A COVID-19 Response Team has been formed at Truman State University in response to the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world.
In-person classes have been suspended since March 15 as coronavirus was starting to cause safety concerns for students and faculty. This suspension was going to be in effect until March 21, but was then extended through the end of the semester.
The same week, Truman created the COVID-19 Response Team. The team was created through the use of Truman’s Critical Incident Response Team, which is part of the University’s emergency preparedness plan.
“Critical incidents can be defined as campuswide emergencies that threaten life or property, or those which impact a significant portion of the University community,” University President Sue Thomas said.
The COVID-19 Response Team began meeting twice a week starting the week of March 15. Since April 5, the team no longer meets on a regular schedule and instead only meets when needed. The Executive Leadership Team meets multiple times each week to make decisions regarding coronavirus which do not require the entire Response Team to meet. The Executive Leadership Team consists of the president, vice presidents and chief information officer.
The COVID-19 Response team is comprised of the University President, Vice President for Administration, Finance and Planning, Truman State University Chief of Police, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Vice President for Student Affairs, General Counsel, Director of Public Relations, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, Vice President for University Advancement, Chief Information Officer, Executive Director of Human Resources and Director of Physical Plant/Safety Manager. The Associate Vice President for Student Health and Wellness is consulted for health questions when they arise.
Thomas said the primary focus for the University was to make critical decisions in a time of rapid change and uncertainty.
“While such decisions will continue to need to be made, we are now focusing on what we need to do across all parts of the campus in the short, intermediate and long terms to ensure Truman comes out stronger on the other side,” Thomas said.