Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Student Guidance and Information
Employee Guidance and Information
Campus Communications:
Woodward Library Access
To comply with recent Clarksville and Montgomery County shelter-at-home orders, Austin Peay State University is limiting access to the Woodward Library. Beginning today:
- General access to the library, except for the front lobby, will be closed for the remainder of the spring semester.
- The front lobby will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.
- The library will provide access to physical resources – books, laptops, etc. – using the front lobby as a transfer point. No one will be permitted to enter the main part of the building. Students can call the library front desk at 931-221-7346 to alert the staff of their needs. The staff will check out what is needed and place the items on a table in the lobby.
- Library staff will provide access to journal articles that are not available online by scanning and emailing the articles.
- Students, faculty and staff will continue to have access to the library’s large array of online resources.
- Research assistance will be provided via email, text or chat by librarians who are telecommuting.
If a student needs computer access, the University still has laptops available through its APSU COVID-19 Laptop Loan program.
APSU COVID-19 Laptop Loan Program
The Laptop Loan Program provides laptops to students without computer access on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of computers are still available. To request a laptop loan, visit https://govstech.apsu.edu/TDClient/2071/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=14868. Students must have an APSU student ID, a valid driver’s license, a state-issued ID card or a passport to participate. Students will be notified via email when their laptop is available for pickup at the library. The laptop loan is planned to expire at the end of the spring semester.
If any students require D2L support, they can contact APSU Distance Education at 931-221-6625 or online@apsu.edu.
In several of our APSU COVID-19 Task Force messages, we have mentioned following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for social distancing. Over the last week, we have noticed that many individuals are not implementing CDC guidelines of social distancing. These instances include people gathered at dining tables together, recreating in proximity (less than six feet apart), fitness training or recreational sports in groups and taking graduation photos with groups, including direct contact that do not follow the CDC guidelines.
Today, APSU announced its first two cases testing positive. With the spread of COVID-19 inevitably affecting APSU, we are implementing mandatory campus-wide social distancing known as, “Have a heart, stay six feet apart.” For your safety, and the safety of others, if you are on campus property you must stay six feet apart. Anyone congregating in groups or not practicing social distancing is subject to student or employee disciplinary actions. Please, have a heart, stay six feet apart.
—APSU COVID-19 Task Force
For the last several weeks, the University has worked hard to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, and throughout this process, I’ve promised to keep you informed of any important changes or updates – particularly in regards to your own personal safety. Today, we confirmed that an Austin Peay State University student living off-campus tested positive for COVID-19. This student, who has not been on campus for several weeks, represents the University’s first confirmed case. Additionally, we learned of a second case involving a staff member. The staff member has not been on campus since March 14 and tested positive for COVID-19 March 28.
Although this is news we hoped to avoid, it is not unexpected given the rapid spread of this virus across the country. Still, I know it is a cause of concern. I urge our students, employees and community members to continue to take care of themselves. We are hopeful the student and the staff member both have a full and rapid recovery.
We notified all campus community members who may have come in contact with these individuals and informed them they needed to take the necessary precautions for self-quarantining. This serves as a reminder to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for social distancing. Students are encouraged not to return to campus this semester. If you’re currently living on campus, please avoid congregating in groups larger than 10 and maintain at least six feet between yourself and anyone else, even when in those groups. I strongly encourage Austin Peay employees to telecommute. If you need to be on campus, the CDC’s social distancing guidelines must also be followed.
As the virus continues to spread worldwide, more members of our community may be diagnosed, but the University – along with its COVID-19 Task Force – is doing everything possible to limit this spread. To see what we’ve already done, visit www.apsu.edu/coronavirus. I will keep you informed on any additional updates regarding this pandemic.
This crisis is ever-changing and has impacted our campus, our community, our families and our lives. None of us has faced these challenges before, and I appreciate the support you have shown as we move forward. We will overcome this together.
Alisa White
Due to our current travel restrictions, APSU is making the following changes related to travel cards and travel reimbursements:
Travel Cards
Effective March 30, 2020, all University Travel Cards will be temporarily frozen. Each card will remain open to ensure that incoming credits related to travel cancellations may be received. We expect the Travel Cards to remain closed through the end of the fiscal year. However, we want to remain flexible as specific needs arise. We will be happy to assist you should you have extenuating circumstances.
Travel Reimbursements
Please complete all outstanding travel reimbursement claims by 4:30 PM on Friday, April 10, 2020, including reimbursement requests for cancelled airline tickets that were not refunded by the respective airline. Further information on cancelled airline tickets is detailed below:
Cancelled Airline Tickets
Your cancelled airline ticket will fall within one of the following three categories. Please read through the descriptions to determine which option applies to your individual situation:
- Personally paid – received travel credit – seeking reimbursement:
Submit a travel voucher accompanied with a screenshot of the cancelled travel that shows the travel credit applied to your account as well as the expiration date of the travel credit. Be aware that this travel credit applied to your personal airline account will be treated like a travel advance and will be used toward future University travel. This travel credit should be tracked by your supervisor and the travel office. When completing a future travel voucher for University travel, this amount will be reduced from future travel reimbursements when travel is reinstituted.
- Paid on travel or purchasing card – individual received travel credit:
Similar to scenario #1, this purchase will be considered a travel advance and should be used for future University travel. The individual with cancelled travel should provide a copy of the airline credit to the Travel office and the individual’s supervisor. As future travel arrangements are made, apply this credit toward University airline travel.
- Personally paid – received travel credit – not seeking reimbursement:
Unlike the two situations above, should you choose not to seek reimbursement for cancelled airline tickets, you may use these credits for travel (personal or work) at your discretion. You have accepted this cost as a personal expense.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the University has decided to adopt a pass/fail grading option for students currently enrolled in 2020 Spring, Spring II and Spring B undergraduate classes graded on a letter grade (A, B, C, D or F) basis. This option will be a voluntary, student-initiated, opt-in process on a course-by-course basis. Students wishing to remain on a letter grade basis will not be required to move to pass/fail. The details of the process and an associated timeline will be posted on www.apsu.edu/registrar on or before April 2, 2020 at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST).
Rex Gandy
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dear Austin Peay Community,
I appreciate everyone’s hard work and flexibility as we all continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to continue to do what we can to mitigate the spread of the virus and “flatten the curve,” we have decided to move all face-to-face Summer 2020 classes to non-face-to-face instruction. Summer 2020 classes include Maymester, Summer I, II and III, and Full Summer terms.
Students in labs, clinicals, field experiences and student teaching should contact their instructors and advisers for information specific to their situation.
Times are tough right now, but I’ve been gratified—although not surprised—by your response to a challenging situation. Governors find a way. #GovsLead
Alisa White
President
Austin Peay State University
As Austin Peay State University (APSU) has entered the realm of delivering all courses in a non-face-to-face format, we are discovering new challenges students face as a result of this change. These challenges include:
- Access to laptops so students can work remotely
- Reliable internet access, especially in rural areas, or data limitations that restrict the completion of coursework
- Access to textbooks
- Emergency funds to meet unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic
In response, APSU has pulled together the following resources:
- Free e-Textbooks through Barnes and Noble – Austin Peay’s Ann Ross Bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble, is offering free access to eTextbooks for classes that began in January. Visitbookshelf.vitalsource.com for free access. The bookstore will continue to offer free shipping for online orders.
- S.O.S. Food Pantry – The S.O.S. Food Pantry supports Austin Peay State University's students through troubling times by helping fight hunger. The campus community supports and supplies the food pantry through donations. Students who find themselves in need can fill out the request form (https://www.apsu.edu/volunteer/sos-food-pantry/index.php) and arrange to pick items up at 322 Home Avenue (the Center for Service-Learning & Community Engagement) during hours of operation. Students will need their APSU student identification card to receive food.
- Govs Give Back Fund (now part of the S.O.S. Emergency Funds) – The University Advancement Office has established the Govs Give Back Fund to provide urgent financial assistance for students, faculty and staff who suffer from economic, medical or similar hardships. Several University donors have already contributed to this new initiative. To apply for this fund, please visithttps://www.apsu.edu/volunteer/sos-food-pantry/sosfunds.php.
- Wireless, satellite and wired internet access — The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has implemented the Keep America Connected Pledge to help ensure Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of these exceptional COVID-19 circumstances. Currently, more than 550 companies and associations have complied. Below is a list of area providers that may be helpful to our students, faculty and staff.
- Comcast COVID-19 response: Xfinity WiFi free to the public, pausing data plans, no disconnects or late fees
- Charter COVID-19 response: 60 Days of Free Access to Spectrum Broadband and WFi for 60 Days.
- AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families
- Verizon COVID-19 Response: Waives overage charges and late fees.
- Sprint COVID-19 response: Provides unlimited data to existing customers and additional 20GB for mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days.
- T-Mobile COVID-19 response: Unlimited data to existing customers and additional 20GB mobile hotspot for 60 days (10 GB for two billing cycles).
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic marks a stressful time for all individuals, and “fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma toward people, places, or things.” That stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease with a specific population or nationality.
Even though we have a good track record of handling discrimination on our campus and have not had anyone complain about stigmas or bias associated with COVID-19, we have noticed that around the country people are experiencing stigmas associated with the virus because of their ethnicity.
According to Austin Peay State University policy, the University will not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, age (as applicable), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, and/or any other legally protected class. Such discrimination and harassment are prohibited.
During these times when stigmatized groups may be subjected to rejection, social avoidance or even acts of violence, it is important for the University community to retain its values and continue practicing respectful civility.
If a campus community member believes they have been treated in a way that is not equitable or in a way that is discriminatory, please contact the APSU Office of Equity, Access and Inclusion immediately to resolve the issue.
Mrs. LaNeeça Williams— Williamslr@apsu.edu
Mrs. Sheila Bryant— bryantsm@apsu.edu
Mr. Steven Grudzinski— grudzinskis@apsu.edu
For more Information:
APSU Discrimination and Harassment Based on Protected Categories other than Sex - Complaint and Investigation Policy and Procedure Link: https://www.apsu.edu/policy/pdfs_of_polcies/6004.pdf
CDC Link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html
Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday, Tennessee Governor Lee announced a new structure called COVID-19 Unified Command to help the State fight the spread of COVID-19. He has asked APSU’s Military Advisor in Residence BG (Ret.) Scott Brower to serve as chief of staff to the leader of the Command for the next few months. Although General Brower will remain an APSU employee, he’ll be on loan to the Governor’s effort. I’m proud of our colleague for being tapped for this responsibility, and I’m thankful that state leadership recognized his relevant skills.
Austin Peay will miss having General Brower here on a daily basis, but our campus team can work together to do as much as possible to keep his work going. General Brower has made a significant, positive impact on Austin Peay, and I look forward to his return to campus. That said, I am very happy he’s going to help the State of Tennessee get through the COVID-19 crisis.
Alisa White
The health and well-being of our customers and employees are incredibly important to us. It is with careful consideration that we have made the difficult decision to temporarily move our business online, with a tentative plan to reopen on Monday, April 6th. We will continue to accept orders online for delivery with free shipping.
For classes that started in January, we are offering free access to eTextbooks through
our partnership with VitalSource. Visit bookshelf.vitalsource.com for free access.
We will offer free return labels for all your rental books.
Stay safe and healthy!
Barnes & Noble
APSU Buildings and Use of Facilities
Beginning Monday, March 23, all Austin Peay State University buildings will be locked, and individuals who work in those buildings will gain access by using their University ID cards. If an individual needs to enter a building, signs will be posted on all outside doors letting them know who to contact. The University has moved all classes, on all APSU campuses, fully online for the remainder of the spring semester. APSU employees are encouraged, if possible, to telecommute. If anyone needs to conduct University business, please call or email those departments before coming to campus. These efforts follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
The campus remains open for faculty and students who wish to continue research and scholarly activities requiring University equipment and facilities. All campus activities must follow the CDC’s recommendations for social distancing. Students are not required to participate in any face-to-face campus activity. Anyone who fits the CDC’s definition of a person of high risk should not participate in any activity that increases the risk of contracting the coronavirus. Any person who is ill or has come in contact with a person testing positive for the coronavirus must abide by the CDC’s guidelines of self-quarantine.
In light of recent events regarding COVID-19, the Department of Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services encourages students to move out of their assigned spaces for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. While residence halls and apartments remain open at this time, if you can return home, please do so. We understand this is not possible for everyone, and we want all residents to be where they feel most safe and able to do well academically. If you do plan to move out, please return to campus by 7 p.m. on March 28, 2020, to retrieve all belongings, return your room key, and complete the check-out process. This date was chosen to help facilitate the refund process and condensing of building operations.
Check Out Instructions
To check out of your assigned room, please complete the following steps:
- Sign up for a move out time (Please click this link and complete the online form). Please do not skip this step. The goal is to manage the flow of moves to facilitate social distance.
- Remove all personal belongings from your room.
- Move all furniture back to its original location.
- Remove all trash, sweep, and mop.
- Complete an Express Check-Out Envelope, place your key in the envelope, and return the envelope to the Express Check-Out Box located in your hall’s lobby.
If you have questions regarding the check-out process, please contact Housing, Residence Life & Dining Services at 931-221-7444.
Housing Refund Information
Students who do not return to campus housing will be issued a pro-rated refund of
housing fees paid after completing the check-out process. University officials are
currently calculating student housing refunds for each student. Once we have identified
the specific students not returning to campus, a calculation will be finalized and
the refund amount will be provided to those respective students. We will work as
quickly as possible to complete calculations, but the work will take some time..
However, this date is dependent on current housing students promptly notifying the Department of Housing
and Residence Life of their intentions.
Extended Housing
If you believe that you need to remain in Housing for the remainder of the spring semester, please complete the Extended Housing Application. If you elect to remain on campus for any duration, and decide to check out before the end of the spring semester, your pro-rated credit will reflect the length of your stay in housing. Students must complete the Extended Housing Application by Sunday, March 28, 2020 at 7 p.m. Any students who fail to complete the form and fail to check out of their assigned spaces will continue to be charged for their housing assignment until May 9, 2020, whichever occurs later. Please understand that students who stay will not be allowed to have a roommate. Relocation may occur to facilitate social distancing and to condense buildings.
Meal Plan Information
Your meal plan will continue to work at the dining venues available until your check-out date, at which point we will calculate a pro-rated refund. We expect to issue this refund at the same time as housing refunds. If you remain on campus, your meal plan will remain active. Beginning March 29, Dining Services will reduce dining hours and availability based on the remaining on-campus residential student population.
Questions
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the content of this message, please contact Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services at 931-221-7444.
Thank you,
APSU Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services
APSU COVID-19 Laptop Loan Program
Earlier this week, the Austin Peay State University COVID-19 Task Force developed a new Laptop Loan Program, which will provide laptops to students without computer access on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of computers are available. To request a laptop loan, visit https://govstech.apsu.edu/TDClient/2071/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=14868. Students must have an APSU student ID, a valid driver’s license, a state-issued ID card or a passport to participate. Students will be notified via email when their laptop is available for pickup at the library. The laptop loan is planned to expire at the end of the spring semester.
If any students require D2L support, they can contact APSU Distance Education at 931-221-6625 or online@apsu.edu. If students live in areas with no internet service, many school systems and local business are allowing students to use their internet for free from the safety of their vehicles in the parking lots. The Woodward Library will also remain open, but the building is only open to APSU students, faculty and staff. No guests are allowed, and visitors must use their ID to enter the building.
Last week, the University announced that all classes, on all APSU campuses, were moving fully online for the remainder of the spring semester. This move was made in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social distancing guidelines, and the University’s COVID-19 Task Force is working on this and other initiatives to minimize the disruption to students.
Please share this information with fellow students, particularly those without computer access.
Austin Peay State University’s COVID-19 Task Force continues to monitor the situation regarding the new coronavirus. The following decisions were recently made to help slow the spread of COVID-19:
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VetSuccess on Campus. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ VetSuccess on Campus Office at Austin Peay State University remains open, but the office will no longer conduct face-to-face counseling because of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Beginning March 25, all services will continue via tele-counseling by phone at 931-221-6194, until further notice. If you have questions, email Christina Hicks, VetSuccess counselor, at Christina.hicks2@va.gov.
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Ann Ross Bookstore. The Ann Ross Bookstore, managed by Barnes and Noble, will be open daily between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bookstore management will be available between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to address any urgent needs.
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APSU Post Office. The APSU Post Office window will be open daily from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Post Office staff will be available between 7:30-10 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. daily should anyone need service outside the current window hours. Contact Tammy Silva at silvat@apsu.edu if you need to schedule a special time to drop-off or pick-up mail outside the current operating hours.
Effective immediately, the Foy Center will be closed for fitness and recreation use until further notice. University recreation offices will remain open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fitness and recreation users must remove their belongings from lockers or other areas by 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 20.
Paid membership and locker rentals:
Drafts and payroll deduction for paid memberships and locker rentals will be suspended until access is reinstated. Adjustments for paid memberships will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Questions should be directed to 931-221-7564 or by email at davenportdl@apsu.edu.
APSU COVID-19 Task Force
The Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees will host its spring meetings this Thursday and Friday, March 19-20. Due to the precautions the University is taking to protect the campus community from the new coronavirus, these meetings will be conducted electronically. The Board’s Academic Affairs Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, with the Student Affairs Committee, the Business and Finance Committee, the Executive Committee and the Audit Committee meeting consecutively thereafter. The Board’s Audit Committee will end with a closed executive session to discuss ongoing investigations.
Members of the campus community may attend Thursday’s committee meetings by dialing 1-877-820-7831 and entering the passcode 667747.
The full Board will meet at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 20. The Board will discuss several important items, such as a proposed graduate degree in speech-language pathology.
To watch Friday’s meeting live, visit http://www.apsu.edu/president/board-of-trustees/board-meeting-archived-videos.php. To view meeting materials such as the agenda, visit https://www.apsu.edu/president/board-of-trustees/board-meeting-schedule-and-materials.php.
For information on the meeting, contact the Secretary to the Board at 931-221-7572.
Student Employees
Austin Peay State University is working to ensure that all student employees are paid – regardless if they are able to return to work or not – during this current COVID-19 pandemic. Since there are several different classifications of student employees, all students who work for the University should contact their supervisor about whether they should return to work.
- Scholarship students. Students who work on campus to fulfill their scholarship service hours do not need to return to their positions. You will not lose your scholarship by not returning to work. Contact your supervisor for more details.
- Federal Work Study students. These students do not need to return to their positions. The Department of Education has authorized that Federal Work Study students may continue to be paid for the remainder of the semester. This will be based on the number of hours the student was scheduled to work each week. For example, if a student’s schedule was Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-4 p.m., they will continue to log six hours and be paid at their regular rate of pay. Contact your supervisor so they can work with you on logging in the hours you’ve already worked to ensure you are paid.
- General Campus employees. Employees who are non-essential to the functioning of Austin Peay will continue to be paid, but they do not need to report to their positions for the rest of the semester. This will be based on the number of hours the student was scheduled to work each week. For example, if a student’s schedule was Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-4 p.m., they will continue to log six hours and be paid at their regular rate of pay. Essential student employees – tutors, Help Desk workers, etc. – need to find a way to resume their work, either remotely or on campus. Contact your supervisor for information.
- Veterans Affairs Work Study. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is still determining if it will compensate VA students during this situation. The University is currently developing plans to pay these students if the VA is unable to reach a decision soon.
- Interns. Student interns should contact their professors or supervisors to find out if they can work remotely for the remainder of the semester.
- Graduate Assistants. Graduate students should contact their supervisor to discuss their GA positions.
If you do not see your employee classification above (or are unsure of your classification), contact your supervisor for more information.
APSU COVID-19 Task Force
APSU delaying spring commencement because of new coronavirus pandemic
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – On Tuesday, Austin Peay State University announced it was delaying this spring’s commencement ceremony because of concerns over the new coronavirus pandemic.
“Commencement is my favorite event of the year, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring you for your significant accomplishments,” APSU President Alisa White said in an email to graduating students. “After thoughtful discussion based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to avoid large social gatherings for the next eight weeks, we have determined that Spring Commencement should not occur May 8 and 9.”
Last week, the University announced it was moving all classes online to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Classes will remain online throughout the spring semester. On Sunday, the CDC recommended that no event with 50 or more people should take place for the next eight weeks.
“Over the next few weeks, we will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and will attempt to identify a later date for spring commencement based upon updated guidance from the CDC,” White said.
If the University is able to identify an alternative date for spring commencement, graduates can either participate in that ceremony, the August ceremony or the December ceremony. If the University cannot find a suitable date for its spring commencement, graduates will be able to participate in the August or December ceremonies. Information, including any updates about a rescheduled spring commencement, will be posted to the commencement website, www.apsu.edu/commencement.
“I’m very sorry for the disruption,” White said. “Our goal is to do what we can to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and to keep you and the rest of our Austin Peay family as safe and healthy as possible.”
For questions about commencement, contact the APSU Office of the Registrar at 931-221-7150 orregistrar@apsu.edu. For information on Austin Peay’s response to the new coronavirus, visit www.apsu.edu/coronavirus.
Barnes & Noble Education Joins VitalSource and Leading Publishers to Make eTextbooks Free for Students Impacted by COVID-19 Campus Closures
To be consistent with the public health goal of minimizing unnecessary contact, unit heads should be as flexible as possible and encourage employees to telecommute. Not every employee can or will be able to work from home all of the time. For those unable to work offsite, units should work to create a safe onsite work environment with an emphasis on social distancing.
A unit’s decision as to whether a telecommuting arrangement is feasible will depend upon:
- The employee’s job responsibilities—if certain tasks and assignments can be performed at home;
- Availability of necessary equipment and materials to perform the work. As much as possible, units should attempt to provide the equipment needed;
- And the home environment—if it is one in which the employee can work productively and safely.
Submitting a Request
The supervisor of the employee will electronically submit COVID-19 Temporary Telecommuting Request Form, which will be forwarded to employee for approval and acknowledgement of APSU policies for telecommuting. When telecommuting, employees are still obligated to comply with all APSU rules, policies and procedures. Violation of such rules, policies and procedures may result in immediate cessation of telecommuting arrangement, and possible corrective action.
Prior to submitting a request, please visit the COVID-19 Telecommuting Website which offers detailed guidance for supervisors, employees, and departments to help set up an effective telecommuting arrangement quickly and successfully. If you need assistance with establishing a telecommuting arrangement please contact the Office of Human Resources at (931) 221-7177 or via email at humanresources@apsu.edu.
Thank you,
APSU COVID-19 Task Force
Last week, Austin Peay State University announced it was temporarily moving all classes at all campuses fully online on Monday, March 23. Following new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop the spread of COVID-19, the following decisions have been made:
- All classes at all campuses will remain online for the rest of the spring semester – including the University’s shortened Spring II and Spring B semesters.
- All classes at all campuses – both online and previously on-ground – remain suspended until March 23. We want to remind everyone that any assignments that were due this week should have a new due date. Faculty are encouraged to communicate changes with their students as soon as possible.
- The University’s Office of Distance Education is hosting a series of webinars via Zoom this week to help with the move to online education. Information is available at www.apsu.edu/godigital.
- Students in courses that require clinicals or hands-on instruction should contact their academic departments for information specific to their situation.
- Faculty and staff members who can perform their duties from home should consider telecommuting. Discuss options with your supervisor. Keep in mind that not all roles are suited for telecommuting due to specific job duties that cannot be performed at home or because of the operating requirements of the unit. See the telecommuting webpage for details.
University Business:
If anyone needs to conduct University business at any campus, such as meeting with the Office of Financial Aid or the Office of the Registrar, please call or email those departments before coming to campus. This will help with the CDC’s recommendation for social distancing, and you may be able to complete your business remotely. Because this situation is leading to a high volume of phone calls and emails to campus, responses may be delayed. Please know that the University will respond to all enquiries, though we might not have all the answers at first. Like most of our peer institutions across the country, we’re working through a situation with no precedent, and we appreciate your understanding as we move through this challenging time.
APSU COVID-19 Task Force
Last week, Austin Peay State University announced it was temporarily moving all classes online on Monday, March 23. Following new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop the spread of COVID-19, the following decisions have been made:
- All classes will remain online for the rest of the spring semester – including the University’s shortened Spring II and Spring B semesters.
- All classes – both online and previously on-ground – remain suspended until March 23. We want to remind everyone that any assignments that were due this week should have a new due date. Faculty are encouraged to communicate changes with their students as soon as possible.
- The University’s Office of Distance Education is hosting a series of webinars via Zoom this week to help with the move to online education. Information is available at www.apsu.edu/godigital.
- Students in courses that require clinicals or hands-on instruction should contact their academic departments for information specific to their situation.
- Faculty and staff members who can perform their duties from home should consider telecommuting. Discuss options with your supervisor. Keep in mind that not all roles are suited for telecommuting due to specific job duties that cannot be performed at home or because of the operating requirements of the unit. See the telecommuting webpage for details.
University Business:
If anyone needs to conduct University business, such as meeting with the Office of Financial Aid or the Office of the Registrar, please call or email those departments before coming to campus. This will help with the CDC’s recommendation for social distancing, and you may be able to complete your business remotely. Because this situation is leading to a high volume of phone calls and emails to campus, responses may be delayed. Please know that the University will respond to all enquiries, though we might not have all the answers at first. Like most of our peer institutions across the country, we’re working through a situation with no precedent, and we appreciate your understanding as we move through this challenging time.
APSU COVID-19 Task Force
Dear Austin Peay Community,
We are continuing to monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in consultation with federal, state and local health officials, and our COVID-19 Task Force. At this time we are not aware of any members of our campus community who have the new coronavirus. We are joining the state and national efforts to slow the spread of the virus. After considerable deliberation, we have decided to suspend classes until March 23 and move all classes to fully online instruction. Spring B and Spring II registration will be extended until classes begin March 23. A new academic calendar will be posted by the end of the day. Students in clinicals, field experiences and student teaching should contact their supervisors for information specific to their situation. We will provide advanced notice if we decide to reconvene on-ground classes. I realize this will not be an easy task, and I appreciate everyone’s flexibility for taking on the extra burden in a compressed timeframe.
Additionally, all non-athletic University-sponsored events are canceled until further notice. If it is possible to reschedule events, details will be forthcoming. A decision about commencement will be made in the weeks to come. In following precedence set by the NCAA, sanctioned indoor athletic events will be held without fan attendance through the remainder of the academic year. Only student-athletes, coaches and essential personnel are allowed in the indoor sports venues.
Students living on-campus who can travel to their home or permanent residence are encouraged to do so. However, if leaving campus is not an option, we are prepared to continue supporting residential students, including access to limited dining options. The Office of Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services will be providing details in the days to come through campus email. Regardless of whether you relocate or stay on-campus, the CDC suggests social distancing as an important strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The University remains open, but employees are to consult with their supervisors regarding alternate work arrangements as needed. Essential personnel are still required to report on a normal schedule.
The CDC has identified certain populations likely to be more susceptible to the new coronavirus or to be less likely to recover from the virus, and I encourage members of those populations to take extra precaution. Senior citizens, people with compromised immune systems, heart patients, diabetics and others need to be especially cautious.
I understand how disappointing many of these cancellations and changes may be to members of our community. I do not take these decisions lightly, and they are based on our collective understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. These decisions are in the best interest of public health, including that of students, faculty, staff and administration.
Thank you to our Coronavirus Task Force for continuing to monitor the environment and to post updates to the University’s website at https://www.apsu.edu/coronavirus. This situation is quickly evolving, and we endeavor to provide the safest environment possible.
Alisa White
President
Austin Peay State University
Until further notice, all events (official university events, student events and non-university events) are suspended. Event organizers are responsible for taking action to cancel their individual events, including communicating with speakers and guests, cancelling room reservations, cancelling catering, and cancelling any other arrangements. Contact the office of University Facilities at 931-221-6617 if you have questions about event cancellation.
Administrative meetings of fewer than 25 faculty and staff (excluding students) may take place but remote options should be provided for participants (Zoom, etc.). Click here for information on how to use Zoom web conferencing. This meeting size is consistent with the guidance of health care experts and professionals and with the policies of many peer institutions.
Please remind administrative meeting attendees to practice steps to reduce risk and prevent spread of viruses, including not shaking hands, practicing social distancing, etc. Ensure easy access to handwashing facilities and alcohol-based sanitizers. Remember, if you do not feel well, please consider others and stay home.
APSU COVID-19 Task Force
Dear Students,
With classes moving to all-online instruction beginning March 23, we understand some students may have needs for internet or computer access. Arrangements have been made with the partner sites listed below that are currently open and available to all APSU students needing access. Additionally, The Tennessee Secretary of State website has a very concise, user-friendly directory of all TN Public Libraries with addresses, contact info, hours of operation and technical services — https://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/tennessee-public-library-directory
Cheatham County
American Job Center, 384 South Main St, Ashland City, TN 37015
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Students can use their laptops, tablets, etc. to connect to the internet
- Public use computers available
Dickson County
Bibb-White Bluff Civic Center, 1054 Old Charlotte Rd, White Bluff, TN 37187
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Students can use their laptops, tablets, etc. to connect to the internet
- Four (4) public use computers in the library (will need to get a library card, but the cards are free).
Robertson County
Highland Crest Campus, 150 Laureate Ave, Springfield, TN 37172
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Students can use their laptops, tablets, etc. to connect to the internet
Sincerely,
APSU COVID-19 Task Force
Yesterday, Austin Peay State University President Alisa White announced that all classes – both online and on-ground – will move fully online on March 23 to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The University’s COVID-19 Task Force is currently developing additional resources and protocols to guide Austin Peay’s faculty, staff and students through this unprecedented situation.
A number of changes have been made regarding classes, work arrangements, travel and campus events; however, we want to emphasize that the University will remain open, and we will manage this situation in a manner consistent with our University values.
During this time, telecommuting should be considered and used, where feasible. Decisions regarding telecommuting eligibility need to be made in consultation with your supervisor and the Office of Human Resources unless otherwise directed by the senior-level leader of your department/unit.
If approved by your supervisor, we will provide options and insights into telecommuting at Austin Peay State University. Visit the Human Resources website for all telecommuting-related guidance and frequently asked employment-related questions specific to COVID-19.
When telecommuting isn’t a viable option, additional alternate work arrangements may be available, if approved by your supervisor. If neither telecommuting nor additional alternate work arrangements are options, you should report to work as usual.
For those employees who are reporting as usual to work, we’re also taking preventive measures to ensure the well-being of our faculty, staff and students. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of viral illness is to minimize the circumstances in which individuals interact and transmit the disease. Visit the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 website for additional information and best practices to follow.
Here is some additional information on how to best take care of yourself while at work.
Other measures you can take include:
- Stay home when you’re sick and avoid close contact with people who are.
- Practice good hygiene protocol, including washing hands often and regularly, not shaking hands, coughing into your elbow, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- If you are in the office, maintain social distancing and use virtual meetings in place of in-person meetings.
- Continue to check the Human Resources website and the University’s coronavirus website for updates and other information.
During this challenging time, it is important to take care of yourself and each other. Thank you for all your efforts to promote a safe and healthy campus community at Austin Peay State University.
Sincerely,
APSU COVID-19 Task Force
Earlier today, Austin Peay State University canceled its 36th Annual Candlelight Ball, scheduled for March 14 in Nashville, in order to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
“Although we had planned extra precaution for the safety of our guests, hosting the event is not prudent at this time,” APSU President Alisa White said.
The University has also suspended classes until March 23, when it will move all classes to fully online instruction. Additional information is available at www.apsu.edu/coronavirus.
With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) now present in Tennessee, we have received several questions about hosting of the 36th Annual Candlelight Ball in Nashville this Saturday, March 14. Our top priority is safety. At this point, the event is still planned as scheduled. We are monitoring the situation in Nashville and will announce any changes as soon as they are made available.
If you are planning to come to the 36th Annual Candlelight Ball or other University-related events and have existing health conditions or are in a known at-risk category from symptoms causes by COVID-19, we encourage you to check the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website before traveling or attending.
The event organizers for the Candlelight Ball have reached out to the Omni Hotel regarding procedures that have been put in place. They include:
- Hand sanitizer stations on each meeting room floor
- Increased cleaning schedule for all surfaces in the meeting room floors such as elevator buttons, escalator handrails and meeting room door handles
- Increased cleaning schedule for all public restrooms
- Increased frequency of existing deep cleaning schedule for certain items in guestrooms
For additional questions regarding the 36th Annual Candlelight Ball, please email petersonn@apsu.edu.
If you have questions regarding the status of an upcoming event in the days and weeks to come, please contact the department organizing the event. Additionally, you can check our COVID-19 Task Force’s website for the latest updates and information.
COVID-19 Task Force
Austin Peay State University
International Travel Notice - Campus Communication
(March 6, 2020 8:18 p.m.)
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
Due to the high probability of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and with the health and safety of our campus community being my chief concern, I am implementing a moratorium on University-related international travel beginning Sunday, March 8, until further notice. While domestic travel is not prohibited at this time, it is discouraged, and I urge you to exercise caution should you choose to travel.
Additionally, please keep in mind the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on preventative measures:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
My hope is that these efforts will minimize the spread of the virus, and I appreciate your cooperation. Our APSU COVID-19 task force, chaired by Assistant Vice President Michael Kasitz, is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates as new information is made available.
Sincerely,
Alisa White
President
Austin Peay State University
The University’s Coronavirus Task Force is monitoring the outbreak in coordination with state and local health departments. Currently, no members of the Austin Peay community have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus. The Tennessee Department Health & Safety Department maintains a page with updates on any APSU community members who have been or are being screened.
We understand the increased anxiety on our campuses and throughout the community. APSU leadership is actively monitoring and responding to the situation and will continue to follow the guidance of public health agencies. At this time, there have been no recommendations to suspend campus operations. With this in mind, APSU campuses will remain open. In order to accommodate students who may be experiencing symptoms or who believe they should isolate themselves, we are working with instructors and managers to ensure maximum flexibility during this time of uncertainty.
This is an evolving situation, and updates are available from the Tennessee State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including updated Travel Notices for countries with community transmission.
This page is not intended to be all-encompassing and should not be considered to be providing medical or legal advice. In all instances, you should consult with a relevant expert for guidance specific to your circumstances.
About COVID-19
Infectious agent: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Situation Summary: In December 2019, Chinese health authorities identified an outbreak of pneumonia associated with a novel, or new, coronavirus which has resulted in thousands of confirmed cases in China. Additional cases have been identified in a growing number of other international locations, including the United States. There are ongoing investigations to learn more. Click here to access CDC’s COVID-19 webpage for the most up to date information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using afacemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after
going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
Stay home except to get medical care
People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Wear a facemask
You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
Soap and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid sharing personal household items
You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Monitor your symptoms
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
Discontinuing home isolation
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are stressful times for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma toward people, places, or things. For example, stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease. Stigma can also occur after a person has been released from COVID-19 quarantine even though they are not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html