FLU PANDEMIC PLAN - Questions and Answers for the Richmond Community
01/09/2009
FLU PANDEMIC PLAN
The University has a Flu Pandemic Plan and a Flu Pandemic Committee (FPC) comprising a representative from each University department to co-ordinate activities in the event of a flu pandemic. The plan is based on the Department for Education and Skills Planning for a human influenza pandemic – Guidance to Higher Education Institutions.
The University will be guided by advice from Government and related bodies and others as necessary in order to address the issues that arise. The University website will be the primary source of information and updates will be posted as necessary.
The aim of the Flu Pandemic Plan is to assist in the effective and safe management of the University community in the case of a flu pandemic which may have a significant impact on the University’s ability to deliver academic and administrative services. There is no immediate cause for concern and this announcement is for information purposes only.
The objective is to secure the safety of the University community as a whole during and following a flu pandemic, to limit the damage to the University’s operations, and to maintain academic and administrative and pastoral services to students.
The Flu Pandemic Plan and Questions and Answers for Parents and Students and Questions and Answers for Faculty and Staff can be viewed on the Human Resources intranet under Health and Safety.
Jane Crichton
Director of Human Resources
Richmond, The American International
University in London
Queen's Road
Richmond, Surrey TW10 6JP
Tel: +44(0)20 8332 8238 direct line
Fax: +44(0)20 8332 0128
e-mail: crichtj@richmond.ac.uk
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Parents and Students
FLU PANDEMIC PLAN
STUDENT WELFARE
1.Who is responsible for dealing with a flu pandemic in the University?
The Vice President for Finance and Administration and the Director of Human Resources will be responsible for managing the University’s plan in the event of a flu pandemic. The University has established a Flu Pandemic Committee comprising a representative from each Department to co-ordinate day-to-day activities in the event of a flu pandemic.
2.What are you doing to safeguard my son or daughter’s health and safety?
The University has a Flu Pandemic Plan to deal with such an emergency. The Flu Pandemic Plan is available on the University’s website: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/extranet/hr/health-safety.asp
3.What action is being taken to stop the spread of infection in halls of residence?
Strict hygiene procedures are in place and students and staff will be kept informed of government safety updates via the University’s website and through communication with Student Affairs and Property Services staff.
4.Where are you getting advice on how to deal with the flu pandemic?
We are taking advice from the UK government and local health advisers.
5.What immediate medical attention is available for my son or daughter?
Students living on campus are required to register with a local GP and will have access to National Health Service facilities.
6.I want my son/daughter to come home immediately.
This decision is entirely a matter of choice for you as a parent. However, in the event you withdraw your son or daughter, no refund of fees will be made.
7.What proportion of the University community is predicted to be ill at any one time?
Government guidelines predict a maximum 10% at any one time and an overall total of 25% of UK population may be affected.
8.What happens at the end of a semester if students can’t fly home due to ill-health?
The University will keep the residences open until students are well enough to fly home.
ACADEMIC:
1.What arrangements have been made to continue classes and teaching?
Each Academic Department has a plan in place to provide cover for absences of between 1-2 weeks. For longer term absences, the University will seek to hire temporary adjunct faculty to teach classes.
2. Will this affect graduation?
Depending on the time of year, the graduation ceremony may need to be postponed and the issuing of grades may be delayed.
3. Will we get a refund on tuition if classes are cancelled?
No. Course work will be maintained through a combination of measures, including self-study and making up of classes when faculty return to work.
4. What will happen to my son’s/daughter’s exams/grades if he/she or the lecturer is sick?
Your son or daughter will be given an opportunity to make up classes through directed self-study. See also responses to questions 2 and 3 above. In the event of a mid-term exam being postponed the lecturer will be required to arrange for the exam to take place at another time.
5. Will courses be cancelled and, if so, will they be run later?
Courses will not be cancelled except in exceptional circumstances. However, classes may be cancelled due to faculty illness and provisions will be made to make up classes.
6. What happens if my son/daughter cannot take an exam through ill-health?
The Academic Standards Committee will consider appeals on a case-by-case basis subject to submission of a medical certificate.
Flu Pandemic Committee
Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/761.aspx
