ETSU COVID-19 Response

People come first at East Tennessee State University. The COVID-19 pandemic has required adjustments to university procedures and operations in order to safeguard the health of our students, faculty, staff, and campus. ETSU remains dedicated to providing the safest learning environment without sacrificing the high quality education our students expect and deserve.

Important Information

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Reporting Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 cases

Report suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 not diagnosed/treated by University Health Center to the ETSU Office of Environmental Health and Safety:

*If University Health Center treated/diagnosed you, their staff will contact the ETSU Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

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Vaccine Information

Vaccine eligibility in the Appalachian Highlands has opened up to all persons age 16 and older. ETSU encourages all faculty, staff, and students to make an appointment for a vaccine or to seek out other community-wide vaccine clinics scheduled in our area.


 

Announcements

 


Following federal guidance released from the FDA and the CDC, ETSU Health is canceling its Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine clinic scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 2021.  Read More

 

 

 

 

Transition to Stage 4 with Modifications

April 7, 2021

Based on the guidance from the Senior Leadership Team and our Medical Response Team, East Tennessee State University will begin transitioning to the next phase of operating procedures and instruction beginning on May 15. This next stage, Modified Stage 4, will be complete by July 1.

Read More

COVID-19 Anniversary Message from President Noland

March 19, 2021

A year ago, it was spring break and our faculty members were not relaxing and recharging as the week is intended. Instead, the ETSU community was preparing to resume classes remotely, at first for three weeks, and then for the remainder of the semester. As I look back, I am proud of the aggressive approach our campus adopted to keep individuals safe while also avoiding extreme financial hardships encountered by other institutions. 

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Spring 2021 Commencement

March 8, 2021

Spring Commencement Exercises at East Tennessee State University scheduled for May 7-9 will be in-person events. During the course of those three days, we will confer degrees to members of the Class of 2021 and also recognize the Class of 2020 who participated in virtual ceremonies last year.  All events will be held in the Mini-Dome.

Read More

 

Operation Status

ETSU Responds to COVID-19

In March 2020, ETSU moved all classes online and the majority of employees began working and maintaining services remotely. ETSU President Brian Noland formed the Future Operations Workgroup to develop recommendations for academics and services to return to campus. The workgroup released its report that includes a series of operational stages, 1-4, designed to address the need for loosening or restricting physical distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stage 1 is similar to the spring 2020 semester with remote work and teaching and Stage 4 is the “new normal” with the least amount of restrictions.

What’s happening now?

ETSU is currently operating in Stage 2 with Modifications.

On May 15, 2021 ETSU will begin transitioning to Stage 4 with Modifications with full implementation by July 1. 

Our ability to successfully operate in this stage is predicated on improved numbers, vaccines being more widely available, and individuals being committed to following the safety measures in place on campus.

Highlights of Modified Stage 4

  • Return to primarily on campus instruction.
  • Employees primarily working on campus.
  • Face-covering policy remains in effect, including those vaccinated
  • Laboratory and on campus experiential courses permitted.
  • Experiential learning in the community with few limitations.
  • Residence Halls return to double occupancy.
  • Research and service activities continue with appropriate physical distancing measures.
  • Large university events permitted with appropriate physical distancing measures.
  • Domestic travel permitted.
  • Select International travel permitted (No earlier than June 15, 2021).
  • Athletic competition permitted.

 

As students, faculty and staff prepare to return to classrooms, offices and activities there will likely be more questions. Some details are still being determined. Updates will be provided to the ETSU Community via email and published on the Bucs Are Back website.  

STUDENTS

For fall 2021, ETSU students can expect face-to-face instruction with controlled density in classrooms. This includes labs, experiential courses and learning experiences in the community (with select limitations).  Registration is open and classes are available to view in Goldlink. Residence Halls will return to double occupancy with sufficient space for students in quarantine or isolation. The Face Covering Policy remains in effect for the entire campus, including those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Students who qualify or receive APS, Regular or Federal Work Study (RWS or FWS), Graduate Assistants,  and Graduate Tuition Scholarship can expect to fufill work requirements on campus. Large university events and student activities will be permitted with physical distancing measures in place. Additionally, graduate and undergraduate students will be permitted to participate in research activities.







Resources for Returning Students

Resources for New Students

  • Registration: Open for Summer and Fall 2021
  • Graduate Students: Thesis and Dissertation information; workshops and professional development opportunities
  • Financial Aid: FAFSA Priority Deadline April 15
  • Housing: Variety of options available; Residence Halls returning to double occupancy in Fall 2021
  • Dining: Meal plans available
  • Student Activities and Organizations (SAO): Student groups may meet in-person with appropriate social distancing measures in place
  • CPA: Open with appropriate physical distancing and enhanced safety measures in place
  • Study Abroad: Select programs permitted (no earlier than June 15, 2021) 
  • Counseling Center: In-person and virtual options available



Frequently Asked Questions

 

EMPLOYEES

While some employees continue to work remotely, a significant number have already returned to campus for work. As ETSU begins its transition to Stage 4 Operations with Modifications, supervisors should begin working with employees currently working remotely on a plan to return to campus no later than July 1, 2021. In some cases, employees may continue to work remotely. The Senior Leadership Team is working with the Office of Human Resources to temporarily modify PPP-73 (Telecommuting Policy Statement for Non-Faculty Employees) to permit temporary telecommuting on a case-by-case basis. Additional information will be provided in the coming weeks. The Face Covering Policy remains in effect for the entire campus, including those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. 


ETSU Staff Senate will host a Town Hall with President Noland on Tuesday, April 20 at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. To register and submit a question for President Noland, visit etsu.edu/staff-senate. 

Resources for Faculty

Resources for Staff

  • Travel: Outgoing domestic travel is permitted beginning May 15, 2021. Select outgoing university-related international travel is permitted
  • Research: Lab and field research activities permitted; Graduate and undergraduate student participation permitted
  • Teaching Resources: labs, experiential courses and learning experiences in the community permitted (with select limitations)
  • *COMING SOON* Modification of PPP-73: Telecommuting Policy Statement for Non-Faculty Employees
  • Travel: Outgoing domestic travel is permitted beginning May 15, 2021. Select outgoing university-related international travel is permitted

 

Frequently Asked Questions

VISITORS & COMMUNITY

On May 15, ETSU will begin transitioning to Stage 4 Operations with Modifications. This means ETSU will hold in-person events. Large university events, as well as festivals, camps and conferences will be permitted with appropriate physical distancing measures. More information available soon.




Resources

 

Individual Responsibility

As members of the ETSU community, each of us has the responsibility to protect one another. All faculty, staff, students and visitors are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Wear face coverings
  • Practice physical distancing
  • If you show symptoms or are exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19, contact the University Health Center to learn next steps for testing

 

Stay informed. Pay attention to campus communication such as:

  • Email messages sent to your ETSU address
  • D2L announcements from your instructors
  • Signs posted and displayed on campus with special instructions
  • ETSU social media accounts: Facebook Instagram and Twitter
  • ETSU News website
  • Install the ETSU Safe app on your mobile device


 

ETSU COVID-19 Response

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.

 

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