The Daemen Cabinet discusses the coronavirus situation.
With the COVID-19 crisis, each new day brings a new challenge. In response to this rapidly evolving situation, Daemen College has been actively collaborating with local, state, and federal officials on measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus and the larger community.
Thanks to the strong partnership and collaboration already established with community leadership, the college has maintained open lines of communication with key stakeholders. President Gary Olson and key college officials have remained in close contact with the Erie County Department of Health, the Town of Amherst, and local and state officials, as well as federal legislators and higher education leaders from across the country to help the Daemen community stay protected and informed as the coronavirus situation continues to develop.
Supervisor Kulpa
“During this unprecedented time, Daemen has been coordinating precautionary measures with a number of officials to keep the college and local community safe and to help mitigate potential risks,” said Olson. “The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on all of our lives, and we are fighting this crisis together. It is critical for us to come together as a community to take the necessary steps to keep us all healthy and safe.”
The college’s strong relationship with the Town of Amherst has allowed for community representation on and assistance with the Daemen Emergency Response Team (ERT). This group of campus leaders has been in place for several years and their dedication to preparedness is highlighted in their successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ERT, which is overseen by Dr. Greg Nayor, vice president for strategic initiatives, is meeting daily to manage campus preparedness for the coronavirus crisis. ERT members from across the college have taken several proactive steps to minimize health and safety risks to the college community and to maintain regular campus operations. They are sending daily reports to the Daemen Cabinet, and the Cabinet executive committee is also meeting daily to address the pandemic and maintain open lines of communication to the campus at large.
“The senior leadership of the college is in constant communication,” said Amanda Gross, chief of staff. “We have a standing, daily meeting to make sure we are all on the same page with messaging and that all concerns are addressed and managed appropriately so that every department feels supported during this crisis.”
The Office of the President has also been reaching out to key government officials to ensure the college is supported on the state and federal level once the college weathers this pandemic. Higher education, like many other enterprises, will be hit hard by this crisis. Campus leadership is making sure the college’s needs are well articulated to those who can best assist.