Oregon Institute of Technology, “Oregon Tech,” announced to its university community that it has been working closely with public health and government officials to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and taking measures to protect the health and safety of its students, faculty and staff. Internal communication to students and employees stressed that Oregon Tech will take every step to remain open and operational to ensure the academic progress of students, including changes for spring term course delivery.
The university is making decisions based on advice from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health and education authorities in order to protect the university communities and help prevent the transmission of COVID 19; ensure the continued academic progress of students; and, enact changes to limit the spread of COVID-19 by increasing ‘social distancing’ practices.
Dr. Nagi Naganathan, Oregon Tech’s president said, “We are thankful for the guidance that Oregon Tech and the other public universities received from the Governor’s Office, Oregon Health Authority, our county officials, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. This close coordination will continue as this situation develops.”
Effective March 23 Oregon Tech is implementing Social Distancing guidance including:
- University Events: Nonessential employee, department or other university sponsored gatherings will be limited, with an appropriate exception process for academic delivery and select gatherings.
- Sporting Events: The NAIA athletic conference is suspending all sports until March 29 or pending further developments.
- Campus Housing: All student housing facilities will remain open and in normal operations, utilizing social distancing and other precautions.
- Employee Travel: Nonessential employee travel will be curtailed to the extent feasible.
- Continuity of Work and Remote Work: When feasible, and with prior approval, employees may be permitted to work remotely.
Social distancing guidance will be evaluated on a frequent basis and adjustments will be communicated to the campus community.
Regarding Spring Break (3/20-3/27) guidance, the university strongly recommended that students, staff and faculty limit travel, particularly international travel or to areas of the United States that have high infection rates. If students and employees have been to areas with high infection rates, or have reason to believe that they have been exposed to COVID-19, or have cold or flu-like symptoms, they should practice increased personal hygiene and social distancing techniques as outlined by the CDC.
Oregon Tech communicated specific guidance for students and employees regarding Spring Term (Effective 3/30):
President Naganathan added: “In situations like this we recognize that we cannot eliminate all risk, but we are determined to do all that we can to minimize it by focusing on protecting the health and well-being of our regional and campus communities as well as ensuring our students continued academic progress.”
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About Oregon Institute of Technology
Founded in Klamath Falls in 1947, Oregon Institute of Technology, “Oregon Tech,” is Oregon’s Polytechnic University. Oregon Tech provides bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in engineering, health technologies, business, technology, communication and applied sciences that prepare students to be effective participants in their professional, public and international communities through applied, relevant learning and professional practice. Oregon Tech has a central, residential university in Klamath Falls; an urban, industry-focused campus in Portland-Metro (Wilsonville); an Online campus; and offers degrees at Boeing Seattle and at other sites. Visit www.oit.edu to learn more about Oregon Institute of Technology.
