{"id":928,"date":"2020-05-24T13:10:13","date_gmt":"2020-05-24T13:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trocaire.edu\/about\/response-to-covid-19-coronavirus\/"},"modified":"2020-05-24T13:10:13","modified_gmt":"2020-05-24T13:10:13","slug":"response-to-covid-19-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trocaire.edu\/about\/response-to-covid-19-coronavirus\/","title":{"rendered":"Response to COVID-19 (coronavirus)"},"content":{"rendered":"

LATEST UPDATE:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Message being sent to Students, Faculty, Staff and Administration<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

COVID 19 message<\/strong><\/p>\n

May 24, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Trocaire Community<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Over nine weeks ago, we were asked by New York State to suspend normal operating procedures and move everything to a remote setting.\u00a0Our world as we knew it then was turned upside down as students, as faculty, as staff and as administrators, but also as parents, siblings, children, and neighbors.\u00a0And here we are, celebrating the completion of the spring semester and heading into the first summer session.\u00a0As the President of the College, I have been humbled by the tenacity and commitment exercised by all members of our higher education community to make sure that student success is achieved.\u00a0We congratulate those who have officially graduated from Trocaire.\u00a0Our hope was to have gathered together to celebrate your achievements with you and your loved ones.\u00a0However, know that you will always have a special place in our hearts as we will fondly remember your unwavering drive to cross the finish line.\u00a0We look forward to a future time to gather for your commencement.\u00a0Your official certificates and degrees will be mailed to you as we have always done. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Summer Sessions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Given the timing when a decision had to be made for the Summer sessions, the decision was made to schedule all classes via remote delivery.\u00a0As New York State Pause executive order comes to an end in phases, we are pursuing every avenue possible to allow those students who require in person experiential learning to complete their required hours.\u00a0There will be some variation on the clinical experiences and assignments as we look for viable locations for students to complete their work, including our labs on-campus once we are given the green light to resume on-site activities.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Fall Semester<\/strong><\/p>\n

New York State projects that the higher education sector could resume operations in phase four of the New York State re-opening process.\u00a0This means that on-site instruction and student life might resume in some fashion. There are also options where Colleges and Universities may be eligible to resume planned on-site operations in phase two of the New York State re-opening that is not instructional in nature (i.e. administrative functions). Also, we are looking at the level of flexibility available to us in Phase One of the New York State re-opening process that could permit experiential learning (for example, off-campus clinicals) to take place in the health care sector which has been given permission to operate in phase one.<\/p>\n

What does this all mean?\u00a0We, as a College, are obligated to develop specific plans and certify our ability to comply with the New York State mandates irrespective of the phase in which we choose to re-open any aspect of the College. We are actively engaged in consultation with the appropriate state and local agencies and in planning for re-opening and we expect to have an approach for fall that will manage health and safety concerns for all, yet allows for a resumption of on-campus activities where possible.\u00a0We must also be patient and wait until phase two guidance is received from the State before we can announce any final plans (This is expected to occur around within the first ten days of the month of June).<\/p>\n

While we understand that everyone wants to know now what to expect in late August, we will most likely not be able to provide you with concrete answers until the middle of June at the earliest.\u00a0We ask for your patience as we continue to gather information to make the best decision for all members of the College community.<\/p>\n

It is becoming clearer every day that we are not going to return to the way things were pre-COVID 19.\u00a0However, we have an opportunity to set the \u201cnext normal\u201d by improving what we used to do, what we have done over the past two months, and develop new ways of providing teaching and learning, student support, and meaningful interactions that respect the power of this virus and the power of our Mercy community to move forward together successfully.<\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/p>\n

Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D.<\/p>\n

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ President<\/p>\n

staging.trocaire.edu<\/p>\n

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LATEST UPDATE:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Message being sent to Students, Faculty, Staff <\/em><\/strong>and Administration<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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\u201cYour living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0G. Khalil Gibran<\/em><\/p>\n

April 3, 2020<\/h4>\n

Dear Trocaire Community:<\/p>\n

We are two weeks into our unplanned remote operation as a college. Surely, at the beginning of the spring semester none of us would have expected that to be the case. Despite the unscheduled move to an all remote setting. I have been extremely heartened by the amount of effort shown by students, faculty, and staff that \u00a0make it possible to stay the course and ensure a positive completion of the spring 2020 semester. As the quote suggests, we are all challenged by what is currently happening to make the best of the situation and to ensure our collaborative success as a college community.\u00a0 Given the sudden change to our way of operating, I wanted to share with you a couple of decisions to help us move further down the path:<\/p>\n

1)\u00a0 \u00a0<\/u>Good Friday<\/u><\/strong>.\u00a0In our first response to the pandemic, we shifted the Easter break from April, which included Good Friday, forward to March 18 \u2013 20, 2020.\u00a0Technically, that shift included the time off dedicated to Good Friday and through the Easter weekend.\u00a0However, after careful consideration of our current situation and discussing the impact of any additional adjustments with the appropriate campus constituents, I am declaring that the college, including its remote operations, will be closed<\/u> from Friday April 10, 2020 \u2013 Sunday April 12, 2020\u00a0\u00a0Irrespective of your observance of Easter, I would hope that every member of the campus community can take the time off to catch their breath, connect with family and loved ones and re-charge as we continue to march toward completing this spring semester on-time.<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0 \u00a0Commencement<\/u><\/strong>.\u00a0As a result of the current executive order in place by the New York State Governor, https:\/\/coronavirus.health.ny.gov\/home<\/a>, \u00a0and due to our inability at this time to properly plan for such a massive event, the Commencement exercises scheduled for May 13, 2020 have been postponed. We are doing our best to reschedule the event. Please know the college places a high value on the opportunity to celebrate college graduation with our students and your families and we will do our best to ensure that the celebration can take place at some point in the future. Related activities, such as program pinning ceremonies, are similarly postponed.<\/p>\n

Students<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shifting the College\u2019s instructional and support functions to a remote setting does require additional attention and communication by everyone involved.\u00a0Students, please know that your faculty are aware of the current situation you find yourself in personally and academically and are willing to work with you to support your success.\u00a0If you are encountering any such difficulties, please do not hesitate to reach out to your instructors as soon as possible.\u00a0Do not wait until it is too late to seek help.\u00a0The Academic Program Directors and Deans also stand ready to ensure you have all the support you need to be successful.\u00a0Of course this is not different than any other time in which you have enrolled.\u00a0Last but not least, members of the Enrollment and Student Affairs divisions continue their work to maintain the safety net we have implemented the last few years to ensure your success.<\/p>\n

Faculty and Staff<\/strong><\/p>\n

Faculty and staff \u2013 We fully understand that working remotely has had its challenges from both an operational and a technical standpoint.\u00a0Please know that your good and collaborative work across divisions has minimized the impact of these hurdles.<\/p>\n

It is becoming clearer every day that we are not going to return to onsite operation anytime soon, and once we do, it is unclear how difficult it will be to return to normal. So, additional accommodations will need to be made by all employees to ensure full engagement so that we: 1) complete the spring semester, 2) plan for a successful summer session (keeping in mind the potential of both on-site and remote settings), and 3) plan for the fall 2020 semester. We also know that we will need to implement additional technology resources to allow us to deliver instruction and services flexibly and effectively into the future. The \u201cnew normal\u201d is yet to be defined. Therefore, your effort now to identify challenges, to work collaboratively and communicate with your colleagues and supervisors is essential to our long-term success. The college\u2019s leadership will do its best to provide timely and relevant responses, keeping in mind that additional time and effort will be needed to assess the impact of such decisions in the current situation in which we are operating.<\/p>\n

To all:<\/strong> We have consolidated the weekly electronic communications (The Blaze and What\u2019s Happening) to ensure that consistent messaging is being shared with all members of the college community.\u00a0Please continue to look out for additional information and guidance through official communication means including but not limited to emails, electronic weekly newsletters, the COVID19 webpage, etc.<\/p>\n

Last, but certainly not least, I am extremely proud of how each of you; our students, faculty and staff, have conducted yourselves during this time of hardship.\u00a0I am also proud of the contribution by your fellow graduates, the Alumni of Trocaire, who are playing a critical role in ensuring that the health care system in Western New York is able to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.<\/p>\n

At the same time, collectively, we pray for recovery for those who have contracted the virus and we mourn the losses that the pandemic has caused and offer our condolences and sympathy to all people who have lost a friend or family member to this disease.\u00a0In this Lenten season, we derive hope that God\u2019s mercy and grace surrounds us and will help us through this trying time.<\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/p>\n

Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D.<\/p>\n

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ President<\/p>\n

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Message being sent to Students, Faculty, Staff and Administration<\/h3>\n

Re: COVID\u00a019 New York State Governor Executive Order<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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March 21, 2020<\/h4>\n

Dear Trocaire Community,<\/p>\n

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo\u00a0<\/strong>ordered\u00a0<\/strong>that all non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions\u00a0effective\u00a0at\u00a08PM on Sunday, March 22, 2020<\/em>,\u00a0and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason<\/em>.<\/strong>\u00a0In order to comply with the Governor\u2019s order,\u00a0<\/strong>effective immediately, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ will shift its entire operation to a remote setting.\u00a0ALL Trocaire facilities (Choate, Transit, and Seneca) will be closed.<\/p>\n

As communicated in past updates,\u00a0beginning Monday, March 23 and for the remainder of the academic semester, all courses and labs will be moved to an alternate delivery method. For many, this will take place via an online, distance education format using the Moodle platform, remote video instruction, tutorial, etc. However, in some instances other methods, such as email, will be used to provide material for instruction.\u00a0The new executive order will also impact clinical experiences.\u00a0As a result, all in person clinical assignments have been suspended until further notice, whether they were scheduled for the College campus or any off-campus location. Clinical faculty and program leadership will be reaching out to impacted students with additional instruction. The College is seeking additional guidance from the New York State Office of the Professions to ensure that our students can continue to progress in completing all of their academic requirements.<\/p>\n

The College has been preparing for such a scenario and will begin to implement its business continuity plan immediately.\u00a0Moving forward, and until further notice, College offices and employees will work remotely and when working their assigned hours are available via phone or email.<\/strong>\u00a0With our employees continuing to provide their services to students and others, we will make every effort to minimize disruption to the services we normally provide.<\/p>\n

Since it is unclear when we might resume in-person contact, this approach will be in effect until further notice.\u00a0Please make sure that you monitor your email account and please check now to ensure that your email system is accessible to you and capable of receiving regular updates.\u00a0You are also encouraged to go the College\u2019s website for updated information.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>https:\/\/staging.trocaire.edu\/response-to-covid-19-coronavirus\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D.<\/p>\n

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ President<\/p>\n

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Message being sent to Students, Faculty, Staff and Administration<\/h3>\n

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March 19, 2020<\/h4>\n

Dear Trocaire Community,<\/p>\n

As noted in the March 17th communication, “beginning Monday, March 23 and for the remainder of the academic semester, all courses and labs will be moved to an alternate delivery method. For many, this will take place via an online, distance education format using the Moodle platform, remote video instruction, tutorial, etc. However, in some instances other methods, such as email, will be used to provide material for instruction. Clinical placements will be handled on a program by program basis”. (please refer to my communication of March 17, 2020).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Students and Employees<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As we continue to address the COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on our personal, professional, and academic life we will do our best to continue to provide the support necessary for every member of the Trocaire community.<\/p>\n

The advice and direction we are provided by the CDC, The New York State Governor\u2019s Office, and the Erie County Health Department are constantly evolving. As a result, we will do our best to provide periodic and timely communication to you using this format. In addition, the information will also be populated on our webpage https:\/\/staging.trocaire.edu\/response-to-covid-19-coronavirus.<\/p>\n

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March 23, 2020 and until the end of spring semester<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Until directed otherwise by the appropriate governmental agency, The College will continue to operate two locations, Choate and Transit, under reduced building hours from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Seneca street location will be closed.<\/p>\n

Access to Choate and Transit will be restricted to students, employees, and individuals who have business to conduct with the College (i.e. applicants, delivery personnel, etc.). No general guests or children of students or employees are permitted on-campus. Also, Security Guards may request to see your Trocaire ID at any point you are on-campus. Make sure you have your Trocaire ID with you at all times.<\/p>\n

On campus bookstore has been closed through March 31, 2020. Barnes and Noble will continue to serve you through https:\/\/trocaire.bncollege.com\/shop\/trocaire\/home<\/p>\n

Shuttle Service routes have changed – Starting March 23, will not go to the Knights of Columbus lot. So, please plan on parking at the Salem Lutheran Church lot or street parking.<\/p>\n

Tim Hortons Express in the Commons is closed indefinitely.<\/p>\n

Tunnel access to Mercy Hospital is closed. Entrance into the hospital must follow access protocol as determined by the hospital.<\/p>\n

IT Help Desk is keeping its current hours: Weekdays 7 am \u2013 8 pm<\/p>\n

Work force development offerings will be assessed on a program by program basis<\/p>\n

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Students<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you have questions about your class as we start up on March 23, your first point of contact should be your course instructor! Be sure to send an email or call and leave a voicemail for follow up. Your professors are eager to work with you through Moodle, zoom, email, or phone. Just ask!<\/p>\n

CPR:<\/strong> All Trocaire programs requiring CPR certification will extend the certification expiration by 60 days. Please make a note that this means your recertification date may be near the end of the semester or as you start looking for more summer work hours!<\/p>\n

Please know that all student and academic support services provided under the umbrella of Student Affairs will continue business as usual. Student Affairs staff are prepared to provide services in a variety of formats including online, email, and if preferred in-person (providing that the campus is open). Staff is committed to providing ongoing support, guidance, and resources as we sort through this unprecedented situation together. Please contact offices directly (email and telephone numbers are posted on the college\u2019s website) for specific service requests and information.<\/p>\n

Computer Use<\/strong> – Computer lab in Room 320 is open with social distancing. Additional locations will be open if necessary.<\/p>\n

Library Use<\/strong> – Library is keeping current hours: 8 a.m. \u2013 8 p.m. Mon to Thursday and 8 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m. Friday; including the reference desk with appropriate social distancing in effect.<\/p>\n

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Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D.<\/p>\n

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ President<\/p>\n

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A Message to the College Community \u2013 COVID-19<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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March 17, 2020<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The health and safety of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½\u2019s students, faculty and staff continues to be our highest priority. As we continue to monitor developments related to coronavirus, known as COVID-19, I want to remind all members of the College community at the conclusion of today\u2019s schedule the College is shifting its Easter Break to cover the period of March 18 \u2013 22, 2020.<\/p>\n

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For Students:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, March 22 all <\/u><\/strong>classes, labs and clinicals are cancelled, and students are asked not to come to campus<\/u>.\u00a0 Students working via online distance education classes are expected to follow the same procedures which normally take place during a holiday break.<\/p>\n

Beginning Monday, March 23<\/strong> and for the remainder of the academic semester, all courses and labs will be moved to an alternate delivery method.\u00a0 For many, this will take place via an online, distance education format using the Moodle platform, remote video instruction, tutorial, etc.\u00a0 However, in some instances other methods, such as email, will be used to provide material for instruction.<\/p>\n

Clinical placements will be handled on a program by program basis.\u00a0 Academic Deans, Program Directors, and relevant faculty instructors will provide guidance on a course-by-course basis.\u00a0 This will also depend on the continued availability of off-campus clinical sites.\u00a0 We will continue to find ways to ensure that all of our students meet the required practical experiences of their profession.\u00a0 This involves looking at alternative ways to deliver clinical experiences, substitutions, etc.\u00a0 These decisions do require consideration by entities like the New York State Department of Education, Office of the Professions, and program accrediting agencies.\u00a0 Trocaire is advocating to ensure that all our students are making the necessary academic progress to complete their program and become licensure eligible.<\/p>\n

Please know that all student and academic support services provided under the umbrella of Student Affairs will continue business as usual.\u00a0 Student Affairs staff are prepared to provide services in a variety of formats including online, email, and if preferred in-person.\u00a0 Staff is committed to providing ongoing support, guidance, and resources as we sort through this unprecedented situation together. Please contact offices directly for specific service information.<\/p>\n

Please note that the on campus bookstore has been closed.\u00a0 Barnes and Noble will continue to serve you throughhttps:\/\/trocaire.bncollege.com\/shop\/trocaire\/home<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

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The following spring semester dates will be in effect:<\/p>\n

Withdraw deadline extended to Friday April 3.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Electronic Registration *still opens*<\/strong> March 29<\/p>\n

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For Faculty and Staff<\/u><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Faculty and Staff will be engaged in a variety of College meetings and training on Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19 to prepare for short term and long range impact of the current crisis on instruction, academic compliance with state and federal regulations, licensure and professional expectations.\u00a0 These working sessions will be critical in creating sustainable solutions over the long run.<\/p>\n

In addition to the above updated spring semester dates, Midterm grade submission deadline has been extended to Friday March 27, 2020.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Employees are encouraged to make sure they have all that they need to be able to operate remotely, by the end of business day Thursday March 18, if not sooner.\u00a0 The Facilities Department encourages all Trocaire members to do the following to prepare their space before the deep cleaning commences:<\/p>\n