MPSA Statement Regarding COVID-19, March 11, 2020
We want to bring MPSA members up to date on planning for the annual conference. As we are sure you know, MPSA faces a difficult set of choices regarding whether and/or how to proceed with the conference that is scheduled to begin in Chicago at the Palmer House Hilton on April 16. Our foremost priority remains the health and safety of the MPSA community and their families.
This is a challenging time for all of us, especially with the fast-changing nature of the situation and the cascading bans on professional travel announced by numerous colleges and universities. MPSA leaders have been following guidance from the US CDC, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois, and have been consulting broadly on the best route forward. As of the morning of March 11th, the State of Illinois has reported 19 cases of coronavirus and declared a state of emergency. However, there are currently no federal, state, or local bans on large gatherings that would require us to cancel the conference.
Still, public health and safety remain our utmost and paramount concern, even as we weigh financial considerations that are part of our fiduciary duties as MPSA leaders. Should the conference be cancelled altogether, MPSA will refund all registrants’ fees.
MPSA leaders continue to monitor the situation closely, and we will provide frequent updates as the situation develops. We will also update and expand a curated list of resources on COVID-19 and health and safety while traveling.
Please be in touch with either of us if you have particular questions that are not answered by our updates.
Sincerely,
Sarah Binder William Morgan
MPSA President, 2019-2020 MPSA Executive Director