!
Login into the Hub Events tab to see upcoming virtual events.
Contact studentlife.la@nyfa.edu with your suggestions!
Want a ridiculously LONG list of ideas to stay engaged? CHECK THIS OUT!
Student Support Services Offices
Student support services offices continue to operate! If you need assistance, check out the LA Resource Directory to contact the offices you need to reach.
Regards,
Dan Mackler
Dean of NYFA LA