March 12, 2020
Attention Hornet Nation:
As the University’s leaders have met over the past weeks, our discussions have centered on making decisions that allow for protecting the health of the campus community. As these decisions are shared in this letter, I emphasize that no cases of COVID 19 have been confirmed among Alabama State University’s campus community—students or employees. We continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and to communicate frequently with the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Out of an abundance of caution, Alabama State University has taken the following steps in regards to Spring Break and continuity of instruction for the remainder of the academic year:
Spring Break
After Spring Break, students should not return to campus for face-to-face classes as online and other alternative delivery methods will be used to allow students to complete their courses for the semester.
The University will communicate with all students about plans for returning to campus to retrieve personal belongings from the residence halls.
International students who have questions or concerns should contact Dr. Linwood Whitten at 334-229-4713.
Continuity of Classes
On March 30, classes will resume ONLY through online and other alternative delivery methods until the end of the spring semester. No face-to-face, on-campus classes will be held.
During this time, students are required to continue to work on class and reading assignments and to read all lecture materials. Students will begin seeing increased eCourse activity by faculty in the next few days, including using Blackboard for lectures, online delivery of lecture materials and the use of discussion boards. Students are to remain off campus for these virtual classes.
Faculty
All faculty are expected to return to campus for work on Monday, March 23, for planning and training. Alternative course instruction will be launched on Monday, March 30. Any additional communications will be disseminated via the Office of Academic Affairs.
Staff
Campus will be open Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17. Staff who have not taken leave are expected to work on those days with the modified Spring Break for the rest of the week. Staff who are not on approved leave will return to work on Monday, March 23.
Events
All internal and external on-campus events have been cancelled as of Monday, March 16.
Athletics
The University has suspended all spring competition and practice for the remainder of the semester.
Personal Travel
We urge all faculty, students and staff travelers to consider carefully potential international travel and check on restrictions and/or quarantine measures that may be recommended or required by the CDC upon arrival or return. As a reminder, please stay at home and contact your supervisor if you or a member of your household exhibits symptoms related to COVID 19.
Faculty and staff are required to self-report to the University any travel out of the state or out of the country during and after Spring break. A link will be provided to you by email for this self-reporting to be done.
Commencement
Determinations regarding Commencement will be shared at a later date.
Please continue to check the University’s website, www.alasu.edu/coronavirus, for updates.
Sincerely,
Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr.
President