Coronavirus Emergency Plan

Despite the University of Cincinnati and College of Medicine operating under emergency procedures, our clinical and basic science research mission continues to be operational. However, there are restrictions that must be enacted to protect our personnel and maintain the integrity of our research infrastructure.

Basic Science and Clinical Research

President Pinto issued a shelter in place and critical research directive for the University.  What does that mean for us?  Simply put, everyone needs to work at home if possible. However, UC and the College of Medicine recognize critical research must continue. Therefore, only researchers who received approval on their Critical Access Form may continue UC building access. 

We regret these restrictions, but we are bound by the State of Ohio to carry them out. It is important that we live into good public health principles and role model the social distancing/"stay at home" behavior for all non-clinical personnel and our community. 

Thank you for all that you do for the COM. Be safe and stay healthy. 

For more information, please see the following documents:

• CoM (Non Clinical) Research Emergency Plans
• Frequently Asked Questions: Research Laboratory Operations

Clinical Research

For more information, please see the following document:

• Office of Clinical Research: COVID-19 Emergency Plans
• Which studies or study procedures must be paused?
• Guidance regarding Human Subject Research

College of Medicine Research Core Facilities

• Each core laboratory is preparing for a minimal level of research continuity and preparing in case certain cores need to be shuttered.
• Plans should be established to shut down or “park” core equipment in a state that can be safely maintained for a period up to 6-8 weeks, if needed.
• The initiation of any longitudinal study (particularly for live animal) that will require core activities over the next 6-8 weeks will be delayed.
• Existing longitudinal studies are being reviewed to determine if the project can be truncated to a useful point earlier in the study or if it needs to go to completion. Every attempt will be made to complete the study if the conditions allow.
• Chemicals or hazardous materials will be secured in the appropriate longer-term storage areas rather than the active use areas.
• Laboratory personnel who must continue work in their laboratories will maintain social distancing and laboratory disinfection standards, such as wiping down common workspaces before and after use of the space with an appropriate disinfectant.

For more information, please see the following document:

Guidance for Research Core Facilities: COVID-19

College of Medicine Office of Graduate Education

Graduate students whose predominant duties involve daily attendance in a research laboratory will be expected to follow the guidelines in force for all laboratory personnel, whether faculty, staff or student. Students working in laboratories at CCHMC should follow the guidelines from either CCHMC or UC – whichever are the most restrictive. 

For more information, please see the following document:

Office of Graduate Education: COVID-19 Response Plans

Graduate Education advice to Graduate Programs during COVID-19 emergency

College of Medicine IT

COM IT will perform their normal job duties during regular work hours on-site to ensure adequate IT support. COM faculty and staff should contact the HelpDesk 556-HELP (4357) or visit their website as usual for any IT support. 

For more information, please see the following document:

COM IT Off-Site Plan

College of Medicine Accounting and Finance

CoM faculty and staff should reach out to their normal Accounting and Finance contacts for any issues. If faculty and staff do not receive a timely response, please reach out to the following:

• Pre-Award- Steve Manning, Assistant Director, 558-2045, manninss@ucmail.uc.edu
• Post-Award- Daniel Brummett, Executive Director, 558-0292, brummedi@ucmail.uc.edu
• UCP/Payroll- Jenny Ekardt, Director, 558-2058, ekardtjl@ucmail.uc.edu

College of Medicine Human Resources

The COM HR team will be available to perform their work assignments during their regularly scheduled business hours. Faculty and staff should reach out to their assigned HR contacts with any issues. For urgent matters, please contact:

• Heather Cox, Executive Director, 513-558-4554, coxhr@ucmail.uc.edu
• Christine Gilliam, HR Director, 513-558-0248, gilliacn@ucmail.uc.edu
• Sheila McCormick, HR Director, 513-558-7630, mccormsl@ucmail.uc.edu