Important COVID-19 Update – Thursday, March 19, 2020

Dear Juilliard Community,

As we enter this next stage of responding to this pandemic, we are working in every way to keep our community safe, healthy and well-connected, even though we are no longer together on campus.

We have several campus updates below, but first want to share that earlier today we learned that a Juilliard Drama Division student has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Our thoughts are with this student and their loved ones and we send our best wishes for a swift recovery. We have already been in contact with those individuals whom we know have had close contact with this student on campus in the past 14 days.

As we write this email, there are additional students, faculty and staff being tested for COVID-19. In the coming days, given the spread of the virus across the country, and current projections of government and health authorities, we anticipate learning of more cases as testing becomes more readily available. We know that these cases are of great concern for all of us.

Moving forward, we do not plan to send a community-wide email for each case. However, when we learn of a positive case, we will work to develop lists of people who have been in contact with the community member on campus and communicate with them directly. If you receive one of these communications, it will include further guidance about whether you should self-isolate and monitor yourself for symptoms. In all cases, we will endeavor to maintain the privacy of individuals.

We urge you to follow the guidance below to help keep yourselves healthy, and to help Juilliard in our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

• Continue to follow all guidance from health officials including self-isolation/social distancing and recommended hygiene practices.
• Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to notify us immediately if you test positive for COVID-19 by any health care provider in any jurisdiction – regardless of your current location. This will allow us to conduct additional contact tracing and notify other members of the community so that they can take the appropriate next steps for their own health and to limit further spread of the virus.
  • Students, please contact the Office of the Dean at [email protected] if you have tested positive.
  • Faculty and staff, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] if you have tested positive.
• All community members should be self-monitoring their health. If you develop a fever or other symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, please isolate yourself and contact a healthcare provider immediately for medical advice.

Last week, we made the difficult decision to move to remote learning, cancel all public performances activities and ask that residence hall students return home for the remainder of the semester. We took this unprecedented action, based on guidance from local and national government and health authorities, to protect the health and safety of our school community and to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19. As you know, starting tomorrow, access to the Irene Diamond Building will be limited to essential staff only.

Despite the challenges, we have made much progress in our transition to online learning. You have all met this challenge in an incredible way, and we thank you. In addition, we have confirmed that all residence hall students have a plan in place following their departure from campus this week. As you know, a top priority has been to take care of our resident students and international students to ensure that no one is without a place to live, and to understand and address specific financial needs resulting from this crisis.

We know that this process has not been easy. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly to make this transition happen and to our students for their continued sacrifice and cooperation.

We encourage you to regularly visit our COVID-19 Response webpage for the latest developments and information on Juilliard’s policies, best practices for staying healthy and links to the State Department, CDC, World Health Organization, and other resources. Additionally, you can find more information as well as I.T. resources for remote learning on My Juilliard.

Please remember that Juilliard has many support resources for college students and employees who may have elevated levels of stress or anxiety related to this situation or who may have family or friends who have been directly impacted. Please see the complete list at the end of this email.

We remain deeply grateful for all you are doing to care for one another and to uphold the creative spirit of Juilliard at this challenging time.

 

Warmest wishes to each of you,

President Damian Woetzel

 

Community Resources:

College Division students who are experiencing increased anxiety or stress due to this issue are encouraged to contact Juilliard Counseling Services at (212) 769-3918. Additional support can be found at the Office of Student Affairs (x200 or [email protected]), the Office of International Advisement (x358 or [email protected]), or the Office of Residence Life (x7400 or [email protected]). Remote Medical, PT, OT and Nutrition appointments may be made by calling Health Services at x282 or emailing [email protected].

Juilliard community members can also visit the Assessment and Care Team page for more information on how to assist college students.

For faculty or staff who are experiencing increased anxiety or stress, Juilliard offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Morneau Shepell. Morneau Shepell offers confidential support, guidance and resources to assist faculty and staff and immediate family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls and counseling services are completely confidential.Call their toll-free number at (888) 293-6948 or visit their website.

Employees on The Juilliard School Aetna health plan can contact Teledoc at 1-855-TELEDOC (835-2362) to speak with a doctor 24/7 for $40 or less.