COHP COVID-19 Update: March 27, 2020

Dear faculty and staff,

The last two weeks have been among the most challenging for most of us. Thank you for all you have done to help with our difficult transition. Many students and families have felt cared for by you. We want to especially thank the staff who are reporting to work to keep the college running, and everyone else who is working remotely to do the same.

I thought I would also use this opportunity to share a few updates with you all.

• The deadline for Staff Performance Evaluations is March 31^st, 2020.
• The timeline for the Annual Performance and Planning Review of faculty has not changed.
• The timeline for this year’s cycle for tenure and promotion is not affected.
• The COHP Emergency Suspension of Operations on Campus policy has been approved.
• The COVID19 Contingency Plan is in effect and we’ll continue to monitor it for any developments in the situation.
• UTHSC has launched a coronavirus website that is a good starting-point for accessing resources about the disease (https://uthsc.edu/medicine/coronavirus/index.php)
• An Academic Continuity website (https://uthsc.edu/afsa/academic-continuity/) is also launched addressing academic and student related issues.
• In light of the current financial situation, UTHSC administration asked us to limit all expenses. We are working with the chairs to identify areas to control expenditures.
• The Chancellor announced that the University would have an alternative commencement ceremony this spring. Student Affairs started the work to plan for the event. More information to follow.

Looking ahead, we will need to make longer-term decisions about summer courses, internships, admission of incoming students, among other topics. We are considering options and plan to make those decisions far enough in advance that everyone can make or adjust plans as needed.

Thank you for your efforts amidst these challenging times. For now, wash your hands, keep them away from your face, stay six feet from everyone else, and have a nice weekend.

Hassan Aziz, PhD, FACSs, MLS(ASCP)cm
Associate Dean for Academic, Faculty and Student Affairs
Interim Chair, Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences
Professor of Medical Laboratory Science