Student Affairs Announcements Recent Student Affairs Announcements

Dear students,

With everything that has happened over the past couple of weeks, we realize that there may be students who didn’t get the opportunity to submit a housing contract for the 2020-2021 academic year. If you are still interested in on-campus housing for next year, there is still time to complete a contract. Any student who submits a contract on or prior to Wednesday, April 1, 2020 will be eligible to participate in the housing selection process.

Please use this link to submit your contract: https://www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/LivingonCampus/Contracts/ReturningCurrentResidentStudentContract

Speaking of our housing selection process, we are currently working to create an on-line process that will allow everyone eligible to select a space and roommates. We plan to send out the details of how that process will work within the next two weeks. It is our plan to have housing selection completed prior to the end of the spring semester. Please continue to look for emails from us with that information.

In the meantime, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Even while we are all away from campus, The Office of Student Life is available for any and all questions or concerns you may have.

We hope that everyone is doing okay and staying safe during this time.

Sincerely,

Michael Gieseke
Dean of Student Life

Point Park University
Health Services/Counseling Center Announcement
COVID-19 Response
March 27, 2020

Health Center Announcement

COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 response, the University Health Center will adjust its operations for the remainder of the spring term. Further changes may be required as university directives change. At present, the Health Center is not open for walk-in service requests. The Health Center will remain available for consultation and referral support. If you wish to schedule a consultation, please call or email the University Nurse, Lauren Hogan, lhogan@pointpark.edu or at (412) 392-3800. 

Counseling Center Announcement

COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 response, the University Counseling Center will adjust its operations for the remainder of the spring term. Further changes may be required as university directives change. The Counseling Center is able to provide consultation and referral support. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call or email us at counseling@pointpark.edu or by phone at 412-392-3977.

If you or a loved one is feeling distress related to the Covid19 pandemic, these resources might be of use:

https://theconversation.com/7-science-based-strategies-to-cope-with-coronavirus-anxiety-133207

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

If you need support in the moment, we encourage you to call Resolve Crisis Center at 888-796-8226.

Keith A. Paylo
Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students
Point Park University
kpaylo@pointpark.edu

All Students,

I wanted to send a note for a number of reasons, but mostly to stay in touch and remind everyone of the services and support that students have during this very interesting time in our world’s history. We already know that we will look back in years to come and remember this time in our lives. There will be some good memories, such as reconnecting with family and friends that we have not experienced in a long time, if ever, and we will have those memories that are not so pleasant, such as the amount of adjustments we all have had to make to this ever changing world that we now live in.

More than anything, I wish you all only the very best and hope that you are as safe and healthy as possible.

Point Park University remains strong and is pressing forward with our remote learning initiative, and it does seem to be going as smoothly as possible. We appreciate all of the efforts of our faculty and staff and we truly appreciate the efforts of our students who have adjusted so well to this new learning environment.

General Reminders

All students, whether you are on-campus or a commuter, should practice social distancing and follow the guidance of the CDC, national and local governments. Our leaders are trying to help and assist everyone to enable us to get back to our normal lives as soon as possible. Some other reminders include:

Services To Stay In Contact With At The University

We will continue to update students with pertinent information as soon as it becomes available. Please continue to check your Point Park University email on a daily basis.

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Go PIONEERS!

Keith A. Paylo
Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students
Point Park University
kpaylo@pointpark.edu

Good morning,

The Office of Student Life will be open today through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Our office has been classified as essential and will be available to assist students with move-out.

Due to limited staffing, red bins will only be available during the hours listed above.  No exceptions will be made.

Should you move out outside our hours, please do not forget to return your keys. Check-out Envelopes are available at every residential front desk. To be considered properly checked out, all envelopes must be completely filled out and returned to the Student Life Office prior to leaving the campus. Please fold your envelope in half and slide it into the key drop box, directly to the right of the office doors.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Sincerely,

Amanda Anderson
Director of Student Life

Dear Residents,

For those who may still be here on campus, we’d like to provide a couple of updates:

• All food services have been consolidated to the Point Café, effective immediately. Hours are 9am-10pm weekdays and 10am-9pm on weekends.
• Point Park Shuttles will run on their normal schedule through this weekend. We will assess shuttle usage and provide updates as needed.
• The Student Life Office remains OPEN. We will be available for Red Bin sign-outs and receiving keys until 9pm tonight, and on Saturday, 3/21 & Sunday, 3/22 10am-4pm.
• We know you’ve been inundated with emails as daily changes occur, please continue to check your Point Park email for updates.

Sincerely,

Amanda Anderson
Director of Student Life 

Dear Students,

As we all continue to navigate through the changes for spring 2020, I want to thank everyone for working together to find the paths forward in this unprecedented time.

Thank you students for your patience while we work to make the best decisions for your safety and continued education.

The following information is an update for students at the university regarding the changes in University operations.

ON RESIDENCE HALLS

Students must leave the University residence halls no later than Friday, March 27, 2020. More information can be found here.

ON COMPUTER AND OTHER LABS AND FACILITIES CLOSED EFFECTIVE MONDAY

Due to the developing COVID-19 pandemic, the University will be closing many campus facilities, including computer labs.  The following is a list of those closures.  

• UC Television Studio – Closed
• Playhouse Soundstage - Closed
• Academic Hall Photography Labs – Closing 3/23 at 4:30 pm
• SPS Equipment Room – Closing 3/23 at 4:30 pm
• Media Services Office – Closing 3/19 at 4:30 pm
• West Penn Edit Suites – Closing 3/23 at 4:30 pm
• All IT computer labs - Closing 3/23 at 4:30 pm

If you have technological needs related to your remote courses, please contact onlinesupport@pointpark.edu.

ON COMMENCEMENT AND GRADUATE HOODING POSTPONED

Spring Graduate Hooding and Commencement ceremonies scheduled for April 25, 2020 is postponed.  Graduating students will be contacted soon by their schools and respective programs regarding ideas and suggestions for a virtual commencement for each school or program.  The University will continue to explore options for a University-wide, in-person, Commencement ceremony for the entire class of 2020 when conditions allow.

ON LIBRARY OPERATIONS

The following are additional changes to Library operations.  Until further notice, there is a discontinuation of scanning reserve materials and pulling books and DVDs for physical pick up.

Online resources continue to be available.  Any questions or concerns please email the library team at library@pointpark.edu   Librarians are monitoring online requests Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - Midnight, Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

ON #POINTPARKTOGETHERAPART

As we support one another and adjust to the changes, Point Park University hopes to create a home for sharing student, faculty and staff experiences and virtual engagements at the hashtag #PointParkTogetherApart

Videos, photos and online messages are welcome from students, faculty and staff as we adjust to this new, temporary norm.

Let us see what your work-at-home environment looks like and the pets helping you adjust; pass along some tips on how to stay efficient and focused, and seek advice from the Point Park community.

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Go PIONEERS!

Keith A. Paylo
Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students
Point Park University
kpaylo@pointpark.edu

RESIDENT STUDENT UPDATE

March 17, 2020

Dear Students,

As the University continues to monitor guidance from the CDC, federal, state and local governments on guidelines related to University operations, an update to my letter from last evening is necessary.

The University is now asking all students to leave the residence halls by 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2020.

Listed below are the instructions for students who remain in residence, including an update on housing and meal plan fees:

Spring Move Out

Please contact the Office of Student Life for more information pertaining to the move-out process.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Keith A. Paylo
Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students

Campus Community,

As you are aware, the university is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak in efforts to minimize the risk to campus. Effective immediately, all student events, meetings, rehearsals, etc. through the end of the semester are canceled. This includes all student organization travel (i.e. trips & conferences) as well as off-campus student organization events and meetings.

We know that this is disappointing to hear and we have seen firsthand the amount of work and dedication that everyone has put into their events this semester. The SAIL Office encourages students to continue to meet virtually and keep in touch during this difficult time. Please continue to monitor the Point Park University web site for further information.

Kind regards,

Rachel Phillips 
Coordinator of Student Involvement

Dear Residents,

Effective immediately, non-Point Park guests will no longer be permitted to be signed into the residence halls; including any overnight guests. Family and friends are permitted to help you move out of the halls. Otherwise, we ask that no outside guest be permitted access to the residence halls. Point Park commuter students are able to visit their friends.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Michael Gieseke 
Dean of Student Life

Student Organization Leaders,

With the recent decisions to limit in-person campus activities, SAIL wants to provide you with further clarification as to how this affects your student organization.

First, any events or meetings you planned to have from Saturday, March 14th through the end of the semester need prior approval before being held. Please email Rachel Phillips (rphillips@pointpark.edu) and Maggie McCauley (mmccauley@pointpark.edu) with your intentions of either proceeding with or canceling your events/meetings ASAP. Currently the university is using social distancing guidelines set by the CDC in order to approve or deny events.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define social distancing as avoiding crowds and mass public gatherings, and when possible, maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others. Social distancing also means staying at home when ill, avoiding contact with people who have symptoms of illness, and not shaking hands. More information about social distancing can be found here.

Things to consider when planning for or adjusting your event**:

• External guests (any person not affiliated with PPU) are not permitted at any campus event
• All events must be under 25 people
• Your event should allow for 3-6 feet between each person
• Your event should allow for a flow of participants (i.e. a grab & go breakfast instead of a sit down brunch event)
• All food must be individually packaged or food must be served by someone wearing gloves

**These guidelines are subject to change and do not guarantee your event will be approved. Please contact Rachel Phillips (rphillips@pointpark.edu) directly if you have specific concerns.

When you can’t meet in person, there are tools you can use to continue the basic functions of your organization:

Meet digitally via FaceTime, Skype, Microsoft Teams etc.

Run elections by building a form on PointSync and sending it to your members – you can even upload links to videos of candidates, their resumes, or have the candidates answer questions that can be shared within the ballots. **We will help you build this form – email the SAIL Office (sail@pointpark.edu) and schedule a phone call to discuss your organization’s needs – we’ll help you build it while on the phone with you!**

Keep in touch with your members via social media, GroupMe, Microsoft Teams or Messaging.

Social distancing is the intention of the Point Park University’s move to online learning – a science-based way of limiting or slowing the spread of viruses and other infections. While you may intend to have off-campus events, we are encouraging prudence. Before planning any type of gathering, consider the number of people gathering, where you’ll be gathering and what activity you’ll be doing. Your personal health and that of those you care about could be negatively impacted.

According to the directive sent out by President Hennigan earlier today, all university travel is canceled. This includes any organizations that planned on attending conferences or other trips. Please contact the SAIL Office if you need assistance canceling flights or accommodations.

Please continue to monitor the Point Park University web site for further information. 

Please let us know if there’s anything we may be able to do to help you and/or your organization!

Rachel Phillips 
Coordinator of Student Involvement

TO:                        All Students

FROM:                  Keith Paylo, Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students

SUBJECT:              COVID-19 Communications for Point Park Students

DATE:                    March 12, 2020

As a follow up to the message sent from Dr. Hennigan earlier today, please see the following regarding University operations.

Point Park University has followed guidance of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect the safety and well-being of the Point Park University community, which remains the University’s highest priority.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding the virus and its transmission, the University will take further action to protect our campus community.

Effective Immediately:

• In-person classes will be canceled on Friday, March 13, Saturday, March 14, Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
• Classes will resume on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 with instruction delivered online or alternative forms for the remainder of the spring semester. 
• Point Park facilities and operations will remain open, this includes the residence halls.
• All non-essential Point Park sponsored travel has been suspended.
• Events held on campus will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and decisions will be communicated to the organizing groups and communicated to the campus community.
• Shuttle service will continue at this time. Please consult the online shuttle schedule for details https://www.pointpark.edu/about/AdminDepts/PhysicalPlantFacilities/Transportation/ShuttleSchedules
• Resident students deciding to leave the residence halls are required to fill out all proper paperwork and follow move-out procedures. Please visit the Office of Student Life, 1^st floor of Pioneer Hall, for all information and assistance in this process.
• Information will be communicated through your Point Park University email address. Please check your email frequently.

Please follow the information below regarding important aspects of Point Park University COVID-19 response.

SOCIAL DISTANCING: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define social distancing as avoiding crowds and mass public gatherings, and when possible, maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others. Social distancing also means staying at home when ill, avoiding contact with people who have symptoms of illness, and not shaking hands.

Because COVID-19 remains a rapidly developing situation, it is important to check Point Park’s page regularly, as well as advisories and warnings from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prior to finalizing personal travel plans and undertaking travel.

The best preventive measures for COVID-19 and any communicable disease continue to be the practices you undertake as part of your daily routine, especially during flu season:

• Engage in social distancing;
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with warm soapy water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
• Avoid sharing anything that has come in contact with another person’s saliva, whether in your own living or social environments;
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue; then discard the tissue;
• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to support a healthy immune system;
• If you are not well, remain at home and contact your primary care physician, Student Health Services or a local emergency medical care provider.

We will continue to update you with any new information or changes to University operations.

Thank you for your understanding and support to continue to keep Point Park University as safe and healthy as possible during these interesting times.

Keith A. Paylo
Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students
Point Park University
kpaylo@pointpark.edu

Dear Residents,

In an effort to support those who have decided to vacate the halls this weekend, the Student Life Office will be open to sign-out red bins and collect keys for the following extended hours:

Friday, March 13: 8:30am-9:30pm

Saturday, March 14: 10am-4:00pm

Our office will continue our normal hours March 16 through the end of the term:

Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-6:00pm

Friday: 8:30am-4:40pm

 If you decide to leave outside of our office hours, you may turn in your key and check-out envelope in the drop box outside of the Student Life Office (1^st Floor Pioneer Hall). Red bins will not be available outside of the above listed hours of operation.

 Should you have any questions, please email us at studentlife@pointpark.edu.

 Sincerely,

Amanda Anderson
Director of Student Life

Dear Residential Students,

Hopefully you have had the chance to see President Hennigan’s email today about the University going to on-line classes. If so, you will have also read that the residence halls and food services will remain open. However, please know that if you believe it is in your best interest to leave the residence halls prior to the end of the semester, you may do so without penalty. All that we ask is that you follow normal check-out procedures.

Prior to leaving campus, you will need to complete the check-out envelope, return any keys you were issued, and leave your residential space as neat as possible. You can pick up the check-out envelope in the Student Life office.

Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. You can come to the office (1^st floor of Pioneer Hall) between 8:30 pm and 6 pm, call us at 412-392-8026 or email us at studentlife@pointpark.edu.

Sincerely,

Michael Gieseke 
Dean of Student Life

To:      Student workers and supervisors, including FWS, Apprentice, Grad Assistants, Honors Assistants, and General Student Workers
From:  Lisa Stefanko
Re:       COVID-19 Communications for Student Workers
Date:   March 12, 2020

As a follow up to the message sent from me earlier today, please see the following information regarding student workers.

Effective immediately:

• Point Park facilities and operations will remain open.
• All Point Park student workers may continue to work, if they so choose. Please notify the University of your intentions by using this form. 

The status of these measures will be evaluated every two weeks.

Point Park recognizes such steps will prompt many questions and cause disruption. We ask for everyone to accommodate these changes, engage in and support appropriate personal health measures, support other Point Park community members, and frequently check the university’s COVID-19 website for updated information.

In limited situations, remote work may be approved for student employees. Please consult with your supervisor, complete the form above, and receive approval from Jessica Ureste in Human Resources before completing any remote work.

Please note, these steps only apply to students who work for and are paid by Point Park University.  If you work on campus for another organization (ie Culinart or the Bookstore), please contact your supervisor for more information.

Thank you for your understanding and your continued work to keep the Point Park community safe and healthy.

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Point Park University and our Student Health Services Office continue to monitor the 2019 Coronavirus (also referred to as COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2), an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new (novel) coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Currently, no suspected cases have been reported at Point Park University. Students with questions or who need medical care should contact the Student Health Services Office, 2^nd floor – Thayer Hall.

Faculty and staff with questions or who need medical care should contact their primary care physician.

The University remains under the guidance of the Allegheny County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and we are following updates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What are the symptoms?

According to the CDC, those with confirmed cases of the 2019 Coronavirus have reportedly experienced mild to severe respiratory illness as well as symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

What is the treatment?

If you are experiencing any of the previously listed symptoms and you have recently traveled to or near the affected areas, or have been exposed to others who have traveled to or near the affected areas, please contact the University's Student Health Services Office or your health care provider immediately.

What about prevention?

Visit the CDC's interim guidance web page to learn more about preventing the 2019 Coronavirus from spreading.

In general, individuals should continue to follow standard wellness practices, including:

• Frequently wash your hands
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid sharing cups, utensils, water bottles and other personal items

Stay home when you are sick and avoid others who are sick.

More on the 2019 Coronavirus

According to the CDC, infections with 2019 Coronavirus are being reported in a growing number of countries, including the United States, where the first 2019-nCoV infection was detected in a traveler returning from Wuhan, China in January 2020.

Person-to-person spread of the 2019 Coronavirus is occurring, but at this time it is unclear how easily this virus can be spread from person-to-person. While severe illness has been reported in China, other patients have had milder illness.

The CDC and other health officials are taking proactive preparedness precautions. More cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States.

Locally, colleges and universities in the area are meeting to discuss plans for students if and when this virus would impact attendance, or the ability for students to return to their country of origin. Also, all travel for students, faculty and staff that is planned for outside the United States during the spring and summer semesters is being evaluated in order to protect the health and safety of all members of the traveling parties. Decisions pertaining to these trips abroad will be determined as more information becomes available in association with the countries being visited during these trips.

In addition, we are working with our students that are presently studying abroad. We are in contact with these students, and the programs that they are enrolled, to discuss their educational plans for the remainder of the spring semester.  

Once again, if you have any questions, please utilize the links contained within this update, or contact the Student Health Center located on the 2^nd floor of Thayer Hall. We will continue to update the campus community as additional information becomes available.

Thank you for your attention to this very important update. Please stay safe and healthy.

Lauren Hogan
University Nurse
Student Health Center
lhogan@pointpark.edu

Keith A. Paylo
Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students
Point Park University
kpaylo@pointpark.edu