August 6, 2020
We hope that you and the members of your families and communities are safe and well.
NASM recently released a new web-based resource entitled, Leadership: Navigating Difficult Situations and Conditions. We invite you to visit the site at this time, and as you continue your work, to return to it often, as it offers a wealth of information and will be updated from time-to-time. The ideas, information, and tools offered within these pages are provided to assist music administrators as they study issues; explore options; arrive at conclusions which are informed by consideration of local and existing realities, and resources available; finalize decisions; and formulate action plans. Guidance is provided which is intended to assist each institution to advance its initiatives and therefore those of the field, particularly as this work at this time is shadowed by the current national crisis. The pages also include definitive and specific information as it pertains to the responsibilities of NASM accredited institutional members, particularly with regard to NASM protocols, procedures, and the application of standards – and the flexibilities inherent in each.
Information in these pages is organized into six distinct sections, each of which may be accessed at the bottom of the landing page, and from the sidebar within each section. The sections include:
- Facts, Principles, Considerations: Important Reminders
- Strategic Thinking – An Intellectual Endeavor: Developing an Abiding Approach
- Informed Decision-Making: The Importance of Distillation and Synthesis
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Long View: The Place of Reasonableness
- Concluding Thoughts: Support and Appreciation
Although a review of all pages in their entirety is highly recommended, we bring to your attention the following:
- Found within the Informed Decision-Making: The Importance of Distillation and Synthesis page under “Professional Development Opportunities” is a list of resources, many of which specifically address aspects related to the coronavirus and its effects. Please note that NASM will be facilitating both topic- and accreditation-focused professional development sessions offered through virtual means. Descriptions of these sessions, as well as logistical information and connection instructions, may be found within the page. Please note that topic-focused sessions are open to members and those interested in the topic. Accreditation-focused sessions are open to accredited institutional members and those seeking accreditation. Of particular note are the following four sessions:
- Bioaerosol Emissions in the Performing Arts-Reducing Emissions and Exposures: A Multi-Part Series
- Mitigating Inherent Risk: Formulating Strategies and Action Plans to Address the Effects of the Coronavirus
- A Review of the Current Final Rule Addressing Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance and its Implication
- Strategic Thinking – An Intellectual Endeavor: Developing an Abiding Approach
- The Frequently Asked Questions section provides current and salient information regarding topics such as: Accreditation Reviews, Accreditation Status in Light of Anticipated Changes, Advocacy, the Annual Meeting, Annual Reporting Responsibilities, the NASM Code of Ethics, NASM Commission Activity, Curricular Programs, Dues and Fees, Service as an Evaluator or Consultant, and Standards Compliance.
- Found within the Informed Decision-Making: The Importance of Distillation and Synthesis page under “Other Resources of Note,” please observe that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will be offering an Environmental Health Matters Initiative (EHMI) workshop entitled, The Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, August 26-27, 2020. Interested individuals are welcome to attend the workshop and may wish to monitor the National Academies website for further information.
As you prepare for the NASM-facilitated sessions above, should questions arise that you wish to pose to the presenters, please send these to NASM at this time to kstowell@arts-accredit.org. Such an opportunity will be made available during the sessions as well.
It remains imperative that music administrators consider the challenges faced by their own institutions, review information pertinent to these challenges, gather and order ideas as they pertain to and align with institutional mission and initiatives, and embark upon decision-making processes that address current and unfolding institution-specific circumstances. Although the outcome of institutional activity may result in the creation and implementation of policies, processes, and/or procedures, the process of discovery which results in such conclusions as guided by strategic thinking and planning remains of paramount importance as the results may assist institutions not only to address immediate and short-term issues, but as well, lay a solid foundation for future initiatives.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact the National Office staff for assistance.
The National Office extends heartfelt appreciation for your continued service to NASM and the field of music during these unprecedented times.
Thank you and best wishes.