Dear USTB faculty and staff,

As we celebrate the Lantern Festival, unfortunately the coronavirus epidemic continues. We at USTB extend our best wishes for the safety, health and happiness of you and your family!

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic, which commenced in early 2020, is a formidable but not insurmountable challenge to all of us. In the face of this arduous task, national leadership has issued a call to all the people around the country to work together and resolutely win the fight against the epidemic. USTB has also taken an active role in setting up specialized teams working day and night to make every effort to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff. All of you have shown unprecedented unity and have done your best to contribute to the epidemic prevention and control.

The epidemic is still spreading and the situation remains grim. We hope that all USTB faculty and staff will continue to act with a sense of responsibility, actively cooperate with the prevention and control work, and contribute to winning the fight.

I. Remain aware of the situation and follow instructions

At present, as the virus is still spreading, prevention and control of the epidemic is of vital importance. The USTB leaders have held a number of meetings on epidemic prevention and control, which is currently regarded as the most important task. Under these conditions, protecting yourself not only saves your own health, but also the health of others, and contributes to winning the battle against the coronavirus.

It is hoped that all the faculty and staff will attach great importance to the 2019-nCoV prevention and control measures and work to understand and implement every regulation. During this special period, first, we should pay close attention to official information and announcements released by USTB, so as not to spread or believe rumors. Second, we should protect ourselves from contamination by limiting contact with others, not going to places where people gather, and wearing masks when going out. Third, we should maintain good hygienic habits: frequently wash your hands, keep your home well-ventilated, and properly disinfect your home and belongings. Fourth, we should truthfully report requested personal information, strictly abide by the 14-day quarantine observation requirements when returning to Beijing, and seek medical treatment in the event of displaying signs of illness.

II. Take the initiative and cooperate with epidemic prevention efforts

Prevention and control of the epidemic is a test of the faculty and staff to act responsibly and cooperate for the good of the community. We hope all the colleagues will do the following:

First, please take the initiative to follow institutional regulations, cooperate with information gathering and other work, and contribute to the prevention and control of the coronavirus. Second, please keep abreast of epidemic prevention measures and the relevant policies from USTB, and improve public awareness of 2019-nCoV. Third, we should promote scientific research. Relying on the advantages of USTB’s disciplines and specialties, we should promote relevant research and strive to provide suggestions and technical support for the national epidemic prevention work. Finally, please promote and encourage original online cultural works. We should strive to sing the praises of heroes who work on the front line of epidemic prevention and control, bolster morale, and have firm faith in our victory over 2019-nCoV.

III. Be responsible at your post, assist and educate students

Recently, the Ministry of Education of China issued a document which requires colleges and universities to implement online teaching during this special period so as to not interrupt student’s education. It is hoped that all faculty and staff will support this plan and strive to achieve continuous education and care for our students.

First, according to the overall plan of USTB, we should complete the design of new teaching plans, engage in online teaching, offer guidance to students and perform scientific research. Second, we should promote the role of undergraduate and graduate advisors, cooperate with student cadres, grasp students’ recent behavioral trends, provide psychological guidance, and ensure that students both do not return home if they are at USTB and do not return to USTB if they are at home during this special period. Third, we should make good use of various network resources. Undergraduate advisors should encourage students to complete their online and offline coursework in time. Graduate advisors should continue to pay attention to the progress of students’ scientific research and guide the students to carry out long distance literature reviews and thesis writing. Fourth, we must strengthen information communication. In case of any problems arising from our students and the course of epidemic prevention work, faculty must communicate with the responsible authorities, and try to solve the problem quickly and efficiently.

Dear colleagues, looking back on our long history, it is not difficult to find that countless plagues in world history have been overcome thanks to the unity of the people. Today, as medical technology is so highly developed, we have more reason to believe that as long as we work together and unite together, we will be able to win the battle against 2019-nCoV in the near future!

Department of Faculty Ethics

Department of Human Resources

Department of the Registrar

Graduate School

Office of International Affairs

February 8, 2020