August 14, 2020
To: CVM Community
Wow – 2020 has indeed been a challenge! First COVID-19 and this week “Derecho.” But with every challenge, I see our community step up and answer the call! I am incredibly proud of each and every member of our community for taking these challenges on with a “can-do” attitude.
On Monday, classes will officially start at Iowa State University and the College of Veterinary Medicine. I want to take this opportunity to thank the faculty and staff for their hard work in preparing for this most unusual of semesters. Your dedication and commitment to your jobs give me great hope that the start of the semester will go as flawlessly as possible. We do know there will be bumps in the road – not only next week but for the entire fall semester – but I’m confident that we will overcome any adversity we face.
In order to succeed the College of Veterinary Medicine as a community must continue to follow CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines to combat COVID-19 transmission. Remember face coverings are required in most situations and locations in the college. This is our best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and allow the college to continue to offer its outstanding educational opportunity to our students.
Please also be mindful of the physical distancing protocols that have been established. Reminders of this protocol are visible now in our classrooms and meeting rooms. If you are sick, STAY HOME. If you have developed COVID-19 symptoms, students, faculty and staff may be tested at the Thielen Student Health Center. Thanks to the marvelous staff in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, you will receive your test results back within 24 hours. And finally, make good decisions outside of CVM. Avoid those situations that significantly increase your risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.
Both Iowa State and the college have established COVID-19 Response Teams. The college’s team will be led by Dr. Alex Ramirez and will respond to your questions and concerns related to COVID-19 operations throughout the fall semester. Information about the University Response Team can be found online. An ISU “hotline” has been established, and any CVM specific questions will be directed to our response team. We have created a CVM specific email for faculty and staff to ask questions, provide feedback and bring forward ideas related to COVID-19.
Finally, I want to ask everyone to attend the presentation by Dr. Keisha Scott on Monday, August 17, at noon. Her presentation, “Unlearning Isms 101” will continue our community’s journey on supporting diversity, equity and inclusion at ISU CVM. This virtual event can be accessed online. Passcode: 824849.
I know this has been a difficult past five months and the next few weeks will also be challenging. Thank you for helping both the university and the college move forward, allowing us to begin classes again next week.
Stay safe and stay healthy!
Dan Grooms, DVM, PhD
Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine