Pandemic Planning & Response Team
Last updated April 7, 2021
The Pandemic Planning & Response Team is charged with guiding UND's preparation and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Led by Jed Shivers, Vice President of Finance & Operations, and comprised of individuals from across campus, the Pandemic Team meets daily, or as necessary, depending on current COVID-19 conditions.
Smart Restart Guiding Principles
Every day, the University is making decisions about how to appropriately respond to the dynamic nature of COVID-19. Our decisions and actions must:
- First and foremost, consider the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff
- Ensure that our educational and scholarly experiences remain focused on excellence
- Sustain a sense of community founded upon principles of respect and empathy
- Promote a sense of collaboration on campus, in the local community and across the State of North Dakota
- Apply consistently to the many areas of our campus, while simultaneously recognizing key differences in those areas
- Respond sensibly to changing conditions of the pandemic
Our decisions will be informed by federal and state guidance as well as commonly accepted practices at other colleges and universities, and we will communicate with the campus frequently. UND’s resistant policies and procedures may be different than those in Grand Forks or the state. This is because there are several unique aspects of UND. The high-density population, and increased volume of human interaction requires us to be extra vigilant in our efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Team Objectives
Testing
Multiple modalities for testing are available, to include:
- Surveillance rapid antigen (targeted and random)
- PCR surveillance
- Symptomatic testing at Student Health Services
Contact Tracing
A UND Contact Tracing team is in place for case investigation and contact tracing of UND community members. The Contact Tracing Team is an extension of the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Contact Tracing Team and follows the NDDoH program protocols.
Physical Distancing and Separation Requirements
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms can likely spread COVID-19. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from others when possible. Mitigation measures, such as 6-foot markings on floors, decreased classroom occupancy, single residence hall rooms, designated entrances and exits to buildings, etc. have been implemented to comply with 6 foot physical distancing.
Vulnerable Population Considerations
Students who fall within the vulnerable population category should consult their Dean or program Chair for accommodations.
Employees who fall within the vulnerable population category should consult their HR representative.
Disinfection Requirements
Appropriate cleaning and disinfection procedures, compliant with CDC guidelines, have been implemented and followed. Environmental cleaning and disinfection supplies may be obtained by contacting the UND Safety Office at 701.777.3341.
Communications
This website contains UND's updated and pertinent COVID-19 Information. More specific information can also be found on individual unit websites.
Activities and Events
President Armacost and the Executive Council will determine how rapidly events on campus will return on a face-to-face basis.
- Events, Demonstrations, Fixed Exhibits, and Short Term Rentals policy
- Event Guidelines
- An Activity / Event Approval Form must be completed and submitted to the UND Safety Office two weeks prior to the planned event.
All activities and events must be prepared for alternate plans. UND reserves the right to cancel events or activities at any time leading up to, or during an event or activity, if necessary to protect the health and safety of the campus community. The decision to cancel is based on perceived health risks for the proposed scheduled event. It will start with a recommendation from the Safety Officer and if required will be discussed by the Pandemic Committee or in some cases by the Executive Council which includes the President.
Academic Support
Faculty and students have access to support services to maintain and promote high quality educational opportunities. For assistance, faculty are encouraged to reach out to their Deans, students are encouraged to reach out to their advisors or professors. Assistance may be provided by UIT, TTaDA, Facilities, etc.
Team Members
If you have any comments or questions regarding UND’s COVID-19 response, please contact the appropriate individual(s) below.
- Andrew Armacost, President’s Office
- Jennifer Berger, Emergency Management
- Les Bjore, Facilities Management
- DeAnna Carlson Zink, Alumni Association & Foundation
- William Chaves, Athletics
- Scott Correll, Registrar’s Office
- Jessica Doty, Student Health Services
- Rosy Dub, COVID-19 Clinical Response
- Robert Frasier, Finance & Operations
- Suzanne Gandrud, Student Affairs
- Lynette Geatz, Student Affairs
- Cassie Gerhardt, Student Affairs
- Cara Halgren, Student Affairs
- Mark Hoffmann, Arts & Sciences
- Mark Johnson, Facilities Management
- Meloney Linder, Marketing & Communications
- Madhavi Marasinghe, University IT
- Erik Martinson, Athletics
- John Mihelich, Research & Economic Development
- Karla Mongeon-Stewart, Finance & Operations
- Troy Noeldner, Housing
- Bradley Parrish, School of Law
- Mike Pieper, Facilities Management
- Alex Pokornowski, Student Rights & Responsibilities
- Orlynn Rosaasen, Dining Support Services
- Jed Shivers, Finance & Operations
- Debbie Storrs, Academic Affairs
- Jana Thompson, Procurement & Payment Services
- Peggy Varberg, Human Resources & Payroll
- Heather Wages, Academic Affairs
- Cheri Williams, President’s Office
- Joshua Wynne, Medicine & Health Sciences
- Terrance Wynne, Safety