message from dr. bryan carrier, vice president for student ... · dr. mike salazar professor of...
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Message from Dr. Bryan Carrier, Vice President for Student Life
Union University Executive Council first began addressing issues with, and
making decisions pertaining to, COVID-19 in January 2020. Our primary
goal has been, and continues to be, to care well for the Union community;
namely, our students, faculty, staff, and their families, even as we continue
to fulfill our mission. Guiding this goal is our understanding that this is not
a surprise to the sovereign God whom we serve. Because of who Christ is,
and who we are in relationship with Him, we should have faith over fear,
peace over panic, and ultimately, love over all!
The contents of this report include a synopsis of the work of numerous
colleagues at Union University. They have all diligently analyzed the data,
considered the needs of our community, prayed fervently, and developed
strategies that inform the recommendations contained herein. The work of
the task forces will continue, and these recommendations will be updated as research, data, and guidelines
relating to COVID-19 continue to develop.
Our intent is to follow the normal academic calendar for the 2020-2021 academic year
(http://www.uu.edu/catalogue/pdfs/2021calendar.pdf). Doing so will require flexibility, persistence, and
ultimately love for others. We want to encourage every member of the Union community to care well for
themselves and for others. As we are taught in the book of Romans 5:3-5, suffering brings about
perseverance, and perseverance brings about character, and character brings about hope. While things will
look different when the Union community returns to campus for the fall semester (e.g., social distancing,
masks expected in public spaces, altered schedules/activities, etc.), we have great hope in what God will do
in and through the people and place of Union University.
Blessings,
Dr. Bryan Carrier
Vice President for Student Life
Union University
1
Table of Contents
Task Force Membership ...................................................................................... 3
Introduction .......................................................................................................... 4
Resumption of In-Person Instruction ................................................................... 5
Health and Safety ................................................................................................. 6
Academic Affairs ................................................................................................. 9
Student Life........................................................................................................13
Chapel ................................................................................................................16
Athletic and Athletic-Related Activities............................................................17
2
TASK FORCE MEMBERSHIP
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Dr. Dub Oliver
President
Dr. Todd Brady
Vice President for University Ministries
Dr. Bryan Carrier
Vice President for Student Life
Mr. Dan Griffin
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Ms. Catherine Kwasigroh
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Dr. Ben Mitchell
Special Assistant to the President
Dr. John Netland
Provost and Vice President for Academic
Affairs
Mr. Rick Taphorn
Vice President for Business Affairs
DELAYED START TASK FORCE
Ms. Rebecca Bohner
Director of BSW Programs
Dr. Mark Bolyard
Department Chair, Biology
Dr. Bryan Carrier
Vice President for Student Life
Dr. Jennifer Delk
Department Chair, Undergraduate Nursing
Ms. Susan Hopper
Registrar
Dr. John Netland
Provost and Vice President for Academic
Affairs
Dr. Phillip Ryan
Director for the Center of Intercultural
Engagement
Dr. Ann Singleton
Associate Provost and Dean for Instruction
SPACE AND DE-DENSIFICATION
TASK FORCE
Dr. Hunter Baker
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Ms. Ashley Blair
Department Chair, Communication Arts
Ms. Susan Hopper
Registrar
Dr. Bill Nettles
Department Chair, Physics
Dr. Ray Van Neste
Dean, School of Theology and Missions
Ms. Virginia Schwindt
Professor of Social Work
Dr. Jacob Shatzer
Associate Dean, School of Theology and
Missions
Mr. Josh Simmons
Director for eLearning Success and Media
Services
TRANSITIONS TO ONLINE LEARNING
TASK FORCE
Mr. Lee Benson
Department Chair, Art
Dr. Yvonne Brinson,
Department Chair, BSOL Germantown
Ms. Christy Davis
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dr. George DeMaagd
Associate Dean, College of Pharmacy
Dr. John Foubert
Dean, College of Education
Dr. Jason Garrett
Dean, McAfee School of Business
Dr. Greg Holifield
Associate Dean, MCUTS
Dr. John Kinchen
Department Chair, Music
Ms. Mary Anne Poe
Dean, School of Social Work
Dr. Mike Salazar
Professor of Chemistry
HEALTH AND SAFETY TASK FORCE
Dr. Bryan Carrier
Vice President for Student Life
Mr. Steve Hopper
Director for Facilities Management
Dr. Chris Lewis
Medical Director
Dr. Ken Litscher
Dean of Student Life
Mr. Yancey Pettigrew
Director for Safety and Security
A special thank you to other
faculty and staff as well as
students who made significant
contributions to the work of this
report and the safe return to
campus.
3
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has been, and continues to be, a disruptive event requiring extraordinary
measures. In order to ensure the health and safety of the Union University community as much as possible,
multiple task forces have been appointed. Under the direction of the Executive Council, task forces
representing all Union University campuses have developed plans for a safe return to campus and
educational activity.
In this extraordinary time, campus health and safety are a top priority. New protocols have been developed
and implemented, and they are constantly being reviewed to ensure the safe return of our faculty, staff, and
students. The task forces have established the following guidelines to mitigate the risk of exposure to
COVID-19, to contain the spread of COVID-19, and to ensure the de-densification of classrooms and events
across all Union University campuses.
Principal to accomplishing this, the task forces have developed plans and created resources related to:
1 2 3 4 5 6
Implementation of
health and safety
protocols to
mitigate risk
associated with
COVID-19
Procurement and
utilization of
personal
protective
equipment (PPE)
Symptom
reporting and
contact tracing
Communication
and enforcement
of return to
work/class
protocols
Appropriate
training and
education
Heightened
cleaning and
sanitization
standards
These guidelines apply to all students, faculty, and staff at Union University. This model is endorsed by the
task forces and is to be used by each department and campus location to develop cooperative and
comprehensive policies. Due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation and the intricacies of each
department/program, deans and directors may implement different and/or additional requirements as it
pertains to the requirements/guidelines for their academic program (e.g., clinicals, athletic training
rotations, student internships, etc.).
We recognize this plan will not address all concerns that may arise. Should there be specific questions,
please submit them to [email protected]. We will do our best to respond to questions in a timely manner.
4
Resumption of In-Person Instruction
Union University Executive Council, in consultation with the various task forces, has determined to follow
the approved 2020-21 academic calendar: http://www.uu.edu/catalogue/pdfs/2021calendar.pdf. The
approved academic calendar with its various breaks has been developed over time to best suit the physical
and mental health of our community. We decided not to abandon the breaks in favor of ending early because
we want to structure the semester in a way that leads to the best outcomes possible.
Generally speaking, in-person classes will resume on August 18, 2020. This decision has been made given
the reasonable expectation that the University can adequately comply with the guidelines outlined by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), Tennessee
Department of Health (TNDoH), and the Madison County Health Department (MCHD).
The aforementioned protocols include the following:
Physical distancing/social distancing; (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-
getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
Wearing a mask or face covering over the nose and mouth when in public spaces
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)
Frequent washing of hands (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html)
Regularly checking your temperature (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/travelers/pdf/COVID19-Temperature-Log-ENG-P.pdf).
While the intent is to follow the normal academic calendar, academic and campus life will be impacted
significantly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of the Union community is
contingent upon everyone’s (students, faculty, and staff) commitment to one another and to a healthy
campus.
The following protocols have been established to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:
Physical Distancing/Social Distancing
Physical/social distancing measures are to be implemented in all university facilities whenever possible.
Practicing physical/social distancing should be strongly emphasized and encouraged among the campus
community.
Keep a Safe Distance!
5
Health & Safety
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Face coverings
All faculty, staff, and students are expected to wear face coverings when in public spaces. Face coverings
are not a substitution for social distancing. All faculty, staff, and students must wear face coverings in
classrooms, labs, communal office space, on-campus gatherings, and in any campus setting where social
distancing is difficult to maintain. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to
meet this requirement. To seek accommodations, please contact Dr. Gregory Bohner in the Office of
Disability Services at uu.edu/ods.
Face coverings are not required in one’s own residence hall suite, alone in an enclosed office or study
room, or in public outdoor settings where physical distancing requirements are met.
PPE Procurement
Faculty will be provided a cloth face mask as well as a face shield. All students and staff will receive a
Union branded face mask. Disposable face masks will be provided to visitors who arrive without a face
covering. Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout buildings on campus. Faculty, staff, and students
are responsible for maintaining their personal PPE.
Additional PPE Requirements
Faculty, staff, and students in a clinical setting must follow the official PPE guidelines of the local clinical
facility.
Local Jurisdiction Requirements
In addition to campus requirements, all faculty, staff, and students must comply with local ordinances
for face coverings in Madison, Shelby, and Sumner counties.
Click here to see
CDC guidelines
on the use of
face coverings.
6
Health & Safety
Temperature Check Stations
In an effort to provide the Union community with some of the tools necessary to help prevent the spread of COVID-
19 on campus, Health Services has provided various departments with no-touch infrared thermometers. We have
tried to distribute these tools to accommodate the entire university. Temperature check stations are located
throughout each campus and are clearly identified via signage.
Signage/Education
To effectively minimize the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19, proper training and education are necessary
to ensure an understanding of applicable protocols, and to encourage individuals to be advocates for prevention.
Signage from the CDC pertaining to the identification of symptoms and prevention of COVID-19 has been installed
in prominent and visible locations throughout each campus.
In campus locations where lines may form, floor markings have been installed to indicate proper distancing.
Additionally, traffic flow indicators have been specified at points of ingress and egress with high foot traffic.
MEDICAL PROTOCOL BASED ON TESTING, REPORTED SYMPTOMS, AND/OR EXPOSURE
Symptomatic
Confirmed Positive
Symptomatic
Confirmed Negative
Asymptomatic
Confirmed Positive
Asymptomatic
Close Contacts of COVID-19 Positive
Cases Immediate isolation
for minimum of 10
days since symptom
onset, including at
least 72 hours since
symptom recovery and
compliance with local
public health quarantine
orders
Reporting to Health
Services for
documentation and
contact tracing
Conferring with Health
Services prior to return
to work/classes
Immediate isolation
while awaiting test
results
May return to normal
activities 24 hours after
symptom recovery
Reporting to Health
Services for
documentation and
contact tracing
Conferring with Health
Services prior to return
to work/classes
Immediate 10-day
isolation and
compliance with local
public health
quarantine orders
Reporting to Health
Services for
documentation and
contact tracing
Self-monitor for
symptom development,
check temperature
Conferring with Health
Services prior to return
to work/classes
EMPLOYEES:
Immediate *14-day self-
quarantine unless
released earlier by a
medical professional
and compliance with
local public health
quarantine orders
Reporting to Health
Services for
documentation and
contact tracing
Self-monitor for
symptom development
Conferring with Health
Services prior to return
to work/classes
Customized protocols
may be utilized
particularly for
healthcare workers/
clinical staff
STUDENTS:
Immediate *14-day self-
quarantine unless
released earlier by
Health Services and
compliance with local
public health quarantine
orders
Reporting to and active
monitoring by Health
Services for
documentation and
contact tracing
Self-monitor for
symptom development
Conferring with Health
Services prior to return
to work/classes
Customized protocols
may be utilized
particularly for
healthcare workers/
clinical staff
*The 14-day self-quarantine period is in keeping with the CDC guidelines pertaining to the possible incubation
period for COVID-19.
7
Health & Safety
The CDC defines close contact as:
You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes.
You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, or kissed them).
You shared eating or drinking utensils.
COVID-19 patient sneezed, coughed, or transferred respiratory droplets.
Reminder:
Each individual should ask themselves the following five questions each day before leaving for class or
work:
1. Have I been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
2. Am I experiencing a cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
3. Have I had a fever in the last 48 hours?
4. Have I had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?
5. Have I had new loss of taste or smell?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you must stay home.
CLEANING/SANITIZATION
Cleaning and disinfecting protocols
Union University has developed a plan for cleaning and disinfecting to reduce the risk of exposure to
COVID-19 and other viruses. The plan includes the identification of surfaces and objects that require
routine cleaning and those that require heightened disinfecting (such as high-touch areas including
doorknobs, common areas, desks, light switches, handrails, etc.). Housekeeping staff schedules have been
altered, and equipment has been procured, to allow classrooms/common areas to be disinfected throughout
the day. Additionally, sanitizing wipes or disinfectant will be made available in classrooms to promote the
cleaning between classes. The plans will be monitored and revised based on updated guidance and current
circumstances.
Individual spaces
Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for cleaning/sanitizing personal workspace.
Click here
to see
CDC
guidelines
for cleaning
and
disinfecting
public
spaces.
Click here to see CDC
guidance for higher
education for instances
of minimal- to-moderate
or severe transmission.
Click here to see
MCHD guidance
for businesses in
response to
COVID-19
8
Academic Affairs
In addition to the adoption of all requirements outlined in the Health & Safety protocols, the following
measures and procedures are applicable to Academic Affairs.
SPACE AND DE-DENSIFICATION TASK FORCE
Population Density Reduction and Space Utilization on Campus
Union University has implemented policies to de-densify (reduce population density) on campus during
classroom instruction. Measures include limitations on classroom capacity, additional space for classroom
utilization, and modification of instructional delivery methods. Additionally, appropriate safety measures
are being implemented for courses involving lab work, music, and theatre. Furthermore, a seating chart will
be established and maintained in classrooms in order to aid in contact tracing.
The task force has been analyzing classrooms to ensure that proper social
distancing can be achieved for face-to-face classes. Some classes have been
reassigned to larger classrooms, and the task team is evaluating the
possibility of appropriating some larger spaces for classroom purposes (e.g.,
Harvey Auditorium, the Chapel, Luther Hall, etc.).
Task force recommendations include the following:
1. Face masks will be worn by students and staff in all academic
buildings; face masks or shields (produced by the Engineering Department) will be worn by faculty
in all academic buildings (except in the privacy of their offices when no one else is present).
2. When teaching, faculty should remain 1–2 meters from students and either wear a clear face shield
or face mask. Lab or computer assistance situations may require interactions that are closer, and
faculty should be deliberate in minimizing the time of close interaction.
3. Classrooms should be configured with all students facing forward to allow a minimum of 1.5 meters
between students (per the recommendations of the World Health Organization and The Lancet).
Classrooms that cannot be configured this way because of furniture or equipment should consider
appropriate alternate layouts.
4. These classroom protocols also apply to pair and small group work. Faculty should either integrate
alternative means for small groups to meet that adhere to these protocols or avoid working in small
groups/pairs. Faculty should modify lab exercises to allow experiments to be performed by a single
person or at most a pair, but without constant close contact.
5. All class syllabi should:
a. include a clear plan to provide remote-learning accommodations for higher-risk students who
cannot attend face-to-face classes, students who are ill, or students in required quarantine;
b. instruct students with COVID-19 symptoms (as defined by the CDC) to not attend class and to
follow the remote learning accommodation plan provided in the syllabus;
c. include a clear policy for if/what documentation is required for absences due to illness and/or
COVID-19 symptoms;
d. include a clear plan for how learning will take place and be evaluated in the event a class or all
classes are required to meet remotely due to health concerns.
9
Academic Affairs
Students with serious health conditions who wish to seek reasonable accommodations if their medical
conditions preclude their return to the classroom should contact Dr. Gregory Bohner in the Office of
Disability services at uu.edu/ods. Faculty and staff with serious health conditions who wish to seek
reasonable accommodations if their medical conditions preclude their return to work should contact Dr.
John Carbonell in Human Resources.
DELAYED START TASK FORCE
As previously stated, the intent is to begin fall semester programming on our campuses as scheduled. That
means for programs which meet face-to-face, we are planning to resume our face-to-face instruction on
August 18. Programs that are ordinarily online will, of course, continue in that format. Considering how
much uncertainty there is about the continued or perhaps resurgent threat of the pandemic, we have planned
for a variety of contingencies.
Delayed Start Contingencies
A delayed start to the semester will be invoked only if a resurgence in the pandemic causes civic authorities
to re-impose lockdown measures. If that were to happen, the general contours of the plan are as follows:
A delayed start will only affect in-seat classes in the fall semester.
Online courses can begin on the regularly-scheduled August 18 start date.
Courses in the accelerated terms will need to stick with the original schedule. The leadership of
these programs will provide guidance for beginning these semesters in a remote learning platform.
There are four scenarios for a delayed start to the fall semester:
August 30–December 19
September 8–December 19
September 14–December 19
September 21–December 19
The first scenario would maintain a normal class schedule. The second scenario would feature MW and
TTh 75-minute classes, with Fridays left open for labs and longer classes. The final two scenarios would
be similar while requiring 90-minute classes.
Again, we don’t believe we will need to utilize these at this point. However, we are seeking to address all
possible contingencies.
TRANSITIONS TO ONLINE LEARNING TASK FORCE
The Task Force on Transitions to Online Learning was commissioned by the Provost
with the task of making contingency plans for resuming work on remote learning
platforms, in case a second wave of the pandemic would force lockdowns later in the
semester.
Data was reviewed from surveys of students, staff, and faculty related to their experience with remote
learning platforms during the spring 2020 semester transition. Primary themes from the survey included
some mixed feelings about the use of synchronous vs. asynchronous courses; some student expressions of
10
Academic Affairs
“Zoom fatigue” but also a feeling that some synchronous class time was necessary; strong student
satisfaction with the Canvas LMS and a desire that more classes make use of Canvas; student perception
that the amount of work increased in the online platform (often from class discussions being transposed
into written, threaded discussions online); expressions of gratitude for faculty and administrative
communication but also some significant frustrations with insufficient communications related to
individual courses. The full recommendations of the task team involve Zoom Usage, Canvas Integration,
Course Related Communications, and Course Assessments.
The following insights have been shared with faculty:
It is possible that you will have students who will need to be quarantined at some point. You should
plan on ways for students to keep up with coursework even if they have to miss some class sessions.
You should have a plan in place in case you become sick and miss significant portions of the class.
Plan your syllabus and course outline with an awareness that we might need to finish the semester
online. This could affect how you sequence assignments. It is important to focus on pedagogical
practices that will work well for an online format.
An abbreviated summary of the task team’s recommendations includes the following:
All faculty should make some use of Canvas from the beginning of the semester.
o In keeping with university policy, all course syllabi should be posted on Canvas.
o Faculty are encouraged to send out announcements to class via Canvas at the beginning of
the semester to establish a communication pattern.
o Faculty are encouraged to make Canvas their primary means of communicating with
students.
o Faculty are encouraged to post assignments on Canvas and to use the Gradebook in Canvas.
Faculty are encouraged to communicate the following:
o Include a section in the syllabus to indicate plans in case the course needs to go online.
o Communicate expectations for responding to student inquiries. The task team recommends
a 24–hour response time within the week, 48 hours over the weekend.
o Whether classes are conducted in-seat or online, make certain that communication is
timely, thoughtful, and thorough.
If the University must return to an online delivery model, the task team recommends the following:
o Faculty should have some format for meeting synchronously with students, whether that is
the predominant mode or not.
o Synchronous sessions should meet during the regularly-scheduled class times.
o In order to avoid Zoom fatigue, the task team recommends live Zoom meetings to consist
of about an hour per week.
o Synchronous sessions should also be recorded and posted onto Canvas.
o Faculty should communicate weekly updates for students.
Course Assessments proved to be a challenge in an online environment. The task team recommends
the following:
o Faculty should be aware that online assessments generally take longer than in-seat
11
Academic Affairs
assessments do and should plan accordingly.
o Faculty should also recognize that technology, including Wi-Fi access, can be spotty for
many students and should take that into account. Sometimes students have to take their
assessments in high-traffic areas in their homes, which can trigger Respondus into
lockdown mode.
o Faculty should address the reality of academic dishonesty with their students, set clear
expectations for online assignments, and have their students sign an honor statement (a
pledge to do one’s own work, with honesty and integrity).
Academic deans and chairs will assist faculty in successfully re-implementing remote learning should the
need arise.
12
Student Life
In addition to the adoption of all requirements outlined in the Health & Safety protocols, the following
applies to the Division of Student Life at Union University.
HOUSING
Move-In
Additional time will be provided for move-in to minimize congestion. Increased move-in time is given in
order to restrict the volume of vehicles and persons able to participate in each time slot. The Office of
Residence Life will communicate with new and returning students on Monday, July 20, regarding the times
available and the process for move-in.
Reasonable Accommodations for Student Populations
Union University, through the Office for Disability Services, will work with individuals who require
reasonable accommodations related to COVID-19. To request accommodations please visit uu.edu/ods.
Student Health and Emotional Well-Being
Union University will provide increased support and counseling to promote mental health and wellness for
students. To schedule an appointment with Counseling Services, please visit uu.edu/studentlife/counseling-
services/
DINING
Student, Faculty, Staff Protection
Union University, in cooperation with Creative Dining Services, has implemented measures to ensure the
safety of the food service and dining process. Measures include increasing the number of to-go or
prepackaged options, call ahead ordering, and staff-served stations at the salad bar, Home Style station, etc.
Furthermore, seating has been appropriately spaced to ensure social distancing. Dining Services has also
implemented contactless payment systems in the dining hall and Lexington Inn.
Employee Protection
Campus dining employees will wear masks at all times while at work, and may in some instances receive
temperature testing prior to work. The University has installed protective barriers where necessary to
minimize personal contact between employees and patrons.
Service of Meals to On-campus Students in Isolation
Dining Services, in conjunction with the Residence Life staff, will facilitate the contact-free delivery of
meals to residential students staying in on-campus housing designated for COVID-19 positive students.
13
Student Life
COVID-19 Residence Life Policies & Procedures
If a residential student has any of the following symptoms:
Fever of over 100.4°
Newly developed loss of taste or smell
Cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath
Vomiting or diarrhea
They must:
Contact [email protected] and [email protected] to relay when symptoms began and list any Union
faculty, staff, or students with whom they have had close contact up to 48 hours before onset of
first symptoms or positive COVID-19 test (if asymptomatic).
Based on recommendations from the Union Health Clinic, contact a local healthcare provider with
COVID-19 testing capabilities to be tested for COVID-19.
Self-quarantine per the guidelines noted in the medical protocols on page 7 of this document. This
may be done in their apartment, moving to their permanent address, or if needed and available, in
an empty apartment on campus.
A student may find that they have come in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-
19. The CDC defines close contact as:
You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes.
You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, or kissed them).
You shared eating or drinking utensils.
COVID-19 patient sneezed, coughed, or transferred respiratory droplets.
The student should:
Self-quarantine per the guidelines noted in the medical protocols on page 7 of this document. This
may be done in their apartment, moving to their permanent address, or if needed and available, in
an empty apartment on campus.
Self-monitor for symptoms:
o Check temperature twice a day.
o Watch for fever (of at least 100.4°), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-
19.
o Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop or they have a positive test for COVID-19.
o Follow Health Clinic and Residence Life guidance as it pertains to isolation for a positive
COVID-19 test or suspected development of COVID-19.
Union University Residence Life expects to have approximately 30 apartments available for isolation or
quarantine; 17 of those have one bathroom. According to Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Senior
Scholar, Eric Toller, MD: [COVID-19 positive patients] can be isolated together as long as we’re sure
they’re both positive. There’s no problem in having multiple people isolate together. But, ideally, people
should quarantine separately.
14
Student Life
Therefore, Union University will isolate same-gender students who have tested positive for COVID-19
in apartments together, when needed.
If a residential student tests positive for COVID-19, all roommates of the positive student should quarantine
in their apartment if they desire to stay on campus, while maintaining social distance from each other.
Residential students who have had close contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19, but is not a
roommate, should quarantine away from roommates in one of the University’s open apartments or at home.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/EVENTS
Limitations on Events/Event Attendance
Student Life is committed to fostering an intentional campus community. In so doing, programs and events
have been modified in relationship to capacity for event spaces, personal protective equipment (PPE)
requirements, and ability to social distance. Student organizations must submit social distancing plans to
the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement in advance of events. When feasible, programs and
events will be moved to outdoor venues.
Coordination with Greek Life
The Office of Student Leadership and Engagement is coordinating with campus Greek organizations and
national fraternity and sorority chapters to develop plans for recruitment and education of new members.
All plans associated with Greek life will adhere to guidelines published by the chapters’ national governing
bodies.
Greek organizations should implement standards consistent with campus plans for all on-campus events,
and should strongly encourage adherence to the same standards when hosting off-campus events.
CAMPUS RECREATION AND INTRAMURALS
Limited Close Personal Contact
The Wellness Center has reduced its total capacity to ensure social distancing protocols. Enhanced cleaning
and disinfection protocols have also been implemented.
The Wellness Center has implemented CDC guidance and is remaining consistent with state and local
public health orders and ordinances.
Click here to see
CDC guidelines
for recreational
facilities
15
Chapel
Chapel worship services will be modified. All attendees will wear masks and maintain a distance of 1.5
meters from others. Services will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. As seating in the
chapel will be reduced to 350 this fall, students will make reservations for their attendance for each
chapel. With limited seating capacity, the chapel requirement is being lowered from 14 to 7 for fall semester
only.
16
Athletics and Athletic-Related Activities
In addition to the adoption of all requirements outlined in this Health & Safety plan, the following applies
to all athletics and athletic-related activities. For the purposes of this plan, “athletic-related activities”
include coaches and all athletic staff (inclusive of student-assistants), student-athletes, pep band, cheer, and
club sports.
RESUMPTION OF ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
All athletic plans should adhere to NCAA and Gulf South Conference regulations and CDC guidelines, and
should be consistent with this plan where possible. Prior to the resumption of activities, all staff and student-
athletes will receive targeted education on COVID-19 and be fully informed of relevant prevention
measures.
Events
All university-sponsored athletic events will be conducted in compliance with all governing regulations
(i.e., CDC, state and local public health ordinances, and NCAA and Gulf South Conference guidelines),
and consistent with this plan.
Because of the uncertainty surrounding future COVID-19-related restrictions, the Department of Athletics
will develop multiple models for the admission of event spectators at various density levels.
17