Chat Transcript
Nicole LaRocque
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/its-pandemic-work-from-home-brad-judy/
MC Martinez - Innosoft
I have worked from home for over 5 years, and I totally agree that this time is not the same as regular work from home.
Robin Embry
MC Martinez, what is the biggest difference that makes it not the same?
Haley Sorenson
Wyoming is reopening gyms, salons, and daycares today.
Haley Sorenson
Oh, I’m Haley Northwest College, WY
Virginia Mohr
NJ opening county,state parks and golf courses this weekend.
Robin Embry
I am curious how many believe it is too early to open due to the number of cases still growing?
Haley Sorenson
We have some strict guidelines to follow to be able to open
Becky Todd
At University of Arkansas, gyms in our state are opening on Monday, but we will not be.
Jason Halsey
North Carolina is still shelter in place until 5/8
Victoria Lopez-Herrera
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fSbAXOVqZYn0wldEGe8OvbBFxxK96xO9uX7fxTuDr4I/edit
MC Martinez - Innosoft
@Robin - daycare hours/closures, no contact with people outside, really. I normally stay home all week and go do things during the rest of my time, but we can't even play at the playground with my 4.5 year old. It's normally fairly isolating to work from home, but the social aspect is manageable the rest of the time. But that has been very hard these days.
Aracelis (Ary) Servedio
Gyms open May 4th in AR. University of Central AR is till closed.
Tim Hammond
Iowa is still on the climb for cases... but we are opening 3/4 of the state. Athletic spaces are closed still.
Tiffany McChesney
In Florida, we are opening parks, golf courses, and the like. However, our university may not open our gym until students come back in August.
Joe Jordan
anyone planning to open *outdoor* spaces only (track, tennis, pools)...while leaving indoor spaces closed? Joe J / state of california
Louis Morphew
At MSU Denver, Campus Recreation will not open until at least the fall semester. A decision will be coming about fall semester within the next 2 weeks.
Steve Herishen
ny in place til May 15 as of now
Scott Reed
UVA: State of Virginia still on stay at home order, no gyms open
Katie Burns
At Utah State - we have kept outdoor spaces open. We are moving to a “orange” guidelines so we are returning to work on a staggered schedule to prepare for re-opening - we are opening our rental shop
Sarah Shouvlin
We have considered removing equipment off of the fitness floor (not sure where we will put it??) to meet spacing guidelines for regulations.
Haley Sorenson
Wyomings guidelines https://health.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Third-Continuation_Order1.pdf
Bob Golson
also for a basketball court indoors
Tim Hammond
Our outdoor spaces have been open.
RJ Skinner
RJ at U of Manitoba, Canada, Provincially outdoor spaces can open as of Monday May 4, but at our University we are still closed, so opening of Tenis courts, turfs, track, etc., we are not yet sure.
Chris Marks
We are looking to open park just off campus with social distancing in place and enforced - USF Tampa
Derrick Law
You also have to consider fans that are used in the fitness areas as well as the HVAC system. Even at 13ft those systems alone eliminate the benefit of preventative actions.
Robin Embry
In California the order has been extended through the end of May, so we won’t be opening any of our facilities, indoor or outdoor, until June at the earliest.
Bob Golson
Virginia hiring freeze was interpreted to apply to student hiring as well
Becky Todd
We have been particularly attentive to state guidelines, the gyms can open, but NO team sports and no pool/showers/sauna/spa
Jeff Heiser
California has included gyms in stage 3 of the re-open plan. Stage 3 is expected to be “months” away, not weeks.
Tiffany McChesney
In regards to outdoors, what have people been doing about lifeguards and pool operations for when you reopen your outdoor facilities? Do lifeguards have to wear masks, or is that dangerous in case a save needs to occur? What about those swimming? Do they need to remain 6 ft away from others swimming?
Haley Sorenson
@ Chris we are moving equipment to our basketball courts too
Marc Iturriaga
Marc @ Bonobo. Think about current practices in grocery stores - they state guidelines but do not enforce. Rec centres cannot be enforcers - it is impossible, there wont be enough staff, training, etc to enforce this. We canonly put the guidelines in place and educate, and facilitate the space.
Janet Branch
I've heard push back on placing equipment on hardwood due to the weight and potential damage to the floor, even with protection (ie carpet) Has anyone addressed this concern? Janet FIU (Miami, FL)
Walter Kolis
GA is allowing gyms to open (Executive Order: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6876872-04-23-20-02.html) but we are remaining closed at Emory along with campus operating with a remote/WFH requirement.
Arvin Varma
With regards to budgets, how many universities are supporting student staff and for how long?
Brooke Turner
We are discussing that pro staff may be working the building for a bit as new hires, including students requires presidential approval
Bob Weeks
@Tiffany McChesney, in some other roundtables, I've attended, a few places are saying they would need to have guards wear gloves and masks while in the chair, but remove the mask in the case of a rescue. There's no way to make rescue without getting into that 6ft range.
Jason Halsey
UNC is supporting student staff through 5/8
Louis Morphew
At MSU Denver we are still paying student staff for spring 2020 but that will end for the summer with the exception of a few students.
RJ Skinner
Does anyone run Summer day-camps on their campus? Are those still being considered aside from the closures of regular operation?
Marc Iturriaga
Also - all the efforts we put forth is going to go towards an exclusive few - we will be limiting space, equipment and programs which will only service those that are already integrated into our programs and services - it will build barriers to new participants and we will be putting more resources to smaller numbers of participants.
Jeff Heiser
Regarding Aquatics, J Ellis has some great protocols to follow: https://jellis.com/news/2020/aquatic-industry-update-april-29
Bob Weeks
Some states are also establishing a difference between opening a gym and a pool. Tennessee's guidelines for opening gyms specifically says that pools, hot tubs and saunas are to stay closed.
Tiffany McChesney
We compensated ONLY our student employees (no temps) the average of their last three pay periods before we went virtual. This only extends until tomorrow, though.
Haley Sorenson
@bob Wyoming too
David Flumbaum
University of Maryland is not paying students unless we have telework opportunities for them.
Chris Muller
UT Arlington has developed "alternative work plans" for students who "opt in" to the program through 5/31.
Jeffrey Schmitt
Supporting student staff through today which is the end of spring semester at UWF.
Brian Coriaty
@RJ Skinner Our youth summer camps are shut down with the exception of 1 or 2 that are developing a virtual camp.
Robin Embry
All summer athletic and recreational camps at Stanford University have been cancelled.
Shari Landmark
CDC will come out with guidelines regarding pool on May 15, 2020
MC Martinez - Innosoft
@Robin - is that cancellation applying to the whole Bay Area or specifically at Stanford for now?
Kristy Caldwell
Texas State is looking to continuing virtual opportunities as part of regular line up of offerings. Feedback has been super positive with this angle. We are remaining closed through our SS 1 regardless of state policy change.
Robin Embry
Stanford University has allowed some student and part time staff to work on an exceptional basis, but 90 to 95% have been informed that we cannot employ them during the shelter in place order.
Robin Embry
MC, the cancellation of camps is specific to Stanford, other institutions may choose to hold camps, Stanford will not this summer.
Leah Belt
UNC Asheville, we are wondering the same concern about lifeguards for any close contact with any FA need that occurs once we do reopen.
Tiffany McChesney
For camps, can we really expect kids to stay 6 feet away from one another in the pool?
RJ Skinner
@Tiffany, we are not looking at camp activities in the pool, to my knowledge, for that reason
Bob Weeks
^ That's one of the reasons we wanted to keep our leisure pool and hot tub closed, even if we are to open this summer.
Tim Hammond
We are still hiring. If you know of anyone who wants to be a full-time lifeguard please encourage them to apply asap at https://jobs.grinnell.edu/hr/postings/3298.
erik daly
Vicki is correct! Single guard can't work, epically indoor. Aside from the most important issues facing pools/aquatics with a single guard(safety issues), who is cleaning surfaces? who is assisting patrons? etc.
erik daly
especially
Bob Golson
My question is for Arizona schools and Purdue, where Admin has already said they will be open for the Fall. Has this adjusted their planning for staffing and distancing.
David Flumbaum
Univ. of Maryland is continuing virtual opportunities as we are not opening for the rest of Spring term or the SS1 (July 13th is end SS1). Guidance from state for phased reopening is pretty conservative and Maryland is not close to entering Phase 1 which will include mostly outdoor opportunities (golf, tennis, hiking trails, etc.)
Haley Sorenson
Northwest WY is open to the community, we are looking at having students, employees, and community members use a reservations tool because we are limited to only 9 people in the building.
Bob Golson
yes Vicki at JMU we have had fence jumpers
Janet Branch
FIU Miami did the same. Social media was quick to spur this response.
Walter Kolis
2 things I’m thinking about. First, that we have to figure out whatever we do will be sustainable and not a hot fix or cost even more money to provide fewer experiences to fewer people. Second, that just like the states, we have to consider a phased approach and the possibility that we will move up and down along that spectrum. It will be critical to identify and communicate what those levels may be in advance.
RJ Skinner
We had issues with people squeezing under the gates to our turf fields for soccer - concrete barriers are now in place
Brandon MacCallum
At WCU, we removed all rims from outdoor basketball goals.
Jason Halsey
At UNC, we had to lock up soccer/lacrosse goals, but that still hasn't deterred students/community members. the Chancellor finally had to address the issue with the campus community based on feedback from locals
Lance Haynie
at the end of the day, all we can do is post the "rules" of safe behavior and rely on the patrons to abide by them
Chris Marks
Removed basketball rims on outdoor courts at USF
Lance Haynie
we can't police or enforce, there has to be some responsibility taken on by our patrons
Janet Branch
Has anyone thought about bringing in a health professional to facilitate the temperature checks?
Scott Reed
At UVA we locked courts as possible, took down nests, rims, taped off non controllable areas, posted closure signage to support UPD. Several complaints
Jeffrey Schmitt
We have removed basketball rims, tennis nets, sand volleyball nets, and locked up soccer goals at UWF
Aracelis (Ary) Servedio
I've been told the administration is thinking of supplying balaclava face masks.
Brandon MacCallum
At WCU, we have a 7 mile mixed use trail system on campus. It is still open, but users are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines. It has been very busy every day as other local and national parks are still closed.
Dana Lopez
I don't think we can trust that patrons will self monitor. At Wake Forest, we are discussing liminting number of spaces to use so we can have staff to monitor
Marc Iturriaga
Excellent point @Walter Kolis! It would be a shame to put so many resources and energy into an unsustainable future rather than slow down and refocus our attention to what are true purpose is and how we best achieve those goals - it was probably needed before the pandemic and now is the perfect time for reassessment - are our efforts actually achieving the outcomes we are hoping for - healthy active students. All these efforts I am hearing about reopening concern me that it is about focusing on an elite few of participants. Maybe now is the perfect time to strategize for a sustainable future regardless of pandemic - and phasing all of that like Walter says is key with assessment happening throughout the phasing so we can be nimble and flexible and innovative.
Derrick Law
Is anyone getting community push back about locking down outdoor recreation areas at public, taxpayer funded universities? Ultimately the patron/community member has to be responsible for themselves.
Robin Embry
Well said Marc!! This is EXACTLY the point of why opening too early is the problem!
Tiffany McChesney
Jenny, equipment is something we have struggled with. Do we stop lending equipment out that is tough to clean? (ex: resistance bands, weight lifting belts, etc.) Thoughts?
Jenny Welnick
Since we won't open for a few months we haven't answered that yet, but we are trying to figure out what classes, offerings, etc. that we can do without shared equipment in case there aren't ways to safely clean them.
Karina Knutson
At the University of North Dakota we are looking at purchasing fabric masks for all students, faculty, staff (2 each). Not sure who is funding, but this is something that is coming from high-level campus leadership. Our department is helping craft personal PPE health/wellness messages, mask care and use, etc.
Tiffany McChesney
That's helpful, Jenny. We are working on sending out a lot of virtual fitness (Live ZOOM classes, on-demand fitness classes we recorded, etc.) That is what we will have to stick with in the meantime, since lending out equipment is a tough subject to deal with.
RJ Skinner
I would say that that has been Manitoba's success, public health orders have been followed well by the public on whole (individuals) so that aids your ability to inform reopening procedures
Nicole LaRocque
CU Boulder is exploring 2-3 hour shut down mid day for deep cleaning, having only morning and evening hours. Anybody else?
Brandon MacCallum
Hey Nicole, same here at WCU. We are proposing opening 6am-8am, 11am, 2pm, 4pm-7pm and then deep cleaning between those times.
Tiffany McChesney
Nicole, we are considering the same at NSU. Opening from 6-10am, closed from 10-2pm for cleaning, and re-open from 2-8pm.
Sarah Shouvlin
My worry is about staff sustainability, just as much as equipment/building accessibility. It has been a rollercoaster for all of us. As Associate Directors, we often supervise others, which I’ve found to be an added challenge during this time - the feeling of needing to be the leader and motivator, while the adrenaline of dealing with crisis is starting to wear off and the grief is real for everyone. Mustering up more motivation, focus, and continuing to drop new expectations for staff (change is hard for most!) is a really really big challenge!
Derrick Law
Realistically looking at preventing possible exposure is almost impossible. While limiting exposure to people we know are infected is important, daily exposure to bacteria and viruses is how our immune systems stay healthy. Its definitely a delicate balance.
Sarah Shouvlin
Especially as we may be forced to ask staff to possibly be relocated to completely different work roles.
Becky Todd
@SarahShouvlin- that feeling is shared by many. I find taking a day "off" every other week has helped. I communicate that I'm available for urgent needs, but I spend the day taking care of myself.
Becky Todd
Helps me feel fresh to tackle the next "emergency"
David Flumbaum
Nicole, U of Maryland is considering that kind of schedule as well, whether it be the whole building or staggered group fitness classes, short term shutdown of certain spaces through out the day to allow for thorough cleaning
Tiffany McChesney
Is anyone planning on doing temperature checks when we do eventually re-open? We are back and forth...
Robin Embry
Sarah, I agree 100% with you. I have been participating in daily (m-f) 15 minute checkins with my staff at their request. These are unstructured, chat sessions to say hello, but they have occasionally been used as short staff meeting also.
Lance Haynie
@Tiffany, are y'all willing to take on that responsibility?
Shari Landmark
Thank you so much, very helpful! Happy May Day!
Becky Todd
@Tiffany That is part of our state guidelines- temp checks for staff. Uncertain if we will extend to participants..
Lance Haynie
Is it your department's responsibility to do that?
Derrick Law
Has anyone considered how seriously people will continue to take the precautions we are asking people to follow as they become desensitized?
Kristy Caldwell
What conversations are occurring regarding FT staff layoffs in your departments?
RACHAEL DECKER
We are being told our staff could be furloughed for the summer due to our facility being closed
Tiffany McChesney
I am not sure if it is our responsibility to do temp checks as a department, but we are back and forth on whether we are doing our full due-diligence or not if we don't check their temps. (Would we be putting out other students at risk? We are still discussing...)
Louis Morphew
At MSU Denver, our current fiscal year ends June 30th and there will be no cuts until the following fiscal year. There could be furloughs, pay cuts, early retirement in 20/21.
MC Martinez - Innosoft
Are any other departments on campus in talks of taking someone's temperature (aside from staff which seems common) before they are allowed in?
Nicole LaRocque
Thank you for this Sarah!
Lance Haynie
@Tiffany, that seems like one of those things that should be on the patron. I personally don't think it is a recreation center's responsibility to perform something like that
Scott Reed
For the finance planning question. Not sure if these help but we are preplanning for fiscal year 20-21 with a must to/essential only lense. Includes an essential level for reserve and operational budgets with phased options to employ in later fiscal quarters, based on reopening and fiscal status. Also major focus on intentional utility savings efforts. Basically, must do's for base operations, infrastructure projects, or COVID support resources
Teresa Clements-Chico State
@Sarah - Thanks for sharing!
Kristy Caldwell
Shared sentiment!!
RACHAEL DECKER
Experiencing the same thing @Sarah!!!
Tiffany McChesney
MAJORLY appreciate your words, @Sarah!
Robin Embry
Thanks Sarah!
MC Martinez - Innosoft
Zoom calls with friends who are near OR far since we can't hang out IRL :)
Haley Sorenson
HAngout app. DO IT.
MC Martinez - Innosoft
Weekly "cheers" at work with everyone at work for 15-30 minutes at the end of the week! Play a little online game together, chat about non-covid/non-work stuff, anything fun you might have done recently, etc. Anything goes.
Kristy Caldwell
Good to see all these names and faces. Thanks Victoria and Nicole for facilitating!
erik daly
Thanks for all the great input and info!
Dana Lopez
I set up a few NIRSA zoom meetups with people I would have seen at NIRSA and it has been fab! Everyone was so happy to talk to a different person
RACHAEL DECKER
connecting with colleagues across the country has been helpful... we have an ongoing text convo… usually when one person is down the other can pick you up because they're at another institution not experiencing the same negatives you are in that moment :)
Marc Iturriaga
Great conversation, authenticity, vulnerability and facilitation! #NIRSAFamily
Vicki Highstreet
Thank you to all. Great to see you all.
RJ Skinner
Great to share everyone, take care and stay safe!
RACHAEL DECKER
THank you!
Sarah Shouvlin
THANKS ALL!!
David Flumbaum
Thanks Everyone! Stay safe.
Robin Embry
Thanks !