WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of virus that can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases related to respiratory symptoms. COVID-19 has been detected in Colorado. Colorado State University is working to contain the spread of the virus by implementing a number of precautionary strategies, and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station are working in alignment with these efforts. Our main goal is to help students, faculty, staff, and the community stay safe and informed during these trying times.
For updates from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station, see below.
If you have general questions related to actions being taken around COVID-19, please feel free to contact us via email at CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
For updates from our central communications office, and to submit general questions about COVID-19, visit the CSU COVID-19 homepage.
Resources for our Students, Faculty, and Staff
Message from the Dean
James Pritchett Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences
Source
Food supply task force at CSU providing rapid-response research for COVID-19
2019 Annual Flower Trial Garden’s list of winning flowers
Home Garden
Learn how YOU can create your own garden at home!
Latest Updates:
Hello,
Please find the following key updates from the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for June 10, 2020. Please note that we will be pausing this resource for the summer months. We recommend you refer to the following “COVID-19 Resource Pages” in the interim. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- COVID-19 Resource Pages
For helpful resources related to COVID-19 and the happenings surrounding these uncertain times, please visit:
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- CAS COVID-19 webpage for a list of all the previous “CAS COVID-19 Updates” from the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station.
- COVID-19 University Communications page for a listing of all previous updates from CSU’s University Communications, including messages from President McConnell.
- CSU COVID-19 page for information about COVID-19 and key related decisions made by CSU in response.
- Keep Teaching for webinars and tips about teaching remotely.
- Keep Learning to learn more about how to find success in online learning.
- Keep Engaging to help stay connected to others and take care of your well-being.
- Keep Working for answers to FAQs about supporting routine work and academic functions.
- Return to Work for answers to FAQs related to returning to work at CSU.
- CSU HR FAQs webpage for answers to FAQs from faculty, staff and student employees about the impact of COVID-19 on leave, work arrangements, and other work-related concerns.
- COVID-19 Research Resources webpage, created for the CSU research community to help with planning and continuing research.
- Operations
- Facilities Management is working to hang signage (attached) on all exterior doors throughout this week.
- For essential in-person personnel returning to CSU grounds, please refer to the attached CSU Employee Guide for information about the precautions you’re expected to take prior to visiting CSU grounds and while you’re on CSU grounds.
- Everyone who can work from home/remotely should continue to do so. Visit Return to Work for more information and updates.
- Any events and activities that would take place in person should be submitted to the Events Management System regardless of the size/anticipated attendance.
- CSU will open for in-person operations and courses in the fall, with all classes moving to online instruction following Fall Break.
- ABC Human Resources
- On the Keep Engaging website and attached, find information about benefit programs that were created for employees who may be in need of support.
- Supervisors, a reminder that State Classified and Administrative Professional evaluations are due by June 30 to encompass the April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 cycle. For APs, use the online FSAS/Digital Measures system. For State Classified (SC), please complete the overall evaluation form and start the planning form for the next 2020-21 cycle. See forms and instructions on the CSU HR website. Level “3” ratings require a “Narrative Statement by Supervisor” in FSAS for the College Reviewer’s (Dean Pritchett) further review and approval. Questions? Contact Joanna.Holliday@colostate.edu.
- Student Resources
- Fall 2020 semester will begin August 24 and will include face-to-face instruction, as well as accommodations where needed for remote learning. The semester will transition to fully remote, online classes following Fall Break. August 24 is not a return to work on campus date.
- Academic days in the fall will be expanded to 8 p.m. on weekdays. Adding Saturday classes is currently being explored.
- Residence Halls will remain open during and after Fall Break for students who need to remain or return. Operations of other campus facilities will be adjusted as appropriate per public health guidance in place at the time.
- CSU tuition for 2020-2021 will not increase.
- For more updates, see President McConnell’s message here.
- Public Health Precautions and Protocols
- All employees on university grounds or performing university work in the field or in a satellite office or campus will be asked to perform self-monitoring and reporting of COVID symptoms.
- All students, faculty, staff, and visitors to university grounds will be expected to wear masks, practice social distancing, and follow other public health guidance while on university grounds and in CSU facilities, including: monitor for symptoms; frequent handwashing; covering coughs and sneezes; staying home or in their residence hall rooms if they feel sick or have any potentially COVID symptoms.
- The CSU Health Network operates an on-campus clinical diagnostic laboratory where medical providers can order COVID-19 tests for students who meet current testing recommendations. To learn more, visit the COVID-19 Symptoms and Testing page.
- In the News
CSU releases stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated by subscribing to SOURCE, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- It’s heartbreaking to hear stories about offensive acts that have happened in our country. Remember our Principles of Community and that we Rams are there for each other. If you experience an incident of bias, please report it.
- General Information
- The CSU Board of Governors met last week to discuss budgetary decisions. Read more here. Find answers to FAQS here.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates from the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for June 3, 2020. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage. To see a listing of all previous updates from Colorado State University, see the COVID-19 University Communications page.
- Return to Work
- CSU’s Return to Work for in-person operations is a phased, measured plan. There is no designated date for all university operations to resume normal functions; instead, the university is rolling individuals back onto campuses. This helps ensure public health orders are followed and that university services, such as custodial support to clean and disinfect, are organized to support the health of our community. For essential in-person personnel, please review the following:
- Essential in-person research personnel: All researchers, including those at AES, are required to complete an application to restart and/or continue research and scholarly activities. Applications must include a safety plan. There are additional layers to the checklist/application for researchers. Visit the OVPR Return to Research materials website for more information and to review the application. Final approvals from your department head/AES director, research associate dean, and the Pandemic Preparedness Team are required following review of the application.
- Essential in-person personnel: If you have been reporting to work to perform tasks on university grounds at the CSU Fort Collins campus locations and AES locations, you are required to report your symptoms daily via the COVID-19 Employee Health Screening Form before you arrive to work. If you do not have access to Wi-Fi, a phone, or computer to log into the daily symptom checker, you may do so from university grounds but must do so before you begin interacting with others and/or before performing work tasks. You must also complete this acknowledgement form (not required daily, but required to be completed once):COVID Employee and Student Acknowledgement Form. Instructions for how to navigate the submission process are attached.
- Other paid personnel currently telecommuting/working remotely: Remote work should continue if possible for everyone's health and to comply with the Governor's Safer at Home order. The Pandemic Preparedness Team has developed a plan that includes a checklist that all priority units working toward mobilizing additional staff on a campus must work through in consultation with the Pandemic Preparedness Team. This checklist has been made available to units through Vice Presidents and Deans.The CSU Pandemic Preparedness Team is currently working on updated information regarding guidance about returning to work based on the recent announcements provided by Governor Polis. According to current public health orders, the university is still “closed.” Unless you are approved by the Pandemic Planning Team to resume work on university grounds, please continue to work from home. You are allowed to visit your office or workspace briefly, such as to grab a file or print a document. If you are on a campus, please do not prop open doors of buildings.
- More information about returning to work can be found here: https://safety.colostate.edu/return-to-work-on-a-campus/.
- Operations
- The latest updates regarding university travel are available at www.safety.colostate.edu/coronavirus. To request travel, you must complete the Travel Exception Authorization Form for all CSU travel, whether in-state or out-of-state. Any travel reimbursements where this form is not completed are not being reimbursed by Business and Financial Services until a form is completed. The CSU employee traveler must initiate the form. If it is for student travel, the responsible faculty member must submit the form for the student’s travel. For all cases, the form will route to the traveler’s supervisor, the department head, and the Dean. As it is an electronic form, staff processing the travel reimbursement will need to ask the traveler for an approved copy of the form to attach in the notes of the TR document.
- If you are a student or employee and you have recently traveled to Colorado and Fort Collins from another state you should self-monitor for 14 days. Anyone who travels to Fort Collins from another country is required to self-isolate for 14 days before they may be on any university grounds. This includes international guests. These expectations apply for both personal and business travel.
- ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpagefor current COVID-19 guidance.
- CSU recently announced a voluntary retirement incentive plan for eligible faculty, administrative professionals, and classified staff. Eligible employees may apply for the plan until June 30, 2020, 5 p.m., MST. The voluntary retirement incentive plan date will be August 31, 2020 or December 31, 2020. Please direct questions to CSU HR at 970-491-6947, visit the HR website for additional information, or contact MyHR@colostate.edu.
- Teaching and Learning
- To help faculty prepare to teach online and hybrid courses this fall, CSU Online and TILT are offering a suite of facilitated, completely online, asynchronous short courses this summer including: Designing Online Courses; Teaching Online Courses; First Four Week Module; Student Motivation Module; and Create Assignments Module. Also available is a workshop about adjusting face-to-face lectures to online and hybrid delivery; a summer webinar series; a set of recommendations for converting face-to-face courses to online or hybrid delivery; and additional related courses on the Faculty & Staff Events Calendar. For more teaching resources, visit Keep Teaching.
- Student Resources
- At this time, we are working on plans to celebrate commencement with our graduates – including the spring graduates whose ceremony was delayed this May. The specifics of the plan and timing of the celebrations will depend upon public health guidance as the semester unfolds. We maintain our commitment to celebrate with our students as we finalize our plans for the fall semester.
- Pending approval from the CSU Board of Governors, CSU will not raise tuition in 2020-2021.
- Fall 2020 semester will begin August 24 and will include face-to-face instruction, as well as accommodations where needed for remote learning. The semester will transition to fully remote, online classes following Fall Break.
- For more information, see President McConnell’s announcement.
- In the News
CSU is releasing stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated by subscribing to SOURCE, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:
- General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update webpage.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates from the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for May 27, 2020. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage. To see a listing of all previous updates from Colorado State University, see the new COVID-19 University Communications page.
- Return to Work
- Essential in-person research personnel: All researchers, including those at AES, are required to complete an application to restart and/or continue research and scholarly activities. Applications must include a safety plan. There are additional layers to the checklist/application for researchers. Visit the OVPR Return to Research materials website for more information and to review the application. Final approvals from your department head/AES director, research associate dean, and the Pandemic Preparedness Team are required following review of the application.
- Essential in-person personnel: If you have been reporting to work to perform tasks on university grounds at the CSU Fort Collins campus locations and AES locations, you are required to report your symptoms daily before you arrive at work, before you begin interacting with others, and/or before performing those tasks by submitting the COVID-19 Employee Health Screening Form. You must also complete this acknowledgement form (not required daily, but required to be completed once):COVID Employee and Student Acknowledgement Form
- Other paid personnel currently telecommuting/working remotely: Remote work should continue if possible for everyone's safety and to comply with the Governor's Safer at Home order. The Pandemic Preparedness Team has developed a plan that includes a checklist that all priority units working toward mobilizing additional staff on a campus must work through in consultation with the Pandemic Preparedness Team. This checklist has been made available to units through Vice Presidents and Deans.The CSU Pandemic Preparedness Team is currently working on updated information regarding guidance about returning to work based on the recent announcements provided by Governor Polis.
- More information about returning to work can be found here: https://safety.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/return-to-work-FAQs-may-6.pdf and here: https://safety.colostate.edu/return-to-work-on-a-campus/.
- Operations
- All events have been canceled through June 1. The Pandemic Planning Team is reviewing events throughout the month and will have more information soon about events being hosted after June 1.
- Anyone who has traveled into Colorado or Fort Collins from another state or country must self-isolate for 14 days before coming to any campus or research station.
- ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpagefor current COVID-19 guidance.
- For current Non-Student Hourly, Administrative Professional Hourly, and State Classified Hourly employees who have work hours logged under the Admin-Pandemic “Insufficient Work From Home” leave code, this coding/payment option ends this Friday, May 29, 2020. The code should NOT be entered for hourly employees in TimeClockPlus (TCP) after this date. As you may recall, CSU previously stopped use of this specific code for Student Hourly employees on May 15. ABC HR is contacting supervisors and dept./center HR liaisons to discuss hourly employees who were paid under this code, and to check on future work plans and potential earnings. This code may continue to be used in TCP as applicable for work hours for other salaried employees.
- Student Resources
- Classes for Colorado State University’s summer session started May 18 with all summer courses being delivered remotely. Learn more.
- Announcements about fall tuition rates have not yet been released. For information about where tuition dollars are applied, see this SOURCE article.
- In the News
- CSU is releasing stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated by subscribing to SOURCE, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- Be sure to take care and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If that’s not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Stay home if you are sick. And, avoid people who are sick.
- Beware of possible employment scams. Common indicators of a scam include: receiving unsolicited email from a supposed employer with whom you’ve never spoken or submitted a job application; a recruiter requires you to email from a personal email account rather than your school email account; the job is advertised as high paying with no work experience necessary. Contact the Career Center with any questions or concerns.
- Thank you to all our researchers who have worked tirelessly these past few months during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update webpage.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates from the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for May 20, 2020. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage. To see a listing of all previous updates from Colorado State University, see the new COVID-19 University Communications page.
- Operations
- Any personnel visiting campus must submit a consent form before doing so. This must be completed prior to their return to campus. Supervisor approval is also required. Any work that can be done remotely should continue to be done remotely for everyone's safety and to comply with the Governor's Safer at Home order. Toward the end of May, the CSU Pandemic Preparedness Team will provide further guidance about returning to work.
- For information about returning to work, see the Q&A document from the Office of the President.
- CSU is in the process of updating travel guidance; please check for updates to the newest developments related to out-of-state and international travel.
- All events through May 27 are canceled. Events after May 27 may or may not be canceled.
- ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpagefor current COVID-19 guidance.
- The CSU CARE Program Connects and Refers Employees to local health and social services resources. Check out their websitefor a variety of contacts and resources including: COVID-19 Resources, Food Assistance, Financial Assistance (including CSU’s Emergency Hardship Loan Fundand Colorado State Employee Assistance Program) , Summer and Dependent Care Resources, Housing Assistance, and other helpful informational links. You may also subscribe to their email newsletter. Contact Emma.Chavez@colostate.eduas Community Resources Coordinator to schedule an appointment or refer someone.
- Research
- Effective May 18, researchers are required to complete an application to restart research and scholarly activities. Applications must include a safety plan. Visit the OVPR Return to Research materials website for more information. Final approvals from your department head, research associate dean, and the Pandemic Preparedness Team are required following review of your application.
- Teaching and Learning
- With summer upon us, it’s a perfect time to start planning for fall online classes. Reference this short video for inclusive teaching in the virtual classroom for tips.
- Student Resources
- Following the end of semester grade posting for spring semester 2020, students will be able to request a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade rather than traditional letter grade up until June 5 for any course taken in this semester. Visit RamWeb to initiate changes.
- Classes for Colorado State University’s summer session started May 18 with all summer courses being delivered remotely. Learn more.
- In the News
- CSU is releasing stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated by subscribing to SOURCE, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- Rams Against Hunger Food Pantry has adjusted its hours for summer and is now open Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m., Thursdays, 8 a.m.-noon, and Fridays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. More info about hours and locations is available on their website.
- Congratulations to all of you for making it through a trying semester. A special shout out to all of our graduates!
- Moving forward through the summer, all Rams are encouraged to take care of themselves and others. Consider sticking to “no-meeting Fridays” or other tactics to help you stay well in both body and mind.
- Three fellows from the College of Agricultural Sciences are being recognized by Colorado State University’s School of Global Environmental Sustainability. Learn more.
- General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update webpage.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates from the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for May 13, 2020. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage. To see a listing of all previous updates from Colorado State University, see the new COVID-19 University Communications page.
- ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpagefor current COVID-19 guidance.
- State Classified Employees – A reminder of the upcoming May 18 deadline to sign up for benefits insurance coverage effective July 1. You may choose to enroll: online at www.benefitsolver.com; on the phone by calling BenefitSolver at 1-888- 460-9627; or via the MyChoice app (login to benefitsolver first to obtain an access code). For assistance, please email MyHR@colostate.eduor leave a voicemail for a return call at 970-491-MYHR (6947).
- CSU’s Ergonomics Program is offering an interactive Office Ergonomics at Home webinar via Zoom on 5/19 at 9 a.m. Visit their website for more information and to register.
- Teaching and Learning
- Faculty, please share your feedback on your experiences teaching remotely at one of two upcoming virtual Faculty Feedback Sessions on May 21 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Register at TILT Summer Conference through May 19.
- It is strongly recommended that you prepare for all-online instruction for the fall in order to accommodate multiple scenarios related to COVID-19.
- Summer teaching is near and as such, it is encouraged that your reference Recommendations for teaching 4-week courses online and Recommendations for converting residential courses to online or hybrid delivery.
- Student Resources
- If you have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2019-2020 academic year, you may be eligible for additional aid through The CARES Act Emergency Aid Application. See the “Notifications” section on your RAMweb homepage.
- Academic FAQs for spring 2020 are available online to help answer common questions from students about the impacts of COVID-19 on academic success. Information about withdrawals, changing of majors, and S/U grade options is available.
- In the News
CSU is releasing stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated by subscribing to SOURCE, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- A big congratulations to all of our graduating Rams. This week, we celebrate you! Find ways to cheers your success on the Commencement website, as well as view special messaging from our leadership recognizing your achievements. You did it!
- General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update webpage.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates from the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for May 6, 2020. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage. To see a listing of all previous updates from Colorado State University, see the new COVID-19 University Communications page.
- Special Announcements
- Congratulations to members of our Ag Family for their accomplishments in teaching, research and service, and being recognized with Celebrate! Colorado State Awards.
- Operations
- The CSU System Board of Governors is committed to using its expertise and resources to adjust to CSU’s losses in revenue caused by the COVID-19 crisis. For information about President’s McConnell’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, read her April 29 message.
- CSU is committed to the safety and wellbeing of its students, staff and faculty. Please note that units, divisions and colleges should continue to focus on remote and virtual operations at least through the month of May.
- The Public Safety Team reminds essential in-person employees to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, wear a face cloth at all times while working, practice social distancing, wipe down work areas with disinfectant, and stay at home if they are not feeling well.
- CSU’s intent is to open in the fall and be able to offer in-person classes and an on-campus experience. That said, the university will be bound by public health guidance that we will be required to follow at that time and will need to follow to protect our students and community. We are not yet certain what our fall status will be and will not know until late summer.
- The university will not have all the information we need to determine fall tuition rates and fees until into the summer, and we will not decide on or publicize rates before midsummer.
- If the university status changes from remote or virtual operations to full in-person operations, residence halls and apartment buildings will be open. If our status remains scaled back, we will work within those restrictions to provide housing in a manner that is consistent with university and public health guidelines. Regardless of our status, we will not turn away students who are facing housing insecurity and need a place to live. Our standard fees for housing and food will apply.
- The university is tentatively planning to be able to hold many of our traditional fall events in a full or scaled-back traditional fashion. However, we also are working on strategic contingency plans for virtual events, postponements, etc. We will begin making determinations about fall events late this summer, when we are better able to predict COVID-19 trends and have timely public health guidance.
- ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpagefor current COVID-19 guidance.
- Learn more about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)by watching this short informational video. EAP supports CSU employees mental health and wellness in three ways:
- CSU specific support via EAP Coordinator Jan.Pierce@colostate.edu.
- Online/phone support viaComPsych GuidanceResourcesfor counseling, legal advice, financial planning and work-life balance support.
- Campus and community services support via theCARE Programcoordinated by Emma.Chavez@colostate.edu, which helps employees connect to health and social services.
- Additional CSU resources include: the Office of the Ombuds with Melissa.Emerson@colostate.edu who provides confidential conflict resolution services; the Tell Someone program if you have concerns about your own or someone else’s mental health or safety; and the Notice and Respond Office if you think you or someone you know is suicidal. These resources are meant to support you and to help enhance the overall wellness of our CSU community.
- Given recent circumstances which may have impacted leave plans, there is an annual leave extension for State Classified employees for this coming fiscal year. If their “leave were denied or they were not given a reasonable opportunity to use the requested leave”, it will be possible to “carry over” 80 hours over the maximum accrual allotment. There is no change to the maximum cap of 48 days accrual for Administrative Professionals (or applicable faculty).
- Teaching and Learning
- Faculty, please share your feedback on your experiences teaching remotely at one of two upcoming virtual Faculty Feedback Sessions on May 21 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Register at TILT Summer Conference through May 19.
- For resources about inclusive teaching strategies while teaching remotely, watch this video provided by TILT, SEED, and the Office of the Vice President for Diversity.
- Student Resources
- If you have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2019-2020 academic year, you may be eligible for additional aid through The CARES Act Emergency Aid Application. See the “Notifications” section on your RAMweb homepage.
- Relax, reflect and find focus the week of May 11 with Student Success. Watch your email inbox for an invitation for meditation (May 11, 2 p.m.), coffee lounge (May 12, 10 a.m.), and yoga (May 13, 1 p.m.) sessions.
- Academic FAQs for spring 2020 are available online to help answer common questions from students about the impacts of COVID-19 on academic success. Information about withdrawals, changing of majors, and S/U grade options is available.
- In the News
CSU is releasing stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated by subscribing to SOURCE, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:
- President McConnell outlines COVID-19 recovery plan
- Extension, task force helping farmers’ markets, food producers adjust to new COVID realities
- ‘Together. We Continue.’ A new theme for a 150-year-old legacy
- 150 new trees celebrate CSU’s sesquicentennial
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- It’s virtual spirit week in the College of Ag. Share with us your favorite photo from freshman year, of a comfy outfit, and showing your Ram pride. We’ll share them on our social media channels throughout the week.
- For those looking to connect to local faith and belief groups, tips for how to center equity in online teaching, and articles related to diversity, equity and inclusion and the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the website for the Office of the Vice President for Diversity.
- General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update webpage.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates for the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for April 22, 2020. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage. To see a listing of all previous updates from Colorado State University, see the new COVID-19 University Communications page.
- CAS Communication Services Refresh
- Communication Services within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experimentation Station has undergone a refresh, including creating a robust library of service options. Find information about these services, as well as helpful tools, on the Communications webpage. Here you will also find a link to the “Communications Request Form” which serves as the primary method for requesting communication services. Questions? Join Communication Services on Tuesday, May 5, any time between 2:30-4 p.m. at a virtual open house to ask questions and learn more. To join the Teams meeting, click here.
- Operations
- Governor Polis announced Monday that Colorado will shift from a Stay-at-Home status to a Safer-at-Home status effective Monday, April 27. According to the state’s definitions, under the new Safer-at-Home status, universities will remain closed.
- Summer classes will be offered virtually.
- Essential-in-person functions will continue with coordinated duties. All other employees should continue to work from home until further notice.
- All non-critical research labs and other non-critical research facilities will continue to operate virtually at least until the end of the spring semester. Find details about this decision and the virtual research continuity forum here.
- Messaging has been released regarding reviewing CSU’s upcoming budget. Please recognize CSU System Board of Governors’ commitment to “protect permanent, full-time employees to the extent possible while the university adjusts to the current uncertain fiscal situation.”
- Student Resources
- Career Services has developed a library of virtual programming to help you navigate your career search. Also, drop-in for a virtual “Career Chats” on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays now through May 6. Contact Jennifer Lammers for more information.
- Student Success is hosting Community Chats for students seeking support and guidance during this time. For a schedule and to join the Teams meetings, contact Elias Quinonez.
- Career exploration resources for graduate students is attached.
- If students are ill and have academic concerns, please reach out to your advisor, faculty, and instructors directly. You may also reach out to Student Case Management with inquiries.
- Teaching and Learning
- Faculty are encouraged to use Alternative Assessments to exams while teaching virtually, as well as include the CSU Honor Pledge in their practices. An overview and quick links for Canvas quizzes can be found on the Canvas site.
- Students may consider using TILT’s online study skills resources and science of learning videos as aides to successful online learning.
- ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpagefor current COVID-19 guidance.
- If you face the possibility of losing annual leave accruals on July 1 due to caps (see CSU’s HRS Manual leave policy for Faculty and Admin Pro (page 9) and State Classified (page 16)) please coordinate with your supervisor to use this paid time off, whether it be a few hours on a given work day or multiple days for a “staycation” over the next few months. You deserve it!
- CSU HR notified via email employees who have a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) that if their childcare expenses changed in the last 30 days due to COVID-19 circumstances, they may take action to modify their payroll deductions. Contact MyHR@colostate.edu with questions about the form or process. Read more about other Mid-Year Qualifying Events that may allow changes your benefits elections.
- Starting April 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, CSU is required to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19under theFamilies First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA); Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA); and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA). If you are an essential in-person going on-site for work and are able to display the Employee Rights poster in a common area, please do so.
- On the CSU HR homepage, see the FRCC Resources Guide and find the FFRCA Leave Request,Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) Certification, and Emergency Public Health Leave for Children (EPHL) Certification forms.
- EPSL is available to all employees (including hourly), regardless of hire date. Please communicate with your supervisor and through your respective CAS/AES dept./center HR liaison your individual needs and circumstances, so we may help facilitate the appropriate coding of work time/leave in Time Clock Plus, as well as any applicable paperwork.
- A reminder of the Supervisors Guide for addressing reports of COVID-19 exposure.
- A reminder to eligible State Classified employees, benefits open enrollment participation is mandatory by May 18. You may choose to enroll: online at www.benefitsolver.com; on the phone at 1-888- 460-9627; or via MyChoice Mobile app (login to benefitsolver first to obtain an access code). For assistance, please email MyHR@colostate.edu.
- CSU has requested that supervisors continue to pay their student workers average hours who are not designated as in-person or unable to perform duties through May 15. Students seeking current job openings should go to Handshake (formerly JobX). Please also refer them to Jennifer.Lammers@colostate.edu as a resource.
- CSU’s Office of Financial Aid has extended the Work Study Request Application deadline until June 1, with the intent to give supervisors additional time for fall student employee work planning. This office will send out an official Work Study Request Application notification email in May.
- In the News
CSU is releasing stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated by subscribing to Source, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:
- Researchers seek t repurpose an existing manufacturing platform to produce a COVID-19 vaccine
- CSU institute provides webinars exploring COVID-19’s impact on Colorado’s economy
- General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update webpage.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates for the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for April 15, 2020. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage. To see a listing of all previous updates from Colorado State University, see the new COVID-19 University Communications page.
- Operations
- Around the Horn and Transfort routes 31, 32, and 33 have suspended service through May 17.
- CSU’s preferred platform for employees hosting standard meetings is Microsoft Teams. If you are using other platforms, please consider guidelines offered by the IT Team.
- CSU does not plan to resume full in-person business operations at CSU this spring. Work on our campuses will continue to be limited to essential in-person functions for the remainder of the semester.
- Student Resources
- CAS Career Services has developed a library of virtual programming to help you navigate your career search. Virtual “Career Chats” and workshops about resume writing, leveraging LinkedIn, and salary negotiations will be hosted via Microsoft Teams now through May 8. More information is attached.
- CSU has instituted the “Can Only Help You” policy that outlines undergraduate academic standing and implications for S/U grading considering COVID-19. More information is attached.
- CSU is committed to supporting our students through work, learning, and health. See FAQs from the President’s Office for more information.
- The CSU Bookstore is making plans to offer summer and fall course material both in print and digitally. Please place orders for course materials by today, April 15, 2020.
- Teaching and Learning
- As we approach our final weeks of the semester, faculty are encouraged to think creatively about online teaching techniques, especially as they relate to final exams. Webinars on the Keep Teaching website provide ideas and suggestions about how to incorporate alternative review options into your teaching strategies.
- Online tutoring services are available through the TILT office. For more information about resources available for remote learning, visit Keep Learning.
- ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpagefor current COVID-19 guidance.
- CSU is complying with theFamilies First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA); Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA); and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA),starting April 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. FFCRA requires certain employers such as CSU to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Please see attached FFCRA summary matrix presented at the April 8, 2020 monthly HR Liaison meeting.
- Please read the Department of Labor Employee Rights poster. If you are an essential in-person going on-site for work and can display this poster in a common area, please do so.
- See the FFRCA Leave Request, Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) Certification, and Emergency Public Health Leave for Childcare (EPHL) Certification forms on the CSU HR web site.
Eligible employees, please communicate with your supervisor and through your respective CAS AES dept./center HR liaison your individual needs and circumstances so we may help facilitate the appropriate coding of work time/leave in Time Clock Plus, as well as any applicable paperwork.
- The 2020 W-4 Tax Form has been updated. Current employees are not required to complete the new form. Employees who will want to complete the new form include: claimed exempt in 2019; want to adjust withholding; or are an NRA employee claiming 2020 tax treaty benefits. Update your W-4 online by visiting Employee Self-Service.
- CSU’s Risk Management Ergonomics Program is offering free online services to help employees create an optimal workstation setup, wherever that may be. See attached flyer and visit their site for more information.
- CSU employees: see CARE program for multiple, helpful resources during COVID-19. CSU Students who need assistance should contact Student Case Management.
- Learn how CSU is addressing the fiscal and mental health concerns of our employees in these FAQs.
- Healthcare
- CSU has evaluated numerous considerations in the case that a student becomes ill. For information about how to navigate academic concerns, see that attached Regarding Students Who May Become Ill and Cannot Complete Coursework.
- CSU Health Network provides confidential medical and emotional support services to students or provides referrals to services in other states if students are studying remotely. Please reach out for support and resources about mental and physical health services. Medical clinical hours are now 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- YOU@CSU is a new 24/7 student success tool with more than 40 COVID-19 related resources to help students adapt in a changing world.
- Grab your CAS bandana, show your Ram pride, and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Find instructions for how to make your own mask here, and see President McConnell proudly sporting her CSU-themed mask here.
- In the News
CSU is releasing stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated by subscribing to Source, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:
- Antiviral compounds against COVID-19 tested in secure labs at CSU
- CSU researchers pursue a vaccine to target an Achilles’ heel of the coronavirus
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- It’s heartbreaking to hear stories about offensive acts that have happened in our community. Remember our Principles of Community and that we Rams are there for each other. If you experience an incident of bias, please report it.
- Colorado State University Victim Advocates are available to provide confidential crisis intervention and emotional support to CSU students, staff, and faculty through the Women and Gender Advocacy Center. Services at the WGAC are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- We’re thinking of you all during these hard times, knowing that we’re all in this together. CSU leadership thanks you for your hard work and commitment to success, as does Vice President for Student Affairs, Blanche Hughes.
General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update webpage.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates for the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for April 8, 2020. New updates are listed in the upper portion of the email and reminders are listed is the lower portion. Please note:Moving forward, CAS will be releasing this resource of COVID-19 updates on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. only. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage.
New Updates
- CAS Dean Search
- The College of Agricultural Sciences virtually hosted two candidates for the position of Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. Information about the position and candidates (Dr. James Pritchett, Colorado State University and Dr. Geoffrey Dahl, University of Florida)including the job description, candidate materials, and a Qualtrics survey to provide feedback are available on the Dean Candidate Finalists webpage.
- A link to the recorded open forums will be distributed on April 9. Please submit your feedback on the candidates using the Qualtrics survey by 10:00 am on April 10.
- Operations
- It is currently anticipated that many of the more than 300 university events scheduled to take place from May-August 2020 will not be held in person. Watch for additional communications about these activities in the coming weeks, and please know that CSU staff is working to identify activities from the list that might be able to proceed with proper precautions.
- ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpagefor current COVID-19 guidance.
- CSU does not plan to resume full in-person business operations this spring. Work at our various locations will continue to be limited to essential in-person personnelfor the remainder of the semester.
- Students who are already working and who are unsure about summer employment should connect with their supervisor to discuss options. Available student positions are posted on the job portal, Handshake.
- The Career Center is available with resources and support to help students in their job search. Schedule a one-on-one with a career counselor or find more information online.
- Opportunities to request Work Study (formally non need-based work study) opens on May 1. Students may apply through Ramweb. Contact ofapay@colostate.edu with questions.
- For benefit eligible State Classified employees, open enrollment participation is mandatory by May 18. CSU HR will host online educational sessions on April 15 and 16 to discuss plan details. Read more info/see video with enrollment tips: http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benefits/sc-oe.html
- Teaching and Learning
- Faculty are encouraged to think creatively and compassionately about their teaching methods. For ideas and strategies, see thisblog post recommended by Provost Rick Miranda, as well as theseInclusive Teaching Tips provided by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity.
- Students are encouraged to reach out if they need support with learning and in the virtual classroom. Find resources atKeep Learning.
- In the News
CSU is releasing stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated by subscribing to Source, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:.
- Why it’s so hard to get toilet paper during a pandemic and how COVID-19 is reshaping the global supply chain
- Engineering lab at CSU transformed into testing site for COVID-19 medical protective gear
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- The Vice Provost for Planning and Effectiveness has sent a survey to students that includes questions about how you’re managing during this time. Your responses will help the university understand how to best support you.
- Be kind to your fellow Rams and remember, we’re all in this together. If you have experienced an incidence of bias, please report it to the Office of the Vice President for Diversity.
- CSU leadership is thinking of you and sending you messages of gratitude and encouragement.
Reminders
- ABC Human Resources
- CSU HR will release further guidance soon as to how the university plans to comply with recent legislative acts (effective April 1) such as the: Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA); Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA); and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA). This policy will include additional pay codes for supervisors and dept./unit liaisonsto apply in TimeClockPlus (TCP). Please know ABC HR will continue to work with you to help address specific questions and systems entries. Your willingness to engage in this process is greatly appreciated. More to come!
- Faculty, Admin Pro, and Non-Classified Staff are invited to participate in a Retirement Plan Comparative Review Forumto modernize employee retirement plans. Please joinvia one of three BlueJeans webinars on April 10, 14, or 23.
- Colorado PERA members: There is a Colorado PERA Life Insurance open enrollment period from April 1 to May 31, 2020. See https://www.copera.org/members/life-insurance.
- Healthcare
- If you or someone you know is not feeling well and/or thinks they might have been exposed to COVID-19, contact the CSU Health Network at 970-491-7121 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information about what to do if you’re sick, follow the guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- Thank you to all Rams for coming together to support your fellow Rams. President Joyce McConnell shares her words of gratitude, as does Interim Dean James Pritchett.
- Office of Financial Aid (OFA) is available for those seeking financial assistance. Contact financialaid@colostate.edu with your name, CSU ID, and a brief statement about your circumstances and assistance needed. More information is available online.
- General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update webpage.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates for the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for April 6, 2020. Please note that these updates are current and do not include previous updates. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage.
ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpagefor current COVID-19 guidance.
- CSU HR will release further guidance soon as to how the university plans to comply with recent legislative acts (effective April 1) such as the: Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA); Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA); and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA). This policy will include additional pay codes for supervisors anddepartment/unit liaisonsto apply in TimeClock Plus (TCP). Please know ABC HR will continue to work with you to help address specific questions and systems entries. Your willingness to engage in this process is greatly appreciated. More to come!
- CSU employees enrolled in a university or state sponsored medical plan can access a doctor 24/7 through telemedicine options. See more information on the CSU HR site.
- Faculty, Admin Pro, and Non-Classified Staff are invited to participate in a Retirement Plan Review to modernize employee retirement plans. Please jointhe CSU HR & the Retirement Plans Comparative Committee starting next week via one of three BlueJeans webinars.
- Colorado PERA members: There is a Colorado PERA Life Insurance open enrollment period from April 1 to May 31, 2020. For more information, visit https://www.copera.org/members/life-insurance. See additional Coronavirus updates at https://www.copera.org/coronavirus-update-colorado-pera.
Teaching and Learning
- Faculty: The deadline for submitting summer course drops/adds to the Registrar is April 10. The deadline to submit fall experimental course proposals remains July 17.
- Talent Development is offering a new library of virtual learning opportunities geared towards supervisors and employees who are working remotely. Find more information and register.
Healthcare
- If you or someone you know is not feeling well and/or thinks they might have been exposed to COVID-19, contact the CSU Health Network at 970-491-7121 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information about what to do if you’re sick, follow the guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the News
CSU is releasing stories about research related to COVID-19. Keep updated on this activity by subscribing to Source, CSU’s news source. Recent articles include:
- When what-if scenarios turn real: CSU pandemic modeler provides COVID-19 insights on healthcare workers
- CSU researchers rapidly developing treatments, drugs and vaccines for COVID-19
Rams Take Care of Rams
- Thank you to all Rams for coming together to support your fellow Rams. President Joyce McConnell shares her words of gratitude, as does Interim Dean James Pritchett.
- Keep equity in mind when considering work and learning environments for staff, faculty, and students. For suggestions from the Office of the Vice President of Diversity, subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter.
- If you or someone you know is in need of support during this time, find resources available from community organizations on the attached list.
- Office of Financial Aid (OFA) is available for those seeking financial assistance. Contact financialaid@colostate.edu with your name, CSUID, and a brief statement about your circumstances and assistance needed. More information is available online.
- The Academic Integrity Program is asking students to submit videos by April 8 that are 30 seconds or less answering the question, “Why is academic integrity important to you?”. Submit videos to joe.brown@colostate.edu.
General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update webpage.
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for timely updates and resources.
Take Care,
The CAS Communications Team
Hello,
Please find the following key updates for the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for April 1, 2020. New updates are listed in the upper portion of the email and reminders are listed is the lower portion. For a list of all previous updates, see our CAS COVID-19 webpage.
New Updates
- ABC Human Resources
- Visit the CSU HR FAQs webpage for current COVID-19 guidance.
- CSU HR has asked that supervisors or department/unit HR liaisons use two unique job codes for COVID-related circumstance for our employees as applicable in TimeClock Plus:
- Use “Admin Leave – Pandemic” job code for any employee who cannot work from home or for which there is no work available OR use “Admin Leave” job code for any employee absence related to symptoms, a diagnosis, or self-quarantine related to COVID-19.
These codes can only be entered on an employee time record by supervisors or the department/unit HR liaison. Detailed instructions were sent via email by ABC HR last Friday and Monday to individual supervisors and department/unit HR liaisons.
- Questions? Contact your respective liaison.
- Student Resources
- Career Center liaison, Jennifer Lammers, is available during ongoing drop-in career chats to discuss career planning and job search questions. More information attached.
- Today is Census Day. As a CSU student, you are considered a resident of where you live and sleep most of the time. If you live in Fort Collins to attend CSU, you are considered a resident of Fort Collins, even if you’ve relocated elsewhere due to the COVID-19 virus. Log on to www.census2020 to respond and learn more about the census.
- Teaching and Learning
- As we continue to move forward with remote learning, instructors are encouraged to think creatively about their learning environments such as replacing proctored exams with alternate approaches to assessing students’ learning.
- The alternative virtual exam software, Monitor, is available at no charge for the next two months and is preferred over Proctor U during this time; Proctor U is limited on the amount of times we can host exams. For a comparison of the two, see our proctoring webpage.
- Group sessions are available for those seeking support to Keep Teaching. Find information about these remote opportunities see today’s message from Provost Rick Miranda.
- The webinar, Welcoming Students to Your Online Environment, will be hosted tomorrow, April 2, at 12 p.m. for those seeking ideas to further engage students in remote learning.
- When setting up your virtual classroom, please keep safety in mind and secure your virtual classroom. We have received reports of trolls accessing private video messaging.
- Healthcare
- If you or someone you know is not feeling well and/or thinks they might have been exposed to COVID-19, please follow the guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- Integrity is a pillar that we Rams live by at work, in the classroom, and throughout our daily lives. We ask that you continue to uphold our Principles of Community, stand by your fellow Rams and be your best self.
- Reports of scams and police impersonations related to COVID-19 have been surfacing. If you feel that you may be victim to one of these crimes, please take necessary precautions.
Reminders
- ABC Human Resources
- If you are considered essential, in-person function personnel and are in need of documentation to prove your status, please use the attached letter to present to authorities if and when needed. An official memo from the Office of General Counsel will be available soon.
- State Classified final evaluations must be completed by June 30, 2020, rather than April 30. State Classified Supervisors please do NOT complete evaluations prior to receiving further email instructions this week from Joanna Holliday.
- Administrative Professional employees evaluations are also extended to June 30, 2020, versus our own internal college recommendation to complete in the month of April.
- Student Resources
- Online tutoring is available through the Native American Cultural Center to all students in need. Updated tutoring schedules and instructions are available here.
- TILT is offering online tutoring beginning 3/30 for students enrolled in many biology, chemistry, math and physics courses. Links and scheduled tutoring sessions are available in the attached pdf.
- Teaching and Learning
- Student Disability Center (SDC) is offering faculty a list of students in need of accommodations for their specific courses. To request this information, contact sdc@colostate.edu. Students may submit their services needs online via the linked Student Disability Center-Accommodation Letter Request Form.
- Registration for summer courses opened March 24. Courses will be delivered via remote learning.
- Students can choose an S/U grade instead of a traditional letter grade at the end of the semester. See information about grading, as well as withdrawal options at Keep Learning.
- Healthcare
- Coloradoans without health insurance can sign up during a limited special enrollment period at https://connectforhealthco.com/ until April 3.
- CSU Health Network Counseling Services are available for students who may be struggling during this time. For benefit eligible employees seeking mental health and wellbeing support, contact the CSU Employee Assistance Program.
- If you are a student or employee and you have recently traveled to Colorado and Fort Collins from another state or any other country, you must self‐isolate for 14 days before coming to any university campus for any reason.
- Rams Take Care of Rams
- For a list of resources available to help for CSU employees and their families in need during this time, visit the Work Life Resources page.
- Unfortunately, incidents of bias towards individuals and groups continues to be seen. If you experience any incident of bias, please report the situation via the Bias Reporting System.
- For students in need of additional support, email Elias Quinonez, our College’s Manager of Student Life and Diversity, so that we can quickly connect you with resources.
- A call of action has been issued for the donation of medical supplies to healthcare providers. At this time, CSU asks that university supplies NOT be donated to community drives or collection sites. If you have supplies available, please follow the proper protocol (see March 26 update from Public Safety Team).
· General Information
· For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage.
· For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update website.
· Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
Take care,
The CAS Communications Team
March 23, 2020 - Message from the CAS Communications Team/Provost Rick Miranda - Virtual Employee Operations, Housing & Dining, and Healthcare
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Hello,
Please find the following key updates for the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for March 23, 2020:
- Virtual Employee Operations and Campus Access
- Effective today, March 23 at 5 p.m., CSU will move all operations to online and virtual services except those that qualify as essential-in-person work duties. Minimize your time on campus .. if you need to get materials, please do so and leave campus immediately. Practice good hygiene.
- Please take the steps needed to be set up for success while you work remotely. Chat with your supervisor about getting the equipment and supplies you need to do your work. Also, there’s an easy way to forward your office phone to a cell or home phone during business hours. More info: https://telecom.colostate.edu/myphone/.
- Facilities will only be accessible via RamCard and/or keys moving forward. Visit Keep Working website for helpful information about working remotely: https://www.acns.colostate.edu/keepworking/
- Faculty evaluations are due April 1 to the Provost Office. Admin/Pro and State Classified evaluations are due to the Provost Office by June 30. More information about updated deadlines will be available soon.
- Teaching and Learning
- Online learning begins this Wednesday, March 25. Faculty, as you finalize efforts to move in-person course(s) online, please make a point to revise syllabi and post the new version by Monday, March 30. For help transitioning courses online, visit the Keep Teaching website: https://canvas.colostate.edu/keepteaching/.
- Instructors who need to access equipment in a classroom for the purpose of recording lectures may come to campus to do so. Please disinfect the surfaces before and after your use of lecture capture equipment. Do not linger in those spaces, and do not have others join you unless they are needed for the recording. Contact Matt Camper (matt.camper@colostate.edu) regarding your recording time on campus to ensure you will have access to the classroom. We are seeking to move these recordings to Plant Sciences C101.
- Students can get support and resources about online learning at the Keep Learning website: https://www.acns.colostate.edu/keep-learning/.
- Computer labs will not be available for student use. The library is offering a limited number of laptops for extended checkout and they still have 75 available for checkout. For more information, visit https://lib.colostate.edu/covid-19-library-updates-and-resources. If lab closure creates a hardship for graduating seniors, contact us at CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Spring commencement has been moved to December 2020. More info: https://agsci.colostate.edu/about/events/commencement/
- Housing and Dining
- If you choose to leave university housing, all rooms on campus must be vacated by 10 a.m. on May 16. Appointments to move off campus must be made in advance at https://housing.colostate.edu/covid-19. Those moving out of Corbett and Parmelee Must do so by March 27.
- Beginning Monday, March 23-May 15, The Foundry will be the only dining hall providing service. Service will be to-go with no dine-in options. For hours visit https://housing.colostate.edu/covid-19.
- Healthcare
- Larimer County Department of Health and Environment has confirmed that a Colorado State University employee has tested positive for COVID-19. For more information, visit https://safety.colostate.edu/confirmed-case-of-covid-19-in-csu-employee/.
- If a CSU employee is currently in benefit eligible positions/appointments but declined coverage because their spouse/partner was covering them, but they then lost that coverage, this is considered a “qualifying event”. If this is your situation, you may work through CSU Benefits to get coverage. See http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benefits/mid-year-qualifying-events.html.
- The State of Colorado has an open enrollment period of March 20 - April 3rd for individuals you know who are uninsured. Look for it at https://connectforhealthco.com/.
- Giving and Support Resources
- Ram Aid is a program at CSU that is working to provide relief to students who are, as a result of COVID-19, suffering from food insecurity, lack of equipment/resources, at risk for homelessness, and/or trying to travel home. If you would like to support this effort, visit https://advancing.colostate.edu/RAMAID.
- Rams Against Hunger is a program that provides food to CSU students facing food insecurity. For more information, including how to help and how to get help, visit https://lsc.colostate.edu/slice/slice-engagement/rams-against-hunger/#1570735463280-ceaffed0-ae8f.
- General Information
- For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit CSU’s safety webpage here: https://safety.colostate.edu/coronavirus/.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update website: https://agsci.colostate.edu/covid-19/
- Send questions to CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu.
- Practice these COVID-19 prevention tips:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve. If you use a tissue, immediately throw the tissue in the trash. Do not cover your cough or sneeze with your hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch frequently, such as your phone, computer keyboard, desk and doorknobs.
Take care,
The CAS Communications Team
Rick Miranda
Provost and Executive Vice President
Colorado State University
March 18, 2020 - Message from the CAS Communications Team - Research Facilities, Stay Well, & Housing and Dining
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Hello,
Please find the following key updates for the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station for March 18, 2020:
- Online classes start on March 25th, and instructor feel comfortable in posting and opening your Canvas shell. We’ve got great teaching resources at: https://agsci.colostate.edu/covid-19/ on the right-hand side of the page .. click Keep Teaching link.
- All research activities that are not designated CRITICAL are suspended effective the close of business on March 23rd. For more information, check out:
https://www.research.colostate.edu/email-from-alan-rudolph-march-17-2020/
Ask your department head and/or supervisor if you have questions about the critical designation.
- The Center for Disease Control is continuously updating their website. Find information about how to stay well and what to do if you're sick at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
- Housing and Dining Services recognizes the complications that have risen due to social distancing and online coursework. Find information at: https://housing.colostate.edu/covid-19
- In addition to your physical health and wellbeing, please consider the mental wellbeing of yourself and others during these difficult times. Resources for you are available at
https://health.colostate.edu/mental-emotional-health/
- Need information about navigating online classes with accessibility concerns? Find support at https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/atrc.
Accessibility resources and services are also generally available. Visit https://accessibility.colostate.edu/.
- Campus Recreation is now closed. For updates, visit https://csurec.colostate.edu/.
- For an archive of communications being sent by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station regarding COVID-19, check out our COVID 19 update website:
https://agsci.colostate.edu/covid-19/
- Send questions to: CAS_COVID-19@colostate.edu
- Practice good hygiene and virtual elbow bumps, and sing the fight song while washing your hands.
Take care,
The CAS Communications Team