Planning Information
ASU Planning
A broad spectrum of ASU staff from all campuses are working to develop a comprehensive pandemic influenza plan to prepare and protect the university community. Planning began several months ago and will continue on a regular basis to ensure all aspects of preparedness are addressed. The comprehensive plan will be tested in a realistic exercise to determine which areas are solid and which need improvement. The plan will then be formalized and communicated to students and their families and faculty and staff across all ASU campuses.
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 . Coordination includes the following activities:
• On September 27, 2006, the medical directors from the three Arizona universities met at ASU to discuss the planning taking place at each institution for a pandemic influenza outbreak.
• On October 27, 2006, a pandemic influenza planning exercise was conducted with key ASU representatives as well as the Arizona Department of Health Services and Maricopa County Department of Public Health to help identify issues at ASU that still need resolution.
On December 6, 2006, several ASU representatives met with representatives from the Maricopa County and State of Arizona health departments to discuss collaborative efforts in further detail. ASU shared its draft plan with these health departments for evaluation.
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/forms/documents/direct_deposit.pdf
• 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 or transitioned to distance learning. 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 if you can take classes via distance learning. Take inventory of your at-home technology and determine if you are eligible to continue coursework through distance learning in case the university minimizes operations.
• Determine what you need and don't need. If you plan to go home in the event classes are postponed or transitioned to distance learning, 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.