Tony Liss
With New York City entering Phase 1 of the reopening plan, we are preparing to slowly, and safely, reopen our research facilities. We will begin with the laboratories that support most grant-funded research on campus and move subsequently to a more complete re-opening of research and studio space on campus, consistent with the pace of opening in New York City and CUNY.
All relevant documentation can be found from the Research Reopening link under the Research tab on the College homepage. The document "Phasing-In of On-site Research in Science, Engineering and Medicine at CCNY" provides detailed guidance on our principles for reopening research on campus, including the public health protocols that must be followed to keep everyone safe. The guidance includes five stages of research opening, Stages 0-4. We have been in Stage 0 since March and are beginning Stage 1 as of today. Stage 1 is largely a planning phase to get ready for Stage 2, which we tentatively anticipate beginning in two weeks. Each stage has an occupancy limit in order to safely maintain social distancing in the laboratories and the buildings.
To manage the reopening, we are asking researchers who want to restart their laboratory operations to submit a research reopening plan according to the Research Reopening Plan Template. The plan will be reviewed by the Research Reopening Review Board (RRRB) which will be Chaired by Rose Wesson and include the following additional people:
- Valerio de Angelis (GSOE)
- Richard Belgrave (EHS)
- Ronnie Ghose (Science)
- Maria Lima (CSOM)
- Susan Perkins (Science)
- David Robinson (Facilities)
- Gonzalo Torres (CSOM)
The RRRB will meet frequently in order to not be a limiting factor in the re-start of research, and will submit recommendations on submitted reopening plans to me for final approval. Please note that the College will not go faster than the City, State, and the University allow. Our primary concern is the safety of students, faculty and staff. When research or other campus activities restart, it places a burden on public safety and facilities, which must be taken into account. Under no circumstances are students to be required to come to campus at this point.
Thank you all for your cooperation and patience, I know you are anxious to resume work that was suddenly paused in March and I am anxious to see that happen as well.