Gonzaga's Pandemic Response Task Force

We are conscious of the fact that COVID-19 has proven to be a serious danger to individuals in un-managed situations; as a result, we will consider new practices and protocols that seek to minimize contact and better manage the needs of our community in this circumstance. We are fortunate; as a university with relatively small class sizes that facilitate new approaches, we are able to work to develop appropriate models for modifying the environments that facilitate safely learning, living, and working together within the Gonzaga University community.

As has been the case from the beginning, the health, safety and welfare of our students, faculty, staff and local community have been the number one priority, and we will continue to underscore this as our top priority going forward.

The Pandemic Response Task Force

There are many complex issues that need to be identified and resolved, scenarios to be developed and evaluated, and responses created to appropriately and effectively manage the challenges associated with re-opening in the Fall. President McCulloh has appointed a Pandemic Response Task Force which is developing a plan to address these matters.

The Pandemic Response Task Force and its committees will examine a variety of issues, including (but not limited to):

• Exploring class schedules and sequencing to reduce class size
• Examining the safe operation of campus housing, dining and the fitness center
• Protecting the more vulnerable members of our community by allowing them to work remotely
• Understanding the tools available to us for assessing the viral health of our community (including pretesting, antibody testing, and utility of contact tracing)
• Support of those who may or do fall ill, requiring quarantine or isolation, and support as well from the local medical community
• Management of formal and informal campus gatherings
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves
• Regulation of visitors and building access

The Task Force has wide representation and, in addition to President McCulloh's service, its efforts are being coordinated by Dr. Charlita Shelton, who served as Gonzga's Interim Associate Chief Diversity Officer during much of the 2019-20 academic year. Her experience in higher education spans over 30 years, where she has served as president of two universities and as an executive director of a college. Dr. Shelton is and has been a member of many boards of directors in both the business and higher education arenas. She also has military leadership experience, serving in the United States Marine Corps.

Task Force Areas of Focus

The Pandemic Response Task Force consists of several committees focused on the following areas:

• Academic Instruction & Learning
• Athletics/Fitness Center/Intramurals
• Co-Curricular Programs (including Student Affairs programming, internal events, and interfacing with off-campus populations)
• Communications & Advancement
• Community Relationships/Public Events and Performances
• Housing & Residence Life (including move-in planning)
• Facilities, Dining & Auxiliary Services (including purchasing and procurement)
• Strategy, Finance, Legal (including travel)
• Campus Health and Counseling Services
• Human Resources (including workforce management/leaves and workforce resumption)
• Campus Safety and Security