Message from Dr. Bryan Carrier, Vice President for Student ... · Dr. Mike Salazar Professor of Chemistry HEALTH AND SAFETY TASK FORCE Dr. Bryan Carrier Vice President for Student

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