LA CAMPUS UPDATE: JULY 21

Updated: JULY 21, 2020 at 10:30am PT

Dear NYFA LA Community:

We hope you are staying healthy and safe during the Summer Semester. As the pandemic continues, we want to remind you that this is no time to relax our vigilance or suspend any of the recommended practices, such as good personal hygiene, wearing masks, and physical distancing - all of which have proven vital in our success in flattening the curve.

As in previous communications, I continue to encourage you to review the NYFA Health Alerts and archived communication to the LA Campus, which are regularly updated on the NYFA Student HUB.

Fall Semester Plans

As noted in President Young’s communication on July 6, NYFA plans to have a hybrid semester. A hybrid semester means a mixture of online and in-person classes. The number of in-person classes will comply with the State of California's guidance to reopen.
Based on current infection rates, schools in Los Angeles are not currently allowed to schedule in-person classes. NYFA LA is continually monitoring metrics and will not schedule in-person classes until infection rates and other metrics improve, and the State of California determines that it is safe to begin on-campus instruction. NYFA LA is still preparing for hybrid learning during Fall semester, but will not allow in-person classes until it is safely allowed.
- NYFA LA will reevaluate the metrics on August 3 to determine when, at the earliest, NYFA LA will begin to offer in-person classes.
NYFA’s instructors are prepared for all levels of instruction to be online, when necessary, and we anticipate students will have a rich educational experience.
NYFA LA will continue to update the LA campus community and will provide as much reasonable time to plan and make arrangements about on-campus instruction.
No student is required to attend classes on campus or in person for the Fall 2020 Semester. Students may complete instruction remotely for the duration of the Fall Semester and may choose to Zoom in to on-campus sessions.
- Students who wish to complete the entire Fall 2020 semester remotely will be asked to declare their intent during the semester Registration process.
- Students who will attend on-campus instruction are required to arrive in Los Angeles and self-quarantine for 14 days prior to the first day of on-campus instruction or production. Guidelines for self-quarantine are detailed in the NYFA Self-Quarantine and Self-Isolation documents.

LA Area Updates

The County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles have announced closures and adjustments to the reopening plans. As reopening plans for the City of LA and the County are continuously updated, you are encouraged to check out the LA County Roadmap to Recovery, the “Safer L.A.” Emergency Order, and the State of California COVID-19 Updates.

Summer Semester Updates

All Summer 2020 classes will remain online for the duration of the semester.
Departments have contacted students who expressed interest in completing delayed productions. NYFA's COVID Safety Plan and Production Protocols have been posted for productions and for anyone returning to campus for checkouts and/or for production workshops.
Students who wish to return home and continue remote learning from a different country or state may do so. Refer to the NYFA Travel Alerts and the CDC Travel Advisories for the latest information about travel expectations.
- For international students who 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.
Summer 2020 Graduation: All of us in the NYFA community are excited to celebrate our graduating students on September 12. While we cannot be together in person for our typical commencement ceremonies, we will hold a live online ceremony in which all of our degree program graduates will be honored individually. Graduates have been contacted with additional details.

COVID-19 Information and Testing
New information about 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.

As the pandemic continues, we want to remind you that this is no time to relax our vigilance or suspend any of the recommended practices, such as good personal hygiene, wearing masks, and physical distancing - all of which have proven vital in our success in flattening the curve.
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 and LA County continue to expand COVID-19 testing sites. Access testing site information through these links: LA City COVID-19 Testing Sites and LA County COVID-19 Testing Sites

Resources and Tips for Student Success

At the start of the Fall 2020 semester, NYFA Administrators will host a Returning Student Welcome to help set up NYFA LA students for success.
Stay connected! Student Life and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council have programs and events to keep you connected. Check out the HUB Events page or email Student Life or DEI with ideas of what you want to see.
Need help? NYFA offices are here for you. Check out the Resource Directory to find the contact information for NYFA offices.
Need learning accommodations? Contact Student Accessibility Services at SAS@nyfa.edu.
Having Zoom fatigue or adjusting to studying in a remote learning environment? Check out these Study Tips for support.
Students are still held accountable to the Student Conduct Code, Sex-Based Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy, and other policies and process found in the NYFA Catalog.

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 L.A.” order, home is not safe for all. If you, or someone you know, needs support for violence prevention, the following resources are available:
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.
- LA County residents are eligible to receive a FREE Headspace App through the LA County Department of Mental 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 an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP offers support services at no cost 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 employees who use Kaiser can explore FREE Self Care options through KP’s Wellness Resources. United Healthcare users can connect with UHC Mental Health Resources.
- NYFA hosts periodic Forums on Personal and Classroom Wellness.Check your email for updates on the next Forum.

Regards,

Dan Mackler
CSO / SVP
Dean of NYFA Los Angeles

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