Degree Completion Goals, Wellness and Other Reminders

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University employees have remained steadfast in their commitment to prepare students for productive careers in aviation and aerospace. Employees have been working diligently to migrate most coursework online, conduct wellness checks and ramp up disinfection protocols. 

Our goal, in all such efforts, is to prevent the spread of the novel 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) and keep our community as safe as possible. With your help, we will also ensure that all students can successfully complete their spring semester coursework. In particular, we want our graduating seniors to be rewarded for their hard work by earning their degrees on time. 

Evaluating Your Work Options 

At this time, many Embry-Riddle employees are carrying on as usual from their offices, but taking extra care to follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) health guidelines for proper handwashing and social distancing – which means avoiding group settings and mass gatherings, and staying six feet away from others. 

In some cases, employees may have a special circumstance that makes the current global health crisis particularly worrisome for them. If you fall into this category, please speak with your supervisor as a first step. For example, older employees, those of any age with underlying health conditions, or those who care for elderly parents may want to speak with their supervisor about the feasibility of teleworking, in keeping with CDC guidance. If this is an option for your position, your supervisor will communicate with Human Resources and then spell out performance expectations. 

A number of dedicated Embry-Riddle employees work in positions that require them to be physically present on campus, which rules out the teleworking option, yet they also may need to prioritize personal health concerns or caregiving responsibilities. To accommodate those members of our community, Embry-Riddle has changed personal leave (PL) benefits so that employees can better utilize PL, just as they would during other events such as hurricanes, without worrying about a negative accrual of those benefits at this time. 

Keeping Our Community Safe 

To serve students most effectively, all of us who work for Embry-Riddle must remember to prioritize their own health and wellbeing. Your dedication, hard work and focus on our students’ academic success is a large part of what makes Embry-Riddle so special. Please take a moment to consider the following key points about community wellness. 

The CDC has pointed out that the best way to avoid getting sick is the obvious one – avoid any close contact with people who are sick: 

• Faculty have been instructed to prevent group projects as part of their curriculum. This is consistent with advice to avoid groups of 10 or more people. 
• If you have recently been on a cruise ship or in any international region, anywhere in the world, you cannot return to Embry-Riddle’s campuses. Before you can return to the university, you will need to self-isolate, off-campus, for 14 days. This rule, based on CDC and U.S. State Department guidance, is intended to protect you, your families and our communities. 
• Embry-Riddle employees or students who are experiencing any signs of illness after traveling should contact a medical provider immediately and refrain from returning to campus. Contact the health / wellness unit on your campus if you are experiencing fever, shortness of breath or coughing. Call (386) 226-7917 on the Daytona Beach Campus or (928) 777-6653 on the Prescott Campus.                                                                                                                

Embry-Riddle employees can speak with a medical provider by telephone via our Teledoc service. Telemedicine can also be accessed through Florida Health Care Plans as well as Blue Cross Blue Shield. Those with private insurance not provided through Embry-Riddle should contact their particular insurance carriers to learn more about access to telemedicine. 

Remember that Embry-Riddle is implementing daily temperatures checks on both residential campuses. Show your Embry-Riddle ID card for a quick, non-invasive temperature screening. On the Daytona Beach Campus, daily temperature checks are being conducted on the Connolly Quad and in the flight line area. On the Prescott Campus, daily checks will take place at the Library, Earhart’s STEM and AC-1. Note that the open entrance to the Prescott Campus will remain Dan Carrell Drive. Those arriving for the first time will have a temperature check and complete a brief travel form. For subsequent arrivals to the campus, only temperature checks will be conducted. 

A Reminder about Purchasing 

As many Embry-Riddle units are racing to prepare for online course delivery and special health protocols before Spring Break ends tomorrow, please remember that purchasing – of devices or other supplies – must follow the university’s purchasing rules. Thank you for continuing to comply with the APPMs related to purchasing. 

APPM 2.3.5 Purchasing Policy outlines required approvals. Embry-Riddle Corporate Cards can be used for allowable purchases. Refer to APPM 2.3.6 Corporate Card Policy for allowable purchases; personal credit cards should not be used for university purchases. 

Please contact the Procurement Team if you need assistance with obtaining needed supplies. The team is processing current orders on a same-day basis, with no delay; they will work with you to expedite needed materials during this challenging time. 

The current situation is unprecedented and stressful for all of us. We appreciate your team spirit and cooperation. Please continue to look for daily updates via email and on our special COVID-19 informational website.