PURPOSE

In the event of a health crisis, it is the Academy's responsibility to take measures to protect its Students, Professional staff, and their families from potential exposure to disease. This policy provides guidelines for appropriate preventive behavior, including but not limited to the use of masks, social distancing, health monitoring, and required training. The University will follow requirements of local, state, and federal health agencies when implementing protocols for campus safety.

APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all Students, Professional Staff Members, including Professional Staff members affiliated with a collective bargaining unit, Trustees and all other members of the Academy community, including but not limited to campus guests, visitors, and third parties doing business or providing services on site (e.g., vendors, independent contractors and consultants).

IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the Department of Human Resources.

ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT

The President, Academy of Natural Sciences is the official responsible for the administration of this policy.

POLICY

In the event of a health crisis, including an epidemic or pandemic, the Academy will enact measures, in an attempt to limit the spread of disease through human contact or environmental health stressors or other health threats. In the case of an infectious disease, actions to minimize contact between infected and healthy individuals will incorporate preventive behaviors, including but not limited to the use of masks, social distancing, health monitoring, and required training. In the case of other health crises, the University may delineate other preventative actions or protocols, as appropriate.

DEFINITIONS

Faculty Member is defined as an individual employed by Drexel University in a tenured, tenure-track, non-tenured track or adjunct position who teaches at any college, school, center or institute in the University. A Faculty Member also is deemed to be exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and/or applicable state law.

Professional Staff Member is defined as an individual employed in any non-faculty category by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, including an individual who is deemed to be either exempt or non-exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and/or applicable state law.

Social Distancing is a public health practice designed to limit the spread of infection by ensuring sufficient physical distance between individuals. Taking measures to ensure social distancing decreases opportunities for close contact among persons, thereby decreasing the potential for disease transmission among people and slowing the spread of disease.

Student is defined as any undergraduate, graduate, or un-matriculated individual taking classes/workshops at Drexel University, including in-class, online, not-for-credit, and one-time courses and workshops.

PROCEDURES

• In the event of a health crisis, the Drexel University President, the Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer, and the Executive Vice President and Provost, in consultation with other University leaders as needed, will determine the appropriate health and safety measures to employ based on the specific circumstances of the health crisis at that time. Federal, state, and local governing authorities may provide guidance in making the determination, and those authorities are likely to follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
• Decisions regarding measures taken for a highly contagious disease will be guided by such factors as the epidemiology of the disease, its response (if any) to anti-viral or other medications, the availability of effective medications, specific at-risk groups, proximity of confirmed infection to a particular locale, and other factors.
• In support of decisions made by University leaders, relevant campus partners will develop specific protocols that will address the nature and severity of the health crisis. These protocols may establish new guidelines or may modify existing policies and procedures, such as those related to leaves, return to work requirements, notification, remote access, and others. Protocols will be developed in consultation with all relevant departments. These protocols may be in effect for no more than ninety (90) days without approval of senior leaders.

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS

Below are examples of safety protocols that may be implemented during a Health Crisis:

Face Masks
Face masks that cover the nose and mouth must be worn at all times while on campus and in all Drexel facilities, properties, transportation vehicles, and buildings, which includes leased properties, and if outside and unable to consistently maintain a distance of at least six (6) feet from individuals who are not members of your household or residence. If you have a condition that supports the need for a reasonable accommodation, please contact your Human Resources representative or Student Disability Resources for assistance.

Health Tracking
All Drexel Students, Faculty Members and Professional Staff Members may be required to monitor their health and symptoms on a daily basis to prevent unintentional spread. Individuals may utilize a Health Tracker app to either report symptoms or confirm a lack of symptoms at least two (2) hours before coming to campus. Information regarding such applications will be communicated by the University.

Training
All Drexel Students, Faculty Members and Professional Staff Members may be required to complete online trainings focused on best practices for disease prevention and spread prior to returning to campus. Any individual who does not complete the training will not be cleared to return to campus.

Social Distancing
Some diseases may be spread through close proximity and before any symptoms are present. Proper social distancing should be followed to avoid exposure and slow a virus' spread, including:

• Remain at least six (6) feet from other individuals at all times
• Do not gather in large groups
• Conduct meetings/trainings through teleconferencing, even if all members are present on campus
• Limited number of individuals in break areas, kitchenettes, etc. at any given time

Meals
Before and after eating, you should wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the potential transmission of the virus. If dining at the Academy, you should wear your mask until ready to eat and put it back on immediately thereafter. Use of alcohol wipes to clean the area before and after eating. Employees are encouraged to take food back to their office areas or eat outside if possible. If you are eating in a common space, wipe all surfaces, including the table, water cooler, refrigerator handle, etc., after use.

Additional Measures
The Academy may implement various measures in support of Health Crisis related protocols. Community members are reminded to review content and information distributed by the University on a continuous basis and to abide by the added protocols required.

Compliance
Consequences for failing to abide by the Academy's requirements will be handled on a case by case basis and may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from campus, suspension or expulsion, or termination.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT NOT AFFECTED

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated in this policy, nothing herein is intended to alter the at-will status of any non-tenured Faculty or Professional Staff Member. The Academy of Natural Sciences at all times retains the right to terminate any non-tenured Faculty or Professional Staff Member at any time for any lawful reason, or for no reason at all.