COVID19 UPDATE #9

DATE: March 23, 2020 at 3:50 pm
TO: Faculty and Staff

FROM: Dr. Richard Nelson, President
COVID19 UPDATE #9

As you have likely heard, Governor Evers announced this afternoon that he will issue a “Safer at Home” order tomorrow, March 24, to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order will ask all of us to limit our travel to essential needs such as getting groceries and medications. More details will be released tomorrow.

Essential service providers will be exempted from tomorrow’s order, but the scope of those exemptions has not yet been made public. WTCS President Foy is seeking clarification as it applies to Nicolet and the other WTCS schools. We fully expect that those who must travel to and from the College to support critical college operations will be permitted to do so.

What will the “Safer at Home” order mean for us?  Bottom line is that very few of us should plan to be on campus after tomorrow.

  • If you have not already done so, now is the time to finalize a work from home plan with your supervisor.
  • If you have already transitioned to remote work but depend on help or services from people on campus, we are confident in our preparedness to continue offering the support you need.
  • We don’t yet know what work will fall under the definition of essential service, but it is expected to include critical functions related to facilities, campus security, and IT infrastructure.

I’ll pass along additional information as we get it. In the meantime, remember that the cyber criminals are out in force so be extra vigilant – don’t click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.

Most importantly, take care of yourself so you can do the same for others.  Employees and household members are eligible for free and confidential counseling services. The confidential helpline is available 24/7 by calling 800-236-4457.

Richard