Notice

Updated: March 20, 2020 at 3:36pm PST

Dear NYFA LA Community,

Below is updated information for NYFA LA regarding COVID-19. New information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and expectations from government agencies is emerging rapidly and NYFA continues to monitor recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health organizations.

Date Extended for Remote Learning and Working 
Remote online learning and working will extend through April 19

• In accordance with the California "Safer at Home" orders (see below), NYFA will extend remote online learning and working through April 19 at the earliest, if this date is extended further, we will continue to communicate changes.
• NYFA LA will not resume in-person classes until we are absolutely sure it is safe.
• Students who wish to return home to their own country or state and continue remote learning there should feel free to do so.
• We will continue to stream classes for any students who cannot immediately return to school.
• For international students who do wish to return to home, consult with the International Student Office (LAInternational@nyfa.edu) to review details regarding your travel home and subsequent return to NYFA.

California and LA Area Updates
The State of California, the County of Los Angeles, and the City of Los Angeles issued "Safer at Home" orders through April 19, 2020. Please click the above hyperlinks for the complete "Safer at Home" orders:

• What can I do? What's open?
  • Essential business and services will remain open including: food services (grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out, and delivery restaurants), gas stations, pharmacies, banks, hardware stores, office supply stores, laundromats, childcare facilities for groups of 12 or fewer 
  • Essential state and local government functions including: law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services
  • Engage in individual or family outdoor activities such as: hiking, walking, and shopping at essential businesses so long as you practice social distancing (keep a distance of 6 feet between you and others)
• What can’t I do? What’s closed?
  • Non-essential businesses, indoor malls, and shopping centers
  • Dine-in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs
  • Entertainment venues, convention centers, and public events/gatherings
  • Gyms, fitness studios, and playgrounds
  • Gatherings in groups of 10 or more people

Concerns about COVID-19 in the NYFA Community
As of today, the NYFA NY Campus has TWO confirmed cases for COVID-19. NYFA NY is taking appropriate action, updating the NYFA NY community, and following CDC directives.

The LA and South Beach Campuses continue to have NO CONFIRMED CASES of COVID-19.

• If a member of the LA Campus tests positive for COVID-19, be assured we will follow LA County Public Health and CDC directives, notify potential individuals who are at risk, and we will send a notice to the NYFA LA Campus community.
• As testing for COVID-19 becomes more broadly available, NYFA is prepared for the reality of increased potential and confirmed cases across the country and at NYFA.
• When there are confirmed cases, we will update the NYFA Health Alert Updates on the NYFA Student HUB.
• If you suspect you have COVID-19, if you have been tested for COVID-19, or if you believe a member of the NYFA community has COVID-19, you are encouraged to email Dr. Susan Ashe, Dean of Students (deanstudentsla@nyfa.edu).

Staying Connected
Social distancing doesn’t mean social disconnection. The Student Life departments on the NYFA Campuses in LA, NY, and South Beach are working together to bring students ways to connect through a digital platform.

• Join the Student Life Online mailing list.
• Login into the Hub Events tab to see upcoming virtual events.
• Contact studentlifeonline@nyfa.edu with your suggestions!

Feeling Anxious or Overwhelmed
If you are experiencing stress and anxiety in response to the information you are receiving about the coronavirus, or if you fear for your own health and/or the health and safety of loved ones, you are not alone. It is normal to feel sad, anxious or overwhelmed in the face of these uncertain times. You also may be experiencing other normal but troubling symptoms of distress, such as difficulty sleeping, headaches or changes in appetite.

• Students
  • NYFA Counseling Services is eager to help you cope and endure these stressful times.
  • Please reach out for support to CounselingLA@nyfa.edu.
  • Counseling Services is offering online therapeutic sessions and counseling via Zoom to students who would like support during this time. Counseling Services will also be available for phone check-ins and group meetings.
• Faculty / Staff
  • NYFA offers free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), EAP offers no cost support to NYFA employees for a variety of emotional challenges
  • Please reach out to Life Balance for a professional consultation
    • Call: 800-854-1446
    • Log-in:  www.lifebalance.net - User ID & Password: lifebalance

Student Support Services

• Student support services will continue to operate, but may alter their communication methods and methods of delivery.
• Open offices include: Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursar, Veterans Services, Counseling Services, Academic Affairs, Accessibility Services, Title IX, Student Conduct, Student Life, Housing, International Student Office, Writing Center, Library, Academic Advising, Film Festivals, Career Development & Industry Outreach, Alumni Affairs, Athletics, and others.
• If you need assistance from any student support services, contact the office by phone: 818-333-3558, or find a NYFA staff email on the HUB (https://hub.nyfa.edu/directory) to make an appointment.

Keep it Clean
If you or a housemate is sick, practice general cleaning guidance for group settings found through the LA County Public Health website.

• Clean all frequently touched surfaces and items (counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, trash cans, phones, remote controls, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables).
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered product that cleans (removes germs) and disinfects (kills germs), and follow the product instructions.
• Wash sheets, blankets, towels, curtains and other linens with household laundry soap and hot water (167 °F or more). Dry on a high heat setting according to fabric labels.
• Clean and sanitize plates, glasses, and silverware in a dishwasher or by hand with soap, hot water, and an EPA approved sanitizer.
• Clean mops and cloths with soap and hot water and sanitize with an EPA-registered disinfectant or bleach solution and allow to dry.
• Immediately throw away all disposable cleaning items.
• Wash hands frequently, including after emptying waste baskets and touching tissues and similar waste.

Access to NYFA Buildings

• Riverside Building is open on a limited basis for students, faculty, and staff who have made prior arrangements.
• Barham and Burbank Studios buildings remain closed, until otherwise noted.

Visit the NYFA Student HUB for the latest NYFA Health Alert Updates and to view past LA Campus updates.

Regards,

Dan Mackler
Dean of NYFA LA