BMI Weekly News- June 8, 2020
BMI Weekly News
June 8, 2020
Note from Dr. Pellett
Most of us volunteered to become scientists who study biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology, because of shared interests in using our talents and skills to make the world a better place. Some members of our department chose career paths that enable the rest of us to learn and do our science; we are all on the same team. While most of us are not working on projects that directly connect to it, the Covid-19 pandemic provides abundant information reinforcement of our conviction that the science we do can benefit the wider world. We have witnessed the importance of local, national, and international cooperation, collaboration, and honest communication, in scientific matters, as well as in every other arena.
In recent days, we have all been reminded that, while there are many forms and targets of institutionalized discrimination that need to be addressed, it is important that we recognize the special circumstances that connect to the idea that Black Lives Matter. In the days and weeks to come, members of our department will host several events intended to educate each other about the complexities and impacts of race-based discrimination. From our perspective as citizens and scientists, we will work together to find ways to communicate our concerns and ideas for change to a broader audience. Opportunities to participate in event planning will be forthcoming.
We must stand together,
Phil
News
• Dean Schweitzer will host a virtual Town Hall meeting Tuesday from noon until 1:00 PM. RSVP is required. You can register and post questions at this link (Town Hall link).
• Monday’s (June 8) scheduled Faculty meeting is postponed until Tuesday, June 9 at 2:30 PM. The subject will be operational issues related to the restart.
• New information from OVPR: BMI will be part of the second day of the Scott Hall reopening – Thursday June 11
- During Phase 1, there will be two shifts: before 11:30 AM and after 12:30 PM. The times might change slightly, but the shifts idea will likely remain in force.
- PI’s are responsible for staggering scheduling of your personnel so that the density of approved Phase 1 personnel on any day will be approximately a maximum of 50% for each shift. Within those boundaries, it would be OK for someone to be on-site during both shifts on any given day. Assume that these levels will be monitored based on Scott Hall check-in and check-out data.
- All Phase 1 personnel need to take and pass the Be Warrior Safe training course (course link).
- Each individual authorized for access must complete the Campus Daily Screener each day they are scheduled to come on-site. Upon completion, an online barcode is issued and is scanned in the Wayne State University research sites upon entrance. Individuals approved for each site receive detailed instructions on faculty access by email (daily screening link).
- Labs must be de-populated during the lunch hour (noon to 1:00 PM). Meals can be consumed in cars, outside, etc.
- Click on the following link for important information from the Division of Research on Phase I - Scott Hall reopening on Thursday June 11 (reopening information link).
- If Parking Structure 4 is still closed, use the adjacent surface lot (Lot # 75) for parking.
• Mail and Central Receiving Services Update information: Pick-up your orders at Receiving 1200 Holden. Contact Receiving prior to make arrangement for your pick-up. Click on following link for details (Receiving information).
• Announcement from the Provost on Child Care for Employees and Students link: https://i.wayne.edu/view/5ec80c7c42799?utm_source=link&utm_medium=email5ec80c7c42799&utm_campaign=Child+care+and+the+pandemic&utm_content=Read+this+email+on+the+Web
• Emergency financial support for students. The Office of Student Financial Aid has established the WSU CARES Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to assist students with urgent financial needs directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Applications are being accepted now. Funds will be disbursed until they are exhausted. Click the underlined text for further information.
Links:
Course link: https://wayne.edu/coronavirus/warrior-safe-training/
Daily screening link: https://wayne.edu/coronavirus/returning-guidelines
Reopening information link:
Receiving information link: https://i.wayne.edu/view/5e7911fd0ed8e