SRU partners with Allegheny Health Network to review COVID-19 mitigation plans

Slippery Rock University has reached a consultative services agreement with Allegheny Health Network that will improve the safety of students, faculty and staff returning to campus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 23, 2020

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University has finalized a consultative services agreement with Allegheny Health Network to improve the safety of students, faculty and staff returning to campus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of AHN's Physician Consultant for Business program, medical experts will advise SRU administrators on implementing the University's plans for reopening the campus for face-to-face classes for the fall 2020 semester.

SRU will have a dedicated AHN physician consultant who is backed by a cadre of medical professionals with specific expertise in areas such as infection prevention, laboratory medicine and mental and behavioral health.

"It's important for the University to have external expert advice that evaluates our whole process during this time of rapidly evolving guidelines for responding to the challenges of COVID-19," said Kris Benkeser, SRU director of student health and wellness. "We value input from medical experts who are aware of what's going on in this part of Pennsylvania and who have worked with other universities, companies and organizations."

   BENSKESER

AHN has provided this service for organizations ranging from big manufacturing companies to performing arts groups like the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

AHN's clinical guidance will cover areas that include safety measures, cleaning protocols, screening and testing, contact tracing, case management and other COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

"This program provides valuable services and resources to take the heavy lifting from administrators that will allow them to focus on ensuring the safety of their students, faculty and staff," said Maureen Goodfellow, AHN manager of Executive Health and Corporate Consulting Programs. "This guidance is necessary to protect students and employees as in-person instruction and residence life resume on campus this fall."

SRU administrators will consult with the University's designated AHN physician consultant, who will review SRU's plan for the fall 2020 semester that was shared with the campus community July 15. Earlier this summer, SRU announced its modified academic calendar for the fall, which included classes starting a week early, Aug. 17, and in a hybrid format, combining both face-to-face classes and remote or online learning.

Details about safety measures, including access to the Student Health Services, are included on SRU's Return Planning Guide. Questions or comments regarding the plan should be emailed to fall_2020_plan_comments@sru.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu