Student COVID-19 Update- March 27

Dear Students,

Out of concern for your health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, the university will not resume in-person classes for the spring semester. However, we are committed to providing you the outstanding education you expected upon enrolling at JSU and will continue classes via online instruction.

Online classes will resume on Monday, March 30. Exceptions to online delivery will be considered only in those limited cases where direct interaction is required for licensure or certification. Students will continue using Canvas as the Learning Management System to access courses. Any additional instructions for using Zoom or other capabilities will be communicated by the faculty. We have compiled a list of resources to assist you as you continue your studies remotely.

Most university offices will remain closed next week; however, critical administrative offices will be open with minimal staff to ensure continuity of operations, with support from staff working remotely. Departmental staff will be monitoring voicemail and email, with email being the first choice of communication. You may also leave a voicemail message, and someone will get back with you as soon as possible. Faculty and advisors are also available by email or voicemail. Search the directory online.

Housing

Residence Halls will stay open throughout the remainder of the spring semester. Students who wish to move out early will have the opportunity to sign up for a move-out time between March 30 and April 4.

Students who choose to move out will receive a prorated credit for housing and meals beginning March 30, if they move out of residence halls and apartments by April 4. Students who do not move out during this time will not receive a prorated credit. Proper move-out must occur, and keys must be returned for students to receive a prorated credit.

Students who have already moved out must return keys by April 4 to receive a prorated credit. Prorated credit will be applied to student accounts for Summer 2020 or Fall 2020 expenses. Graduating students will need to visit Student Accounts in Bibb Graves Hall, Room 245, for further instructions. Students whose housing was paid for by university scholarships will not receive a prorated credit.

Students will have the opportunity to sign up for a day and time to move out of their residence hall assignment. To comply with social distancing guidelines and keep groups less than 10, a limited number of checkout time slots will be available per day per residence hall or apartment. Please contact Housing Operations and Residence Life if you are not able to move out on your specific day or time. Alternate arrangements will be made for students who need accommodations. Students will be allowed to bring two guests with them to assist with the move-out process.

During this time, please assist us in providing a safe environment for our residents. It is important that we work together to make this transition as smooth as possible. The Office of Housing Operations and Residence Life will communicate with students, via JSU email, and provide move out information to the residents.

Dining

All food service for the rest of the semester will be provided by the Jack Hopper Dining Hall and The Red Rooster. Meals will be provided by takeout only until the Governor and university administration release this restriction. Prorated dining credit will be available through Sodexo. Students should contact Sodexo to cancel meal plans and apply for prorated credits to their student accounts. Any unused Flex Dollars will be rolled over to Summer 2020 or Fall 2020. Students whose meal plans were paid for by university scholarships will not receive a prorated credit. Graduating students will need to visit Student Accounts in Bibb Graves Hall, Room 245, for further instructions.

Library

Houston Cole Library will remain closed the week of March 30. Only critical library personnel will be allowed in the building. All of Houston Cole Library’s electronic resources will remain available online through the duration of the semester. Students, faculty and staff may continue to request physical materials, including iPads, via a web form during business hours, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Materials will be delivered curbside by appointment. Patrons returning materials are asked to use the outside book drop in the library’s parking lot.

Recreation and Fitness Center

By the Governor’s declaration, the Recreation and Fitness Center will remain closed until further notice. Members have access to an at-home workout platform, free of charge, to assist them in staying active.

Student Health Center

The Student Health Center will remain open as follows: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 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.

Graduating Students

We are saddened that this pandemic has interrupted the final semester of college for graduating students. The undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 1-2 will not take place. The university will hold commencement ceremonies for the spring graduating class either in late May or early June. If we are unable to hold the ceremonies then, the spring graduates will participate in a ceremony August 1.

Summer Semester

Registration is now open for the summer semester. The administration is still evaluating options and will make an announcement regarding online versus in-person delivery method on April 3.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. We will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and make decisions accordingly. We know these times are difficult, and we are here to work through this with you. We are all in this together, and we will prevail.

Thank you,

Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr.
Acting President