Open letter to Portland State University President Stephen Percy, the Board of Trustees, and Provost Susan Jeffords

Portland State University President Stephen Percy, the Board of Trustees, and Provost Susan Jeffords

We are the students, staff and faculty of PSU.

It is fundamentally irresponsible to try to mandate an increased return to campus at the earliest possible sign that it may be safe. It is not currently possible to predict a date when the need for remote accommodations will end, or meaningfully decrease.

In light of the continuing nature of the Covid crisis and the continued inaction and irresponsible statements made by the president of the University, we demand:

1. That instructors be free to switch to remote instruction immediately and without an arbitrary end date.

2. That instructors not be tasked with surveying/testing the health status of their students.

3. That the University provides unconditional support for departments and instructors making the switch to remote instruction.

4. That the University commits to ensuring 6ft distancing and adequate ventilation for any classes continuing with an in-person component.

5. That the University makes real efforts to ensure that students taking remote course offerings can maintain financial aid and visa status. In the cases where these efforts fail, we expect the University to provide information and support on the correct paths for the affected students to protect their continued access to education and financial aid.

6. That the University requires and provides mandatory weekly covid testing for students, staff and faculty who are not working fully remotely.

To: Portland State University President Stephen Percy, the Board of Trustees, and Provost Susan Jeffords
From: [Your Name]

We are the students, staff and faculty of PSU.

It is fundamentally irresponsible to try to mandate an increased return to campus at the earliest possible sign that it may be safe. It is not currently possible to predict a date when the need for remote accommodations will end, or meaningfully decrease.

In light of the continuing nature of the Covid crisis and the continued inaction and irresponsible statements made by the president of the University, we demand:

1. That instructors be free to switch to remote instruction immediately and without an arbitrary end date.

2. That instructors not be tasked with surveying/testing the health status of their students.

3. That the University provides unconditional support for departments and instructors making the switch to remote instruction.

4. That the University commits to ensuring 6ft distancing and adequate ventilation for any classes continuing with an in-person component.

5. That the University makes real efforts to ensure that students taking remote course offerings can maintain financial aid and visa status. In the cases where these efforts fail, we expect the University to provide information and support on the correct paths for the affected students to protect their continued access to education and financial aid.

6. That the University requires and provides mandatory weekly covid testing for students, staff and faculty who are not working fully remotely.