Return to Campus: CIM Safety Initiatives in Place to Keep Everyone Healthy

In preparation for the return of students and faculty on August 10, the Cleveland Institute of Music continues to enact measures designed to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19. 

Funds from the Elliott & Gail Schlang Student Health and Well-Being Initiative have enabled the Institute to put in place several creative approaches to prioritize the health and safety of the campus community while still allowing for a high-quality in-person experience.

On a recent tour of the building, Manager of Facilities Operations Tom Park provided an overview of everything that is already or will be in place for when the music starts again.

When you enter the building, you’ll stand in front of a state-of-the-art thermal scanning device for a temperature check. Social distancing stickers will be strategically placed near offices and high-traffic areas where lines tend to form at the beginning of each semester.

At the security desks and in office settings where there is frequent interaction between students, faculty and staff, acrylic and polycarbonate shields will serve as reinforcement to other strategies such as facial coverings and social distancing. In teaching studios, they will serve the same purpose but also provide a physical barrier against respiratory droplets in cases where facial coverings cannot be used.

Every classroom, studio and rehearsal/performance space has been carefully measured and evaluated, with posted capacity limits (and matching reductions in seating as needed) designed to maintain distancing. The shields have been placed in each studio – even between pianos if there are two in the room – and spacing markers have been added to floors so ensembles can practice together safely.

Park says students, faculty and staff will also notice several things missing when they come back.

“The cozy lounge furniture in Pogue Lobby and Thomas Commons, excess desks and tables and chairs have been stored,” he said. “We’re also going to be modifying the four-seat benches around the building to avoid people congregating too closely together. Through these precautionary measures, and with the full participation of students, faculty and staff, we are doing the very best we can to minimize the risks of COVID-19 in our building and for our community members.”

Find an updated list of safety measures here.

“It’s a lot of change, but the success of this approach depends on a joint effort from every member of our community,” Park said. “These are the ways we came up with to stay healthy and safe. We know that our community will look out for each other. The best thing is that we’re all in this together.”

Keep the music playing, CIM.