Preparing for a Return to Campus
This information is archived as of May 26, 2020, and is saved here for reference. See latest health information.
May 11, 2020
Dear Central College family,
As we look forward to gradually reopening Central’s campus, your health and safety – and the health and safety of the entire Central community – are our top priority.
As you know, information about the virus changes rapidly – sometimes daily and hourly. So must our response. I promise you these things will remain constant:
- Central will model proactivity, vigilance and prudence as we prepare our campus for reopening.
- We will follow national, state and local guidelines as they pertain to Central’s operations.
- We will consult the best available expertise in medicine, epidemiology, government and higher education in determining how best to move forward.
- We will seek the latest information and incorporate the most current best practices.
- We will communicate frequently with you and all members of the Central community.
- As always, we invite your questions and input.
Steps We’ve Taken
The college continues to work closely with our federal and state elected officials on opportunities for financial flexibility and student and employee support. Last week, we received the good news of qualifying for a funding opportunity with the U.S. Small Business Administration. I extend my deep appreciation to Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Joni Ernst for their work to ensure the college’s eligibility in the Paycheck Protection Program.
We have made many changes in these unprecedented times to our cleaning procedures, food delivery, housing options, building security, campus travel policies and more.
In addition, we have convened two task forces – the COVID-19 Campus Protocol Task Force and the COVID-19 Athletics Protocol Task Force – to help us plan carefully for how we will gradually reopen campus. Members also will provide guidance on how we will continue to keep the Central family safe should anyone become ill.
Please find here additional information on those initiatives:
COVID-19 Campus Protocol Task Force
This group includes members from the fields of medicine and epidemiology in addition to members of Central’s faculty and staff. This task force is charged with advising the college how to reopen and run the campus as safely as possible. This group will meet regularly for an indefinite period of time. It will review recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, state or medical information and develop recommendations in the days ahead.
Task Force Members
- Kim Dorn, Director of Public Health, Marion County, Iowa
- Lezlie Morris, Chief of Clinical Services, Pella Regional Health Center
- Jeff Oliver ’79, Trustee and COO, Pathology Associates Ltd.; Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Creighton University School of Medicine – Phoenix Campus
- Ellie DuPré, Professor of Biology, Central College
- Janine Fontana, Director of Purchasing and Facility Services, Central College
- Charlie Strey, Dean of Students and Central Emergency Management, Central College
- Tom Johnson, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer, Central College
- Carol Williamson, Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment, Central College
- Mary E.M. Strey, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty (task force chair)
- Nadine Argo ’91, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty
COVID-19 Athletics Protocol Task Force
Central’s athletics department has convened a task force to consider additional best practices for athletics participation. Task force members include those from the fields of medicine, athletic training and sports medicine. This group will provide recommendations on best practices for dealing with the pandemic specific to athletics in consultation with the NCAA and the American Rivers Conference.
Task Force Members
- Stacey Neu ’92, Family Practice Physician, UnityPoint Health and Faculty, University of Iowa Family Practice Residency at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Des Moines
- Brad Floy, University of Iowa Men’s Basketball Athletic Trainer
- Chris Viesselman, Program Director, Athletic Training, Grand View University
- Joe Rosauer ’12, Athletic Trainer, Arizona Diamondbacks
- Martha Errthum, Team Physician, Red Rock Healthcare
- Steven Perkins ’01, Trustee and Physician, Mayo Clinic Health System Family Medicine Clinic, Waukon, Iowa
- John Roslien, Athletic Trainer and Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Central College
- Frank Neu, Head Athletic Trainer and Clinical Instructor of Exercise Science, Central College
- Kyle Johnson, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Fitness Center Director and Lecturer of Exercise Science, Central College
- Eric Van Kley, Director of Athletics and Head Wrestling Coach, Central College (task force chair)
In closing, please know we’re delighted you are a part of the Central family. Thank you for your continued faith and trust in us as we move forward to ensure your safety and the safety of the entire Central community going forward.
We can’t wait to welcome you to campus again. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to be in contact with updates and what we are learning.
We send this with our very best wishes for your continued health and safety.
Sincerely,
Mark Putnam
President