Dear SHPE Familia,
The team at SHPE National continues to monitor the rapidly changing environment surrounding COVID-19. Our number one priority is to do our part to help ensure the safety and well-being of SHPE members, volunteer leaders, partners, and staff.
As you may know, late last week we were compelled, in light of the totality of the circumstances, to cancel our four remaining Regional Leadership Development Conferences (i.e., RLDCs 1, 2, 6 and 7). All other SHPE National meetings and planned trips were also cancelled. Please rest assured that we are exploring all feasible options to minimize the adverse impact of these cancellations. Please also know that planning for NILA 2020 and Convention 2020 continues in full force, albeit remotely and virtually; and we are ready to pivot if new developments related to the corona virus warrant.
For now, and with the health and safety of our entire SHPE community top of mind for us here at SHPE National, we ask that you please follow these recommendations:
1. Familia (Members, Volunteer Leaders, Partners, Staff) – Please read the CDC’s latest COVID-19 guidelines. On March 15th, the CDC announced that any event of 50+ attendees should be canceled for eight weeks. And just yesterday, President Trump suggested all Americans should avoid gathering in groups more than 10 people to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
2. Student Chapters – Please follow your university/college guidelines and act in accordance. Rely on the input of your chapter advisor or feel free to reach out to the Membership Department at [email protected] if you have questions or need support. We encourage your chapter to stay connected by holding virtual meetings, chat groups, and via any other creative and innovative but safe ways you may have identified to communicate.
3. Professional Chapters – Please cancel or postpone all scheduled events at least until the end of April and in accordance with CDC guidelines. As previously note for the student chapters, we encourage your chapter to stay connected by holding virtual meetings, chat groups, and any other creative and innovative but safe ways you may have identified to communicate.
4. SHPE Programs or Events – All in-person, SHPE-related programs and events coordinated and facilitated by SHPE chapters, whether student or professional, should be cancelled until the end of April and in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Here’s an article from UCToday.com with some useful information about free options for staying connected: COVID-19: Ultimate Guide to Free Video Conferencing & Collaboration .
SHPE’s National Office is fully operational. Staff is tele-working from their respective home offices and have all necessary communication tools and technologies to continue to serve and support you. As previously noted, staff is halting all non-essential travel for the remainder of March.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will continue to communicate any changes to the information and guidance herein. As your CEO, I pledge to lead SHPE through these challenging times and know that our fierce resilience as a Familia will make us stronger moving forward.
Namaste,