SARS Update from President GannApril 28, 2003 Dear CMC Community: I wish to take this opportunity to update you on the College's response and guidelines in light of increased global concern about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). While there have been no reported cases of SARS or pre-SARS within The Claremont Colleges, we all recognize that the possibility exists, and are taking the appropriate precautions. The Off-Campus Study Committee voted this week to rescind approval for study in China next fall and will work with the three students who were affected by this decision to find alternate educational programs. While we believe that study abroad is a rich and vibrant opportunity that has become a hallmark of the CMC experience, we are taking a cautious approach until more is known about the SARS threat. Five CMC students are currently studying in Asia, one each in China (Shanghai), Japan, Samoa, South Korea, and Taiwan. It is the expectation of our affiliate programs in those countries that the students will be able to complete the semester abroad, but we will continue to monitor the situation. Led by Dr. Valerie Novak at the consortium's Student Health Services, our medical experts are closely monitoring the situation and working with their colleagues to develop appropriate medical protocol within The Claremont Colleges. The Centers for Disease Control has also issued interim guidelines for the management of students exposed to SARS, and Dr. Novak and her team are addressing this information. There are a number of questions, including protocol as students return from international travel over the summer that can only be addressed as more information is learned. In the meantime, I wanted you to be aware of our actions to date, and to know that we are monitoring and discussing this situation as it develops. Sincerely, |
