Back on Track: Fall 2020

Last updated: August 21, 2020

As Georgia Southwestern anticipates the return to campus for students for the Fall 2020 semester, faculty, staff and administration are working hard to get our Hurricanes back on track and prepare for the resumption of in-person instruction, programs, and services following the recommended safety guidelines and precautions. The health and safety of our campus community remains our highest priority as we continue to adapt to the COVID-19 threat.

This website will serve as the main information source with detailed guidance and recommendations for resuming campus operations in Fall 2020. The current situation is still very fluid, much can and will change as we move forward. As a result, please be aware that as new information emerges or if we receive additional guidance and directives, we may need to adjust and react accordingly. In those situations, we will make every effort to update this page whenever it is appropriate. 

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.

Recent Campus Updates

These are the most recent 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 >>

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 immediately notify the Office of the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success using the COVID-19 Online Report at gsw.edu/COVIDreport or by emailing covid@gsw.edu. 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. 

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.