The University of Alabama has created a task force to develop plans for University of Alabama System campuses to be the “safest universities in America” when on-campus instruction resumes.

 

Chancellor Finis St. John has appointed Dr. Selwyn Vickers, dean of the UAB School of Medicine, and Katie Osburne, director of risk and compliance/system counsel, to lead the effort. According to a release, the task force will consider testing measures, enhanced cleaning, classroom procedures, housing policies, security and wellness programs and the provision of personal protective equipment in developing a comprehensive plan to protect students, faculty and staff. Other task force members include:

• Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, Director, Division of Infectious Diseases, UAB Medicine;

• Dr. Craig J. Hoesley, Sr. Associate Dean, Medical Education, UAB School of Medicine;

• Edward Crump, Sr. Director, Environmental Services, UAB Hospital; and

• Student health, academic and student life administrators from the three campuses.

“Our trustees expect us to use every resource available in the System for the benefit of our students, faculty and staff,” St. John said in a press release. “We are fortunate that the scientists, doctors and staff at UAB are on the leading edge of efforts to resolve this health crisis. While it remains uncertain when students, faculty and staff will resume normal activities, no one is better positioned to develop a plan for the health and safety of our campuses than these world-class experts.”

The plans will be developed and announced using all available research and data prior to reopening the campuses of the System. Once the task force has completed its work, the UA System will make the plans available to other two- and four-year colleges and universities.