STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES – MODIFICATIONS AND UPDATES

While there are currently no mandatory restrictions on personal travel, UMass Chan strongly discourages all personal travel to Level 2 or 3 countries, and students should be aware of the potential for further restrictions to develop over time. There may be a possibility of delayed return from an international location, and this could impact your ability to return to your studies. If this occurs, given the overall situation, this would not be considered an excused/expected absence, and students will be required to make up the missed curriculum at a later time. This could, depending on the amount of time missed, delay completion of graduation requirements.

In the event that you do travel to any area with active community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including Level 2 or 3 countries or other areas of risk, you must contact Student Health Services (SHS, 508-334-8464 or studentH@umassmemorial.org ) upon your return, so they can provide appropriate guidance related to possible self-quarantine upon your return. Do not drop-in to see SHS; please call or email.

Please note that personal travel that must be cancelled for reasons related to COVID-19 will not be reimbursed by the school.

Effective immediately, and at least until April 3, 2020, the hosting of any on-site conferences or meetings of more than 50 people (from inside or outside the organization) is prohibited.

The team in Student Counseling Services (SCS) has been working closely with our leadership, to ensure continuity of care for our students in light of the emerging concerns about COVID-19. To this end, they have developed a new option for telehealth that should help with access and prevent interruptions in care.

• SCS will be using a secure and confidential Zoom telehealth platform to provide routine and drop-in visits. Please reach out to administrative assistant Kathy McNamara to arrange for your appointment
• Telehealth requirements include:
• A smartphone, tablet, or computer that has a microphone and a video camera
• An internet connection
• A private space that feels confidential and safe to conduct your session
• SCS will have a consent form for you to sign that will outline risks and benefits of telehealth.  This must be signed before telehealth visits can commence.
• If you prefer telephone instead of videoconference (Zoom), this can also be arranged via discussion with your clinician

Effective 3/16/20, there will still be one SCS provider on site in the office for emergent/urgent situations. This is not a drop-in option; if there is an urgent need, please call SCS or email Kathy McNamara. The 3 school student affairs offices will each be able to reach the SCS staff for urgent issues as well.

If an emergency mental health situation were to arise for any patient, both on site or via telehealth, the clinician will follow usual protocol in assessing the need to engage 911/Emergency Mental Health services, and the team will follow their protocol to have patients seen as safely as possible.

The learning specialists in the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) can meet with students virtually. If students do not wish to come to campus to discuss their Step 1 prep or other academic supports, they can still obtain CAA services. The team uses Zoom regularly, and already does so for students who are located remotely, so students have the options of video or not and the CAA team will utilize screen share, thereby allowing students to participate in the development of their academic plans. 

The team in the Office of Student Affairs is actively preparing for a contingency plan that would require remote/virtual exit counseling for financial services and student educational debt. Jen Sheehy is preparing presentations that can be recorded and delivered on demand, and the team will be arranging for zoom capability for counseling. More information will be provided on this topic.