PANDEMIC INFLUENZA CENTER

images of proper hand washing and sneezing to prevent spread of viruses

Planning Information

Recommended Steps for Faculty & Staff
Recommended Steps Students

A broad spectrum of ASU staff from all campuses have developed a comprehensive pandemic influenza plan to prepare and protect the university community. Planning will continue on a regular basis to ensure all aspects of preparedness are addressed. The comprehensive plan has been tested in a realistic exercise at Decision Theater that showed strengths and which areas needed improvement.

In the event of a pandemic ASU will utilize its resources to meet the health care needs of its students and employees. It will maintain essential services and critical functions. If as anticipated, cancellation of classes becomes necessary, the university will provide on-campus housing and dining for well and ill students who are unable to leave the campus.

The ASU pandemic plan addresses the following:

•  Provision of housing, nutrition, counseling and health care for ill students

•  Contingency housing/dining plans for healthy students who are unable to return home

•  Procedures for cancellation of classes, sporting events, and other public events

•  Procedures to continue instruction through distance learning or at campuses that are not affected

•  Plans for infection control

•  Continuation of infrastructure services and maintenance

•  Plans for maintaining the integrity of university research laboratories

•  Plans for public safety and security

•  Administrative process for pay continuation

•  Communications with faculty, staff, students and parents

•  Other needs as they arise

The continually evolving plan outlines actions that will be taken at various stages of a pandemic in the event that such a novel virus spreads throughout the world.

ASU is coordinating planning efforts with Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona, Arizona Board of Regents, Maricopa County Department of Public health and Arizona Department of health Services to ensure the ASU pandemic plan aligns with these entities' plans .  

Individual Planning

Planning for a pandemic is a community-wide effort and one that can only be done successfully with the help of ASU students, parents, staff and faculty.   Please review the following recommended steps for creating a personal preparedness plan.

ASU is planning their response in the event of a Pandemic Influenza occurrence that impacts the ASU community. As an individual there are planning steps that you can take to be better prepared if this should occur.

Faculty and Staff

    • Sign up for direct deposit of your pay. If the university reduced operations to essential functions, it is possible you will be sent home.   Signing up for direct deposit   is the best way to ensure timely access to your pay because the ASU mail system would not be operating and the electronic method eliminates the need to travel to pick up and deposit your check. Please contact Human Resources to learn about local financial institutions that will allow you to open an account regardless of your personal or financial history. Call 480.965.2701 (Tempe campus) or 602.543.8400 (West campus) or visit http://www.asu.edu/hr/payroll/

    • Flu Shots. A seasonal flu shot aids in some protection against viruses and helps reduce the number of flu cases in an area. As a benefits-eligible ASU employee, you can participate in the ASU seasonal flu shot program scheduled in November and December.   For more specific information, contact the ASU Employee Wellness at 480.965.4751 or visit the HR web site at http://www.asu.edu/hr/employee_wellness/

    Also, contact your family physician to make sure all members of your family receive a seasonal flu shot, especially senior citizens and children.

    • Update insurance information if you have had changes. It is advised to check your dependent and beneficiary information and make updates as necessary to avoid confusion or hassles when seeking treatment. You should also be aware of which hospitals and urgent care clinics are covered under your selected insurance policy.   Contact your Human Resources representative at 480.965.2701 (Tempe campus) or 602.543.8400 (West campus). Additional information is available at http://www.asu.edu/hr/current_employee.html

    • Emergency contact information. Ensure that Human Resources has your most updated emergency contact information. Call 480-965-2701 (Tempe campus) or 602.543.8400 (West campus) for assistance. Additional information is available at http://www.asu.edu/hr/current_employee.html

    • Travel.   Taking the proper precautions when you travel can help limit your health risk.   Review this helpful information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Travel

    • Checklist.   Please use the Department of Health & Human Services Checklist to assist in planning.

Students

    • Discuss a plan with your family. Talk to your parents or relatives about your plans to go home if the university minimizes operations and classes are postponed. This is an important step for students who live in on-campus housing as you may be asked to move temporarily.

    • Share your personal plan with appropriate ASU departments. If you are a student living in on-campus housing, contact Residential Life to share your plan in case the university minimizes operations. If you have decided to leave your dorm room and head home, Residence Life may need your space temporarily to house those students who cannot go home.

    • Determine what you need and don't need. If you plan to go home in the event classes are postponed, be prepared with a list of items you need to bring with you and those that can stay in your dorm. Obtain storage boxes to pack and store these items while you´re away.

    • Flu Shots. A seasonal flu shot aids in some protection against viruses and helps reduce the number of flu cases in an area. It is advised to obtain a flu shot from your healthcare provider or at Campus Health Service.

    • Travel.   Taking the proper precautions when you travel can help limit your health risk.   Review this helpful information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Travel ( http://www.pandemicflu.gov/travel/index.html )

    • Checklist.   Please use the Department of Health & Human Services Checklist to assist in planning.