COVID-19 Updates

Hello staff and students! With updates coming daily and even hour-by-hour we are commited to keeping you updated on the current situation. All updates will be sent through email, and we will also keep a running bulliten of all updates posted here. If you have any questions, each campuses director will be your point of contact.

Pearl Campus: Syd Bernal ([email protected])
Vancouver Campus: Noelle Sanborn ([email protected])

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Monday, March 16th, 2020: 5:00PM

Dear Aveda Family,

Thank you for your patience and understanding through this constantly changing situation.  Based on statements and declarations passed down this afternoon in both states, we have had to make the difficult decision to close our campuses until April 16th (Oregon) and April 24th (Vancouver) or such time that we get the all clear from our local governments.  Please know that this was a very difficult decision to make, however our students' safety and well-being are our utmost concern.  

For this week, we will be making contract addendums much like we do for snow days. We are planning on having our distance learning up and running next Tuesday, March 24th. “Distance Learning” is a way to complete theory hours via internet and Learn Aveda. Access to WiFi is required. We will have theory modules developed for all students. This will allow you to continue to clock hours and work on your education while we await further guidance. If your circumstances do not allow for distance learning, please know that a leave of absence is available. Please reach out to me with your decision no later than 5pm on Thursday, March 19th as we will need to have all the paperwork completed by Friday March 20th at 5pm. 

Please know that this decision did not come easily, your education is very important to us. We understand that this may raise a lot of questions and concerns so please feel free to reach out to at [email protected] or [email protected].

Yours in service,
Syd Bernal , Noelle Sanborn and the Aveda Institute Portland leadership team

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Monday, March 16th, 2020: 12:00PM

Dear Aveda Institute Portland Family,

We would like to address questions and concerns that have been raised as we respond to the outbreak of COVID-19 virus in Oregon and Washington State.  Please be assured that the health of our students and staff are our upmost priority. Thank you for your patience as we navigate through an evolving situation in a way that ensures the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

How is Aveda Institute Portland making decisions?

Aveda Institute Portland is in contact with governing bodies from each state in order to make the best and most informed decision for our students. Our leadership team is working closely with onsite Directors to monitor and evaluate evolving information from local, state and federal health officials to assure we are meeting all safety standards for our students. We are in contact with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the Washington State Department of Licensing in order to make sure we are following Governor Kate Brown and Inslee's directive in full compliance to the best outcome for our students. This is a dynamic situation and we will continue to adjust and adapt accordingly.

Are we still operating the student clinic classroom?

As of Tuesday March 17, classes will be continuing as scheduled and the clinic floor will remain open for mannequin work. We will be open for normal hours, however we will not be offering extended hours. This week will be focused on completing as many sign offs as possible before possibly going to distance learning which will be based solely on theory. Please bring your tools and mannequin heads as student services and live model workshopping will be suspended. Our clinic floor and spa will be closed to guests until further notice. As always, we are sensitive to the individual needs of our students and are fully aware of other area closures. If you are experiencing difficulties, I will be your point of contact. My email is [email protected]. 

During this time, we will continue to implement preventive measures as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local health departments, as well as our own stringent health and hygiene protocols. Aveda Institute Portland has the highest standards of sanitation and cleanliness which assists with illness prevention. We employ rigorous sanitation standards and robust cleaning procedures, including:

• Extensive and ongoing training for students and Institute team members on maintaining a safe and hygienic community for our students and team members.
• Increasing the frequency and extent of our cleaning practices, such as additional wipe downs of all hard surfaces including the clinic stations, treatment rooms, classrooms, bathrooms, and retail counters on an hourly basis.
• Practicing social distancing of 6 feet in the classroom and on the clinic floor to avoid contact with no more than 50 people to a shared space.
• Implementing heightened sanitization and hand-washing procedures for all students and employees.

When would the Institute close? 

We are continuing to assess all available information to follow the recommendation of the relevant state and local health departments as well as the CDC and other local, state and national educational professionals. Students need to prepare for the possibility that the facility could be closed as the outbreak continues. If the Institute is to close, you will receive notification with as much advance notice as possible. At that time, we will switch to a distance learning-based theory education in which remaining theory hours would be completed. Those that do not have theory hours remaining would be put on a Leave of Absence so that their attendance is not affected.  

What if I don’t feel safe coming to school?

You are not required to continue your schooling and will be granted a leave of absence in increments of 2 weeks if you do not feel safe or comfortable in coming to school. If you are on a leave of absence, you are not eligible for distance learning until you return. You may transition from a leave of absence to distance learning. Again, please contact me, at [email protected] to put this plan in place and do the appropriate paperwork. This can be done electronically if you are not able to come in. 

How is the school being disinfected?

Aveda Institute Portland building are cleaned and disinfected regularly with hospital-grade disinfectant as is standard practice. Our building is now being cleaned and disinfected more often with extra attention being shown to frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, technology, clinic stations, spa beds, etc. 

What can staff and students do to stay healthy?

Please take the extra precautions that are recommend by the CDC such as:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

Again, please be assured that the health of our students and staff are among our highest priority. We appreciate your partnership and patience during this time of uncertainty. We will continue to provide regular updates through email as this situation progresses.  

Yours in service,
Syd Bernal, Noelle Sanborn and the Aveda Institute Portland leadership team