Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Updates

August 23, 2021

Dear P.I.T Community

As you may know this past Thursday and Friday much of the college’s leadership attended a Board of Trustee’s Retreat, an approximately triennial event.  It was two days of learning, sharing, and planning for P.I.T.’s coming years as well as celebrating all of our recent accomplishments within the shadow of the pandemic, which was certainly a hot topic.

It was back on April 1, that I emailed you to let you know that we planned our triumphant return to campus for September 7, 2021.  A lot has changed in the months since.  We reached a point of under 100 daily cases in the state of Pennsylvania and now find ourselves spiking again with thousands of positive tests each day.  While almost all of our peer institutions have reopened or will be in the next ten days, we have always prided ourselves on our ability to pivot quickly and react, whether to help a student issue or in this case respond to the evolution of a virus.

To open to a larger contingent on September 7th, would be irresponsible knowing what we do and do not know about the virus.  We will once again be pushing our reopening plan back – to October 4.  As I shared with the Board, I have learned one concrete thing about this virus over the past 18 months – six weeks can change a lot – or nothing.  So, with that said, we will continue to follow the available data and pivot as warranted.  Your health and safety are priority number one.

Finally, I want to share that another point of discussion of the meeting was requiring vaccination of all staff and faculty, (with the typical medical and religious exemptions).

Our Campus Safety Committee (turned COVID Committee) will be evaluating the merit of a plan this week and will be examining what a similar plan for students may look like – taking into consideration today’s FDA approval of Comirnaty (Pfizer vaccine).  I will be the first to acknowledge – this is a difficult and multifaceted issue, especially considering the reality that most of us have suffered painful losses over the past year.  I worry each day, that if god forbid, something bad were to happen in our community I don’t end up looking in a mirror asking “what more could we have done?”

If you have concerns about this – I implore you to reach out to me and I can convey the message to the Committee.

We’re all in this together!

Best,

Matt

August 04, 2021

Dear P.I.T. Community,

As you may be aware, on July 27, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its guidance on wearing masks.   Due to the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 hitting the threshold which the CDC describes as “substantial” transmission, the Agency is now recommending that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors.

While I consider myself fortunate to live in a region of higher than average vaccination rates, the levels we are seeing pose a substantial impact on each other, our friends, neighbors, and classmates.

Since March 2020, our mantra has remained that we would heed the advice of the CDC to keep our community safe. To that end, effective today and until further notice, we are reverting to a heightened response to contain the spread of the coronavirus. ALL P.I.T. students, faculty, Staff, and guests must wear a face mask at all times while in the building (regardless of vaccination status).  Please note that PIT reserves the right to review and revise this policy as new information becomes available.

While alone in their offices, a space with no other people nearby, or dining, staff and faculty members may remove their masks.  Students may remove their masks while dining, as well.

I know the policy change can be frustrating – it is for me too – but it is the responsible thing to do to protect those most vulnerable.

We also have an important date for many faculty and staff coming up as September 7 represents our scheduled “return to work” date.  While no imminent changes to this timeframe are in the works, we continue to evaluate options as more information becomes available and the impact of the Delta variant unfolds.

In that same vein, since the vaccine became widely available, I have been asked almost daily by members of our P.I.T. Community about the potential implementation of a vaccine requirement to return to campus.

What was initially a very limited number of schools charting this route has grown to a swell. I consider P.I.T. fortunate in a way. Over 85% of our students are enrolled in healthcare programs. While we have not yet implemented a COVID vaccine requirement, many of our partner organizations for internships, externships, and clinical experiences have. These partnerships have led to a de facto vaccine requirement for our students enrolled in programs including Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing, Clinical Medical Assisting, Pre-Nursing, Health Science, Allied Health, and others be vaccinated to complete their programs of study.

Because of this, there is no plan for P.I.T. to require students and employees to be vaccinated at this time.  However, as with so much during this time, the situation continues to evolve as new information becomes available, and we may determine, following the science, that a vaccine mandate is the best course of action to protect our community.  If you are not vaccinated, I ask that you please reconsider and think about the vulnerable patients that many of these health students are working with during these hands-on experiences. Like many of you, I didn’t get vaccinated for myself but rather for those around me.

Finally, I would like to share something personal. As a vaccinated father of two daughters under the age of 12, this whole situation still makes me uneasy. When it comes to the vaccine, I do believe in a level of personal responsibility and personal liberties (it’s your body and your health). We just aren’t there yet. As an analogy, our society has not limited an individual’s freedom to smoke cigarettes, even though science has proven that it will likely lead to a shortened lifespan. However, the same society has generally forbidden smoking in public places as it presents risking other’s health without consent (though secondhand smoke). My girls have the same right. While they cannot yet be protected from COVID-19, it is our collective responsibility to be sensitive to them and others who are most susceptible to the severe reactions that COVID poses.

I am thankful to all of you for your resilience, persistence, and flexibility.

All the best,

Matt

July 9, 2021

Dear PIT Community,

Re: Update to On-Campus Mask Policy

As you may be aware, on June 28, 2021, the order requiring universal face coverings was lifted statewide. At this time, the Center for Disease Control has stated that states and local health officials can set guidelines around mask-wearing. In this vein, the Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to urge Pennsylvanians to follow CDC guidance for wearing a mask where

required by law, rule, and regulations, including healthcare, local business and workplace guidance.

The Commonwealth is currently advising that those who are fully vaccinated may go without their mask if they wish in spaces that are not requiring face coverings. Fully vaccinated means individuals are two weeks past their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks past the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The Commonwealth has stated that those who are not fully vaccinated should continue wearing masks for their protection and the protection of others.

The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology will continue to follow the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding COVID-19 guidance. Effective July 12, 2021, those members of the PIT Community who are fully vaccinated as defined above may go without their mask if they wish in common areas. Please note that you may be asked to wear a mask in offices or in a classroom, and we ask that everyone be respectful of such requests.

Those who are not fully vaccinated should continue wearing masks for their protection and the protections of others.

Please note that PIT reserves the right to review and revise this policy as new information becomes available.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to encourage that all Pennsylvanians continue to practice Healthy Habits:

Wash Your Hands

• Washing your hands is one of the most important steps you can take in staying When you wash, make sure you:
  • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply
  • Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end
  • Rinse your hands well under clean, running
  • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most

If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Keep Your Physical Distance

• It’s important to keep a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

Don’t Touch Your Face

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or

Clean Surfaces

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces — especially when someone is ill.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the masking policy, please feel free to reach out to any member of the COVID-19 Committee.

Thank you

Kamira A. Evans, MPA Director, Student Affairs KEvans@pit.edu

April 01, 2021

Dear P.I.T. Community –

I want to share an update on the College’s reopening plans for the Summer (July) and Fall (October).

While there is still a good level of uncertainty ahead in the coming months, I cannot help but feel a sense of rejuvenation at the sight of tulips beginning to peak out of my flower bed. I’ve been heartened lately watching the news of vaccine deployment and have developed a reasonable level of anticipation for a “new normal” taking root by the Fall. This week’s news of wider spread vaccine availability before the end of the month shows that things are beginning to move more rapidly.

To that end, the leadership of the College realizes the necessity for our community to have a plan in place so that you can accommodate your own needs. The Summer (July) term start will remain primarily remote, except for select clinical coursework.

The table below outlines our current plan for a return to our campus in the Fall. These plans are, of course, subject to change as more guidance from scientists and doctors is provided or updated.

It is starting to feel to me like we are coming to the end of a very long tunnel, and I can’t wait to see you all at the end of it!

All the best,

Matt Meyers

Executive Vice President

Return to Campus

Staff & Full-time Faculty

Students

Please note: This plan is made using available data – should determining factors change, we will notify you.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Dear PIT Community,

As the Winter term begins, I reflect on the last 10 months and all of the success that our community has shared, and the personal worry, stress, and grief we have endured.  It has been a ride that I don’t think many of us would want to take again, but what is also emerging is a tale of resiliency.

During the Fall we were able to develop a “safe” way for graduates to have their degrees conferred by hosting two Drive-Thru Graduations.  While it was certainly not the same as the excitement of a theater filled with cheering friends and family, the recognition of student achievement was maybe even more rewarding for all involved due to the challenges of 2020.

The last few months have also been a difficult time for our community and nation, between grappling with social and political issues at home and nationally, to the lives lost to this terrible disease now being felt by all of us.

While the pain and challenges will continue for some time, Spring is emerging, and with it hope.  A vaccine is being distributed with more doses becoming available each week.  The college has submitted requests to the Department of Health to be included in the “1B” round of distribution.  While we don’t have a timeframe for distribution – we will keep you informed as more details become available.

Students are achieving!  This week a new nursing cohort started, by far the largest in college history, the same can be said for many other programs.

On the occasions that I have been on the campus, I can share that when we do return, members of our community will find many refreshments to the facility and technology.

While I wish I could give a definitive date as to when a more robust return will happen, I think we all understand the reality.  To that end, below is the Term Plan for the Spring term running from April-June.

As has been stated in previous messages, all of our decisions (to date, and) moving forward are made by prioritizing the health of our community members and the academic success of our students, because without these two items working in concert, we cannot fulfill the College’s Mission.

Stay safe and healthy,

Matt

Spring 2021 Term Plan (April-June)

Please note: This plan is made using available data – should determining factors change, we will notify you.

*** UPDATE: Confirmed Case of COVID-19 On-Campus***

11/22/2020

Good Evening,

Friday evening you received a message announcing that a confirmed case of COVID-19 made it onto campus. 

Over the weekend, our Facilities staff has been hard at work cleaning and disinfecting affected areas within the facility.  The college has been following CDC-recommended cleaning protocols in conjunction with the utilization of specialized disinfecting equipment.  The cleaning process will be completed this evening.

Essential Faculty and Staff:  May return to campus tomorrow, Monday, November 23, 2020.

• As a reminder, the Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to advise telework whenever possible.

On-Campus Clinical Students:  Any changes made to the clinical course schedule, will be communicated by your Program Director.

Please continue to be vigilant. 

Best,

Matt

As a reminder to anyone entering the campus:

• Please continue to complete the online screening tool each day. (Screening has been updated to reflect the most recent DOH Guidance. 

Not only does this help protect our community, but the contact information within is an invaluable tool for tracing.

• Face masks continue to be required on campus.

***CONFIRMED Case of COVID-19***

Good Evening,

Unfortunately, we have learned that a member of our College community has tested positive for COVID-19. I am writing to update you with some important information and to reassure you that the College continues to take every step possible to ensure the health and safety of our community.

The individual who has tested positive was last on campus on November 19^th. The individual is at home, and reportedly recovering well from the virus. The College is working with the Chester County Department of Health, and anyone who was in close contact with this person will be contacted. I want to remind our community: if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your physician immediately or seek emergency intervention.

The college campus is closed.

Mitigation efforts are currently underway following all CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting.  A follow-up message will be sent once the disinfecting process has been completed. 

On-Campus Clinical Students: If on-campus clinical courses need to be rescheduled for health and safety reasons, you will be notified by your Program Director.

We encourage everyone to continue following the CDC’s recommendations to remain healthy and well.

Dear PIT Community,

Another (mostly) remote term is in the books.

As 2020 drones on, I am particularly heartened by two things:

First, the successful transition to mostly remote-learning by our entire community.  Our staff and faculty have not missed a beat transitioning into full FlexPIT-mode!  But it’s our students who have made the biggest impression on me.  Over the last six months, students have shared their struggles with us, including technology needs, childcare issues, food and housing insecurities, and the emotional toll that the pandemic has had on many (if not most) of us.

These challenges are real, run-deep, and won’t be solved easily – BUT, success can still be found!

• Over the Summer and though next week the college has or will be graduating 108+ students, including 26 Physical Therapist Assistants; 34 new Licensed Practical Nurses, and nearly 50 more students entering into fields such as Business, Criminal Justice, Medical Assisting, Computer Science, and more.
• OUR STUDENTS HAVE PERSEVERED!

The second positive I am drawing from the past (few) terms may sound negative – but it’s not.

I am heartened that the feeling of a long distance between us that I felt in the early days of the pandemic still persists (and is probably stronger today).  It is these human interactions that I continue to miss the most and it’s these connections that I believe will see us all through.

Below is our plan for the Winter 2021 Term.

Winter 2021 Term Plan (January-March)

I had hoped to be typing a message today about our TRIUMPHANT return to campus for Winter Term in January 2021; but, safety and science are in charge, and, sadly, that is not a reality.  We will turn our hopes to the Spring, (and I remain optimistic).

As I have stated in my previous messages, all of our decisions (to date, and) moving forward are made by prioritizing the health of our community members and the academic success of our students, because without these two items working in concert, we cannot fulfill the College’s Mission.

Stay safe and healthy,

William B. Robinson, Jr.

President

Dear PIT Community,

As we head toward the next term, I want to share with you an update as to the College’s scheduling plan for October 5.

While it remains our goal to return to campus as soon as we can do so safely, we continue to navigate the strategy of an effective plan with both the health and success of our community as the driving forces.

While reviewing the below timeline and plan, I ask that you keep in mind that if I have learned nothing more during the pandemic it is that information changes quickly and successful organizations have to adapt just as swiftly.

PLAN FOR FALL 2020

As I indicated earlier, all of our decisions (to date, and) moving forward will be made by putting the health of our community members and student success as our top priorities, because without these two items working in concert, we cannot fulfill the College’s Mission.

Stay safe and healthy,

William B. Robinson, Jr.

President

Dear PIT Community,

While these are certainly trying times for all of us, with great challenges and uncertainty to come, it is also an exciting time for our students and College. I want to take a few moments of your time to both update you on our response to COVID-19 as well as share how the technological improvements and enhanced course delivery methods are changing our future to better support your SUCCESS.

As I’m sure you know, Gov. Wolf has extended the stay-at-home order until at least April 30. P.I.T. will continue to comply with the state and federal orders and guidance, and we will re-open our campus just as soon as health officials believe we can do so while preserving the safety of our college community.

Without knowing when that will be, our team is continuing to ensure that the education of our current and incoming students remains as uninterrupted as possible.

The entirety of our Spring term (starting 4/13) will be fully online. Practical Nursing students will also continue their classes in a remote format. Physical Therapist Assistant students will receive further guidance from program administrators in the coming days. While already ranked as a Top 10 Online College in Pennsylvania*, during the last several weeks we have taken steps to strengthen our cyber presence. So far we have expanded our online hosting capabilities, invested in innovative online teaching tools, as well as enhanced our abilities in video recording and conferencing.

Spring of 2020 is going to be a time we will remember for the rest of our lives. It’s a time that we will learn the real meaning of being adaptable. With that in mind, course delivery and support service access and FLEXIBILITY are at the forefront of our online expansion.

In order to not only meet our students’ needs of today but also as we move into the future, I am excited to announce the introduction of FLEXPIT. P.I.T. will provide students an online platform that combines all of the benefits of in-class live instruction with the scheduling flexibility of typical online coursework.

How does FLEXPIT work?

Available for students registered in a course that has days and times associated with it, (not a strictly online “O” section), instruction will take place live online on those days and times by way of video “chat”. Students will have the ability to learn in real-time and interact with instructors and classmates as if they were in a traditional classroom.

Alternatively, attending class sessions in live will be optional, as each live class lesson will be recorded and uploaded to our online platform later that day and can be viewed at a student’s convenience. Also, instructors will be maintaining regular “virtual office hours” to answer the questions of students who were not able to attend the live class session.

Our Student Service department, Library, tutoring, and other support services will remain available to help our students through their journey whether that means meeting in-person (eventually), through phone, email, and/or video chat correspondence.

All of our lives are in a great state of flux right now, we hope that this flexibility will help to reassure you that the resources you need to achieve academic success are stronger than ever!

Stay healthy!

Will Robinson

*OnlineCollegePlan.com

Over the weekend, Gov. Wolf ordered the shutdown of most businesses in Delaware County.

While it remains unclear how this measure is intended to impact colleges, our students, staff, and faculty’s health is our top priority.  To that end, in addition to moving all classes into an online environment, staff and faculty are being asked to work remotely through 3/27.

We will continue to adapt and make every effort to ensure your education is a “normal” as possible.

For more information visit: https://www.pit.edu/virtual-pit/

Students of Pennsylvania Institute of Technology,

This morning I held a meeting with my leadership team to establish the next phase of P.I.T.’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic.  From that meeting, our team has established a two-week plan of action from beginning today and to be revisited on March 27^th.

Before we get into how the specifics of the plan will affect your education, it is worth mentioning that as the situation continues to evolve P.I.T. will adapt and keep you informed if the plan should change in any significant way.

Classes scheduled for Monday, March 16th, 2020 are cancelled. It will be an in-service day for Faculty and Staff to finalize an online strategy for the next two weeks. 

Please see the specifics below as it relates to your major:

Physical Therapist Assistant Students:

Clinical coursework will continue the week of March 16 followed by the scheduled 3-week break.

Practical Nursing Students:

Nursing classes for all cohorts will be moved to a fully online format.

Your course Instructors will reach out to you before close of business on Monday, March 16^th to explain how their curriculum will be delivered for the remainder of the week as well as how your finals will be adapted.

All other Degree and Certificate Students:

Effective at 4:00pm today, all in-class courses and blended courses will be moved to an online format through the end of the winter term.

Your course Instructors will reach out to you before close of business on Monday, March 16^th to explain how their curriculum will be delivered for the remainder of the week as well as how your finals will be adapted.

Postponed Upcoming Events:

The following upcoming events have been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date:

• March 25^th, PTK Induction
• March 26^th, Nursing Honors Induction
• March 28^th, Cannabis 101 Community Event
• April 2^nd, Graduation

At this time, college offices will remain opened during these two weeks on a truncated basis; however, students will not have building access.  If you fail to reach someone via phone it is important to leave a message with a contact number.

I realize these are difficult decisions that must be made to protect our students, faculty, and staff during this challenging period.

Best Wishes for Continuing Good Health – I am.

Will Robinson

10^th President