In addition to general conversation, this roundtable will focus on planning for reopening.
Chat Transcript
Laura Hall
Hi Pam - I see you are recording. Will we be able to access the recording afterwards?
Raul Cano
they post them on youtube
Jaymie Cox-Garcia
Laura--all of these roundtables are recorded and posted on that same page where you signed up,
Pam Watts
yes, recording will be on nirsa website later today
Greg Jordan
since Mike is. in GA, what has happened in your rec center since the state haas reopened last week
NIRSA Smartboard
Just so everyone has the links, recordings can be found on the Ideas in Motion page on the NIRSA site: https://nirsa.net/nirsa/connect/ideas-in-motion/ and on NIRSA's youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkWncbByBoqeyPW1owOqaFg
Laura Hall
Great - thank you
Chris Morris
Missed opportunities, Mike
Brian Cousins - UIC
Mike - Are you working hand-in-hand with your Environmental Health & Safety folks? Who is signing off on your “re-opening” plans in regards to safety and risk management?
Ken Morton
Are you worried about losing members to local gyms that do open when you are closed?
Greta Giese
Iowa is reopening fitness and rec centers, and we are feeling the pressure. Currently holding out for a May 18 reopening along with our campus.
Michael Edwards
We have a senior administration task force that will gather all of the plans and approve. This task force has representation from all areas on campus, which includes EHS.
Brian Cousins - UIC
Thanks
Emily McElwain
CO has stated a different allowance for Institutions of Higher Education vs. commercial businesses. Rec and Gyms associated with IHEs will not be allowed to reopen until at least the end of May.
Philip Ems
are any universities using surveys to gather input from their students on their desire, perception about returning?
Leslie Whitmer
greta giese--can you share any rules/regs you are putting into place please? ie every other machines, face masks needed
Michael Edwards
We know we could lose some faculty and staff members but we think our product is better and can stand up to the competition.
Kaila Lavin
Philip-we are at Cal State Northridge. An early poll released this week noted a 90%+ commitment of current students who want to return
Linda Knight
I love our Presidents take on this - Do Not Worry about Being President - just be Awesome!!
Raul Cano
Any protocols: limited number of people in rec, pool open, check out equipment, open play in bb courts limited???
Michael Keyser
at Chapman University, we are doing our annual Sky Factor Benchworks survey. There is one specific open-ended question we are asking about student perceptions. The survey is open now and closes in about 1 week. @philip ems
Christopher Denison
Two of our local gyms already closed permanently and auctioned their equipment. Our population is 140,000 and we are saturated with clubs. Wondering if more will close as we are a hot spot and our curve is extended.
Cindy Strine
Great resources in the shared document. The Recovery Readiness How-To Guide for Reopening Your Workplace from Cushman & Wakefield is a great resource. The whole document has a variety of different resources and ideas
Tina Villard
Hi Bill!
James Koeppe
Phillip- our Res Halls are having higher return registration than last year. Students want to get back to campus!
Philip Ems
Good to hear. Thanks for sharing yall!
Greg Jordan
my president is a medical,doctor and she is on the Governor task force
Pam Watts
Watch for guidelines for higher education from the CDC to be released in a week or so. NIRSA will watch for this and post to the COVID-19 page as soon as they are available.
Jaymie Cox-Garcia
Cindy--where is this shared doc about readiness?
Ian Brown
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fSbAXOVqZYn0wldEGe8OvbBFxxK96xO9uX7fxTuDr4I/edit?ts=5ea6f187
Greta Giese
Here in Iowa we will be shutting down every other cardio machine, limiting users in facilities and areas, requiring screening before entry (both members and staff), etc... I have a Phase I plan that I can share - email me at ggiese@nwicc.edu and I’ll send it out. I can share via NIRSA discussions too!
Michael Keyser
Mike Edwards - can you share the Mckinsey article you mentioned
Jillian Harper
Any recommendations for those of us being furloughed within days…administration isn’t asking for a plan but we will be expected to move forward as quickly as possible when we are going to open?
Dean Bowen
@greta who will do the screening before entry?
Greg Jordan
Pam can your expand n cdc guidelines for higher?
Pam Watts
Also, ACHA (American College Health Association) will be releasing guidelines for re-opening from the student health perspective in the next 1-2 weeks (just after CDC release). NIRSA will make available on the website.
Michael Edwards
Several have asked for the article I mentioned. I have sent to Pam, so perhaps she can post or share for all of NIRSA.
Daryl Shreve
Curious about any pool protocols people may be putting into place. And if you have an outdoor pool that is currently closed, have your plans for opening been affected
Cindy Strine
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fSbAXOVqZYn0wldEGe8OvbBFxxK96xO9uX7fxTuDr4I/edit
Pam Watts
Yes, I'll post McKinsey article in connect after the roundtable
Cindy Strine
https://cfeservices.co/ - go to bottom of page for information
https://cfeservices.co/reopen
Pam Watts
Greg - I don't have a lot of details on the CDC guidelines - other than they are coming and the CDC has been consulting with ACHA on the draft - perhaps other higher ed associations too.
Joe Hoff
lol
Mark Ritter
Has anyone thought about how they are going to handle the second wave of this virus and the regular flu if it happens mid - late semester?
Robb Bolton
Pepperdine admin just announced a scenario to accommodate for late Fall second wave. Plan would call for school to open earlier in August and finish by Thanksgiving. This is a model that other CA schools are now considering
Whitney Slater
Washburn University in Kansas is considering that same scenario of being done by Thanksgiving.
David Gaskins
Bill, will you be sharing these slides?
NIRSA Smartboard
The slides will be captured as part of the recording, which will be accessible on NIRSA's Ideas in Motion page (and also YouTube channel)
Bill Crockett
The slides should attach to the presentation but I can share, just email bcrockett@umaryland.edu
Steve Rey
How much is our reopening dependent on University, State, and National Guidelines
Haley Sorenson
Is anyone having people sign new waivers? especially if open to public? not just students?
Stan Campbell
We will be dependent on the directed health measures from our Governor and Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Devin Roban
Has anyone redrafted their facility waivers?
Corina Evans
For those of you that have climbing walls, are there any specific protocols you intend to follow in regards to cleaning the wall?
April Flint
Emory has begun these conversations around shared responsibility. Mention of students signing a "social" contract
Erin Jennings
does anyone have guidelines re. shared equipment (ie. weights/ treadmills/etc.)?
Brian Mills
Texas is reopening a lot of businesses Friday but gyms are not included, but governor said his expectations were mid-May. He is making another announcement for clarification today regarding gyms and fitness facilitirws
Kathleen Hatch
think we need to add kindness to the safety and wellbeing core
Lance Haynie
@CorinaEvans...we will strip and clean all holds as well as do a sanitizing of our wall surface
Ashleigh Lewellen
How are your institutions handling collection of student fees while your facilities are closed? are they still being assessed? Will they if this extends throughout the fall?
Stacey Hall
UNH has a health education plan being developed with campus-wide communication plan. Enforcement is going to be a challenge.
Earnest Washington
Does anyone operate in collaboration with their local Parks and Recreation?
Michael Keyser
@lance - what do you use to sanitize the wall surface?
RUCHELLE DUNWOODY
Has anyone discuss virtual summer camps offerings?
Linda Knight
Everything we are doing right now has to be University Mission Critical - very different than Mission Optimal. We are working to find data on supporting all of our programs are Mission Critical - would welcome any thoughts from my colleagues on this call.
Jillian Harper
We will have no student fees collected over summer due to the fact that we are only doing remote classes over the summer.
Katherine Beaumont Doss
does anyone have an example return to work/recover plan that breaks out by 100% remote, 80%, 60% remote etc (or other % breakdown) with programming, staffing, ops?
Kate Harmon
Would love to hear some plans from smaller departments where people have multiple hats. Thinking specifically of planning including potential budget cuts.
Bill Crockett
Linda I like the term mission optimal.
Linda Knight
Everything we are doing right now has to be University Mission Critical - very different than Mission Optimal. We are working to find data on supporting all of our programs are Mission Critical - would welcome any thoughts from my colleagues on this call. if you would rather email me - please do at lakni2@wm.edu
Marc Iturriaga - Bonobo
@Kathleen Hatch - so important! and we need to consider the mental well being of staff and participants. Shaming has become a huge component of this pandemic and will continue when everyone has a different idea of what health and safety looks like - we need to ensure the mental well being i.e. anti-bullying, shaming, KINDNESS!
Deirdre Reich
Small, residential school question.Although we might be more of a high risk area, certainly Res Halls and dining and classrooms are just as high risk. Are any small universities collaborating with these areas?
Anna Champion
Yes - smaller departments, Kate…and many hats!
Linda Knight
Bill Crockett - I do also, but we have to reach above that.
Bill Crockett
Agreed.
Deirdre Reich
I just think there has to consistancy across campus so students and employees can adapt.
Haley Sorenson
We are planning on having patrons reserve their space in 1 hour blocks
Ian Brown
@Haley, which service are you using for that?
Erin Farrar
@haley what software are you using to do this
Tina Villard
@Haley, we are planing the same thing!
Jeff Heiser
@Ruchelle Dunwoody- At UC Davis, we have discussed virtual summer camps but do not plan to offer anything beyond at home resources. Our thought is kids are online enough right now with distance learning. There is a great Facebook group discussing camps and COVID-19 with some great ideas about virtual programming.
Lashica Thomas
What is that called
Marc Iturriaga - Bonobo
video software cameras can identify number of people in a space
Haley Sorenson
we have an employee in our tech department who used to write software, he currently has one for us that we use for our racquetball courts
Bob Gough
If you are moving toward limiting access, or taking reservations, don't forget to think about the spaces outside where people will be lining up to get into the building.
Perry Karnofsky
Perry from McGill - in the process of developing scenarios programming for i) no students on campus, sports complex closed; ii) no students on campus and building open; iii) students on campus, building open with social distancing measures in place
Brian Mills
@tina same with us....we are also disussing alternating closure periods but leaning towards space shut downs instead of full facility closures.
Chris Morris
We are looking into space or equipment reservations as a way to control access at FSU
Ken Morton
Where is the line between us providing cleaning and such that will never be 100% disinfected vs putting the onus on patrons to take care of themselves and not touch fa e, wash hands, etc... Somewhere in the middle is my guess. What verbiage will you use to communicate that?
Greg Jordan
if masks are required, will students work out wearing them?
Rodo Leone (he/him)
Hello everyone, I would like to share that along with the lenses of Admin, User, and Risk Management we are also having to use of the Equity lenses.
Robb Bolton
@kate harmon Kate, we are a small school with only 4 professional staff for C Rec. I am expecting budget cuts and potential layoffs so I have my Rec Sports and Outdoor Rec coordinator getting certified at Personal Trainers so they can pivot to helping with our online personal training should our campus be online this Fall and this would allow me to justify keeping them on payroll
Rodo Leone (he/him)
This is great!
Greg Homol
Anyone have plans or thoughts on free weight areas where spotters are recommended?
Bob Gough
Locker Room are also a hot spot
Dean Bowen
IF open recreation is deemed wishful due to guidelines- we made relocate our fitness center to our open rec space so most, if not all equipment is accessible
Brian Mills
we are discussing closing locker rooms and only using family chaging rooms as well as closing all locker usage
Deirdre Reich
I agree George.
Haley Sorenson
our Governor (Wyoming) has made very clear orders for gyms to open
Philip Ems
Good thought. When do we ever rollback some of these guidelines?
Erin Farrar
for our climbing components we are looking in to adding washing stations and using liquid chalk that is alcohol based
Haley Sorenson
we have to screen all employees before each shift
robert taylor
AORE has a great resource page for some of the Climbing Wall questions...as well as CWA https://aore.org/coronavirus.php
Leslie Whitmer
We're being asked to provide guide lines for the opening of several outdoor related facilities: tennis courts; open playing field with 2 pairs of soccer goals, sand volley ball and outdoor basketball court. Any protocal suggestions on numbers, what is allowed to be played using 6ft social distancing. Leslie, Embry Riddle
Deirdre Reich
What, if any, liability issues are there with screenings?
Haley Sorenson
it is also in the governor’s order that staff has to clean after patrons
Mark Ritter
Are our students and staff equipped to be social distancing Police
Brian Cousins - UIC
@KenMorton - very important point you bring up - we need to be very careful regarding our messaging - we don’t need to contribute to the false sense of security - we can’t control the behavior of our participants and in the end, their behavior will trump any changes we make in our “normal operation”
cs
State of North Dakota released a whole series of guidelines for state fitness centers and gyms that we will be following as we work toward re-opening. It includes phased re-openings, physical distancing requirements (Group Ex participant sq footage), gathering sizes etc.
Brian Mills
State of Alaska - https://gov.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/0425-COVID-MANDATE-016-Attachment-K-Gyms-Fitness-Centers.pdf
Mirum Washington-White
Spot on David!
cs
From North Dakota-last two pages are specific to fitness centers: http://www.chamberorganizer.com/thechamber/docs/Smart_Restart_All_Industries.pdf
Chris Morris
WE are most definitely going to encourage (financially) paid personal training clients to utilize Zoom from Home sessions… that has been one of those “wins” we hope to take from this situation into more “normal” operations
Linda Gundrum
One of my biggest concerns is even the availability of cleaning supplies. That is going to keep us open over a long period in this environment
Janice DeMonsi
I think that is why is CA - Stage 3 is gyms opening.
Steve Rey
our challenges are going to be that every state has different guidelines
Mark Ritter
Have we thought about the effect of diminished athletic teams and these athletes requesting these same sports from us in the Sports Club arena?
Chandra Kohler
If we all need wipes...are there enough Gym Wipes to handle the need?
Cindy Strine
@Linda - good point. We are seeing multiple month waits on key supplies
Pam Watts
Is anyone challenged to get the PPE/cleaning supplies that you need?
Mike Widen
We've started to model staffing up to enforce social distancing and have about 3-4x the cost in employees. Add in the fact that we'll be losing a lot in membership revenue.
Haley Sorenson
we’ve been having issues with ordering hand sanitizer
Tanya Angus
What are people thinking about for sport clubs and intramurals in terms of running? Go/NO Go for Fall?
Christopher Denison
I am also concerned about shared facilities with PE and Athletics and what you cannot continue could lead to a vacuum of future space use and program offerings.
Janice DeMonsi
We educate patrons on that for MRSA already and we say you have to wash your hands and shower post workouts to be safe
Steve Rey
If the NCAA and NFHS opens up their sport seasons should we follow there guidelines for our competitive programs
Tristan Leonhard
For IMs/Clubs in the fall, I am watching for what the NCAA is going to do
Cindy Strine
We are re-imagining our clubs and intramurals - looking at new and different opportunities.
Ali Cross
Tanya, I assume no go but waiting for NCAA info
Marc Iturriaga - Bonobo
What are supermarkets doing with regard to responsibility? They voice social distancing but there is no enforcement. They put guidelines but don't enforce it - will rec centres have the same freedom to voice but not enforce?
Ken Morton
Good point MArc
Tina Villard
Right Bill, user has to be part of this!
Chris Suriano-UND
IM Sports Guideline from State of ND: Discontinue group sports (basketball, soccer, hockey, etc.)
where more than 10 participants are playing at the same time, including participants on the bench or on shifts until such time social distancing recommendations are suspended
Haley Sorenson
yes marc, my staff is required to wear masks, but supermarkets here are not
Lashica Thomas
Are questions being asked during the screens or is just temperature checks?
Mary OMahoney
Yes, we just can't and that's the reality. The message has to be that our participants are part of our efforts to keep them and everyone else safe by doing the things we are recommending while using the building -wipe down before/after etc. etc.
Deirdre Reich
There has to be a great effort on the part of university to educate students on safety for all areas of campus. Make it part of every day life.
Brian Mills
we are also adding commercials on Neptune radio with the similar commercial at grocery stores and removing almost all other commercials.
Pam Watts
Does anyone have relationships with universities in China that have already gone through a re-opening process that we can learn from?
Kate Harmon
Same thing applies in housing.
Greta Giese
We are going to check with college attorney and insurance about waivers and forms.
Linda Gundrum
I did that when we were considering if we should remain open when this all started. Did not promise perfectly clean areas, only told what we think we can handle according to what our resources are.
James Koeppe
Also true in the classroom. Keeping 6' apart and cleaning between classes!?
Haley Sorenson
@greta we are too
Linda Knight
I agree with David B but we have to realize this could be at the cost of losing staff.
Kathleen Hatch
anyone eliminating all children during the transition
Dave Elton
We have been getting interesting updates from our APC Team. 13,000 Health Clubs in China are re-opening. The most interesting stat “Many Clubs are at 90% of member visits within the first month”
Gansheng Xu
What about water fountains and locker rooms? Do you allow shower facility available?
Greta Giese
Some of my colleagues in Iowa are restricting kids <18.
Haley Sorenson
our governor ordered all locker room (except for restroom) closed
Mark Ritter
@Kathleen Nooo, don't eliminate the children!
Denise Ditch
Haley--what state?
Haley Sorenson
Wyoming
Chris Suriano-UND
Close locker rooms and shower facilities to public for uses other than bathroom / restroom use.
Haley Sorenson
I can share his orders that he released yesterday
Linda Gundrum
YES, pls!
Greg Jordan
yes Pam
Linda Knight
Pam, it would be very helpful.
Ali Cross
yes, Pam, it could stay high level like CDC on fitness and recreation spaces
Christopher Denison
Will the Senate's new liability bill include protections for fitness facilities?
Teresa Clements
Any framework or structure would be greatly appreciated!
Mike Widen
Pam, I think that would be a valuable resource.
Monica Verity
Yes for small schools with lack of staff as well as east coast - Boston, NY, MD will not be opening soon
Greta LeDoyen
I belive IRHSA already put something like that out.
Jaymie Cox-Garcia
I'm at a smaller school and we don't have the access to a legal team, etc., so any framework you can help provide would be very valuable to us.
Marci Iverson
Yes please! I have to submit a draft plan by May 14th for the start of the school for multiple scenarios. Final plan due June 4th to our cabinet and deans.
Philip Ems
Not sure how a shared restroom is ok but a locker room isnt?
Brian Cousins - UIC
For those opening later than others, will definitely be helpful to learn from others’ experiences, successes and failures
Ken Morton
We need to be careful how things are worded to make sure it does not become a "standard of care" that some schools would not be able to meet.
Gansheng Xu
18 Safety Considerations for Your Health Club Reopening Plan | IHRSA
https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-club/safety-considerations-for-your-health-club-reopening-plan/
Linda Knight
Pam - this is Linda Knight - I would be willing to serve on this committee
Leah Hall Dorothy
Thanks @Linda Knight
Robb Bolton
I would be happy to represent small schools for committee.
Greg Jordan
maybe 2 task force: short term and longer term
Haley Sorenson
I would love to represent small schools too on this task force
Joe Cassidy
It might be more expedient and not as heavy a lift if proposed operational recommendations were broken down by functional areas ...a group of aquatics professionals focusing on pools, outdoor rec colleagues focusing on operating recommendations for climbing walls, etc.
Eugene Sessoms
How does the group feel about sending inexperienced student workers to the front lines to disinfect the facility and equipment? We know what the professional health care workers suit up in and what training they have had with infectious diseases. Are we putting those students at unnecessary risk?
Greta Giese
@JoeCassidy good idea!
Erin Jennings
I’m the Assistant Director at UTHSC. We are a graduate medical school. I would consider serving on a task force.
Anna Champion
Thanks, Laurie!!
Tina Villard
@Eugene all employees at Rice will need to go through university training on PPE and safety protocol before being able to work.
Robb Bolton
helpful reopening guidelines from IHRSA for fitness facilities - https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-club/safety-considerations-for-your-health-club-reopening-plan/
Amy Swingle
Providing guidelines could also help push back against the private gym lobby that got gyms listed in Phase 1.
Suzette Smith
I agree with Laurie, as a small school with a small staff, this is valuable.
Cindy Strine
Agreed Laurie, Recommendations from NIRSA go a long way for sharing with upper administration
Deirdre Reich
Thanks Laurie!
Marci Iverson
Agreed! Thank you Laurie!
Monica Verity
Yes! Laurie
Brian Mills
@Eugene what tina said. We have said we need at least two to three weeks lead time to work with staff (not just on training but ensuring they want to come back and understand risks, etc).
Denise Ditch
Laurie- You're spot on in terms of being a small school and needing "leverage" by an organization like NIRSA!
Greta LeDoyen
YES! Laurie!
Jaymie Cox-Garcia
Yes Laurie!
Hollie Power
Laurie for the win!
Emily Piercey
Thanks for bringing your teddy bear to the meeting Steve Rey. Gives me a sense of comfort talking about these significant issues.. - Kim Schmidt
Gansheng Xu
Great points Laurie!
Bill Crockett
Great point Laurie
KRISI PATTERSON
And that gives us (small schools) leverage to show the benefit of a professional membership to NIRSA as budgets start to cut those types of expenses :) Keep up the great great work NIRSA folx!!!!!
Pam Watts
thanks to all for volunteering - we'll be in touch soon!
Jaymie Cox-Garcia
Agreed Krisi!
Devin Roban
Great point Laurie! - smaller school here in NYC. We’re very much learning how to reinvent here…
Tina Villard
Yes, Laurie! Bye everyone, it was great seeing y’all!
Linda Gundrum
Smaller/med schools rely a lot on cross campus collaboration for shared resources and ideas
Deirdre Reich
Thanks to all for sharing!
Wendy Windsor
Thank you everyone for sharing! Great discussion.
Ken Morton
Thanks for providing this resource!
Greta Giese
Thanks, everyone! If you are curious about what Northwest Iowa is doing, send me an email at ggiese@nwicc.edu! I’ve already sent quite a few emails to some of you 👍🏻
Bryan Ford
This was extremely helpful. Thanks all!
Laura Munroe
Thanks everyone!
Erin Farrar
Thank you all for the discussion and proactive ideas!
Lindsey Logue
Would love to see a task force put together specifically for small schools.
Denise Ditch
Thanks to all. Great conversation of sharing and let's keep doing what we do best!!
Mick McComber
Thanks, all. Take care.
Mat Allred
Thanks to all! Very helpful
Devin Roban
Thanks everyone. Great conversation!
Jeff Heiser
Thank you all.
Corbin Hedges
YES! keep doing them!
Blair Schuyler
Thanks, everyone! Great discussion. We are in this together!
Phil Locante
Thank you!
RUCHELLE DUNWOODY
Thanks all!
Marc Iturriaga - Bonobo
Excellent discussion - thank you everyone for your thoughts, passion and care!
rhonda powers
thank you all
Lashica Thomas
Thank you
Corbin Hedges
yes Lindsay