February 3, 2020
Dear Members of the CMU Community:
On Sunday, you received a message from Provost Jim Garrett and Dean Gina Casalegno about the ways the university is handling the evolving situation pertaining to the coronavirus and the resulting travel restrictions.
I wish to reiterate that there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus at CMU, in Pittsburgh or in Pennsylvania at this time. Our actions are preventative, taken out of an abundance of caution and to ensure we are doing all that we can to protect, and also support, our communities. I want to stress how important it is for everyone to follow these State Department protocols and the additional CMU guidance provided in yesterday’s communication.
All faculty and all of our academic and administrative unit leaders have been asked to make accommodations to support those impacted. Likewise, faculty and staff affected have been advised to reach out to their department head or supervisor for assistance. I have asked my entire leadership team to work within their divisions and departments to ensure our students, faculty and staff are safe and that those impacted receive the care they need.
Please join me in offering support to all those who may be directly or indirectly affected. As the coronavirus continues to make world news, there are members of our community who are dealing with this crisis on a personal level. Whether they have loved ones who have been impacted, they are dealing with the anxiety of travel restrictions, or they have chosen to self-isolate to protect others, this has been a very difficult and stressful time.
Please, do not allow fear to get the best of any of us. We are strongest when we come together as community. Let’s look out for each other, be extra kind to others and lend a helping hand, or a listening ear, to ensure the well-being of every member in our community. These are trying times for many of us. Thank you for being compassionate, respectful and understanding.
Sincerely,
Farnam Jahanian
President
Henry L. Hillman President’s Chair