[Plsgs] SPLS grads: COVID-19 preparation

[Mcmahon, Michelle M - (mcmahonm)]

Dear SPLS Grads,

The UA community is receiving many new directives, and things are happening fast! Don't hesitate to reach out to Georgina or me if you have questions or concerns, as we adjust to the new protocols.

We've here summarized a few key points:

If you feel symptoms of illness, please stay home.
    Immediately inform your PI; if you have a TA position, also inform your faculty instructor and me.

Whenever possible, consider (with your advisor) conducting group meetings/exams/defenses through remote access. The UA does not yet require this, but this may change (and, other units on campus do this already), so we might as well be ready.

Grad students who are serving as TAs, please:
• be aware that classes resume Wednesday, Mar 18
• immediately contact your faculty instructor (if you haven't already)
• assist in any way necessary as faculty instructors move all courses online
• reach out if you need additional training or advice
• see the earlier email from Dr. Maggie Pitts at the Grad College, including her request that you "be a model of strength and compassion" for undergrads who are facing a huge transition right now

Grad students who are working in labs (or fields), please:
• work hygienically, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands before and after leaving labs, touching doorknobs, etc.
• help to keep your work environment clean at all times
• alert the PI/lab manager immediately if the lab becomes short on cleaning supplies, kleenex, or hand soap
• communicate thoroughly and often with your PI
• consider staying out of crowded areas in the lab (or in crowded grad offices)
• see emails from Dean Carnie of the Grad College regarding RAs and regarding exams/defenses (and, ask us if you get lost among all the emails)

Thanks for your patience as we work through these challenges. Keep an eye out for fellow lab members who may need assistance getting up to speed on online teaching, or any other aspect of the new circumstances.
And, please know you are critical to all our missions -- instruction, research, outreach/service -- we appreciate all you do. We'll get through this together!

Best,
Shelley

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__________________________
Shelley (Michelle) McMahon
School of Plant Sciences
University of Arizona
mcmahonm at email.arizona.edu<mailto:mcmahonm at email.arizona.edu>
520-626-0479
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