Updated: AUGUST 21, 2020 at 11:15am PT
Dear NYFA LA Community:
We hope you are staying healthy and safe since we last updated you on August 4. As in previous communications, we 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 the previous email on August 4, NYFA LA’s Fall 2020 semester will be a hybrid semester that begins on September 14, 2020. The first three weeks of instruction will be remote instruction and we are planning to begin some in-person instruction beginning on October 5, 2020.
- We will continue to inform the NYFA LA community regularly on the LA County metrics related to COVID-19, and will either extend remote learning if needed, or prepare for some in-person instruction.
- NYFA LA continues to monitor LA County health conditions and metrics based on State of California Higher Education Guidance, including infection rates and positivity rates. The infection rate in Los Angeles is still too high for NYFA LA to resume in-person instruction, but conditions in Los Angeles have improved in the last two weeks and we are encouraged by the current trends.
- LA County has not given higher education institutions permission to resume in-person instruction yet. LA County will begin allowing higher education institutions to resume in-person classes when metrics reach favorable conditions.
- Once LA County gives NYFA LA permission to resume in-person instruction, we will only do so after we determine we can do so safely in consultation with NYFA’s public health consultant, Dr. Peter Bloland, formerly of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
No student is required to attend classes 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. If students have not yet registered, use this Registration link.
- Students who will attend on-campus instruction are required to arrive in Los Angeles and self-quarantine for 14 days prior to their first day of on-campus instruction or production. Guidelines for self-quarantine are detailed in the NYFA Self-Quarantine and Self-Isolation documents.
Flu Shots
All NYFA students and employees are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu during Fall Semester (September or October), per public health departments’ directives.
- Fewer people contracting the flu will prevent the overburden of hospitals and supply chains across the country. A combination of both viruses, or one after the other, may also negatively impact an individual’s health, respiratory health and overall ability to recover.
Safety Measures for In-Person Instruction
NYFA LA has been hard at work to make sure any return to campus is as safe as possible. Here are a few of the steps NYFA LA has taken: - Cleaning and Sanitizing:
- NYFA LA has undergone an increased and intensive cleaning process and schedule for all buildings.
- All air ducts and vents in the Riverside, Barham, and Burbank Studios buildings have been cleaned.
- All air filters have been replaced and upgraded to the highest feasible filter grades for all buildings.
- All chairs and furniture have been cleaned and/or shampooed.
- Plastic partitions have been installed for all reception areas.
- Nanoseptic sleeves are being installed on high-touch surfaces, such as elevator buttons and door handles in all buildings.
- Electrostatic, organic disinfectant spray will be used in classrooms between sessions.
- In place of existing air hand dryers, all buildings now provide paper towels in all bathrooms used by NYFA LA.
- Directional signage is being installed to improve traffic flow inside all buildings.
- Classrooms have been measured and desks/furniture have been repositioned to keep individuals spaced 6 feet apart.
- Class capacity usage will be at a maximum of 20%-25% between the three buildings. At any given time, there should only be one room occupied for every 4-5 rooms in a NYFA LA building.
- NYFA LA is reviewing the possibility of offering some classes outdoors.
- Barham Building:
- NYFA LA will have its own entrance to the Barham building.
- The majority of classes in Barham will be on the 1st and 2nd floors.
- NYFA LA has a designated stairwell for use in Barham.
- NYFA’s Task Forces and Committees carefully review all available guidance from government, health agencies, public health experts, as well as protocols being developed by the film industry for production. NYFA’s plans have been reviewed by NYFA’s public health consultant, Dr. Peter Bloland, formerly of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All our decisions have been made through an intensive process of deliberation and always with the health of our students, faculty, and staff at the forefront. For further information, please see NYFA’s COVID Safety Plan on the NYFA Student HUB.
Production
During this time, student productions will be allowed to continue with new greenlighting measures in place. NYFA LA, in conjunction with various unions and guilds, has created a comprehensive set of guidelines for safely conducting production. Please see NYFA's COVID Safety Plan and Production Protocols. - FilmLA is open and processing permits.
- Students should be in contact with their department for specific information regarding productions.
LA Area Updates Summer Semester - All Summer 2020 classes will remain online for the duration of the semester.
- 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.
International Students - 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.
- If you are a current international student returning to NYFA LA from your home country, you can return to Los Angeles at any point in the Fall 2020 semester. At least two weeks prior to returning to the US, please email the International Student Office with an update on your plans and to make sure you have the proper documents to enter the US at that time. To enter the US as an F1 student you always need a valid I-20 certificate with a valid travel signature, a valid F1 visa and a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months from entering the US). You may need additional documentation so please make sure to contact the International Student Office (lainternational@nyfa.edu).
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:
- The City of LA and LA County continue to expand COVID-19 testing sites. Access testing site information through these links:
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
- 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
- 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.
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.
- 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:
- 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!
Resources and Tips for Student Success
Regards,
Dan Mackler
CSO / SVP
Dean of NYFA Los Angeles
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