Planning for the Return of the Pack: Phase 2

May 28, 2020

This message was sent to University of Nevada, Reno faculty and staff.

On May 26, 2020, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced that Nevada is ready to move into Phase 2 of the state’s Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan on Friday, May 29. As the Governor’s announcement states: In Phase 2, state offices may begin to resume some services to the public where necessary, although online services are still available and encouraged.

Today I am announcing that the University of Nevada, Reno is moving into Phase 2 of recovery during the week of June 1, 2020. In Phase 2, the University will begin its return toward the world we knew two and a half months ago. The return will be done in a gradual way that prioritizes the health and safety of all members of our community. The plan to return was developed by faculty and staff across our University community with significant input from medical, health and safety professionals.

At the end of our spring semester, I instructed our vice presidents, deans and leaders of our major units to provide comprehensive plans for re-entry to University operations. The plans have been formulated with each division, unit, college or school’s unique contributions to our overall institutional mission in mind. Working with the Issues Management Team and the Recovery Working Group, these plans were synthesized into an overall Return to University Operations plan that will serve as the basis of our “Phase 2” actions. The plan is in alignment with directives from Gov. Steve Sisolak in the State of Nevada’s Roadmap to Recovery, as well as with guidance from the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents and Chancellor Thom Reilly.

The plan will be vetted this week by the Chancellor and the Internal NSHE COVID-19 Task Force. These plans will be shared by your unit or department leaders as soon as they are approved by Chancellor Reilly. Not every unit’s plan will look the same, as each unit performs a different function. Due to the fluidity of the situation, we soon will be posting Phase 2 policies and procedures, which will look very similar to those of Phase 1. All employees must continue to adhere to these policies and procedures for in-person campus operations. Please see the University’s coronavirus information page for updates.

The University will be holding an All-Employee Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 3:30-5 p.m. to share this information with you and get your ideas. The return of the people of our University will be phased, with groups of faculty, staff and students returning to campus carefully over time. Thank you for your continued good work on behalf of the University. Thank you for the care and concern that you are showing our state, our community and the people of our institution. You are making us all very proud during this historic time.

Sincerely,

Marc A. Johnson
President