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Update – 03/30/2020:

Following guidance laid out by the University of Washington and State of Washington proclamations about non-essential work, GIX and the Steve Ballmer Building are closed to all non-essential workers.

Update – 03/18/2020:

Following direction from University of Washington President Cauce, the MSTI program will hold all instruction online when the spring quarter begins on March 30. GIX leadership and MSTI faculty will be in contact with students directly to discuss new plans and changes to spring quarter’s coursework, as well as implications for each student. In the meantime, students are encourage to consult the information provided by the Provost’s Office.

Update – 03/16/2020:

In accordance with the University of Washington and Washington governor Jay Inslee’s announcement, UW MSTI courses will be conducted remotely through April 24. The University of Washington will make a decision regarding spring quarter delivery by March 20. The Steve Ballmer Building has increased cleaning and is open normal hours, but subject to changes in staffing or policy. We are not accepting new space rental requests at this time. We will review requests for events after March 30, subject to approval based on public health guidance and policies of the state of Washington and the UW.

Update – 03/06/2020:

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and community, the Global Innovation Exchange will suspend all in-person classes and large meetings and events at the Steve Ballmer Building until March 30, following the University of Washington’s announcement earlier today that it will suspend in-person classes for the remainder of the quarter.

Though no members of the GIX community have reported symptoms of the virus, Shwetak Patel, interim executive director, made the decision to enact these precautionary measures to support the health and well-being of the greater community.

“Safety is our top concern,” said Patel. “For now, students and staff will continue classes remotely, with staff following the recommendations from the State of Washington and the University of Washington for further updates.” The UW is working closely with local and state public health officials and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to align plans with the most current recommendations from experts. Presently, we plan to continue normal class operations when the spring quarter begins March 30, pending public health guidance.

The Steve Ballmer Building will remain open to its tenants and those who rely on its facilities, such as the makerspace or video-conference rooms, to continue their work.

Refer to and share the UW’s coronavirus information page which is developed in close consultation with public health officials and includes information about considerations for travel, for steps to take if you feel sick and resources available to UW community members. There are also updates available from the Washington State Department of Health and county public health departments.

It is crucial to practice good hygiene to slow the spread of the virus and reduce the odds of infection:

    • Stay home from work and school when you feel sick.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the tissue.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, and if soap and water are not available use a 60-95% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
    • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

The Global Innovation Exchange is proud to be a diverse community. During this time of uncertainty, we encourage everyone to work together to reduce discrimination and bias while showing compassion and empathy for those at risk or infected by this disease. As with the work of our students, we are best equipped to deal with this challenge when we work together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Affected GIX Operations

  • Will the Steve Ballmer Building hold classes? (Updated 03/06/20)

    Starting Monday, March 9, classes will no longer be meeting in person. For the remainder of the quarter, instructors are asked to conduct classes and/or exams remotely, as possible, until the quarter concludes on March 20. In some cases, when the nature of a class is not suited for remote delivery, other options, including submitting grades based on work conducted to this point, may be used. Faculty and graduate students will receive additional information in a follow-up message from Provost Mark Richards and Faculty Senate Chair Joseph Janes. Our goal is to make sure that students’ academic work is fairly recognized and that any disruption does not present a disadvantage to their future academic progress, including admission to their preferred major in the months or years to come.

    Our campuses will remain open to serve all those who rely on our services, including hospitals and clinics, dining services, residence halls, and recreation and athletics facilities. Husky athletics events will proceed as scheduled.

    In addition to providing maximum flexibility for our University community to take health precautions and finish classes this quarter, this transition provides our facilities crews additional time to deep clean classrooms, auditoriums, libraries, restrooms and other public spaces, as is their standard practice. We plan to resume normal class operations when the spring quarter begins March 30, pending public health guidance.

    Please see this FAQ from the UW Office of the Registrar for more information about finals, coursework, grading and other related topics.
    www.registrar.washington.edu/2020/03/06/registrar-covid-19-faqs/

  • Are building visits, tours and information sessions being affected at this time? (Updated 03/06/20)

    Steve Ballmer Building tours will not be held March 6 – March 30, or as further notified.

GIX Consortium Information