The Michigan RDC received permission by the UM Office of Research (UMOR) to reopen the MRDC, in a limited capacity and complying with University and State Regulations, beginning Tuesday, July 28, 2020.
We are excited to be able to facilitate the continuation of research while safeguarding everyone’s health and safety. As a reminder, in addition to the reopening of the RDC, virtual access will continue for eligible and approved projects. Please see the established guidelines below in regards to accessing the RDC.
Process to access the RDC
PI to request project reactivation
As all projects were paused when the RDC was closed, any project will need to be reactivated before you will be able to resume work in the RDC. To request reactivation of a project, the project PI should email Clint Carter (jack.carter@census.gov) providing the project number and permission to reactivate. This will restart the project clock.
Complete required training
Any researchers wanting to use the Michigan RDC will need to complete UM training “COVID 19: Working Safely in UM Research Areas” via My LINC and send an email to the Co-Director, Joelle Abrambowitz (jabramow@umich.edu), with the date of completion.
Scheduling RDC Lab Space
Once Clint Carter has confirmed that the project has been reactivated, researchers may schedule time in the RDC via SignUp Genius. For our initial reopening, we will have four workstations and three shifts available per day, Monday-Friday: morning (8:15 am – 1 pm), afternoon (1:30 pm – 6 pm), and evening (7 pm – midnight). To accommodate access for all who need it, we ask that you sign up for no more than 4 shifts per week. If additional shifts remain 24 hours before the start of the shift, you may also sign up for these shifts.
Building Access
Each day you plan to enter the building you will need to complete the daily self-screening questionnaire before entering.
Password Reset
Prior to using the RDC for the first time since reopening, please reset your account password. This can be accomplished by visiting the following website: https://pss.tco.census.gov. Note: If you are unable to reset your password because your account has been disabled, please call the CES Help Desk and ask to have your account re-enabled: 301-763-3333, options 2, 5.
Guidelines for working in the RDC
Alarm
Please remember to disarm the alarm before entering the RDC, and rearm the alarm if you are the last to leave.
Safety procedures
To protect everyone’s health and safety, it is essential that all RDC visitors comply with the following procedures during all phases of re-opening, and to ensure that ISR complies with University and State regulations.
- Only four researchers can be in the lab at a time. If you find more than four researchers in the lab at one time please email me immediately.
- Maintain at least six feet of distance from other researchers at all times.
- You must wash your hands before entering the lab.
- You must sign in and sign out of the lab using the RDC log. Researchers must provide their own pens.
- University policy requires face coverings to be worn at all times, on all campuses, and in all buildings, including the RDC.
- Disinfect all work surfaces, including tables, monitor screens, keyboards, and mice with disinfecting wipes before and after use (cleaning supplies will be provided).
- Wipe door handles and sign-in sheet with disinfecting wipes or paper towels sprayed with 70% ethanol solution (provided).
- Dispose of all garbage, including wipes, into a trash can outside of the RDC.
- No food or drink is allowed in the lab.
- No personal items or notes should be left at workstations. Any personal items should either be removed from the lab at the end of your shift or placed in your locker. Any personal items remaining in the lab are subject to disposal.
- Do not enter the lab if you are ill.
- If you are ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, report your illness to the FSRDC Executive Director, Joelle Abramowitz, jabramow@umich.edu.
- If cleaning supplies are running low, please email jack.carter@census.gov and amy.l.singer@census.gov.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we transition through our phased reopening during these unprecedented times. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about any of the information above.