Bobcat Families
Welcome to Fall 2020!
Dear Bobcat Families,
In this newsletter, I want to draw your attention to some of the changes your student can expect this semester. Our dedicated staff, faculty, and administrators have worked all summer on implementing safety measures while delivering on our promise of a world-class liberal arts education.
More details and updated campus announcements can be found at https://www.gcsu.edu/return. I encourage you to explore the menu on the right side of that page where you will find many more details and resources about campus reopening.
Social Distancing
Classrooms
Signage
Mask Requirement
Sanitizers
Other Considerations
"How will ___ work?"
- Dining: The Max will have grab-and-go available all day with several options for students to pick up. Students may also eat in The Max, but seating is limited to comply with reduced capacity guidelines. Subway will be temporarily closed to allow more space for Chick-fil-A. Other retail dining will still be available. Meal equivalency swipes have been temporarily suspended.
- Shuttles: The Blue Line will be running with stops at West Campus every 4 minutes. Students will be asked to distance on the buses.
- Student Health Services: The clinic will not accept walk-ins. Students can make appointments Monday-Friday from 8:15-4:30. All intake will be done by telehealth, and nurse practitioners will diagnose and treat virtually whenever possible. If students need to be seen physically, they will be directed to an exam room. The clinic will have a dedicated entrance and exit to prevent exposure to healthy students in the WRC.
- Student Involvement: Intramural and club sports will continue with no-contact sports playing with safety guidelines in place and high-contact sports being modified in creative ways that allow students to stay active and involved safely. Student organizations will be encouraged to meet virtually, but a new event registration process is in place to allow for small gatherings with various safety measures in place.
- Wellness and Recreation Center: The WRC is open exclusively for students. Workout machines have been spaced 12-14 feet apart. Group fitness classes have reduced capacity and require students to sign-up in advance. Mask wearing will be enforced. Locker rooms and gathering areas are closed. Staff will be monitoring capacity in the WRC and sanitizing machines frequently.
"What's the deal with classes?"
Simultaneously, faculty with high COVID risk factors were able to request the ability to instruct remotely. Your student may now see some classes designated "online".
In other classes, a hybrid/flex model will be in place, where the class is divided into groups with one group attending F2F while the other group attends virtually; then they switch, so everyone has a F2F experience.
As these changes have been made, the Registrar's Office has been auditing student schedules to try to prevent a student from inadvertently having all online classes whenever possible. With 85% of classes having a F2F component, most students will have more in-person classes than not.
Faculty have been instructed to include a new syllabus statement regarding absences related to illness. If a student feels ill or suspects they have had direct exposure to COVID, they should not attend class. They should notify their faculty in advance so arrangements can be made to keep them on track while they self-monitor, isolate, or recover.
We know the uncertainty can be frustrating. Our top priority is the safety of our community, followed by our promise to deliver a world-class liberal arts education. We are grateful for your patience and support, and we are always happy to answer your questions as we navigate these strange times together.
Contact
Email: emily.jarvis@gcsu.edu
Website: www.gcsu.edu/parent
Location: Parks Hall 206
Phone: 478-445-8566
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bobcatfamilies