LA CAMPUS UPDATE

Updated: JUNE 17, 2020 at 10:00am PT

Dear NYFA LA Community:

With the summer semester underway, I’d like to share with you the first COVID-19 update of the Summer 2020 semester. 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. 

Resuming Limited Student Film Productions During Summer 2020 Semester

• Departments are in the process of determining the appropriate schedule, procedures, and protocols for returning to production in the Summer 2020 semester.
  • NYFA LA is planning to begin productions in July that were delayed from the Spring 2020 semester.
• Guidelines will be distributed for productions and for anyone returning to campus for checkouts and/or for production workshops.
• Department Chairs will contact students who need to schedule productions and checkouts, and those cohorts that will be coming back for production workshops and stage workshops.
• All employees and students are expected to arrive or reside in the Los Angeles region at least 14 days prior to their first day on campus and practice strict physical distancing and all CDC recommended personal hygiene practices. 
• All Summer 2020 classes will remain online for the duration of the semester.

Remote Learning and Working

• All Summer 2020 classes will remain online for the duration of the semester.
• The County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles have been reopening in Phases. 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 Resilience Roadmap. 
• 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.
  • 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.

COVID-19 Information and Testing 
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) 
• Once limited student film production resumes on campus, NYFA LA will begin contact tracing and notification processes. Details are forthcoming.
• The City of LA continues to expand COVID-19 testing sites. Access the LA City Online Portal to learn more about FREE TESTING.

Resources and Tips for Student Success 

• On May 26, NYFA Administrators hosted a Returning Student Welcome to help set up NYFA LA students for success. Check out the video of the webinar and review the slides for resources and tips.
• 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 Crosswebsite.
• 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:
  • 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.
  • LA County residents are eligible to receive a FREE Head Space 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 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 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 is hosting Forums on Personal and Classroom Wellness. The next Forum is June 19 at 11:30am PT. Check your email for details or RSVP here.

Regards,

Dan Mackler
CSO / SVP
Dean of NYFA Los Angeles