Notice

Updated: March 31, 2020 at 4:24pm PST

Dear NYFA LA Community:

We hope you are staying healthy and safe during these uncertain times. Below is updated information for NYFA LA regarding the campus response related to the COVID-19 crisis.

Date Extended for Remote Learning and Working
On March 29, 2020, the federal government issued social distancing guidance to be extended until April 30. In compliance with this guidance, NYFA will not be resuming on-campus instruction in mid-April, as previously planned. Given this evolving landscape, we cannot project when on-campus instruction will resume. We are reviewing many options and monitoring information from multiple sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local health organizations, to help inform our decisions.

We remain committed to make this period as productive and supportive as possible, and we endeavor to give all students opportunities to complete unfinished project work from this semester. We promise that as soon as we can make a projection for a return to on-campus activities, we will, but we will only return once we are assured that it will be absolutely safe for students, faculty, and staff.

• 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.

Concerns about COVID-19 in the NYFA Community
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.

NYFA Health Alerts and archived communication to the LA Campus are regularly updated on the NYFA Student HUB.

As of today, the LA Campus continues 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.
• The City of LA is expanding COVID-19 testing sites. Access the LA City Online Portalto see if you are eligible to get tested.
• 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:
  • Students are encouraged to email Dr. Susan Ashe, Dean of Students (deanstudentsla@nyfa.edu).
  • Faculty/Staff are encouraged to email Pankti Shah, Human Resources Director (pankti.shah@nyfa.edu)

Help for Those in Need
This unpredictable time can be especially trying for those in need. If you are in need, or you want to help, here are two options to consider:

• Food Assistance: If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, the LA Food Bank is continuing their efforts and is offering food pantry assistance.
  • The LA Food Bank is accepting donations and volunteers to help with their efforts.
• Blood Donation: The American Red Cross continues to accept blood donations from eligible individuals to keep up with demand during the current health crisis. Interested individuals can schedule a donation through the American Red Cross website.

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.
  • Check out the NYFA Well News with information, tips, and resources.
• 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
  • Check out the NYFA Well News with information, tips, and resources.

Student Support Services
Student support services offices continue to operate! If you need assistance, check out the LA Resource Directory to contact the offices you need to reach.

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