Monitoring COVID-19
This information is archived as of May 26, 2020, and is saved here for reference. See latest health information.
March 11, 2020
Central College leadership continues to monitor the emerging global COVID-19 situation with the health and safety of students and staff as a priority. The college’s emergency management team continues contingency planning related to the potential for disruption of activities (domestically and internationally) and the potential of an outbreak on campus.
Central’s planning continues to be based on CDC guidelines. At this time, we plan to continue to hold classes in Pella after next week’s spring break. Our intent is to complete spring semester programs with minimal disruption and maximum support for the health and well-being of students and employees.
We recognize this is a fluid and evolving situation. Please be assured that we remain in frequent contact with local and state public health officials as we monitor and assess this situation. The CDC recently issued new recommendations on additional precautions to take if you are at a higher risk of getting sick from the coronavirus. If you are part of a high-risk group, please review and take the necessary precautions.
Central will not sponsor travel or programs, including support for conference travel, in any country designated by the CDC as a Level 3 because of the new coronavirus.
Student, Faculty and Staff Travel
Students, faculty and staff planning to travel (during spring break, vacation, etc.) are advised to monitor travel information from the CDC regarding the COVID-19 virus and are strongly urged not to travel to Level 3 countries or travel on a cruise ship until those restrictions are lifted.
Central is not responsible for expenses, inconveniences, quarantines or other disruptions that may occur as a result of personal travel. This situation is fluid and disruptions may occur with little or no warning. Different countries, universities and international housing arrangements may limit your return and/or require you to self-isolate or quarantine at your expense. This includes the Pella campus, the Merida house and homestays, and partnership schools and housing in London, Bangor, Granada and Vienna.
At this time, all other planned domestic and international travel and programs sponsored by Central this Spring 2020 semester will continue. Some experiences may need to be modified or curtailed. Students, faculty and staff will be asked to sign an informed consent form for programs involving international travel originating in the U.S. to be sure that each is aware of the CDC recommendations for travel. If a student, faculty or staff member is uncomfortable or concerned about participating in a college-sponsored program involving travel this semester, that individual may opt out by contacting the campus program organizer. The college will reimburse fees paid to the college by that individual.
Off-Campus Programs
Central is in communication with host universities in Granada, Bangor, Vienna and London as well as programs in Chicago and Washington, D.C. If any of these partners decide to close, or if the CDC calls for an evacuation, Central will work to coordinate the return of participating students.
- The University of Vienna has announced its intention to move to “electronic learning” starting Wednesday, March 11, 2020, with no exams and/or lectures with physical presence presumably until Friday, April 3, 2020. Our director in Vienna will continue to deliver the Central Culture course in person.
- Program directors in London, Bangor and Granada also are in regular communication with the Pella campus team regarding any anticipated changes from our host universities.
- Our director in Merida similarly keeps the Pella team apprised of any developments.
We will communicate decisions about summer programs, on campus and at international sites, Friday, April 3, 2020, as additional information is gathered over the course of the next few weeks related to this dynamic situation.
If you show signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and are contacted by the health department to monitor, quarantine or isolate, please take the following steps immediately:
- Students: Notify the dean of students.
- Faculty: Notify the vice president of academic affairs/dean of the faculty.
- Staff: Notify the director of human resources.
Please continue to monitor Central’s webpage for information about the coronavirus outbreak. We will continue to update the site as new information becomes available.
Please stay safe and alert and take care of each other. And remember, handwashing – with soap and water – is truly the best defense.
Mark L. Putnam
Central College President