H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Resources

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H1N1 Campus Management: Perspectives from Human Resources, the Business Office and Student Health Services
Date Recorded: September 15, 2009
This On-Demand webcast, presented in conjunction with the American College and Health Association (ACHA) and the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), features presentations from the Chief Business Officer, Chief Human Resource Officer and Health & Safety Director from Carnegie Mellon, each providing their own perspective on an overall crisis/emergency response with a focus on student and faculty health, and financial, operational, and safety issues. Register Today!

The current H1N1 virus (also known as Swine Flu) has likely raised some questions and concerns about necessary precautions and responses you may need to take on your campus. In an effort to provide the most essential and up-to-date information for our members, we have complied a list of comprehensive resources regarding pandemic flu outbreaks and the H1N1 virus.

H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Resources

The Department of Labor has issued questions and answers on pandemic flu and the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has created a website on workplace safety and H1N1 for both employers and employees.
The Department of Education offers guidance on flexibility and waivers for institutions who are faced with a disruption of classes during an H1N1 outbreak.
The American College Health Association (ACHA) tracking system - provides weekly updates on reported cases of flu-like illness at 165 campuses nationwide, enrolling 2 million students. (It is important to note that the ACHA data does not distinguish between seasonal flu and H1N1.)
From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) below are materials for institutions of Higher Education:
- Guidance for Responses - this recent guidance is designed to help decrease the spread of flu among students, faculty, and staff of institutions during the 2009-2010 academic year.
- “Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Institutions of Higher Education” - the purpose of this toolkit is to assist in the implementation of the above guidance from the CDC.
Key Facts about Swine Influenza from the CDC.
Google map that reflects the reported presence of the H1N1 Influenza virus in students, faculty, or staff on higher education campuses in the United States and Canada.
The CDC issued an Interim Guidance for Colleges and Universities in response to outbreak.
The Chronicle of Higher Education explained health and safety procedures for study abroad programs during pandemic outbreaks.
Information from the Department of Education can be found here.
General information from the Centers for Disease Control regarding the H1N1 influenza virus.

How are Campuses Handling?

Rasmussen College - examine the "10 Facts and Myths About H1N1" provided by Rasmussen College's School of Allied Health.
Florida Atlantic University - this plan is designed to guide FAU actions from pre-pandemic through the pandemic itself and the ensuing recovery.
Emory University - view campus advisories, letters to faculty and messages from campus leadership during an outbreak in early fall 2009.
The University of Kansas - explore their pandemic response plan, communication tools and alerts as the fall semester begins.
Princeton University - the first four cases were diagnosed on June 22nd. Campus officials have been actively monitoring the situation and communicating messages through this web site.
University of Arizona - UA is located in Pima County where 10 cases were disgnosed (one a student from UA). Campus, state and local government officials have been keeping the community informed using this site.

Other Resources

A number of other resources are available to assist those preparing pandemic response plans for colleges and universities.

Congressional Research Service - selected legal issues regarding the 2009 H1N1 outbreak.
American College & Health Association - Interim Guidance for Managing On-Campus Novel H1N1 Flu Pandemic
Swine Flu at Your Campus - plan for a possible outbreak at your campus
NACUBO Business Officer article: Pandemic-Ready Planning by Al Rickard
NACUBO joined the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) in sponsoring a Webcast, Planning for a Pandemic, in November 2006, which was recorded and is available on demand.
A more general Web seminar offered by AON, Pandemic Influenza: Exploding the Myths, was recorded in January 2007.
CSHEMA maintains a comprehensive resource list including links to a number of college and university plans.
A comprehensive Blueprint for Pandemic Flu Preparedness Planning for Colleges and Universities has been developed by Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc., based on a World Health Organization checklist.
U.S. Government agencies have joined forces to provide a joint Web site at www.pandemicflu.gov.