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Info for Faculty & Staff

Our Greatest Asset

As a faculty or staff member, you are our greatest asset during this challenging time. The Re-Entry Committee, led by Vice President for Student Affairs Jeanine Ward-Roof, has made every effort to ensure your return to work is as safe as possible.

Below you will find a wide-variety of resources and to assist you.

Latest Update for Faculty and Staff

September 21, 2020

As part of the University’s continued commitment to monitor, contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are conducting ongoing, risk-stratified and random COVID-19 testing throughout the fall semester. To date, the University has tested all residential students at move-in, all student-athletes, and a second round of testing for all students living in a residence hall with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 positive tests.  

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Resources and Information

  •  Classroom and Lab Capacities
  •  Cleaning, Sanitization, and Air Quality

    Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols have been heightened throughout campus in accordance with CDC guidelines to ensure all horizontal and vertical surfaces, along with critical touch points, will be addressed on a daily basis.

    The Custodial department will be putting forth enhanced disinfection efforts that would include, but are not limited to:

    • Classrooms and learning spaces
    • Restrooms
    • Corridors and common/public spaces
    • Athletic spaces including locker rooms and showers
    • Residence hall entrances, corridors, public area bathrooms, laundry areas, lounges, stairwells and elevators


    To support these efforts, the custodial department has introduced electrostatic disinfecting application devices. The electrostatic applicator gives a negative charge to the disinfecting solution as it exits the nozzle, allowing an even coat of solution that sticks to a targeted surface with 360-degree coverage. 

    In our June 25 communication to campus we outlined a new antimicrobial product procured by Physical Plant called MicrobeCare. This solution creates a barrier that kills 99.99% of microbes, prevents mutation and minimizes the spread of viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and yeast on a wide variety of products. MicrobeCare is safe and has recorded proven results in highly sensitive healthcare environments. This five-minute video provides information on the product and its benefits.

    This application of this product will begin on Monday, July 13 by Custodial staff beginning with academic spaces, followed by residential living areas, athletics and offices areas. It may take several weeks to complete the application across campus. The product will be applied using electrostatic applicators to all touch points within buildings to include but not limited to: door handles, light switches, hand rails, table tops, chairs, computer keyboards, restroom fixtures, etc. to combat possible exposure to COVID-19.

    Air Quality

    Physical Plant has evaluated the HVAC system capabilities for buildings across campus and has identified strategies to implement to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and create acceptable indoor air quality. These strategies include

    • increasing ventilation rates
    • ventilating 24/7 and flushing the building with outside air pre- and post-occupancy each day
    • utilizing air filters with a minimum MERV 9 and MERV 13 efficiency where possible

    These strategies are defined and proposed based on each existing building mechanical system and room situation, and these strategies will be applied for each building’s specific need identified. More details can be found in the documents below.

    FSU Mechanical System Operations to Mitigate Pandemic Risks

    Mechanical HVAC COVID-19 Summary of Reports 

  •  Face Coverings

    To align with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state regulations, all students, faculty, staff and visitors will be required to wear a face covering inside University buildings and in any situation where social distancing is difficult. This directive will be updated regularly and is available for you to review.

    Students needing an accommodation should contact Educational Counseling and Disabilities Services.

    Employees needing an accommodation should contact Human Resources.

    Ferris State University is asking everyone to accept the responsibility of protecting themselves and others.

  •  Health and Wellness

    What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

    COVID-19 is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

    Since then, cases have been identified in multiple other countries including the US.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because:

    • It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
    • Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness.

    Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety

    All members of the University community may use TAO, a secure, private online library of interactive and engaging programs to help overcome anxiety, depression and other common mental health concerns. The University also partners with Encompass, an Employee Assistance Program, to provide private and confidential counseling services for all faculty and staff. Offices are in Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, and throughout the state. This service is provided at no expense to employees.

    What are the symptoms?

    Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:

    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Difficulty breathing

    Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it's unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.

    If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and in the last 14 days you should:

    • Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency department, call first and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
    • Ferris students may call Birkam Health Center at (231) 591-2614.
    • Others should first call their health care provider or call the District Health Department #10 at (231) 592-0130.
    • Avoid contact with others.
    • Do not travel while sick. Please do not use public transportation or arrive unannounced at the Birkam Health Center. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

    What is the treatment?

    Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. (source: CDC)

    Is there a vaccine?

    Not at this time, although research that could lead to a vaccine is moving ahead quickly.

    Where are the cases of COVID-19?

    On March 10, state officials announced the first two confirmed cases of coronavirus in Michigan. New cases continue to be identified in the United States, including Michigan. The CDC continues to indicate that the number of cases reported in the United States will increase, as testing capability is increased. Ferris is monitoring this information closely.

    CDC site for cases in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.

    Michigan information from state health officials can be found at: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.

    What is Social Distancing?

    Social distancing means:

    • Avoid public places where close contact with others might occur – this includes shopping centers, movie theaters, stadiums, workplaces, schools and classrooms.
    • Avoid public transportation (e.g., bus, subway, taxi, ride share).
    • Maintain distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others.

    How do I prevent the Coronavirus?

    There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:

    • Wear a mask/face covering when in public
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

     

    How do I self-isolate and self-monitor?

    To self-isolate, you should:

    • Stay home. Do not go to work, school or public areas.
    • Separate yourself from other people in your home. Avoid visitors to your home.
    • Self-monitor for fever by checking temperature at least twice a day. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms.
    • If you have symptoms, where a facemask when you are around other people.
    • When seeking medical care, call ahead and tell them about your symptoms before heading to the doctor's office or the emergency room.
    • Do not use public transport like buses or taxis.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and immediately throw the tissue in the trash and clean hands with sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.

    The CDC offers the following additional guidance on how to self-isolate: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html

  •  Re-Engagement Planning Tools

    The FSU Re-entry Committee greatly appreciates the considerable efforts of supervisors to help build out these plans to ensure a safe and successful return to work. We understand these tools are new and this situation is unprecedented for everyone. If you have questions, please contact our committee at [email protected] for assistance. Together, we can keep our University and each other safe, well and moving forward.

  •  Re-Entry Committee Members
    • Sandra Alspach, Academic Senate
    • Jim Bachmeier, Administration and Finance
    • Lindsay Barber, Birkam Health Center
    • Bobby Fleischman, Academic Affairs
    • Lincoln Gibbs, College of Health Professions
    • John Globoker, Administration and Finance, Kendall College of Art and Design
    • Fredericka Hayes, Human Resources
    • Mike Hughes, Physical Plant
    • Leonard Johnson, Academic Affairs
    • Mike McKay, Safety, Health, Environmental, Risk Management and Insurance
    • Jeremy Mishler, University Advancement and Marketing
    • Holly Price, Ferris Faculty Association (through 8/23/2020)
    • Joy Pulsifer, Student Affairs
    • Michelle Rasmussen, President’s Office
    • Steve Reifert, Extended and International Operations
    • Jeanine Ward-Roof (Committee Chair),Student Affairs

    Committee Work Groups

    • Academics - Sandy Alspach, Bobby Fleischman, Lincoln Gibbs, Leonard Johnson, Holly Price (through 8/23/2020), Steve Reifert

    • Customer Service - Sandy Britton, Marie Delamater, Erin Diehm, Mike Grandy, Leah Monger, John Randle, Susan Roberts, Scott Rossen, Paula Rushford, Jeff Stewart, Katie Thomas

    • Employee Resources - Lindsay Barber, Fredericka Hayes, Lincoln Gibbs, Mike McKay

    • Facilities - Tim Blashill, Justin Harden, Gheretta Harris, Mike Hughes, Mike McKay, Jeremy Mishler, Michelle Rasmussen, Mark Schuelke, Nick Owens

    • Health - Lindsay Barber, Elisa Cotter, Lincoln Gibbs, Mike McKay, Andy Slater, Jeanine Ward-Roof

    • PPE Procurement - Jim Bachmeier, Lindsay Barber, Lincoln Gibbs, John Globoker, Anne Hawkinsbadge, Mike Hughes, Dennis Magoon, Bryan Marquardt, Mike McKay, Ed Shepard, Grant Snider, Cindee Wilcox

    • Students - Julie Alexander, Brandi Behrenwald, Timothy Blashill, Camryn Booms, Cathy Bordeau, Sandy Britton, Kaylee Burke, Jason Daday, Nicole Dekraker, Ally Faulkner, Jocelyn Goheen, Breanna Green, Justin Harden, Darnell Lewis, Anne London, Margaret Lyons, Lisa Ortiz, Nicholas Owen, Angie Palmer, Joy Pulsifer, Scott Rossen, Julie Rowan, Nick Smith, Lane Steffke, Elizabeth Tomaro, Lisa vonReichbauer

  •  Re-Entry Communications for Faculty & Staff

    September 2020

    August 2020

    July 2020

    June 2020

    May 2020

  •  Social Distancing Signage

    For Building Entrances

    For Interior Use

    View demonstration photographs to help guide the placement of these signs.

  •  Teaching Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  •  Who needs to approve departmental Re-engagement Plans?

    Re-engagement Plans should be reviewed by Mike McKay, director of Safety, Health, Environmental, Risk Management and Insurance with final approval from the appropriate vice president or provost.

  •  Where do employees pick up the logo masks, hand sanitizer, and face shields?

    Vice presidents, deans and/or supervisors will distribute these items to their employees returning to work on campus. Recognizing that cloth face masks should be washed after each use, faculty and staff may also wear other cloth face coverings throughout the work week, such as homemade cloth face coverings or those purchased from a store.

  •  How do I complete the required COVID-19 symptom checker?

    Faculty, staff and student-employees must complete the symptom each day when working, whether in person on campus or when working remotely. The electronic symptom checker can be completed securely online. A paper version of the symptom checker is still available for those without access to the Internet.

  •  Will the university be moving to remote delivery of instruction after Thanksgiving?

    Yes. To finish out the remaining three weeks of the fall semester, instruction will move (wherever possible) to remote delivery beginning Monday, Nov. 30, after the Thanksgiving recess. This is a part of the University’s efforts to keep our community healthy and safe, to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 as we enter cold and flu season, and to help us move forward safely for the spring semester.

    There will be some programs or classes, most notably those with laboratories that require significant amounts of specialized equipment, that will continue on campus during this period. Questions about specific programs or classes that may do this should be directed to the College’s academic dean. During this time after Thanksgiving, the University will remain open and operations will continue, with housing and dining available throughout the end of the semester. It is important to note that this announcement does not change the beginning of fall classes, which will continue as planned on Monday, Aug. 31.

  •  I am concerned about returning to work. What are my options?

    The University and Human Resources wants to work through these concerns with you.  Please review the COVID-19 Return to In-person Work Exception Form. If you believe you have one of the situations outlined on the chart, please follow the directions for next steps.  If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]