Monthly Archives: November 2020

Chandra Orrill, December 3rd, Lecture in Mathematics Education

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Chandra Orrill, December 3rd at 3:00pm, 20-21 Lectures in Mathematics Education

The Herman and Rasiej Math Initiative is excited to invite you to the next talk in the 20-21 Lectures in Mathematics Education series. The upcoming speaker is Dr. Chandra Orrill who will give a talk titled, “Playing in PD: Technology, Talking, and Tasks to Support Teachers’ Understanding of Proportional Situations.”  The talk is scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd from 3:00-4:00 pm.

Please resister here: https://usc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHhhz8A0r7hi669, and you will receive a Zoom link prior to the talk.

Dr. Orrill will also be available to meet with Rossier faculty and students.  If interested in attending either of these meetings, please email Michael Lawson (lawsonm@usc.edu) to receive a meeting link for these events.

  • Rossier Students: 11:30-12:00 pm
  • Rossier Faculty: 12:30-1:00 pm

About the Speaker: Dr. Orrill holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. She joined the faculty at UMass Dartmouth in 2010 after serving as a Research Scientist at the University of Georgia for nearly a decade. She served as the Chair of the Department of STEM Education & Teacher Development from 2013-2017. Then, she served as the Director of the Kaput Center for Research & Innovation in STEM Education from 2017-2020. Dr. Orrill’s has two major strands of research. The first focuses on how teachers understand the mathematics they teach, how to help support teachers in better understanding that content, and assessing teachers’ understanding. Her work has focused on proportional reasoning for over a decade. The second focuses on supporting elementary and middle school teachers to integrate computational thinking into their mathematics classrooms. Dr. Orrill has published more than 80 journal articles, chapters, and published proceedings in venues that include Journal of Research for Mathematics Education, Mathematical Thinking and Learning, Educational Researcher, and Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education. She has also presented over 100 papers at national and international conferences. Dr. Orrill has also been awarded more than 25 grants with a net value in excess of $8 million, served as Chair on 10 dissertation committees, and mentored over 60 graduate students in research projects.

Note: For access to previous talks in the 20-21 Lectures in Mathematics Education series, please visit the Herman and Rasiej Math Initiative YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrPDEvoHLrpAPeZttAMhQ1JuZf20-hGnO

Spring COVID-19 Safety Planning

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To: USC Community
 
From: Sarah Van Orman, MD, MMM, FACHA
Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health
Division Chief for College Health, Keck School of Medicine of USC
David Wright
Senior Vice President, Administration
Date: November 18, 2020
 
Subject:    Spring COVID-19 Safety Planning

 

 

Dear USC Community,

We hope this finds you healthy, safe, and well. As we near the conclusion of the Fall semester, we want to take this opportunity to share an update regarding COVID-19 safety and operational measures planned for the Spring semester.

Spring 2021 will begin remotely
As you heard from Provost Charles Zukoski last week, we will likely begin the Spring semester remotely. While we hope for a different outcome, cases are again surging across Los Angeles County, and it is unlikely that bringing additional students to campus will be advisable for the near future. We are, however, continuing to prepare our physical spaces for in-person attendance in academic instruction and activities; if and when conditions improve, the University will be ready to safely re-introduce additional in-person activities.

Living on or near our campuses in Spring 2021
Given current public health guidance, USC Housing is not able to accept applications for new residents for the Spring semester at this time. Students who were previously granted a hardship exception this Fall are permitted to continue living in university housing for the Spring.

We know that a number of you are considering leases in private housing near campus. Given the surge in cases that resulted in our need to begin the semester remotely, our advice is to stay in your current environment and delay entering into a binding lease agreement for local housing.

Health requirements
The University is taking steps to maximize the health and safety of our campus communities for the time when we are able to increase campus density. For the Spring 2021 semester, all USC students will be required to update their current addresses in OASIS by January 15, 2021.

Students residing locally on or near campuses and on-site employees will be eligible for access to university facilities and services—including isolation and quarantine facilities and COVID-19 testing—as permitted by the University and approved by local public health officials, provided they meet the requirements for access:

  1. Immunizations, including influenza
  2. Required COVID-19 testing
  3. Completion of symptom check systems (Trojan Check), and
  4. Compliance with student conduct expectations and policies

Additional information on these four requirements follows:

1) Immunizations: All USC students will be required to complete their required immunizations. Measles and mumps (often combined with rubella as a two-dose MMR vaccination), varicella (chicken pox), meningococcal disease (for students under 21), TB tests (for students from specific international countries), and the seasonal influenza (flu). Additional requirements apply to students in the health professions degree programs.

Students are strongly recommended to complete vaccination requirements in advance of the Spring semester. For students who are unable to receive vaccines in their home locations, vaccinations will be available by appointment only in USC Student Health. As previously announced, all on-site faculty and staff are required to complete the seasonal influenza (flu) requirement through the end of the Spring 2021 semester.

2) Surveillance Population Testing: Undergraduate students who reside in USC Housing or come onto our campuses will be required to test twice weekly for COVID-19. Graduate and professional students, faculty, and staff who come onto our campuses will be required to test once weekly. These required tests will be provided by the University at no cost to our current students, faculty, and staff. Additional details on testing operations will be announced in December.

Keck Medicine of USC employees will continue to be supported through their established protocols involving daily screening, ensuring appropriate PPE and distancing is maintained throughout facilities, and rigorous contact tracing and testing based on exposure tracking through Employee Health Services. Practices are routinely evaluated for effectiveness, and adjustments are made where appropriate.

3) Symptom Check (Trojan Check): Just as we currently require for the Fall semester, all students, employees, and visitors this coming Spring will be required to complete a daily symptom check prior to entering facilities on our campuses. In order to access Trojan Check, students and employees must first complete the appropriate “Health, Hygiene and Safety” online module, accessible through Trojan Learn.

4) Expectations and Policies: Shared Accountability: For those who are currently living or working on or near our campuses, as well as for all of you we hope to welcome back soon, you are accountable for prioritizing the health and safety of those around you. All students, faculty, and staff coming onto our campuses must agree to uphold the Trojan Commitment , a pledge to abide by a set of safeguards that maximize the health and safety of the entire USC community.

Student fees
Given the continuing economic impact this pandemic is having on students, the University has extended to the Spring 2021 semester only, its prior reduction of combined central student fees of $100, including health and activities fees. Student health care services and programs will continue to be available in person and remotely, and the University will continue to offer engagement opportunities through virtual live events, performances, speakers, and more.

In-person events and gatherings
The current Los Angeles public health orders include restrictions on events and gatherings. In alignment with these directions, USC has prohibited all university-sponsored on and off-campus events until we receive further public health guidance. Gatherings are defined by the County of Los Angeles and by the University as more than two people within six feet of each other for 15 minutes or longer. The only exceptions that may be granted for the near future are related to instruction, training, and operations that are considered essential. For additional details, please consult the official university guidance.

We will keep you apprised of any further developments. In the meantime, we hope you continue to stay safe and stay well during the Winter break.

COVID-19 Health Advisory—Widespread Transmission in Los Angeles

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To: USC Community
 
From: Sarah Van Orman, MD, MMM, FACHA
Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health
Division Chief for College Health, Keck School of Medicine of USC
 
Date: November 16, 2020
 
Subject:    COVID-19 Health Advisory—Widespread Transmission in Los Angeles

 

 

Surge in Los Angeles County
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising all of the alarming increases in COVID-19 cases in the region; the risk of exposure is high. Cases among USC students and on-site employees are also increasing.

The new case total for Saturday, November 14, was the highest single-day total for Los Angeles County since the summer; please follow all face covering, hand hygiene, and physical distancing guidelines. Limit contact with others outside of your household for the next 14 days.

If you were around groups of people not wearing face coverings or physical distancing, please self-quarantine for 14 days and consider getting tested. USC students and employees who are working on-site on campus are advised to test through the surveillance population testing program (Pop Testing).

Western States Travel Advisory
On November 13, the State of California announced an advisory regarding travel into and from California, in conjunction with similar advisories from the state governments of Oregon and Washington. USC is directing its employees and students to comply with this advisory, as referenced below:
“1. Persons arriving in California from other states or countries, including returning California residents, should practice self-quarantine  for 14 days after arrival. These persons should limit their interactions to their immediate household. This recommendation does not apply to individuals who cross state or country borders for essential travel.

2. Californians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries. Avoiding travel can reduce the risk of virus transmission and bringing the virus back to California.”

For Students Traveling to a Winter Break Destination

  • Test before traveling out of Los Angeles: USC students are advised to test through the surveillance population testing program (Pop Testing) before traveling to their Winter break destination, especially if out of state or out of the country. Test again upon your arrival at your destination, if possible. Remain at your destination for the duration of Winter break. Additional Spring semester testing information and requirements will be released shortly. Testing will continue to be available throughout the Winter break.

For Faculty and Staff

  • Faculty and staff are strongly advised to follow State of California public health guidance and any local public health guidance that is issued for Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. If travel is essential, employees who are working on-site on campus should also test before traveling and after return from travel. Additional Spring semester testing information and requirements will be released shortly. Testing will continue to be available throughout the Winter break.

For All USC Community Members

  • Do not travel if you have any symptoms, including: chills or fever of 100 degrees or higher; loss of taste or smell; muscle soreness or headaches or fatigue; cough or runny nose or sore throat or congestion; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; conjunctivitis (“pinkeye,” inflammation of the eye including redness, itching and tearing) along with feeling feverish; gastrointestinal symptoms (stomach upset, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea or nausea or vomiting).

If you develop any symptoms, please begin self-isolation. Contact your health care provider to arrange for symptomatic testing; contact USC Student Health to arrange for symptomatic testing if you are a USC student or employee working on-site on campus—Tel: 213-740-9355 (WELL), book online at https://usc.edu/myshr (go to the “Messages” section and select the “Request COVID-19 Screening” option). Keck Medicine of USC employees who have symptoms should contact Keck Medicine Employee Health at Tel: 323-442-5219.

For questions contact covid19@usc.edu or call Tel: 213-740-6291, 7 days a week until 9 p.m.

Clarification: Spring 2021 Wellness Days and Grading Options

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Dear Rossier Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Provost Zukoski’s memorandum this week announced “Wellness Days” scheduled throughout the Spring 2021 semester, on which no classes or academic requirements will be scheduled. This is to provide students a break in lieu of Spring Recess, which was eliminated for many USC students.

The Provost also announced Spring grading policies for undergraduates.

We have confirmed with the Registrar’s office that graduate programs, which have established our own academic schedules for the Spring, may choose not to cancel classes on Wellness Days.

Rossier is opting to hold classes on those days.  This is because we chose an earlier Spring start date and a schedule that does include a Spring Recess. Further, virtually all of our courses meet just once a week, so class cancellations can have a substantial impact on the timely progression of a course.  Please refer to my memo of October 16th, attached below, for Rossier’s Spring schedule.

Therefore, just to clarify, USC Rossier will not be cancelling classes on Spring semester Wellness Days for our graduate courses.

Our grading options remain as previously announced (for the current semester) as well. Students should address questions about grading options to their academic advisors in their program offices.

Thank you, as always, for your patience and perseverance during this time of change and challenge. We are proud to have all of you in our USC Rossier and Trojan families.

Fight On!

Pedro A. Noguera, Ph.D.
Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean

Thanksgiving Holidays/Winter Break Travel and Safety

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To: USC students, faculty and staff
From: Sarah Van Orman, MD, MMM, FACHA
Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health
Division Chief for College Health, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Deona Willes
Director of Environmental Health and Safety
Date: November 10, 2020
 
Subject:    Thanksgiving Holidays/Winter Break Travel and Safety

 

 

With the end of the semester and Thanksgiving holiday approaching, we know that many students, faculty and staff are considering travel and testing arrangements. For those in the vicinity of our USC campuses, we have prepared the following safety guidelines. Travel is only recommended if you plan to remain at your destination for the entire winter break period; traveling back and forth to the campus vicinity during the winter break is not recommended for community public health safety. Students remaining in Los Angeles over the Thanksgiving weekend can sign up for a special Holiday boxed meal.

TESTING BEFORE TRAVEL
Whether you are planning to travel to visit relatives or are departing home for the semester, we strongly recommend that you test prior to your departure. Be sure to have the test close to the date of travel, but with enough time to receive your results BEFORE departure. Campus testing generally requires 3-4 days to receive results. (If traveling by plane, check with your airline about specific pre-boarding testing requirements.) For students living near campus, and employees required to work on-campus, this can be completed through the Pop Testing surveillance testing program.

Faculty and staff who are working remotely may find a local testing center at the follow LA County website: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing

  • REMINDER: Travel, by its nature, increases the risk of transmission among groups of people.
  • If you choose to travel, read the safer domestic travel guide prepared by USC Environmental Health and Safety.
  • For the first 14 days after arrival, stay physically distant from family household members, wear a face covering and be especially mindful of hand and respiratory hygiene, especially if sharing bathrooms, kitchens and meals. This is especially important if someone in the household is at higher risk for severe disease.
  • Test before travel and if possible, after arrival.
  • Delay travel if you are sick or exposed. Anyone feeling ill, recently diagnosed with COVID-19 (within 10 days) or exposed to someone with COVID-19 (within 14 days), should self-isolate and delay travel. Follow guidance from your health care provider regarding when recommended isolation/quarantine periods are complete and travel can be safe.

MEALS
A traditional part of Thanksgiving, sharing meals, is unfortunately one of the riskiest activities for transmission. Consider hosting a virtual event or limiting dining to those in your household—this is the safest plan for everyone. If you decide to join or combine households, please plan with the following safe distancing recommendations in mind.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer) before you eat, serve food or handle utensils.
  • Do not use common serving utensils. Have one person (with washed hands, wearing a face covering) serve portions on plates. Place the plates separately where individuals can pick them up themselves. Have utensils separately wrapped in a napkin and spaced apart for pick up. This is especially advisable for all foods that are typically shared or served, such as breads/rolls, cake/pies, pizza, salads, side dishes, chicken wings, etc.
  • Avoid pitchers; individual bottled drinks provide fewer point of contact opportunities.
  • Maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from others, especially while eating, and remain outdoors if possible.
  • When you are not eating or drinking, wear your face covering, especially when speaking in an enclosed space, speaking loudly, or singing and cheering. Talking, especially with force, can spread respiratory droplets at a farther range.
  • Use face coverings and good hand hygiene when cleaning up plates, utensils and glasses after the meal.
  • Reminder: An exposure to COVID-19 is defined as being within 6 ft. of a positive individual for a combined total of 15 minutes or longer within a 24-hour period. Keeping track of who you were in contact with at a family gathering can be crucial in contact tracing if someone later has symptoms or tests positive.

TESTING BEFORE RETURNING TO CAMPUS/WORK
All students, faculty and staff who will be returning to the campuses after traveling or attending gatherings are advised to get a COVID-19 test before re-entering the university community. This can be completed through the Pop Testing surveillance testing program.

We wish you a safe and peaceful holiday break, with renewed energies for the spring semester.