Student COVID-19 Update - April 1

To protect the health and safety of faculty, staff, and students, the university will close most academic and administrative buildings, including athletic facilities, effective immediately. Staff will continue to work remotely during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until further notice.

University residence halls and apartments will close on Tuesday, April 7. Students with extenuating circumstances may apply for an exemption if unable to vacate at this time. Students will receive an email from Housing Operations and Residence Life this evening with further instructions, including details on scheduling a move-out appointment. Residents will receive a prorated credit and will be released from summer housing leases.

A few key offices that provide critical services will remain open for limited hours. The Bursar’s Office, Human Resources, and the Mail Center will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, Monday-Friday. However, we urge you to visit these offices in person only if it is urgent and the situation cannot be handled over the phone. The Houston Cole Library will continue to offer curbside pickup between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Student Health Center will continue to operate during its normal hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Transportation for students from campus to the health center, if needed, is available by calling 256-782-5885. A very limited number of COVID-19 tests are available to students, faculty, and staff if their symptoms meet the criteria set forth by the State of Alabama. Please call the Center in advance at 256-782-5310 to confirm that tests are still available and whether you meet the criteria.

Jack Hopper Dining Hall and The Red Rooster continue to be open, take out only, for the few students unable to leave campus. The Gamecock Food Pantry is also open for those struggling to access basic food and supplies. To arrange a time to visit the Food Pantry, email jsuhousing@jsu.edu.

The Technology Support Center will now only provide support remotely, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by email or through Microsoft Teams. Students should email techcenter@jsu.edu with any account or technology support needs. Faculty and staff should continue to create support tickets for assistance.

Looking ahead, the administration has decided that all classes will be held online for Summer 2020. Decisions about campus operations, including housing, will be announced as soon as possible. Additionally, several options are under consideration for Gamecock Orientation (GO!) this summer, and a decision will be announced by May 4.

Thank you for your continued patience as we respond to this ever-evolving situation. If you have any questions not addressed on the online list of Frequently Asked Questions, please respond to this email, and JSU’s Public Relations staff will help get the answers you need.

Thank you,
Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr.
Acting President