Institutions Shutting Down, VPN Issues, PPE

No major information came from the College, Campus, or University since the Saturday update. Following is a distillation of information that has rolled in from peer institutions and internally.

1. More of our Midwest peer institutions have shut down research this past week (some given just two-day notice) and, as you are probably aware, both Illinois and Ohio are under orders to shelter at home (Ohio’s order starts tonight). If groups haven’t already done so, there should be detailed conversations about what research activities can be done remotely happening now. Several groups in the department have already undergone a volunteer shutdown. This option should be considered, and I learned this weekend (unofficially) that the College will be sending a message sometime this week encouraging it.
2. From ITG: There have been issues with VPN. Message from the Libraries when accessing databases: Currently, when an off-campus user is connected to the VPN, they can access licensed library databases directly without going through EZproxy, as if they were on campus. There will be changes made internal to the VPN this week and after this change, an off-campus IUB or IUPUI user connected to the VPN will no longer be able to get to licensed databases without using EZproxy.
3. Please let us know if you need any additional help transitioning to online instruction.
4. PPE drive: Thanks to all of you who communicated that you had eye protection and masks to spare. A box has been placed outside of the chem stockroom (on a cart) to collect the items. If you are working remotely, please let Jonathan Karty know where the items are located, so we can collect them. IU Health will be doing a pick-up run at 1pm today.

Warm thanks to all for your generosity, flexibility, and extraordinary efforts.