COVID-19 Updates

East Tennessee State University is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19. The safety and health of the ETSU community is our highest priority, and we take any threat very seriously.

We continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Tennessee Department of Health and the Washington County Health Department. University officials continue to meet with Ballad Health, government leaders and public health officials to coordinate response efforts. 

We are committed to keeping you informed of any updates, further developments, or changes in operations.  Please check back to this website often for the latest information and announcements.

Announcements

ETSU Outdoor WiFi
Memo to students, faculty and staff 4/6/20


ETSU Community,

Although access to ETSU buildings is limited at this time, we want to make sure our students and faculty are aware of the outdoor WiFi locations available at ETSU. Students can connect to ETSU WiFi from their personal vehicles at the following parking locations on the ETSU campus:

1. Carillon/Bell Tower parking areas between Gilbreath Hall and Burgin Dossett.
2. Parking lot at 902 Maple Street
3. Southwest corner of the Parking Garage

These locations are also marked with a blue circle on this campus map:

ETSU campus map

While connecting to the ETSU WiFi, please follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for social distancing. Also, please remain in your vehicle while using WiFi.  

 

Spring Commencement Announcement
Memo to students, faculty and staff 4/3/20

 

In light of the unprecedented circumstances emerging from the COVID-19 outbreak, it is with a saddened and heavy heart that I announce our decision regarding our upcoming commencement exercises. Based upon current CDC recommendations and in recognition of the need to place the health and safety of our students as our foremost priority, and after deliberation with the deans of our respective colleges, as well as members of our Board of Trustees, we have reached the arduous decision to postpone our Spring Commencement Exercises, and other related activities, for this academic year. This decision also applies to the graduation ceremonies for the Quillen College of Medicine and Gatton College of Pharmacy that were scheduled for May 8th.

In the coming weeks, I will share more details about a virtual commencement that is being planned for May 9th and will extend an invitation to the members of the spring graduating class to participate in our December Commencement Exercises. Furthermore, colleges and programs that were planning to host individual commencement or award ceremonies are discussing options to making those events virtual as well. Concurrently, we will launch a process for assembling input to the planning process for these celebratory events, which will reflect student aspirations and expectations surrounding milestone moments in their academic journeys.

The postponement of Commencement is one of the most difficult decisions I have made during my tenure as president. Commencement is my favorite season of the academic year for it affords the opportunity to shake the hands of every graduate, congratulate them on their accomplishments, and celebrate their success. I know what this day means for students and family members as they celebrate the close of one transformative journey and prepare for new journeys on the horizon.  I also know what this day means to our faculty and staff who guided and shaped the academic journeys of our students and helped them realize their dreams. Although our formal commencement exercises will not take place in their traditional format, the true essence of Commencement remains alive across ETSU, and I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of the Class of 2020. 

I thank you for your patience during these challenging times, and I look forward to remaining engaged with you as the spring semester continues. Godspeed.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

 

Important Academic Information about Spring and Summer 2020
Memo to students, faculty and staff 4/2/20


Note:  Information in this letter does not apply to students enrolled in the Gatton College of Pharmacy or the Quillen College of Medicine – please work with the Dean and Student Affairs Offices in those colleges for information concerning your Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 course expectations.

The month of April brings a sense of renewal and anticipation. Over the last several weeks, academic advisors, faculty, and students have been preparing for summer and fall course registration which begins on Monday, April 6.  Given the changes that have taken place in recent weeks as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, I want to bring a few items regarding summer school to your attention in advance of the registration process.  Currently there are no modifications to the Fall 2020 schedule.

We have a robust offering of courses planned for the summer term, and I encourage you to speak with your advisor regarding any questions about the summer school courses available for your major/minor course of study.  More information about the classes being offered can be found in GoldLink, and I invite you to learn more about the upcoming registration dates by visiting Registrar’s Office at https://www.etsu.edu/reg/registration/resources.php .

Summer Term Modifications and Information: 

1.      All courses offered during the summer 2020 term at ETSU will be taught online.

2.      For the summer 2020 term only, all online fees will be waived.

3.      All ETSU Study Abroad and other international programs in summer 2020 are cancelled.  However, study abroad programs for fall 2020 and beyond are anticipated to continue as usual.

4.      Courses requiring a lab, clinical, or other face to face experiential learning experiences may have altered schedules for summer term.  Faculty and advisors within your colleges and specific programs will have information that will be useful to you in planning your summer schedule for these courses.

5.      If individual student schedule changes become necessary for summer or fall as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic limiting access to certain clinical facilities and/or face to face experiences, course schedules will be adjusted and the drop-add fee will be waived

As you complete Spring Semester, the faculty are aware that many students have experienced significant hardships during this time since Spring Break. The Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated many changes in how we perform our work.  Recognizing the many challenges to undergraduate students and faculty as they rapidly transition to on-line and other remote teaching modalities, the Academic Council has approved some safety net modifications to academic policies. 

Accommodations for Undergraduate Students for Spring 2020 include:

1.      Pass/Fail  policy will be relaxed  to allow undergraduate students to make the decision for a pass/fail grade on a course-by-course basis (please see the official policy modification statement which will be posted on the Provost’s website and on the ETSU Coronavirus website – student tab).  Here are some key highlights:

  • Undergraduate students do not have to make this decision until after they receive their grades for the semester…the deadline for applying for a P/F grade has been extended to June 15…that’s right you can see what grade you earned before you make the decision to have a course graded P/F.  To convert a letter grade for Spring Semester to a P grade you need to make an appointment with your advisor  who you will help you consider the advantages and/or disadvantages to your GPA, progress to graduation, or impact on admission to selective admissions programs, graduate or professional schools.  You must request to have a course grade converted to a Pass – a P or Pass grade reflects an earned grade of A, B, C, or D.
  • The minimum GPA requirement for requesting a P/F grade has been removed for Spring 2020.
  • There is no restriction on the number of credits that may be requested for P/F grades and the number of courses requested for P/F grading in Spring 2020 will not limit any future requests for P/F grading.

2.       Academic dismissals will be suspended in Spring 2020.  Students, however, may be placed on academic probation as warranted.

3.      A Transcript notation will be placed on all academic records, regardless of grading basis, indicating the extraordinary circumstances of the global health emergency during Spring 2020.

4.      Incomplete Grading for Undergraduate Students will still be allowed.  Students should check with their academic advisors before opting for an incomplete grade as this may affect financial aid awards.

5.      Grade appeal process remains in effect and is unchanged.

Note: The Academic Deans’ List to recognize excellence will still be published – but the publication of the list will be delayed to allow time for processing of P/F grade requests.

Graduate Student Accommodations for Spring 2020:

1.      Academic dismissals for GPA will be suspended in Spring 2020.  However, students may be placed on probation if the GPA is lower than the required 3.0 for graduation.

2.      While Pass/Fail grading is not available to graduate students, given the circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and potential difficulties with completion of research and laboratory experiences, faculty are encouraged to use broader discretion in assigning a grade of “I” (Incomplete) in Spring 2020.

3.      A transcript notation will be placed on all graduate academic records indicating extraordinary circumstances due to the global health emergency during Spring 2020.

4.      In order to graduate, graduate students will be required to have a 3.0 GPA overall and in their programs of study.

Every student’s success is important to us.  Please know that your ETSU faculty and staff are your advocates and are willing to work with you as you make grading choices and decisions about your class schedule in the weeks ahead.

While we are all working remotely, your university is still here for you.  Please reach out for academic or personal guidance.  Stay in touch with your faculty and your friends.  Register for your classes and make your plans for the future.  I, like you, look forward to the time that our campus is filled with the sounds of students greeting each other on the way to class, the marching band preparing for half-time shows, ROTC cadets running in cadence, and the Carillon tolling the hour.  Yes, I even look forward to having to “hunt” for a parking space…because everyone will be back on campus and our routines will be restored.

Thank you for being part of the ETSU community.  Go Bucs!

Sincerely,

Dr. Wilsie S. Bishop
Senior Vice President for Academics
and Interim Provost

Update on COVID-19 Outbreak
Memo to faculty, staff and students 4/2/20


East Tennessee State University has learned that two members of its community have tested positive this week for the COVID-19 virus.  One of the cases involves a student, and the other is an employee, and there is no connection between these two cases.  We are pleased to report that both individuals are continuing to improve.

The Northeast Tennessee Regional Health Office coordinated contact tracing for both of these cases and will notify anyone who may have been in contact with these two individuals. Moving forward, the university will not provide updates on every confirmed COVID-19 case among our students, faculty, and staff. We send our best wishes to these two individuals and to the entire ETSU community and region during this challenging and difficult time.

For any questions related to coronavirus, including symptoms, testing, or exposure, contact the Northeast Regional Information Line at 423-979-4689 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Joe Smith
ETSU Spokesperson

ETSU Health to transition drive-through COVID-19 testing site to Health Department
Memo to faculty, staff and students 4/1/20

With an increase in regional COVID-19 testing capacity, ETSU Health will close its drive-through COVID-19 testing site, located at 325 North State of Franklin, effective April 1, 2020. While the drive-through site will no longer be open, ETSU Health will continue to administer COVID-19 testing in its clinics.

"The local health department has just opened their drive-through testing sites in Washington County and the surrounding counties," said Dr. Jonathan Moorman, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine. "These new sites are open to the public and, along with Ballad Health testing sites, are large enough to handle the demand for testing in our region at this time. These sites will test patients with symptoms of COVID-19 just as ETSU has done. We do not want to duplicate the same services they will be offering at these new sites."

Since its opening on March 17, ETSU Health’s drive-through site has administered approximately 500 COVID-19 tests. The site was one of the first drive-through testing sites in Tennessee and was instrumental in detecting the first few cases of community spread of COVID-19 in the Appalachian Highlands.

"While we will not offer our own drive-through testing, ETSU Health will continue to test in our clinics and to work closely with the Health Department and our health care partners throughout the region to monitor the community spread of COVID-19," Moorman said. "We are committed to continuing our efforts on the front lines to prevent, diagnose and treat the spread of the coronavirus."

Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, and shortness of breath can contact the Health Department at 423-979-4689 for screening and further information on testing sites.

Safer at Home
Memo to students, faculty and staff 3/30/20

 

Dear ETSU students, 

Today Governor Bill Lee issued a "Safer at Home" order for residents of Tennessee in an effort to curb the ongoing spread of the coronavirus. This order will be in effect from 11:59 p.m., March 31, through 11:59 p.m. April 14, 2020.  During this time, it is imperative that you stay at your residence as much as possible and that you minimize your contact with other people. 

ETSU has taken several actions to help stop the spread of coronavirus and the Governor's order is consistent with the efforts that we have already undertaken. Faculty and students have transitioned to online coursework, and most staff are working and providing services remotely. This community effort has shown the true spirit of being part of the Buccaneer family. 

In order to comply with this order, we wanted to provide you with guidance: 

  • Non-essential travel should be avoided (e.g. non-essential retail shopping or entertainment) 
  • You may continue to travel to work, to get groceries, or to purchase medicine or medical supplies  
  • Travel related to the care of pets or other people is also allowed 
  • Outdoor exercise such as walking is permissible, as long as you practice social distancing and take necessary precautions 
  • Coursework and academics will continue in the online environment 
  • University support services for needs such as counseling, disability accommodations, the food pantry, etc. will continue to assist students. More information is available here
  • The University Health Clinic in Nicks Hall will continue to provide medical care for acute illnesses. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment. 423-439-4225
  • The Department of Public Safety will continue to patrol and offer first responder services to campus. They can be contacted at 423-439-4480
  • The ETSU Post Office, as a part of United States Postal Service operations, will remain in operation 
  • Gatherings should be avoided. Use technology to connect to your friends and family as much as possible 
  • Follow the CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus 

The Department of Housing and Residence Life is communicating directly with our student residents to provide them with information and guidance related to this order. 

Please help us prevent the transmission of this disease by doing your part. Our healthcare professionals are working hard to keep us safe, and we want to support them in this effort. Your care and compassion for each other, and for embracing this collective effort, is appreciated. Continue to visit the ETSU webpage for updates related to coronavirus. 

 

Emergency Grading Accomodations for Spring 2020
Memo to faculty and staff 3/30/20

Dear ETSU Colleagues,

Earlier today during a called meeting, the ETSU Academic Council approved the “Response to COVID-19 Emergency Grading Accommodation for Spring 2020” recommendation that now allows ETSU undergraduate students to choose the pass/fail (P/F) option for some or all undergraduate courses in which they are registered for the Spring 2020 semester.  This modification to the policy for undergraduate students will go into effect on March 31, 2020. Details related to submitting a P/F application – including timing and process – will be announced as soon all advisors are informed and a process identified to handle these requests. Please note that the modification is written so undergraduate students can actually determine a final course grade prior to opting for a P/F grade instead. A copy of the “Response to COVID-19 Emergency Grading Accommodation for Spring 2020” document is attached.  Major highlights of the approved accommodation include:

  • Undergraduate students have until June 15, 2020, to exercise the option to request a P/F grade for a course. This is only applicable for ETSU undergraduate students.
  • The request for a P/F grade is made to the academic advisor and is then submitted to the academic dean (or designee) for final approval.
  • Advisors will discuss with students the potential impact that earning a P/F grade may have on financial aid, scholarships, future graduate school applications, licensure, or other matters.
  • College deans (or designee) have the authority to deny requests for P/F grading in the event this option could have a negative impact on the student’s long-term progression.
  • At this time, this emergency modification of the Pass/Fail policy only applies to courses offering during the Spring 2020 semester.

Regarding graduate students, pass/fail is not an option. However, faculty are encouraged to use broader discretion to assign a grade of Incomplete as circumstances around the move to remote learning and COVID-19 warrant.

I want to thank our student and campus leaders for their attentive and thorough efforts during the past two weeks in creating this emergency grading accommodation.  A Working Group was convened that conducted an extensive review of how other institutions oversee this process and also sought feedback and guidance from stakeholders such as Financial Aid, academic advising, department chairs, the Student Government Association, and Faculty Senate, among others.  I commend this Working Group for their outstanding work, and the members of the Academic Council for the thorough discussion of how this modification can benefit our students.

Again, please take the opportunity to review this new grading accommodation closely, and should you have any questions, your academic dean will be willing to respond.

Thank you, and best wishes as we continue through this journey together.

Dr. Wilsie Bishop
Senior Vice President for Academics

 

 

 

ETSU Student Resources and Support
Video Message and Memo 3/27/20

Dear ETSU Student,

The important actions we're all taking to slow the spread of the coronavirus have made life harder for many people.  If you're facing problems that affect your ability to complete the spring term successfully, we want to do everything we can to help.

  • If you don’t have a place to live, contact the undergraduate student success specialist (undergradsuccess@etsu.edu) or the graduate student success specialist (gradsuccess@etsu.edu).  They are trained to put you in touch with community resources.
  • If you don’t have enough to eat, ETSU’s Bucky's Food Pantry (423-439-8487) will pack a box for any student.
  • If you can't afford to pay for basic needs, ETSU is giving small grants on a case-by-case basis  when no other means of aid are available.  To make a request, fill out a CARE report.
  • If internet access is a problem, Charter Communications is offering 60 days of free internet to students.  To enroll call 1-844-488-8395.  Comcast has a similar offer available here.
  • If you need health care, the University Health Clinic is providing medical care to ETSU students.  Call 423-439-4225.
  • For coronavirus testing, call  ETSU Health testing call 423-433-6110. For Ballad Health testing call 833-822-5523.
  • If you want counseling, the ETSU Counseling Center (423-439-3333, counselingcenter@etsu.edu) is offering virtual and tele-counseling.
  • For disability access and accommodations, contact ETSU Disability Services (423-439-8346, littleme@etsu.edu).
     

The challenges presented by this global health crisis are unlike any faced by our community and our University. We are committed to do all we can to provide support during this difficult time. We are one Buccaneer family.

We will be reaching out again in the next few days with an on-line survey to help assess ETSU student needs during this time.

Take care. Practice social distancing. If you need help, please reach out.  Our Dean of Students, Dr. Michelle Byrd, is available for assistance and support (423-439-4210; byrdt@etsu.edu).

Sincerely,
Joe Sherlin
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment

 

 

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