The Return to Campus Task Force and associated subgroups will thoroughly and thoughtfully guide our efforts and provide detailed plans for what the upcoming academic year will look like. This will include contingencies and alternative scenarios, so that as this pandemic crisis continues to evolve, Ithaca College will be able to remain nimble and adapt our plans as necessary and prudent. Our goal is to create both a smooth, safe transition back to campus and provide a positive ongoing experience for our students, staff, faculty, and community members. 

The task force is charged with ensuring that the appropriate health and safety guidelines are incorporated into all aspects of our college operations as we move ahead. The task force will develop protocols, practices, and guidelines in accordance with federal, state and local regulations that we will implement for as long as is necessary to restore safe residential and in-person instruction for the fall that is as safe as reasonably possible. This will include determining the answers to such questions as what classes, teaching, work, living, dining, and other campus interactions might look like in keeping with the ongoing guidance of state and local officials as well as national public health experts. 

The task force will also work in close collaboration with the previously-formed Academic Success and Student Engagement Coordinating Committee (ASSECC), a group of faculty and staff focused on creating the alternative academic calendar, providing faculty development around online learning and open educational resources, and supporting the experiences of both our new and returning students beginning this summer and through the 2020-21 academic year. 

The Return to Campus Task Force will be guided by a Steering Committee comprised of key leaders from across campus who bring expertise and experience in areas critical to a safe and smooth re-opening process. They will be accountable for ensuring the committee charge is met. 

The ten subgroups are focused on specific critical content areas and populated by faculty and staff who bring deep knowledge and subject matter expertise to their assigned group. Each subgroup will be guided by a member of the Steering Committee, ensuring connectivity and alignment with the broader goals of the task force. 

Health and Safety Advisory Group

There is a Health and Safety Advisory Group that has been formed as part of the steering committee. This team will serve as a resource to all the subgroups as they develop their recommendations, they will be critical in the final review for all health and safety plans for the College.  They will be responsible for collaborating with local, state, and federal health organizations; providing testing as appropriate for students, faculty and staff; developing a plan for testing containment; surveillance, and contact tracing; assessment and treatment of active illnesses; and developing a plan for quarantine and isolation procedures as needed.