The University of Alabama System has created a task force led by UAB Health System experts to develop plans for its three campuses — University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Alabama in Huntsville — to be the safest universities in America when on-campus instruction resumes.
Chancellor Fess St. John appointed Selwyn Vickers, M.D., dean of the UAB School of Medicine, and Katie Osburne, director of Risk & Compliance/System Counsel, to lead this effort. The task force will consider testing measures, enhanced cleaning, classroom procedures, housing policies, security and wellness programs and the provision of personal protective equipment in developing a comprehensive plan to protect students, faculty and staff. Other task force members include Jeanne Marrazzo, M.D., director, Division of Infectious Diseases, UAB Medicine; Craig J. Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean, Medical Education, UAB School of Medicine; Edward Crump, senior director, Environmental Services, UAB Hospital; and student health, academic and student life administrators from the three campuses.
Dr. Marrazzo is an internationally renowned expert in infectious diseases and has appeared frequently on national news as the COVID-19 crisis has unfolded. Dr. Hoesley oversees all undergraduate and graduate medical education programs at UAB and is a highly accomplished infectious disease researcher. Crump oversees all efforts to ensure that the stringent sanitary measures required at the 5.5 million-square-foot University Hospital are maintained daily.
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While it remains uncertain when students, faculty and staff will resume normal activities, no one is better positioned to develop a plan for the health and safety of our campuses than these world-class experts.” |
In announcing this initiative, Chancellor St. John said: “Our trustees expect us to use every resource available in the system for the benefit of our students, faculty and staff. We are fortunate that the scientists, doctors and staff at UAB are on the leading edge of efforts to resolve this health crisis. While it remains uncertain when students, faculty and staff will resume normal activities, no one is better positioned to develop a plan for the health and safety of our campuses than these world-class experts.”
Plans will be developed and announced using all available research and data prior to reopening the system campuses. Once the task force has completed its work, the UA System will make the plans available to other two- and four-year colleges and universities.
UAB is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all Blazers. From mobile apps to bus escort services to B-Alerts and more, make sure you’re up to date on all the ways to stay safer on campus.
