Notice

Updated: MAY 13, 2020 at 10:00am PT

Dear NYFA LA Community:

As the spring semester comes to a close and the summer semester approaches, I’d like to share the following information with you as a final Spring 2020 COVID-19 update. We hope you are staying healthy and safe during these uncertain times. I encourage you to continue to review the NYFA Health Alerts and archived communication to the LA Campus, which are regularly updated on the NYFA Student HUB.

Remote Learning and Working Extended Until Further Notice

• The County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles “Safer at Home” orders continue through May 15, 2020; some adjustments to the Safer at Home order were made starting May 8 - click here to read more about Safer LA. The State of California “Safer at Home” orders are in place until further notice.
• NYFA will comply with these expectations, which includes completing the current semester online and starting Summer semester (May 26) online. As we have been, we will remain online until we are absolutely sure it is safe to return to campus.
• Students who wish to return home to their own country or state and continue remote learning there should feel free to do so. Refer to the NYFA Travel Alerts and the CDC Travel Advisories for the latest information about travel expectations.
  • We will continue to stream classes throughout the summer 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.
• We will continue to monitor the situation and update the campus community when any determinations can be made. 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.

Concerns about COVID-19 in the NYFA Community
New information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and expectations from government agencies are continuously emerging. 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.
• 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)
• The City of LA continues to expand COVID-19 testing sites. Access the LA City Online Portal to see if you are eligible to get tested.

Summer Semester Registration & Welcome

• If you are a continuing student and have not yet registered for Summer Semester, please click here to register.
• NYFA Administration will be hosting a virtual Summer Semester Welcome for returning students on May 26 at 11:40am. Mark your calendars; more information will be emailed to returning students.

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, consider these options:

• 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.
• Violence Prevention: Despite the “Safer at Home” order, home is not safer for all. If you, or someone you know, needs support for violence prevention, the following resources are available:
  • RAINN Support Resources
  • CDC Support Resources
  • Guide for Friends and Families
• Volunteering: Helping others is a constructive and positive thing to do during an unpredictable time. The LA City Mayor has several volunteer options to explore!

Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing
If you are experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, worry, fears, and generally feeling overwhelmed during these uncertain times, you are not alone. Below are resources available for students, faculty, and staff to offer support.

• Resources for All
  • Aetna partnered with CVS Health to offer resources to any who are interested. Check out how CVS Health is committed to flattening the curve, and look at resources for reducing stress and managing emotional health.
• 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, phone check-ins, group sessions, and other counseling services via Zoom to students who would like support during this time.
  • Check out the NYFA Well News with information, tips, and resources.
  • For students enrolled in NYFASHIP who are residing in California, you have access to Inpathy, if you need someone to talk to.
• 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
  • NYFA is hosting the next Forum on Personal and Classroom Wellness on May 19. Check your email for details and the RSVP link.

Spring 2020 Graduation
All of us in the NYFA community are excited to celebrate our graduating students on May 23. While we cannot be together in person for our typical commencement ceremonies, we will hold a live online ceremony in which all 160 of our degree program graduates will be honored individually. I’m thrilled to announce that our commencement speaker will be actor/filmmaker Vincent D’Onofrio. Additionally, any degree program student graduating this month may also return to Los Angeles to take part in our next in-person graduation ceremony, which we intend to hold in September.

Regards,

Dan Mackler
CSO / SVP
Dean of NYFA Los Angeles