March 22nd COVID-19 updates for faculty and staff

March 22, 2020

Dear Purdue faculty and staff,

As we get ready to resume instruction after spring break, we wanted to keep you aware of changes to campus life. If you have been away for even a few days, because of our actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19, things will neither appear nor operate in the traditional sense when you return.

Social distancing
If you are a faculty or staff member who is returning to campus from spring break travel, you must adhere to the following public health guidance:

  • If you feel sick, you must stay home. 
  • If you are returning from a Level 3 travel advisory country, you must self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. 
  • If you are returning from other regions, including domestically from outside Indiana, you must follow campus rules for working safely from home or on campus.
  • Importantly, anyone returning from travel outside of Indiana should not return to research labs for 14 days from their date of return.
  • Practice safe social distancing if you must be on campus.

Call center
We are launching a call center to answer questions students, parents, faculty and staff may have about the impact of the COVID-19 disease on campus. The Purdue COVID-19 Information Center, 765-496-INFO (4636) or toll-free 1-833-571-1043, will be staffed by university employees from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning March 23, and will offer timely answers to questions regarding housing, financial aid, remote learning and more. Hours are subject to change.

Information regarding the coronavirus and COVID-19 impact on Purdue can also be found on the university’s FAQ page https://purdue.university/covid-19.

Campus/building access
Research, academic and administrative buildings will remain unlocked Monday, March 23, and Tuesday, March 24, for faculty and staff access. The exceptions are as follows: 

  • Bechtel Innovation Design Center (BIDC): closed.
  • Cardova Recreational Sports Center (CREC): closed.
  • Krach Leadership Center (KRCH): closed.
  • Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC): WALC access will be granted by libraries staff at the northwest ADA entrance from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Beginning Wednesday, March 25, all research, academic and administrative buildings will remain locked throughout the day. Building deputies may decide to leave one exterior, ADA accessible door unlocked and available only if that entrance is physically staffed to ensure appropriate faculty and staff are granted access. Buildings and offices will remain locked to restrict walk-ins, protect those who must be on campus to work and concentrate cleaning resources. 

  • The following facilities will be open on Monday, March 23 and will remain open going forward as exceptions to Wednesday’s change in building access:
    • Stewart Center (Welcome Center entrance only).
    • Hicks Undergraduate Library. 
    • Purdue University Student Health Center.
  • Hicks Undergraduate Library (HIKS) is open 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday for only those students who have no access to wi-fi or a computer; the availability of computer stations and study spaces will be VERY limited.
    • Staff will monitor occupancy and social distancing.
    • Staff will continuously clean throughout the day.
  • Purdue Memorial Union is open 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday with limited lounge seating (which will be monitored and cleaned regularly). Food service is closed, and most businesses and services are closed.   

Faculty and staff who require entry to a building and do not have key or card access should make arrangements with the building deputy in advance. The list of building deputies and their email addresses are available on the Physical Facilities website.

  • Employees are encouraged to work remotely whenever possible; those who need to be on campus may still do so.
  • ALL offices are expected to have staff answering phones and e-mails so students and families can get answers promptly if they have questions and the office is not open.
  • All buildings should have signage at the entrances (coordinated by Physical Facilities through the building deputy) noting that building access is limited and including contact information for, in this order:
    • University COVID-19 website.
    • Call Center:  765-496-INFO (4636) (1-833-571-1043 toll free).
    • ITaP help desk and Libraries staff will be available in Hicks Undergraduate Library to assist students as needed.
    • Building-specific contact information and critical offices in your building (at your discretion; please keep this list short).

Campus food service

  • Campus food options will be extremely limited. Credit cards and meal swipes (for carryout only) can be used at Wiley Dining Court, Third Street Market and the food truck at Hawkins Hall. Menus will be limited.

Teaching/working remotely
Any faculty member with questions about remote teaching is encouraged to access the teaching remotely page. Staff members can find information on the working remotely page. 

We know these are trying times. As a campus community that, on a typical day, has more than 50,000 people in close proximity, we have an important public health duty to help minimize the spread of this disease in society at large. Thank you for taking these changes to campus life in stride, as we knew you would, and for helping us keep our campus and our community healthy and safe. 

Sincerely,

Jay T. Akridge
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Diversity

Theresa Mayer
Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships

Chris Ruhl
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer