Back on Track: Spring 2021

Last updated: January 26, 2021

We look forward to welcoming students back to campus for the Spring 2021 semester. The health and safety of our campus community continues to remain our highest priority. The protocols set forth last semester worked well and will continue the same this semester. The Back on Track webpage serves as the main information source with detailed guidance and recommendations for continuing campus operations during this time. As we receive new information or guidance, we will make every effort to update this page when it is appropriate. 

Report Health Concerns

Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive, or have been directly exposed to someone who tested positive should not attend class and immediately fill out the COVID-19 Online Report at gsw.edu/COVIDreport or email covid@gsw.edu which notifies the Office of the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success. A GSW staff member will be assigned to assist students with managing university affairs such as class absence notification, online coursework while absent, housing relocation and meal delivery if a residential student, and notifying the appropriate GSW staff if an international student or student-athlete.

Employees who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive, or have been directly exposed to someone who tested positive should not report to work, immediately notify their supervisor, and contact Human Resources at 229-931-2000. For more information on leave and accommodations, read here. 

Campus Updates

These are the latest campus updates and will replace any previous guidelines that were in place. For all COVID-19 announcements, visit GSW's Coronavirus Information and Resources.

• Face coverings will be required on all University System of Georgia (USG) campuses, including Georgia Southwestern, effective July 15, 2020. Read more >>
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance for managing COVID-19 related issues including age and underlying medical conditions. Read more >>

Contingency Plans

The contingency plans listed below outline GSW's response to three different scenarios in which campus leaders have addressed workplace and health safety, academic considerations, public service and outreach availability, student life services, enrollment management, athletics, communication strategies, expectations for COVID-19 testing, and fiscal impact.

1. 1. In Contingency Plan 1, fall classes will begin on campus with social distancing expectations.
   2. In Contingency Plan 2, fall classes begin fully online.
   3. In Contingency Plan 3, classes and operations must go to an online format for a period of time during the semester.

Currently, GSW is operating under Contingency Plan 1. Contingency Plan 2 and 3 will be activated if guidance from state or federal officials requires.

This web page will continue to evolve and will be modified as new updates are made available. Please notify University Relations at univrel@gsw.edu of any updates needed to website.