Announcements

ETSU response to COVID-19 pandemic

MEMORANDUM TO STUDENTS: COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Spring 2022 - 1/11/22

Dear Students,


As we prepare to begin the spring semester next week, we are faced, yet again, with combatting another dangerous variant of COVID-19. The Omicron surge has battered our hopes that we might leave the struggles of the past two years behind. We are tired. We are frustrated. But we must not give in to the temptation to surrender. Instead, we must resolve to stay strong and fight this wearisome and perilous pandemic together.  


Following the CDC’s recommended health and safety precautions is the best way to care for one another and protect those most vulnerable. Yes, wearing a mask is inconvenient and annoying. However, at ETSU, we put people first, and our commitment to putting others before ourselves is a point of pride in our community. You never know who is sitting near you in class, at the cafeteria, or in the library. Perhaps it is someone who just finished chemotherapy or someone who has diabetes. It may be a parent with an immunocompromised child at home. It could be a veteran with a service injury that makes them more vulnerable to the disease.

 In the face of these risks, it is our civic duty — and an act of genuine kindness — to bear the inconveniences necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Wash your hands frequently. Wear masks in all public spaces. When you are sick, stay home. Most importantly, if you have not yet been vaccinated, please consider getting the vaccine. It is the single most effective action we can take to protect one another and end the pandemic.  

The Stay Safe Bucs website (formerly “Bucs are Back”) will continue to serve as our primary portal to provide information to keep the ETSU community safe and communicate updates regarding policy changes.   


However, to help you prepare for the new semester, we have outlined several resources below to help answer commonly asked questions and provide direction regarding key protocols and procedures.

Face Coverings 


Policy on Face Coverings:


We strongly encourage all campus community members to wear a mask any time they are near others or in a public setting. This includes hallways and common spaces of campus facilities except when actively eating or drinking. When exercising in the CPA, please consider wearing a face covering unless doing so hinders your ability to breathe properly and stay safe. 


Accessing Masks:


Free “ETSU Strong” masks are available in the Carrier Center on the second floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center and in the Sherrod Library. Additionally, disposable masks will be available at a variety of public locations across campus, including many classrooms. 


Vaccinations and Boosters:

ETSU strongly encourages all students, staff, and faculty who are eligible to get vaccinated. It is the single most important thing a person can do to prevent illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID. If you have been vaccinated, but you are due for a booster, we encourage you to consider getting the additional shot to protect yourself and others further.


Vaccine Clinics:

If you have not done so, I urge you to get the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.  This is the most important thing you can do to protect your health and the health of others. The vaccine is free, and our friends with ETSU Health are hosting several upcoming vaccine clinics. Booster shots are also available at these clinics. If you are not on our main campus, visit vaccines.gov to locate a vaccine clinic near you.


Testing, Reporting, and Tracing


Testing:


Testing helps identify persons who have COVID-19 and helps prevent the spread of the disease. It also provides peace of mind for those who have concerns about exposure.  ETSU Health and University Health Center are available to provide COVID-19 testing.  Testing is available Monday through Friday.


Self-Reporting of COVID-19 Diagnosis/Exposure:

If you have tested positive or think you may have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please call 423-439-7785.  A member of the Environmental Health and Safety team will fill out an intake form, coordinate contact tracing efforts, and provide guidance on any quarantine guidelines. 


When to Stay at Home:

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to a positive case, please read our guidance for when to quarantine and when to return to work or class.  

COVID-19 Dashboard: 

The COVID-19 dashboard is updated regularly and provides information that has been reported to ETSU.  This includes confirmed cases of individuals tested through ETSU University Health Center as well as self-reported cases from members of the ETSU community. 

In-Person vs. Remote Work and Instruction

The Importance of In-Person Learning:

The adjustments we had to make at the beginning of the pandemic were the result of not having a viable alternative to help protect our community. Now that a vaccine is available and research has shown that masking can help reduce the spread, it is important that we continue traditional operations of having students in the classrooms and residence halls. While we must do all we can to ensure physical health and safety, these considerations also include the social, emotional, and educational well-being of our communities. Our students come to ETSU to have a traditional university experience – an experience that involves in-person learning and educational activities as well as in-person engagement and social interaction and the opportunities to participate in events and other beloved campus traditions. 

Expectations and Policies for Classroom Attendance for Students in Quarantine:
  1. Faculty should adopt attendance policies that encourage students to stay home when they are sick or if they must quarantine.

  2. Faculty should plan to provide students with opportunities to make up or complete alternate assignments when student health circumstances require them to avoid face-to-face classes.

  3. Faculty may not ask students if they are vaccinated.


Answers to additional frequently asked questions regarding academics and instruction are available here.


Self-Care and Well-Being:

This is a difficult time for all of us, and we encourage you to make your health and self-care a top priority. This includes your social, emotional, financial, intellectual, creative, physical, spiritual, occupational, cultural, and environmental well-being. Campus resources and services to support our community include:

Additional Guidance and FAQs:

Again, additional information on these and other topics can be found on the Stay Safe Bucs website. Thank you for your continued vigilance and for the care you give our campus community.

Sincerely, 

Brian Noland
President

MEMORANDUM TO FACULTY AND STAFF: COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Spring 2022 - 1/11/22

Dear Faculty and Staff,


As we prepare to resume in-person classes and the start of the spring semester, we are faced, yet again, with combatting another dangerous variant of COVID-19. The Omicron surge has battered our hopes that we might leave the struggles of the past two years behind. We are tired. We are frustrated. But we must not give in to the temptation to surrender. Instead, we must resolve to stay strong and fight this wearisome and perilous pandemic together.  

Following the CDC’s recommended health and safety precautions is the best way to care for one another and protect those most vulnerable. Yes, wearing a mask is inconvenient and annoying. However, at ETSU, we put people first, and our commitment to putting others before ourselves is a point of pride in our community. You never know who is sitting near you in class, at the cafeteria, or in the library. Perhaps it is someone who just finished chemotherapy or someone who has diabetes. It may be a parent with an immunocompromised child at home. It could be a veteran with a service injury that makes them more vulnerable to the disease.  

In the face of these risks, it is our civic duty — and an act of genuine kindness — to bear the inconveniences necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Wash your hands frequently. Wear masks in all public spaces. When you are sick, stay home. Most importantly, if you have not yet been vaccinated, please consider getting the vaccine. It is the single most effective action we can take to protect one another and end the pandemic.   

The Stay Safe Bucs website (formerly “Bucs are Back”) will continue to serve as our primary portal to provide information to keep the ETSU community safe and communicate updates regarding policy changes.   

However, to help you prepare for the new semester, we have outlined several resources below to help answer commonly asked questions and provide direction regarding key protocols and procedures.

Face Coverings 

Policy on Face Coverings:

State law prohibits us from requiring face coverings at this time. However, we strongly encourage all campus community members to do so any time they are near others or in a public setting. This includes hallways and common spaces of campus facilities except when actively eating or drinking. When exercising in the CPA, please consider wearing a face covering unless doing so hinders your ability to breathe properly and stay safe. 

Suggested Syllabus Language:

Faculty are encouraged to include the statement below, or a statement substantially similar, in their syllabi to encourage students to wear face coverings:

“In accordance with CDC guidelines, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask or other appropriate face covering to class. Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth communicates the care and respect you have for yourself, the care and respect you have for those you live with, and the care and respect you have for other members of this classroom community. The best evidence we have, from public health professionals, is that wearing masks is one of the best ways to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses.”

Accessing Masks:

Free “ETSU Strong” masks are available in the Carrier Center on the second floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center and in the Sherrod Library. Additionally, disposable masks will be available at a variety of public locations across campus, including many classrooms.

Vaccinations and Boosters:  

ETSU strongly encourages all students, staff, and faculty who are eligible to get vaccinated. It is the single most important thing a person can do to prevent illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID. If you have been vaccinated, but you are due for a booster, we encourage you to consider getting the additional shot to protect yourself and others further. Employees have been provided up to two days of additional leave, which may be used when getting or recovering from vaccinations.

Vaccine Policies: 

ETSU cannot mandate the vaccine. The university must adhere to state laws and policies when requiring any type of vaccination.  Laws vary state by state, and in Tennessee, the law prohibits ETSU from mandating the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. 

You should not inquire about vaccination status. Individuals should not ask a person’s COVID-19 vaccination status or use information about a person’s vaccination status to make decisions about participating in classroom or workplace activities, as noted by Tennessee Code Annotated. 

Vaccine Clinics:

If you have not done so, I urge you to get the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.  This is the most important thing you can do to protect your health and the health of others.  The vaccine is free, and our friends with ETSU Health are hosting several upcoming vaccine clinics. Booster shots are also available at these clinics. If you are not on our main campus, visit vaccines.gov to locate a vaccine clinic near you.

Testing, Reporting, and Tracing

Testing:

Testing helps identify persons who have COVID-19 and helps prevent the spread of the disease.  It also provides peace of mind for those who have concerns about exposure.  ETSU Health and University Health Center are available to provide COVID-19 testing.   Testing is available Monday through Friday.

Self-Reporting of COVID-19 Diagnosis/Exposure: 

If you have tested positive or think you may have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please call 423-439-7785.  A member of the Environmental Health and Safety team will fill out an intake form, coordinate contact tracing efforts, and provide guidance on any quarantine requirements. Additional details regarding our COVID-19 reporting guidelines can be found here.  

When to Stay at Home: 

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to a positive case, please read our guidance for when to quarantine and when to return to work or class. As a reminder, all employees have been provided with up to five additional days of leave for use in the event of a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure.  

COVID-19 Dashboard: 

The COVID-19 dashboard is updated regularly and provides information that has been reported to ETSU.  This includes confirmed cases of individuals tested through ETSU University Health Center as well as self-reported cases from members of the ETSU community. 

In-Person vs. Remote Work and Instruction

The Importance of In-Person Learning:

The adjustments we had to make at the beginning of the pandemic were the result of not having a viable alternative to help protect our community. Now that a vaccine is available and research has shown that masking can help reduce the spread, it is important that we continue traditional operations of having students in the classrooms and residence halls. While we must do all we can to ensure physical health and safety, these considerations also include the social, emotional, and educational well-being of our communities. Our students come to ETSU to have a traditional university experience – an experience that involves in-person learning and educational activities as well as in-person engagement and social interaction and the opportunities to participate in events and other beloved campus traditions. 

Expectations and Policies for Classroom Attendance for Students in Quarantine: 
  1. Faculty should adopt attendance policies that encourage students to stay home when they are sick or if they must quarantine.
  2. Faculty should plan to provide students with opportunities to make up or complete alternate assignments when student health circumstances require them to avoid face-to-face classes.
  3. Faculty may not ask students if they are vaccinated.

Answers to additional frequently asked questions regarding academics and instruction are available here.

Temporary Telecommuting Arrangements for Non-Faculty Employees: 

Click here to learn about our emergency policy for remote work. Refer to the FAQ for more information or contact your Human Resources Business Partner. 

Additional Guidance and FAQs:

Again, additional information on these and other topics can be found on the Stay Safe Bucs website.   

Thank you for your continued vigilance and for the care you give our campus community.

Sincerely, 

Brian Noland
President

MEMORANDUM TO FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS: Important Information Regarding Mask Requirement and Vaccine Mandate - 12/1/21

Dear ETSU community,

Last night, the United States District Court in Kentucky entered a preliminary injunction that prohibits the federal government from enforcing President Biden’s executive order for federal contractors and subcontractors in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio. As such, our exemption from the Office of the State Comptroller that allows us to comply with the federal vaccine executive order has been suspended. In compliance with Tennessee state law enacted November 12, we are statutorily obligated to lift the mask requirement effective immediately and suspend the vaccination requirements for employees covered by the federal contractor mandate. If you have been asked by the Office of Human Resources to provide proof of vaccination, you may comply voluntarily. 

As new strains of COVID-19 continue to appear, I strongly urge anyone who has not been vaccinated to consider getting the vaccine. The CDC is also recommending booster shots for all individuals over the age of 18 who received their COVID-19 vaccination more than six months ago. ETSU Health will host a free vaccine clinic in the Millennium Center this Saturday, December 4, from 10 a.m. until noon. This clinic will offer the Johnson and Johnson shot. Additional vaccine options are widely available through pharmacies and other health care providers throughout the region.

I also encourage individuals to continue wearing masks to prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19. Please remember that everyone’s health situation is unique, and I ask that our students, faculty, and staff be respectful of individual decisions regarding masking. 

In the coming weeks we will update signs, FAQs on the Bucs Are Back website, as well as other documents and messaging as necessary. Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate this complex and dynamic landscape.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

MEMORANDUM TO FACULTY AND STAFF: ETSU Maintains Mask Policy, Vaccine Requirements for Some Employees in Order to Preserve Federal Funding - 11/16/21

As COVID-19 case numbers begin to rise again in our region, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in preventing the spread of this persistent and devastating disease. Over the past few weeks, ETSU and universities across the country have been working to gain clarity around the varied state and federal regulations related to preventing the spread.

As I have noted in previous updates, it has been determined that ETSU is subject to the requirements associated with Executive Order 14042 issued by President Biden in September. Guidance related to the Executive Order indicates that all federal contractors must ensure that 1) all covered employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 2) safety protocols such as masking remain in place.

ETSU administers numerous federal contracts and programs totaling nearly $40 million. As such, the University is considered a federal contractor and must demonstrate compliance with the Order. Some of the federal guidance is in conflict with legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor last week. Members of the General Assembly recognized this conflict for those entities that receive federal funding and authorized the State Comptroller to grant waivers, which exempt institutions from aspects of the law in those instances where federal funds may be jeopardized. Yesterday, ETSU applied for and obtained a waiver, allowing the campus to move forward with demonstrating compliance with the Executive Order.

While it is certain that ETSU must comply with the Executive Order, the guidance on which of our employees this affects continues to be limited. Earlier this month, we identified approximately 70 employees who were clearly covered within the scope of the Executive Order. These employees have been notified of their status and have been asked to either get fully vaccinated or submit requests, as appropriate, for medical or religious exemptions. At this point, we are still reviewing the documentation and consulting legal counsel to determine the magnitude of impact the Executive Order will have on the University community. However, we have determined that some individuals serving in our healthcare facilities or working on our VA Campus must comply. The Office of Human Resources will reach out and provide direction to those additional individuals who are affected.

If you do not receive direct communication from HR, you do not need to take any immediate action. However, I continue to strongly encourage all unvaccinated employees to consider getting the vaccine. Vaccination remains the safest and most effective method for preventing severe illness or death from COVID-19. ETSU Health is providing a number of free vaccine clinics on campus, and you can receive the vaccination for free from numerous other healthcare providers, including local pharmacies. As a reminder, you can take advantage of our COVID-19 leave policy if you need to miss work to get vaccinated. 

Additionally, ETSU’s policy requiring face coverings indoors will remain. Masking is a required component of the Executive Order, and it is simply impossible for us to implement a mask policy at the individual level. While vaccine requirements are limited only to certain employees, masks will continue to be required indoors for the entire campus community.

Thank you again for your commitment to the health and safety of our community. 

Coping with the Impact of COVID-19 - 9/27/21

Dear ETSU community,

For more than eighteen months, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our resilience.  Waves of uncertainty, stress, and grief have become commonplace in our classrooms, our offices, and our homes. The surge of the Delta variant has tested our courage as we worry over loved ones who exhibit the merest sign of illness. It has tested our faith as we watch members of our community fall seriously ill or pass away in unimaginable numbers.

The past several weeks have been particularly difficult for our region. Many of you have watched and prayed as your family members, colleagues, friends, or neighbors have had to fight for their lives. Some of you have fought that battle yourselves, and we are faced daily with the tragic news that someone in our community has passed away due to complications from COVID.

Last week alone, we lost three members of our ETSU family to this horrible illness. As a campus, we are grief-stricken and in shock. Out of respect for the privacy of the families and friends of these individuals, the University will share more information and arrangements if and when permission is granted to do so. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with those who are in mourning as well as those whose loved ones are still battling COVID-19. This is a difficult time in our institution’s history, but we can overcome the pain and grief by standing together and taking care of one another.

I want to remind everyone that we have resources available to help you navigate these difficult times. Our team members with the ETSU Counseling Center are available to meet with any student who is struggling. Services are free, and students can schedule an appointment by calling 423-439-3333 or emailing counselingcenter@etsu.edu. Any faculty or staff member who would like to speak with someone can take advantage of our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at https://www.here4tn.com/.

I would also encourage you to take time for yourselves to process and reflect. This past spring, we dedicated two trees in University Commons: the Alexander Tree, which recognizes all those who have fought to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Cameron Tree, which commemorates members of the ETSU family who lost their lives to COVID-19. These are sacred spots on campus offering us a place to remember and honor those fighting and those we have lost.

Let this be a time that each of us leans on one another for support. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Do not hesitate to reach out to those who are struggling. Make sure to let others know how much you appreciate them — especially our healthcare providers and others who are on the frontlines of this pandemic. I know many of us feel powerless in the face of such devastating losses. But remember, each of us has the power to fight against the daily stress and sorrow we all face by acting with love and kindness. Especially in times like these, little acts of grace and goodness can make a world of difference.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

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Resources to help keep our campus safe and support one another, as well as information on how to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, are available at the Bucs are Back website at etsu.edu/coronavirus. Additionally, a printable flyer outlining support services provided by the Employee Assistance Program can be found here. 

Special Update: COVID-19 Safety Measures - 9/20/21

Dear ETSU faculty and staff,

Over the past month, it’s been incredibly exciting and reinvigorating to see students return to campus. However, the academic year has not been without its early challenges. With the COVID-19 Delta variant’s rapid spread throughout our region and the nation, we must continue to be diligent in following health and safety precautions.  Below you will find information and links from our Bucs Are Back website that address some of the frequently asked questions that have been raised recently.

Teaching During a Pandemic Policies

  1. Faculty should adopt attendance policies that encourage students to stay home when they are sick or if they must quarantine.
  2. Faculty should plan to provide students with opportunities to make up or complete alternate assignments when student health circumstances require them to avoid face-to-face classes.
  3. Faculty may not ask students if they are vaccinated.

When to Isolate or Quarantine.

This chart outlines common scenarios along with guidelines for when students and others should isolate or quarantine. You can also download the chart as a PDF.

Situation

What to Do

 

Related Resources

Vaccinated & Exposed: Have been notified of exposure, asymptomatic. For example, their roommate has COVID but the student feels fine.

 

 

Vaccinated persons with an exposure are not required to quarantine if they are FULLY VACCINATED and have remained asymptomatic. Fully vaccinated people should be tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result. They should isolate if they test positive.

  

ETSU Return to Work or Class Protocol

ETSU Health Clinic Testing

University Health Center Testing 

Unvaccinated & Exposed: Have been notified of exposure, asymptomatic or symptomatic but unvaccinated.

The individual must be excluded from all work or class activities for at least ten days following the last exposure; Additionally, they must continue to monitor symptoms for at least 14 days. The quarantine may end after 10 days ONLY if the exposed person is asymptomatic.

 

ETSU Health Clinic Testing

University Health Center Testing

Waiting on Test Results: Is vaccinated or unvaccinated, exhibiting symptoms, and  waiting on test results

The individual must be excluded from all work or class activities until a negative test result is confirmed. Additionally, they must continue to monitor symptoms for at least 14 days.

 

ETSU Return to Work or Class Protocol

ETSU Health Clinic Testing

University Health Center Testing

Confirmed Case, Exhibited Symptoms: Individual is vaccinated or unvaccinated and was confirmed to have COVID with symptoms

The individual must be excluded from all work or class activities for at least 10 days after symptoms first appear AND at least 24 hours after the last instance of fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) AND after symptoms have improved.

 

ETSU Return to Work or Class Protocol

Reporting Protocol

Confirmed Case, No Symptoms: Individual is vaccinated or unvaccinated and was confirmed to have COVID but hasn’t exhibited symptoms

The individual must be excluded from all work or class activities until at least 10 days have passed since the date of the first positive COVID-19 test AND as long as the individual continues to exhibit no symptoms.

 

ETSU Return to Work or Class Protocol

Reporting Protocol

Household Contact: An unvaccinated individual lives with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

The individual must be excluded from all work or class activities until at least 10 days have passed since the date of the first positive COVID-19 test AND as long as the individual continues to exhibit no symptoms.

 

ETSU Return to Work or Class Protocol

ETSU Health Clinic Testing

University Health Center Testing

What to Do If A Student Won’t Wear a Mask

ETSU’s Center for Teaching Excellence recently issued some helpful practical guidelines for teaching during a pandemic. One question they addressed was what to do if a student refuses to wear a face covering in class.

From the Center for Teaching Excellence:

  • Be sure you have communicated to students the expectations for mask wearing indoors on campus. Please refer to and use the suggested syllabus language in the ETSU mask policy. It’s also helpful to talk about the importance of mask wearing in class.
  • Your range of options for students who do not wear a mask is broad as are your options when responding to any classroom conduct issue. Here are some options you may want to consider: 
    • Place a disposable mask on the student’s desk.
    • In addition to providing a disposable mask, ask the student to stay after class and discuss the issue with the student. This strategy saves the student from a potentially embarrassing discussion in front of his/her/their peers. Be sure to let the student know about the potential consequences for continuing to violate university policies.
    • In circumstances where a student consistently refuses to wear a mask, you may ask the student to leave class. 
    • SPECIAL NOTE: Avoid dismissing the entire class because one student is not wearing a mask. Having most students complying with the mask mandate and continuing to teach is much preferable to denying the majority of students’ access to instruction because of a few students who are non-compliant.

Campus Wide Safety Measures

ETSU COVID Response Team

The ETSU COVID Response team is composed of a variety of leaders across campus including representatives from ETSU Health, student life and housing, facilities and administration, communications, academics, the President’s Office, and the Office of the Provost. The full COVID Response Team meets at least weekly to address new challenges and ensure collaboration across campus.

The Medical Response Team, a subgroup of the COVID Response Team, communicates daily and is constantly monitoring and responding to emerging situations. The team is also in daily communication with representatives from Ballad Health and state and local health officials.

Contact Tracing

This fall, ETSU hired three additional full-time contact tracers who are supporting staff members in Environmental Health and Safety who have been managing the COVID response and conducting contact tracing since the pandemic began. Contact tracers interview positive cases by telephone, determine quarantine release dates for positive cases, contact those who are exposed using Tennessee Department of Health quarantine guidelines, and conduct follow-up telephone calls with individuals with positive cases.

Reporting

If you have tested positive or think you may have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please call 423-439-7785.  A member of the Environmental Health and Safety team will fill out an in-take form, coordinate contact tracing efforts, and provide guidance on any quarantine requirements. Additional details regarding our COVID-19 reporting protocol can be found here.

Testing

Molecular PCR testing is available at both the University Health Center, located in the bottom of Nicks Hall, and the ETSU Health Clinic on State of Franklin. In most cases, the results of PCR tests are delivered within 24 hours. There may be a cost for PCR tests; however NO student, faculty member, or staff member will be turned away due to an inability to pay. 

Free Rapid Tests: The University Health Center offers FREE rapid antigen tests Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments are not required but are encouraged.

Isolating or Quarantining

Student housing has set aside some space within our residence halls to accommodate students who must isolate due to infection or exposure. Additionally, students may be sent home or to another site off campus if they need to isolate or quarantine.

Encouraging Vaccination

ETSU strongly encourages all individuals to get vaccinated unless prevented from doing so due to complicating health factors. However, when encouraging vaccination, remember: 

ETSU cannot mandate the vaccine. The university must adhere to state laws and policies when mandating any type of vaccination.  Laws vary state by state, and in Tennessee, the law prohibits ETSU from mandating the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. 

You should not inquire about vaccination status. Individuals should not ask a person’s COVID-19 vaccination status or use information about a person’s vaccination status to make decisions about participating in classroom or workplace activities. 

Vaccine Availability

All three vaccines are widely available in our region. View a list of available appointments within 50 miles of ETSU.

ETSU Health is also offering a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic on the 2nd floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center on October 8 from 1 to 5 p.m.

ETSU Vaccine Challenge

The ETSU Vaccine Challenge continues through October 8. Through the challenge, student participants are eligible to win one of hundreds of prizes awarded each week. Faculty and staff can also win one of six $2,500 prizes.

We’d encourage you to share information about the challenge through your social media channels, newsletters, and other methods of communication.

Blurb to share: Step up to the challenge! Participate in ETSU’s Vaccine Challenge to help keep yourself and our community safe — and win one of the hundreds of prizes we’re giving away each week! Learn more at https://www.etsu.edu/vaccinechallenge

“I Got Vaccinated” graphic to share: Vaccine Challenge Graphic download

Vaccine Promotion Toolkit

In addition to promoting the Vaccine Challenge, we encourage all faculty, staff, and students to help us share messages promoting vaccination.

Resources to share:

Additional Guidance and FAQs

Again, additional information on these and other topics can be found on the ETSU Bucs Are Back site. In spite of the many challenges we face, I am honored to be with you on this journey and continue to be in awe of the resilience of the ETSU community. Thank you for all you do for ETSU, and thank you for being part of our story. 

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President


The Ultimate Guide to Campus Resources - 8/20/21

Dear ETSU students,

The fall 2021 semester has arrived.  Yesterday, I had the honor of meeting several of our new students and their family members as they were moving into our residence halls.  It is so wonderful to be back together again, in-person, as One ETSU, as we begin this new year.
 
With the COVID-19 Delta variant spreading rapidly throughout our region and the nation, we must continue to be diligent in following health and safety precautions.  Below you will find information and links from our Bucs Are Back website that address some of the frequently asked questions that have been raised.

  • Vaccine Challenge
     
  • Policy on Face Coverings
     
  • Vaccinations
     
  • Testing
     
  • COVID-19 Dashboard
     
  • Self-Reporting of COVID-19 diagnosis: If you have tested positive or think you may have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please call 423-439-7785.  A member of the Environmental Health and Safety team will fill out an intake form, coordinate contact tracing efforts, and provide guidance on any quarantine requirements.

Your health and safety are our highest priority, as is your success as a student at East Tennessee State University. Staff from ETSU’s Division of Student Life and Enrollment are here to ensure you have access to the support services and that you have an engaging and meaningful experience as a student.

Remember:  We are here for you.  Take a moment to learn about these services and opportunities, and let us know what questions you have.

A transformative academic year is about to begin, and I am honored to be with you on this upcoming journey.  Thank you for being part of this campus community during this exciting time.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

Bucs Are Back: COVID-19 Resources for Fall 2021 - 8/17/21

Dear ETSU faculty and staff,

The start of the fall 2021 semester is just days away, and we are so excited to be together again, in-person, as One ETSU. But with the COVID-19 Delta variant spreading rapidly throughout our region and the nation, we must continue to be diligent in following health and safety precautions.

Throughout the pandemic, our Bucs Are Back website has been our primary portal for providing information to keep the ETSU community safe and communicating updates regarding policy changes.  It remains the best place to find updated information regarding our protocols and safety measures.


However, to help you prepare for the new semester, we have outlined several resources below to help answer commonly asked questions and provide direction regarding key protocols and procedures.

Face Coverings

 

Policy on Face Coverings:
 


At this time, masks are required in most indoor settings.  This includes classrooms.  If someone is not wearing a mask, you may ask them to please wear a face covering and remind them it is a university policy. If that person refuses, you have the option of reporting the individual to Student Life and Enrollment (student) or Human Resources (faculty/staff).

 

Suggested Syllabus Language:
 

Faculty are encouraged include the below statement, or a statement substantially similar, in their syllabi to ensure students are aware of the requirements related to Face Coverings on Campus:

“Please wear a mask or other appropriate Face Covering to class. Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth communicates the care and respect you have for yourself, the care and respect you have for those you live with, and the care and respect you have for other members of this classroom community. The best evidence we have, from public health professionals, is that wearing masks is one of the best ways to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. Students with medical conditions that inhibit their ability to wear masks should register through disability services by contact Disability Services by telephone at 423-439-8346 or by email at littleme@etsu.edu to request an accommodation.  The policy can be found at https://www.etsu.edu/policies/health-safety/face-coverings.php.”

 

Other FAQs Regarding Face Coverings:
 

Answers to additional frequently asked questions regarding face coverings is available here. Pay close attention to future communications that may include a link to an updated version of the FAQ.

Vaccinations
 

ETSU strongly encourages all students, staff, and faculty to get vaccinated. It is the single most important thing a person can do to prevent illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID.

 

Vaccine Policies:
 

ETSU cannot mandate the vaccine. The university must adhere to state laws and policies when mandating any type of vaccination.  Laws vary state by state, and in Tennessee, the law prohibits ETSU from mandating the COVID-19 vaccine at this time.

You should not inquire about vaccination status: Individuals should not ask a person’s COVID-19 vaccination status or use information about a person’s vaccination status to make decisions about participating in classroom or workplace activities, as noted by Tennessee Code Annotated.

 

ETSU Vaccine Challenge:
 

Last week, we announced the ETSU Vaccine Challenge that is open to students, faculty, and staff on a voluntary basis. Those who choose to participate will be eligible for prize drawings.

 

Vaccine Clinics: 
 

If you have not done so, I urge you to get the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.  This is the most important thing you can do to protect your health and the health of others.  The vaccine is free, and our friends with ETSU Health are hosting a number of upcoming vaccine clinics. If you are not on our main campus, visit vaccine.gov to locate a vaccine clinic near you.

Testing, Reporting, and Tracing

 

Testing:
 

Testing helps identify persons who have COVID-19 and helps prevent spread of the disease.  It also provides peace of mind for those who have concerns about an exposure.  ETSU Health and University Health Center are available to provide COVID-19 testing. Testing is available Monday through Friday.

 

Self-Reporting of COVID-19 Diagnosis/Exposure:
 

If you have tested positive or think you may have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please call 423-439-7785.  A member of the Environmental Health and Safety team will fill out an in-take form, coordinate contact tracing efforts, and provide guidance on any quarantine requirements. Additional details regarding our COVID-19 reporting protocol can be found here.

 

When to Stay at Home:
 

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to a positive case, please read our instructions for when to quarantine and when to return to work.

 

COVID-19 Dashboard:
 

The COVID-19 dashboard is updated regularly and provides information that has been reported to ETSU.  This includes confirmed cases of individuals tested through ETSU University Health Center as well as self-reported cases from members of the ETSU community.

In-Person vs. Remote Work and Instruction

 

The Importance of Being Back on Ground:
 

The adjustments we have had to make over the past 19 months were the result of not having a viable alternative to help protect our community. Now that a vaccine is available and research has shown that masking can help reduce the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, it is important that we return to traditional operations of having students in the classrooms and residence halls.  While it is critical that we do all we can to ensure physical health and safety, these considerations also include the social, emotional, and educational well-being of our communities. Our students come to ETSU to have a traditional university experience – an experience that involves in-person learning and educational activities as well as in-person engagement and social interaction, and the opportunities to participate in events and other beloved campus traditions.

 

Expectations and Policies for Classroom Attendance for Students in Quarantine:
 

  1. Faculty should adopt attendance policies that encourage students to stay home when they are sick or if they must quarantine.
  2. Faculty should plan to provide students with opportunities to make up or complete alternate assignments when student health circumstances require them to avoid face-to-face classes.
  3. Faculty may not ask students if they are vaccinated.

Answers to additional frequently asked questions regarding academics and instruction are available here.

 

Temporary Telecommuting Arrangements for Non-Faculty Employees:
 

Click here to learn about our emergency policy for remote work. Refer to the FAQ for more information or contact your Human Resources Business Partner.

Additional Guidance and FAQs:

Again, additional information on these and other topics can be found on the ETSU Bucs Are Back site or in the recording of my most recent Town Hall.  A transformative academic year is about to begin, and I am honored to be with you on this upcoming journey.  Thank you for all you do for ETSU, and thank you for being part of our story.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

Announcing the ETSU Vaccine Challenge - 8/12/21

Dear ETSU faculty, staff and students,

In less than two short weeks, classes begin for the fall term. We want all of you to know that the quality of your experience and safety of our community are our highest priorities. To ensure success as we return to a full on-ground experience this fall, we are encouraging all medically-able faculty, staff, and students who have not already done so, to get vaccinated against COVID-19.  As part of this appeal, we are pleased to announce the ETSU Vaccine Challenge.

Students 

Eligible students who voluntarily complete the online entry form will be entered into a raffle to win prizes such as $2,000 and $1,000 tuition scholarships, a designated parking spot on campus, ID Bucs, ETSU swag, and more. Names will be drawn weekly, beginning Friday, August. 20 through Friday, Oct. 8. 

Student organizations reaching 80% participation in the ETSU Vaccine Challenge will be eligible for a drawing to win prizes such as organization T-shirts, an ETSU pop-up tent and cash prizes.

The online entry form is now open and available at etsu.edu/vaccinechallenge. Participation is completely voluntary.  

 Faculty & Staff

Eligible faculty and staff who voluntarily complete the online entry form will be entered into a drawing for six, $2,500 taxable awards. Three awards will be drawn Friday, Sept. 3, and again on Friday, Oct. 1. 

The online entry form is now open and available at etsu.edu/vaccinechallenge. Participation is completely voluntary.  

Vaccine Availability

ETSU Health continues to hold COVID-19 vaccine clinics on campus. The next clinics are scheduled for tomorrow, Aug. 13, from 2-4 p.m. on the second floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center and Saturday, Aug. 14 at the Millennium Center, from 3-6 p.m. No appointment is required. Pfizer-BioNTech and Janssen Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available at most vaccine clinics. For those who have not yet returned to campus, visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccine clinic near you.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way for us to protect ourselves and each other as we welcome our new and returning students, and many of our faculty, back to campus. We encourage all eligible students, faculty and staff to participate in the ETSU Vaccine Challenge!

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

Joe Sherlin
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment

Virtual Town Hall - 8/11/21




Fall Semester Opening and Welcome - 8/4/21

Dear ETSU students,

The countdown has begun for the start of the fall 2021 semester on the campus of East Tennessee State University.  We are so excited to have our students back on campus and to welcome our new students to the ETSU family.  


We are planning a robust, full on-ground experience this year.  ETSU is returning to an in-person format for classes, and our residence halls –your home away from home – will be at full capacity again.  In addition to our in-person New Student Orientation and PREVIEW events, a number of exciting initiatives are planned, including our Second-Year Transitional Experience Program, Weeks of Welcome, numerous student and athletic events, and other opportunities to get connected through campus organizations.  We are especially excited about the opening of the Martin Center for the Arts where, this fall, students from music and theater will have the opportunity to perform, in addition to the major touring productions that will be brought to stage.


Earlier this week, you received an email informing you that masks are now required in indoor spaces on campus.  As a result of the emergence of the Delta variant, the number of COVID-19 cases are on the rise, and this is presenting major challenges for our hospital systems, which are nearing capacity.  By wearing face coverings, we are being good neighbors, and this precaution can help prevent transmission or further spread of the illness.  We are all in this together, and we sincerely hope this policy change is temporary. However, our first priority is always keeping our students and our community safe, and we will continue to monitor health risks and respond accordingly. Please consider getting the COVID-19 vaccination if you have not done so already.  Free vaccines will be available on campus throughout the year and during PREVIEW.


Again, we are just weeks away from having everyone back on campus. The 2021-22 year promises to be a year of engagement, learning, and new opportunities. Thank you.

Best wishes and Go Bucs!

Dr. Joe Sherlin
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
East Tennessee State University

COVID-19 Response: Updated Face Covering Policy - 8/3/21

Dear ETSU community,

The start of the fall semester affords the opportunity to renew our commitment to the longstanding teaching, research, and service missions at East Tennessee State University, as well as our overall mission to improve the lives of the people of our region.  In that spirit, it is important that we take the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.

While this is an exciting time for our campus, we are simultaneously witnessing a significant increase in the number of reported cases of COVID-19 across our region. This increase is primarily the result of the emergence of the highly infectious Delta variant, coupled with the reality that vaccination rates across our region trail national averages.  We recognize that this situation is disappointing and discouraging, especially given the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines.  In light of the evolving recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as reports that our local hospital system is nearing capacity, the need has risen for us to modify and reinstitute our emergency policy regarding face coverings.

Effective Wednesday, August 4, face coverings will be required in most indoor settings for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  This action applies to those who have been vaccinated, as well as those who have yet to receive the vaccine. Students, employees, and guests may remove their face coverings while eating or drinking, and face coverings are not required for individual private offices or residence hall rooms.  Please note that the ETSU policy on remote work remains unchanged, as do all other elements of our Modified Stage 4 operational plans, including events.  In light of the fluid landscape created by the rapid spread of the Delta variant, the Bucs Are Back website, the FAQs and campus signage will continue to be updated.  It is our sincere hope that these adjustments to our operating plans for the fall semester will be temporary and that we can return to a more traditional operating structure.

Vaccination remains our best option for preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19, and ETSU vehemently encourages all students, faculty, and staff who have not been vaccinated to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.  Our partners at ETSU Health will continue to host free vaccine clinics throughout the coming weeks and there are ample sites available across the region to receive the lifesaving vaccine. Information regarding free vaccination opportunities is available at Vaccines.gov or Ballad Health. We strongly encourage all members of the community to dispel disinformation campaigns and take the appropriate steps to protect you and your family from the Delta variant.

Thank you for all you have done throughout the past nineteen months to protect your health and the health of members of the ETSU community.

Dr. Brian Noland
President

Dr. Bill Block
Vice President for Clinical Affairs
Dean of Quillen College of Medicine

ETSU COVID-19 Response: New CDC Guidance - 7/28/21

Dear ETSU community,

Yesterday afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new recommendations regarding face coverings for fully-vaccinated individuals. This guidance comes in the wake of growing concerns over the Delta variant of COVID-19 and declining vaccine uptake rates.

In accordance with these new CDC guidelines, ETSU encourages the use of face coverings indoors for everyone during this period of “substantial transmission.” While wearing face coverings on campus is not required, we encourage the ETSU community to follow the CDC recommendations during this period of widespread distribution of the Delta variant across our region.

Our campus has greatly benefitted from a return to normalcy over the past few months. We can continue interactions and in-person activities while also being good neighbors to one another and reinforcing safe practices to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Increased cleaning and disinfecting measures continue in high traffic areas across campus and signs posted in public spaces continue to encourage healthy habits, such as handwashing, to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

As noted throughout the spring by the leadership team of ETSU Health, COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to prevent illness.  The current vaccines are overwhelmingly safe, and prevent almost all severe symptoms of the virus. ETSU strongly encourages all students, faculty, and staff who have not been vaccinated to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to receive the vaccine. Our partners at ETSU Health continue to host free vaccine clinics, and COVID-19 testing is available at ETSU Health clinics and the University Health Center.  More information about free vaccination opportunities is available at Vaccines.gov or through our partners at Ballad Health.

Please visit our Bucs Are Back website and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for more information about Stage 4 operations.  As it has been for the past 18 months, this remains a fluid situation.  We will monitor information as it becomes available and will keep our campus updated on any changes.  Thank you for all you do to support ETSU and to protect the health and well-being of those in our campus community. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Noland
President

Dr. Bill Block
Vice President for Clinical Affairs
Dean of Quillen College of Medicine

Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions - 6/22/21

Dear ETSU community,

Throughout the past 18 months, our students, faculty, and staff have worked together, as One ETSU, to protect the health and well-being of our campus as our region and nation battled this pandemic.  We recognize that many of the decisions that were made resulted in significant alterations to our traditional academic and business operations.  The willingness and cooperation of our community allowed us to continue with our mission – a mission to improve the quality of life for the people of this region – and to assist thousands of students in achieving the dream of a college degree.

The efforts of our community to ensure the safety of others resulted in our COVID-19 incidence rates remaining low during the 2020-21 year.  We have continued to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and last month we announced that our COVID-19 policy on face coverings was being lifted for students, faculty, staff and visitors to the university who had been fully vaccinated.  As we prepare for the start of the 2021-22 year and for the return of employees back to campus on July 1, we are pleased to make further adjustments to the emergency operations that were put into place when the pandemic began.

Effective Thursday, July 1, we are lifting restrictions on classroom capacities for the fall 2021 semester.  Faculty members who wish to increase capacity in their currently scheduled fall 2021 courses should work with their respective department chairs and deans.   In addition, we are removing capacity restrictions for in-person events hosted by ETSU.  However, any event that will accommodate more than 300 persons must have a safety plan in place.  This was our standard practice prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While face coverings are not required for those persons who are fully vaccinated, we encourage those persons who have not been fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings and follow physical distancing guidelines, as suggested by the CDC.  Our partners at ETSU Health will continue to host free vaccine clinics as well as opportunities for COVID-19 testing in ETSU Health clinics and the University Health Center.  We strongly encourage all members of the ETSU community who have not been vaccinated to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. In addition, more information about free vaccination opportunities is available at Vaccines.gov or through our partners at Ballad Health.

Again, it has been the cooperativeness and teamwork of everyone during the past 18 months that have allowed us to make these adjustments and to lift the emergency restrictions. Visit our Bucs Are Back website for an updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and more information about Stage 4 operations.  Thank you for all you do. 

Sincerely,


Dr. Brian Noland

President Dr. Bill Block
Vice President for Clinical Affairs
Dean of Quillen College of Medicine

ETSU Health Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics - 5/18/21

There are several upcoming opportunities to receive the COVID-19 vaccination on the campus of East Tennessee State University:

  • ETSU Health will offer the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on May 19, 20 and 21, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the second floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center. Enter on the second floor entrance off of Seehorn Road (below the third-floor ramp). This single-dose vaccine is free and open to anyone age 18 and older. No appointments are required. 
     

  • In addition, ETSU Health will offer the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to noon in the ballroom at ETSU’s Millennium Centre, 2001 Millennium Place. Patients may park on the third level or above in the parking garage adjacent to the Millennium Center and follow the signs to ballroom. This single-dose vaccine is free and open to anyone age 18 and older. No appointments are required.

The ETSU Health vaccine clinic will administer Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, which only requires one shot. Following a pause of the Janssen Johnson & Johnson vaccine and a thorough safety review, the CDC and the FDA determined that the recommended pause of the vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume. The FDA has determined that the available data show that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older. More details about the decision is available here.

For more information about the ETSU Health vaccine clinic, call 423-439-EVAX (3829). Patients with questions about the vaccine should contact their physician. We hope that all members of the ETSU community will get vaccinated as soon as possible. More information about other vaccine locations in our region is available here.

COVID-19 Response: Emergency Policy on Face Coverings Lifted - 5/17/21

Dear ETSU Community,

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, East Tennessee State University has followed guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to inform our decision-making process in regards to restrictions, recommendations and other changes to university operations.  This approach has yielded encouraging results in keeping ETSU and our communities safe as evidenced by the low COVID-19 incidence rates we experienced across campus during the past year.

Given the recent recommendations released by the CDC last Thursday, we announce that effective immediately, ETSU is lifting its emergency COVID-19 policy on face coverings that was put into place last year.   In continued accordance with CDC guidelines, students, faculty, staff and visitors to the university who have been fully vaccinated (two weeks past their final vaccine dose) are not required to wear face coverings, and also are not required to observe physical distancing.  As noted by the CDC, persons who have not been fully vaccinated should continue wearing face coverings and following physical distancing guidelines.

Any member of the university community who has been fully vaccinated but wishes to continue wearing a face covering is encouraged to do so and we ask that you provide a supportive culture for those who continue this practice.   While our face covering requirements are being lifted for persons who have been fully vaccinated, face coverings will continue to be required in some locations, including all of our ETSU Health clinical sites, which is also consistent with CDC recommendations.  In addition, University School will continue to operate within its current COVID-19 guidelines.  Individuals should not ask a person’s COVID-19 vaccination status or use information about a person’s vaccination status to make decisions about participating in classroom or workplace activities.

We continue to strongly encourage all members of the ETSU community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  ETSU Health will be offering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine this week on May 19, 20, and 21 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the second floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center. No appointments are required. In addition, more information about vaccination opportunities is available at Vaccines.gov or through our partners at Ballad Health.

In closing, we want to thank you for your continued patience throughout the past fifteen months.  We recognize that today’s announcement presents new questions, and in the upcoming days we will update our Bucs Are Back website as well as other campus signage.  Again, we appreciate your patience as the campus strives to safely navigate this fluid and complex landscape.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

Bill Block
Vice President for Clinical Affairs
Dean of Quillen College of Medicine

Temporary Telecommuting Arrangement Policy - 5/10/21

Last month, President Noland announced that as part of ETSU’s COVID-19 Response, the university would transition to the next phase of operations, Modified Stage 4. As we begin to ease restrictions and staff return to campus full time, it is critical that supervisors have a policy to guide conversations with staff members about transitioning from remote work. The Office of Human Resources, with guidance from the Senior Leadership Team, has modified ETSU Policy PPP-73 (Telecommuting Policy Statement for Non-Faculty Employees) to permit a Vice President/Dean to approve temporary telecommuting for non-faculty employees on a case-by-case basis. The approval process and procedures are defined in the emergency policy, Temporary Telecommuting Arrangement for Non-Faculty Employees.

We realize that as conversations unfold, questions may arise. A Frequently Asked Questions list and additional resources are now available on the Office of Human Resources website. Additionally, Lori Erickson from the Office of Human Resources will lead a series of Zoom sessions for employees and another for supervisors to discuss the emergency policy and answer questions. Questions may be submitted to hr@etsu.edu ahead of time or submitted through the chat during the session. All supervisors/employees are encouraged to attend a session and review the FAQ’s before contacting HR with questions. Click the links below to select a date and register for an employee or supervisor session. 

HR Question Sessions for Temporary Telecommuting Arrangements

Sessions for Non-Faculty Employees

  • Tuesday, May 11 at 1 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 13 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 18 at 11 a.m.
  • Wednesday, May 19 at 3 p.m.

Sessions for Supervisors

  • Tuesday, May 11 at 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 12 at 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 13 at 9:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, May 18 at 1 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 19 at 11 a.m.

While many members of our staff have already returned to their campus offices and responsibilities on a full time or rotational basis, some will be returning to campus for the first time in nearly 14 months. We would like to thank members of the ETSU/Ballad Health Strong BRAIN Institute for being proactive in offering an open forum where members of the campus community can discuss uncertainties and how we can embark upon a major shift in our operations and interactions using principles of resilience. Please look for additional engagement opportunities through the Strong BRAIN Institute.

Staff members across East Tennessee State University quickly adapted to the uncertainties and challenges of remote work. Thank you for your continued perseverance and patience as we developed the modified telecommuting policy. The process and procedures are intended to guide ETSU into Modified Stage 4 operations so that staff may continue to provide the one-on-one support for our students and community we are proudly known for.

ETSU Health Vaccine Clinics Resume April 30

To help keep our Buccaneer family safe and healthy, we encourage you to take advantage of the final ETSU Health Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine clinics of the semester. 

This single-dose vaccine is free and open to anyone age 18 and older. Two of the three upcoming clinics do not require an appointment – just walk in and receive your vaccine at your convenience. Please note these weekday clinics will be held at a new location, the Martha Street Culp Auditorium in the D.P. Culp Student Center. The Saturday clinic is at the Millennium Center.

The upcoming clinics, open to anyone age 18 or older, are as follows:

  • Friday, April 30, noon-2 p.m.
    Martha Street Culp Auditorium, D.P. Culp Student Center
    No appointment is required.
     
  • Saturday, May 1, noon- 2 p.m. 
    Millennium Center, 2001 Millennium Place 
    Appointments are required at ETSUHealth.org. Those without access to the internet may call 423-439-EVAX (3829) to assist with scheduling.
     
  • Tuesday, May 4, noon- 2 p.m. 
    Martha Street Culp Auditorium, D.P. Culp Student Center  
    No appointment is required.

The ETSU Health vaccine clinic will administer Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, which only requires one shot.  

Following a pause of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and a thorough safety review, the CDC and the FDA determined that the recommended pause of the vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume. The FDA has determined that the available data show that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older. More details about the decision is available here.

Patients with questions about the vaccine should contact their physician. We hope that all members of the ETSU community will get vaccinated as soon as possible. More information about other vaccine locations in our region is available here.




ETSU Health Vaccine Clinics: April 10 & 13

Dear ETSU community,

ETSU Health is offering additional opportunities to receive a COVID-19 vaccination (by appointment only):

  • Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 13, 3-7 p.m.

The ETSU Health vaccine clinic will administer Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, which only requires one dose. These clinics are open to anyone age 18 and older, regardless of health condition.

The vaccine clinics will be held in the ballroom at ETSU’s Millennium Center, located at 2001 Millennium Place. Patients with appointments may park on the third level or above in the parking garage adjacent to the Millennium Center and follow the signs to the ballroom. 

To register for the ETSU Health vaccine clinic, visit ETSUHealth.org. Those without internet access may call 423-439-EVAX (3829) to assist with scheduling. Patients with questions about the vaccine should contact their physician.

Individuals who were on a previous waitlist and have not yet been contacted regarding an appointment will need to register for an appointment.

Feel free to share this link (Spanish version) with your friends and family who need a vaccination. As before, we expect these appointments to go quickly. If you are unable to attend an ETSU Health vaccination clinic, our community has several opportunities available, and we encourage you to get the first vaccine that is available to you by checking www.vaccinefinder.org.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

Modified Stage 4 Plan - 4/7/21

Dear ETSU community,

News of expanded access to the COVID-19 vaccine brings renewed hope to our campus and our nation as we make plans to move forward from the pandemic. Throughout these challenging times, our priority has always been ensuring the health and safety of our campus and our community. A complete timeline of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found here. 

I am pleased to report that 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.

Highlights of the Modified Stage 4 Plan include:

  • The majority of academic instruction starting in fall 2021 will take place in person.
  • Employees primarily will be working on campus.
  • At this time, the current face-covering policy will remain in effect, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Laboratory and on-campus experiential learning will be permitted.
  • Residence halls will return to full occupancy.
  • Field research, laboratory and service activities will be allowed but should adhere to appropriate physical distancing measures.
  • Domestic travel will be allowed beginning May 15, and select international travel will be permitted after June 15.
  • Athletic competitions will continue to follow guidelines issued by the NCAA and the Southern Conference, and those involving spectators will require an event safety plan.
  • Large university events will be allowed and should have appropriate physical distancing measures.

I strongly encourage you to visit our Bucs Are Back website for an outline of the Modified Stage 4 Plan and new FAQ listing.  More information about these operational changes will be shared via email announcements and posted on the Bucs Are Back website. Specific updates and instructions may be shared within your college, unit or department. 

Our operational status for July 1 as well as the fall 2021 semester will be discussed during a Town Hall meeting hosted by our Staff Senate on Tuesday, April 20, at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.  More information and registration is available at etsu.edu/staff-senate.  At the recommendation of the Deans’ Council, the Senior Leadership Team will be working with Strong Brain Institute to promote resilience among faculty, staff, and students to recover from the trauma of COVID-19. It is imperative to underscore that this transition is contingent on several factors, including the continued availability of vaccines, ongoing improvement in the number of cases, and individuals’ adherence to the safety measures that are in place.

As I have stated on numerous occasions during the past year, we are “One ETSU.” Together, we are resilient and together we will support one another as we move through this transition.

Thank you and Go Bucs!

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

ETSU Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Announced - 3/29/21

Dear ETSU community,

Appointments for the first ETSU Health COVID-19 vaccine clinics held earlier this month were filled in a matter of hours, and since then, numerous people have inquired about whether we would be able to offer additional vaccines to the community. 

Today, I am pleased to share with you that ETSU Health has received additional doses of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Not only do we have more vaccines, we are very excited that we are now able to offer these vaccines to anyone age 18 and older, regardless of health condition.

ETSU Health will be administering the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine (which only requires one dose and is approved for individuals 18 and older) by appointment only.

We are now taking appointments at ETSUHealth.org for four ETSU Health COVID-19 vaccine clinics:

Thursday, April 1, 3-7 p.m.
Saturday, April 3, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Tuesday, April 6, 3-7 p.m.
Thursday, April 8, 3-7 p.m.

The vaccine clinics will be held in the ballroom at ETSU’s Millennium Center, located at 2001 Millennium Place. Patients with appointments may park on the third level or above in the parking garage adjacent to the Millennium Center and follow the signs to the ballroom. 

We encourage all members of the ETSU community to consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible, and we hope that these clinics will provide a convenient option for you and other members of our community. If you are unable to attend one of our vaccine clinics, please visit www.vaccinefinder.org to locate a vaccine near you.

To register for the ETSU Health vaccine clinic, visit ETSUHealth.org. Those without internet access may call 423-439-EVAX (3829) to assist with scheduling. Patients with questions about the vaccine should contact their physician. If you would like to share these opportunities with your contacts, a link is available here  (Spanish here).

Finally, I want to thank all of the ETSU Health faculty, students, and staff who have worked tirelessly to provide vaccines, education, testing, research, and care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Your work continues to make a difference in our region.

Be well and Go Bucs!

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Noland
President

COVID-19 Anniversary Message from President Brian Noland - 3/19/21

 

Dear ETSU community,

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. Many of our students left their residence halls and said goodbye to friends, not knowing when they would see each other or our campus again. At that time none of us knew what the future would hold; however, we were completely certain that keeping people safe was our highest priority.

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. There were also many lessons learned—the biggest for me is how deeply I care for the people of this university. I continue to be inspired by the support and compassion shown for one another. Our success this past year is entirely due to each and every individual who chooses to make ETSU home and dedicates their time and talents toward the journey of earning a college degree.

A snapshot of our successes through the last year and the many ways we led with our mission and values is available to view in a COVID-19 Response Timeline on the ETSU News website.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Noland
President

ETSU Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic: March 20-21


March 17, 2021


Dear ETSU community,

We are pleased to announce that ETSU Health has received a limited number of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccines to distribute to the community.

This weekend (March 20-21), ETSU Health will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic by appointment only for members of the ETSU community and the community-at-large who are eligible for a vaccine under Tennessee’s roll-out plan (currently individuals 65+ and those in groups 1a1, 1a2, 1b and 1c)
At this time, we do not know if or when ETSU Health will receive additional vaccines, so we strongly encourage anyone who is currently eligible for a vaccine in Tennessee to make an appointment for a vaccine. We anticipate that these appointments will go fast, so please do not delay. Those who are unable to schedule an appointment through ETSU Health this weekend and are eligible for the vaccine should contact another vaccine location. More information about vaccine availability in our region is available here.

Appointments are available online at ETSUHealth.org for Saturday, March 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or on Sunday, March 21, from 2-6 p.m. (Please note that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only available to those 18 and older and only requires one dose.)

The vaccine clinic will be held in ballroom at ETSU’s Millennium Center, located at 2001 Millennium Place. Patients with appointments may park on the third level or above in the parking garage adjacent to the Millennium Center and follow the signs to ballroom.

To find out if you are currently eligible for a vaccine in Tennessee, visit covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-phases. To register for the ETSU Health vaccine clinic, visit ETSUHealth.org. Patients with questions about the vaccine should contact their physician.

If you’d like to share this opportunity with others, a news release is available on the ETSU News website.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Noland
President

Dr. Bill Block
Vice President for Clinical Affairs
Dean of Quillen College of Medicine


Commencement - Spring 2021 - 3/8/21

Dear Classes of 2020 and 2021,

It is my honor to share with you the news that our 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 Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini Dome).

We greatly appreciate those who took the time to complete the survey sent to you a few weeks ago.  The health and well-being of everyone who will gather for the celebration is our highest priority.  As part of our safety plan, we will hold five separate ceremonies. Each graduate will receive four tickets for their guests.  These and other measures are being taken to support a safe environment for our guests, graduates, and all participants during the ceremonies.

The ceremony schedule for our spring 2021 Commencement exercises includes:

Thursday, May 6

Ceremonies for Quillen College of Medicine and Gatton College of Pharmacy graduates will be held on this day.  More information will be provided soon regarding these events.

Friday, May 7


  • 10 a.m. -  Class of 2020 (May and December graduates)
  • 3 p.m. - Class of 2021 College of Arts and Sciences

Saturday, May 8

  • 10 a.m. - Class of 2021 Clemmer College and College of Public Health

  • 3 p.m. - Class of 2021 College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences and College of Nursing

Sunday, May 9

  • 1 p.m. - Class of 2021 College of Business and Technology, Cross-Disciplinary Studies, Pharmacy Studies, Biomedical Sciences, and Global Sport Leadership

If you have questions please email commencement@etsu.edu or visit etsu.edu/classof2021 for more information.  In the upcoming weeks, additional information will be provided to our graduates, including registration and how to obtain guest tickets.  On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I want to congratulate you on achieving this transformative milestone. You are – and forever will be – a beloved member of the ETSU family.  I look forward to seeing you cross the stage in May.

Dr. Brian Noland
President

Dr. Wilsie S. Bishop
Senior VP for Academics and
Interim Provost

Announcement Regarding Fall 2021 Update - 2/17/21





Dear ETSU community,

During the past twelve months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned a great deal about ourselves and our university. We successfully shifted and adapted to the challenges that were presented to us, while remaining steadfast to our mission. I am proud of our faculty for the manner in which they quickly adopted new teaching modalities and course delivery methods in order to ensure the success of our students.  I am proud of our students for the manner in which they have remained focused on their academic success and committed to our safety protocols. While campuses around the nation struggled, we thrived because of the values of our student body and their willingness to embrace flexibility, creativity, and new ways of learning.  Furthermore, I am proud of our staff who have been steadfast in their work to keep our campus open, safe, and operational as they adapted to new processes in order to sustain our business operations and the work of this university.

As we progress through the spring semester, it is appropriate for us to turn our attention to the 2021-22 academic year.  Given the promise of multiple vaccines and the opportunity to realize widespread vaccinations across our region this summer, ETSU has begun planning for an increased on-ground campus presence for fall 2021 with the majority of academic instruction occurring in-person. We are also preparing for increased occupancy in our residence halls. Additionally, ETSU plans to restore in-person activities and events that will allow students to enjoy experiential learning, campus life, and community engagement opportunities while keeping safety at the forefront.  Concurrently, we are exploring ways to safely transition our employees who have been working from home back to their campus offices.

While we currently are operating in Modified Stage 2, senior leadership is working closely with the Medical Response Team to finalize plans for the summer and fall semesters using the stages defined by the Future Operations Work Group in summer 2020.  There are many questions about how we will operate in the “new normal,” and we recognize that plans are subject to change. Our Bucs Are Back website will continue to serve as the primary information portal regarding our COVID-19 response as well as any details regarding vaccine distribution as it becomes available. The website also includes an updated schedule for Drop-in COVID-19 testing.

In closing, I am extremely pleased by how our campus community has adopted a culture of resilience and perseverance, and I am encouraged by the promise of what lies ahead for us throughout the summer as we prepare to welcome our students back to campus for the fall semester.  Thank you for your patience and for all you do for ETSU. I will share more information about summer and fall in the weeks to come.  

Sincerely,
Brian Noland
President

Spring 2021: COVID-19 Safety, Vaccine, and Testing

Dear ETSU community,


Many of the safety protocols introduced to members of the East Tennessee State University community last spring have become part of everyday life. Wearing a mask and staying six feet apart from our neighbors have become ways to show respect and kindness. The number of positive COVID-19 cases reported to ETSU remained relatively low throughout the fall semester thanks to the dedication of students, faculty, staff and visitors. While the rollout of the vaccine has provided much excitement and hope, please do not ease your commitment to slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Continue following these safety practices:

  •  Wear face coverings or masks in public settings
  • Avoid close contact by practicing physical distancing and staying at least six feet apart

  • Frequent handwashing for 20 second

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surface

  • Stay home if you are not feeling well

  • Monitor symptoms daily

Additionally, as you return to campus, please pay close attention to health and safety information posted on walls, screens and floors in order to practice physical distancing in classrooms, the library and labs, or while waiting in lines for food or other services.

COVID-19 response and health information

Visit the Bucs Are Back website regularly for the latest information on ETSU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The website offers many resources to help the university community navigate the pandemic:

Vaccine Update from Medical Response Team

Given the complex and fast-changing landscape of COVID-19 vaccines, ETSU’s Medical Response Team has provided an update on COVID-19 vaccines in our community. Currently there are no vaccination requirements for faculty, staff, and students.

Vaccine eligibility

At ETSU, we are tracking and following the plan set forth by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), which closely mirrors the recommendations of the CDC. TDH’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan was last updated December 30, 2020. A graph and description of the state’s Vaccine Allocation Phases begins on page 13 of that document. Each county across the state is progressing through the Vaccine Phases at its own pace, meaning that different counties may be in different phases on the same day. The current phase and a contact number for each county’s health department can be found here and is updated frequently. (last update January 12, 2021)

To find out when you will be eligible for vaccination in the State of Tennessee and to sign up for notifications, please visit the TDH Vaccine Eligibility Tool.

Individuals residing outside Tennessee should check with their state’s Department of Health for latest vaccine distribution information.

Regional Vaccine Status
In our Northeast Tennessee region, three local entities have received and are administering COVID-19 vaccines:

1. Ballad Health: vaccinating their team members and also working to complete vaccinations for community health care workers in the 1a1 (inpatient) and 1a2 (outpatient) groups.


  • ETSU Health providers and staff have had the opportunity to receive the first dose of the vaccine at a Ballad Health facility.
  • At this time, Ballad Health is no longer administering first doses of the vaccine at Ballad Health hospitals and is only giving second doses of the vaccine to local health care workers.
  • Additionally, Ballad Health is providing vaccinations to community members 75 years and older who are patients with a medical record on file with either a Ballad Health Medical Associates primary care, specialty or an urgent care center. If you are a patient at one of these Ballad Health outpatient facilities, please call your Ballad Health Medical Associates provider’s office to schedule your vaccine appointment.

2. Local health departments: beginning Phase 1b (K-12 teachers, childcare center staff, and first responders), as well as anyone over age 75. If you are in one of these populations and have not yet received your vaccine, click here for more information and to schedule an appointment at a local health department (last update January 12, 2021).


3. Pharmacies: responsible for vaccinating residents and staff of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.

When will members of the ETSU Community be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?
Per the current TDH plan, university students, faculty and staff are not specifically identified as a priority group, which means that they would be vaccinated according to age or other priority such as comorbidities (multiple diseases or medical conditions as provided in the TDH plan). In other words, an otherwise healthy ETSU student, faculty, or staff member under 75 years old is not yet eligible for vaccination, unless they are also a health care worker, first responder, K-12 employee, or childcare center employee. Again, to find out when you will be eligible for vaccination and to sign up for notifications, please use the TDH Vaccine Eligibility Tool. Additional TDH Vaccine information is available here.


Students participating in clinical rotations or working in K-12 education settings as part of their training should follow guidance from their respective schools/colleges.

Is ETSU Health giving vaccines?
ETSU Health has submitted an application to the state to become a vaccine provider, but has not yet been notified if approved to distribute the vaccine. We will certainly update the community if and when that happens; in the meantime, we encourage everyone to continue to wear masks, avoid crowds, wash hands, and practice social distancing as you await your opportunity to be vaccinated.

How can I learn more about vaccines?
Vaccine resources and future updates from the Medical Response Team will be available on the Bucs Are Back website.

Drop-in Testing begins January 19


In conjunction with the first day of classes for the spring semester, ETSU will begin a series of free, drop-in COVID-19 testing at various locations across campus. No appointment is necessary and testing is open to asymptomatic students, staff and faculty. A complete list of testing dates and locations is available on the Bucs Are Back website.


Those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 may contact the University Health Center at 423-439-4225 to schedule a test.

The ETSU Health Community Collection Site is another COVID-19 testing option with results available in 24 hours. Appointments are required and tests are administered in the ETSU Parking Garage.

Testing continues to be available at local health departments.

Spring 2021 Academic Calendar

Last fall, the ETSU Board of Trustees approved an amended academic calendar for spring 2021 that disperses spring break into three “mini-breaks” - February 18-19, March 12-15 and April 14. ETSU offices will remain open on those dates. Click here to view the complete academic calendar.


ETSU will be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Student Resources and Activities


Each Thursday, the ETSU Events email newsletter arrives in email inboxes with details about upcoming virtual and in-person activities, meetings and guest speakers. Visit the Student Activities and Organizations website to learn more about opportunities for involvement such as student organizations, virtual activities and safe in-person ETSU Meet-Ups.

The ETSU Counseling Center also offers resources for students learning on and off campus. The website provides information about personal counseling sessions, group activities, workshops and other services.

Additional resources are available through the Dean of Students office.

Thank you for all you do.




Sincerely,


Brian Noland
President

 

Pass-Fail Policy for Fall 2020 - 12/7/20

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,


While information was distributed earlier in the semester regarding the modified Pass-Fail Policy for Fall 2020, the following is being provided as a reminder as the end of the semester approaches,  

ETSU undergraduate students can request a pass/fail grade for ONE course for Fall 2020. Students can begin submitting requests to academic advisors on Tuesday, December 15. 


Visit the Office of the Provost website to read the complete Fall 2020 Grading Accommodations Policy. 


Highlights of the policy include:


  • Undergraduate students can request a P/F grade for one course beginning December 15, 2020 and will have this option through the close of business on January 5, 2021; however, given that the university will be closed for holiday break (Dec. 24-Jan. 1), and that financial aid awards may be affected by this decision, students are encouraged to submit their requests between December 15-23.
  • Graduate students will not have the option of requesting a P/F grade, but faculty are encouraged to use broader discretion in assigning an Incomplete (I) grade. Undergraduate students will continue to have the option of requesting an Incomplete grade.
  • Please note that the Fall 2020 Grading Accommodations Policy is different than the policy adjustments that were made for the Spring 2020 semester. 


If you have questions, please contact your academic advisor to review your options and to discuss the potential impact that earning a P/F might have on financial aid, scholarships, future graduate school applications and licensure.  Final approval will rest with the academic dean or the respective designee.   

My best wishes to each of you for a successful conclusion to your semester.


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

COVID-19 Testing, Holiday Safety Information - 11/13/20

Dear ETSU community,


Thanksgiving is a time when we traditionally gather with our friends and family.  As we approach the holiday season, we recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic certainly may alter our plans for how we will spend Thanksgiving this year.


ETSU is committed to the health and safety of everyone.  For those who must travel this holiday season, we recommend getting a test for COVID-19 two to three days before departing. While this won’t provide 100% assurance of safety, it can serve as an added layer of protection. 


The following testing options are available:

  • University Health Center (Nicks Hall).  Please call 423-439-4225 to schedule your test.  Results are typically available within two or three days.
  • ETSU Health (Johnson City Community Health Center).  Visit www.etsuhealth.org for online scheduling.  Results are available within 24 hours.  You should consider scheduling your test now due to high demand of persons utilizing this testing site.  
  • Local health departments also provide options for testing, and results are typically available in two or three days.

Please note that those students living in ETSU residence halls who test positive will not be prohibited from leaving campus but will be encouraged to isolate and to follow appropriate health guidelines.


Prior to departing campus and upon return, individuals should avoid interactions with others as much as possible outside of work- and school-related activities. In addition, our COVID-19 Medical Response Team also encourages everyone to follow these important guidelines:

  • Ask family members to be especially careful in the days leading up to any holiday gatherings
  • Consider limiting gatherings to immediate household members only
  • Avoid large indoor gatherings and try to hold meetings outdoors
  • Wear masks
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Observe physical distancing


Despite the challenging days we are facing, we hope this Thanksgiving season will be a time for rest and rejuvenation as you celebrate and give thanks for the people in your life.   Thank you.


Sincerely,

Dr. Bill Block
Vice President for Clinical Affairs and 
Dean of the Quillen College of Medicine 

Dr. Joe Sherlin
Vice President for Student Life 
and Enrollment

COVID-19 Safety Reminder - 10/30/20

Stay Safe Bucs


People come first at East Tennessee State University, and the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remains our number one priority.  As we approach nearly eight months of public health messaging and life-altering safety measures, many of us are experiencing COVID-fatigue. Although our lives are far from “normal,” each of us continues to share the responsibility to be a good neighbor by protecting one another and doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Please view a special COVID-19 safety message from President Noland.


As confirmed cases of the virus rise across our region, it is more important than ever that we stay vigilant in following safety practices:

  •  Wear face coverings or masks in public settings
  • Avoid close contact by practicing physical distancing and staying at least 6-feet apart
  • Frequent handwashing for 20 seconds
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Stay home if you are not feeling well

Additionally, individuals who are teaching, learning, visiting or working on campus, please pay close attention to health and safety information posted on walls, screens and floors in order to practice physical distancing in classrooms, the library and labs or while waiting in lines for food or other services.

COVID-19 response and health information


Visit the Bucs Are Back website regularly for the latest information on ETSU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The website offers many resources to help the university community navigate the pandemic:

Student resources and activities


Each Thursday, the ETSU Events email newsletter arrives in email inboxes with details about upcoming virtual and in-person activities, meetings and guest speakers. Visit the Student Activities and Organizations website to learn more about opportunities for involvement such as student organizations, virtual activities and safe in-person ETSU Meet-Ups.


The ETSU Counseling Center also offers resources for students learning on and off campus. The website provides information about personal counseling sessions, group activities, workshops and other services.  

Coronavirus Q&A

Earlier this week, three local experts on infectious diseases and public health provided the latest health information on the COVID-19 virus and answered many common questions about the disease. Click here to watch the recording of “Coronavirus: Separating Fact from Fiction” featuring Dr. Randy Wykoff, dean of the ETSU College of Public Health; Dr. Jonathan Moorman, vice chair of research and scholarship, professor and chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine; and Dr. David Kirschke, medical director at Northeast Regional Health Office, Tennessee Department of Health.

Flu shots available at University Health Center


The ETSU University Health Center is currently providing flu shots for students, staff and faculty members. A yearly flu shot is recommended, but is especially important this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic since both are upper respiratory diseases. 


To schedule an appointment, call 423-439-4225. Check the University Health Center website for information about any upcoming flu clinics on main campus, Kingsport, and Sevierville. Bring your ETSU ID and insurance card with you. If you are uninsured, it will be a $30 out-of-pocket cost (cash only at flu clinics). Students facing financial hardship that could prevent them from paying this cost can apply for a Buccaneer Student Crisis Fund (BSCF) grant to cover the fee. More information on the BSCF grant, including how to apply, is available here.  

Announcement Regarding Spring 2021 Academic Calendar - 10/16/20

Dear ETSU community,


When students and faculty arrived on the ETSU campus for the fall semester, a number of modifications and other changes to our academic and business operations had been put into place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to increased sanitation protocols and other safety practices being followed, the university has taken steps to reduce the population density on campus through increased offerings of remote learning and a transition to single occupancy housing in our residence halls as well as limitations on the number of persons attending campus events.


Fortunately, our incident rates of COVID-19 on campus have remained relatively low throughout the semester, and given the ongoing uncertainties of the pandemic and our commitment to the health and safety of everyone, there is consensus across the university that these policies need to remain in place as we move into the 2021 year. For the Spring 2021 semester, the majority of academic courses – approximately 80 percent – will be offered remotely. A description of course formats is available here. In addition, University Council approved a revised academic calendar earlier this week for the Spring 2021 semester that primarily reflects an adjustment to Spring Break.

Highlights of the calendar include:


  • The Spring 2021 semester will begin January 19 as originally planned. (ETSU will be closed Monday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

  • Spring Break will not take place March 15-21; rather, those five days will be dispersed throughout the semester. Classes will not meet Thursday and Friday, Feb. 18-19; Monday and Tuesday, March 15-16; and Wednesday, April 14. As always, the university will remain open during Spring Break.

  • The university will be closed in observance of Good Friday on Friday, April 2.

  • Classes will not meet that day and all offices will be closed.

  • The 2020-21 Winter Session will be held Dec. 16, 2020 to January 10, 2021 as originally planned. Students should speak with their advisor about opportunities available for this term. As always, all Winter Session courses will be offered online.

  • Registration for Winter Session and Spring Semester will begin on November 2.

  • All other events and deadlines listed on the calendar will remain as scheduled.


The Quillen College of Medicine and Gatton College of Pharmacy will continue to follow their own academic calendar for the upcoming semester. I appreciate the cooperation and patience of everyone as well as your commitment to the mission of the institution as we continue to navigate through these challenging times.

Thank you for all you do for ETSU.

Sincerely,

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

Announcement Regarding Fall 2020 Commencement - 10/14/20

Dear ETSU community,


Commencement is the most significant event we celebrate on the campus of East Tennessee State University each year. It is an occasion in which we salute our graduating students as they complete a transformative journey and achieve the greatest dream ever of earning a college degree. Commencement is also a time in which we pay tribute to the faculty, staff, and loved ones who have supported our graduates throughout that journey. This past May, the unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 outbreak required us to hold our Spring Commencement Exercises in a virtual setting, but the magic and fanfare that event always brings was not lost as we conferred over 2,200 degrees to members of the Class of 2020.

As we proceed through the fall semester, we recognize that the pandemic continues to present challenges in our ability to host large-scale events such as Commencement, a time in which we typically welcome thousands of guests to the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini Dome). Based on the guidelines from the CDC and state and local health agencies as well as the recommendations from the institution’s COVID-19 Medical Response Team, the executive leadership team has made the decision that our Fall Commencement Exercises, which are scheduled for December 12, will be held once again in a virtual setting. This will include all other graduation recognition and hooding ceremonies that are scheduled for the end of the semester.



This has been a very difficult decision for the institution, but we recognize the need to keep the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and campus guests as the highest priority. When we announced that our Spring Commencement Exercises would be virtual, I assured the Class of 2020 that they would have the opportunity to participate in a future ceremony at which time they could be part of the beloved ritual of crossing the graduation stage. Initially, we had anticipated that would be an option for our Fall Commencement in December; however, we hope to offer this opportunity to the entire Class of 2020 sometime next spring.

The ceremony will be premiered live on etsu.edu/classof2020 at 10 a.m. on December 12, 2020, and on the main ETSU Facebook account. Recordings of the ceremonies will also be able to be viewed following the live premiere of commencement on this website. More information will be provided to our graduates in the upcoming weeks. Also, specific information about the spring 2021 academic calendar will be sent to the campus in the upcoming days. Thank you for all you do for ETSU.

Sincerely,


Brian Noland
President

University closure Oct. 5-6 - 9/23/20

Dear ETSU Faculty and Staff,


As we move further into the new academic year, I would like to take this moment to extend my deepest appreciation to each member of the ETSU family for all that you have done to sustain and support our university throughout this pandemic. Together, as one ETSU community, we have created solutions for the challenges that were presented to this institution. Our dedicated faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to sustain our teaching, research, and service mission and to continuing doing what we have done for more than 100 years: improving the quality of life for the people of this region.


Based on the recommendation from senior leadership, I am pleased to announce that two additional administrative days will be provided to all ETSU employees this fall. The university will be closed October 5-6 at which time classes will not meet and offices will not be open. These days are being provided as our way of saying thank you and as an opportunity for you to rest and rejuvenate in anticipation for the remainder of the fall 2020 semester. Please note:

  • Students scheduled for clinical rotations on those days should attend.
  • Students with scheduled educational activities in the community (e.g., student teaching, service learning hours, internships) should attend.
  • Quillen College of Medicine students and Gatton College of Pharmacy students should continue with their current academic schedule as planned.
  • Students with questions should contact their program coordinator.
  • Faculty and staff who must work during that time (e.g., university employees working in the clinical environment or precepting students on clinical rotations) will be able to take the days off at a later time. That time must be used by February 28, 2021.

  • Employees should record an “L” on their timesheet for October 5 and 6. Only employees who cannot take the days on October 5 and 6 because of teaching/clinical responsibilities may use the days at a later time. Those employees should record an “L” on their timesheet when the days are used.

Please make sure that you observe proper safety precautions and practices at all times. This includes social distancing and wearing a facial covering. I am deeply proud to be part of the ETSU family and to count each of you as my colleague. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for this amazing institution.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

Pass-Fail Policy for Fall 2020 - 10/2/20

In September, SGA President Shivam Patel presented a request on behalf of the student body to the ETSU Academic Council that consideration be given to a modified Pass/Fail (P/F) grade option for the Fall 2020 semester. The Council convened a working group to immediately review the request and to make recommendations regarding Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 grading accommodations.


The university’s Academic Council is committed to ensuring ETSU students are successful in their pursuit of a college degree, and we recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges.  Based on the recommendations from that working group, which have been approved by Academic Council and President Noland, ETSU undergraduate students who are enrolled for the Fall 2020 semester will now have and extended time period to request a P/F grade for one course.  Students will need to meet with their academic advisor to review their options and to discuss the potential impact that earning a P/F might have on financial aid, scholarships, future graduate school applications and licensure.  Final approval will rest with the academic dean or the respective designee.   


More information about the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 Grading Accommodations Policy is attached and also available on the Provost’s website at https://www.etsu.edu/academicaffairs.  Highlights of this policy include:


  • Undergraduate students can request a P/F grade for one course beginning Dec. 15, 2020 and will have this option through the close of business on January 5, 2021; however, given that the university will be closed for holiday break, and that financial aid awards may be affected by this decision, students are encouraged to make a decision between Dec. 15-24.
  • Graduate students will not have the option of requesting a P/F grade, but faculty are encouraged to use broader discretion in assigning an Incomplete (I) grade.  Undergraduate students will continue to have the option of requesting an Incomplete grade.
  • Please note that the Fall 2020 Grading Accommodations Policy is different than the policy adjustments that were made for the Spring 2020 semester.


For Spring 2021, the deadline for requesting a P/F option in accord with existing policy will be extended to the 14th day of class.  All other criteria for being eligible for P/F grading in the standing university policy will remain the same.


As we have stated throughout the recent months, we are all in this together, and I thank you for your patience as we have worked through these policy changes and have addressed other questions and challenges that have been presented.  I encourage you to take time to review the new grading accommodation policy for the fall semester.  Students should direct any questions they have to their academic advisor.  


My best wishes for a successful academic year.


Dr. Wilsie Bishop  
Senior Vice President for Academics 

COVID-19 Dashboard available - 8/28/20

Dear ETSU community,


Throughout the summer, our Bucs Are Back website has served as the principal source for providing the most current information regarding the institution’s response to COVID-19, such as changes to university operations, adjustments to course delivery format, and important safety recommendations. A new feature of our Bucs Are Back website is the COVID-19 Dashboard that includes the number of individuals who have received and reported a positive test result and are currently in isolation. In addition, data is available on students who are in quarantined housing as well as persons who have recovered. The dashboard makes distinction between cases involving students and those among our faculty and staff. Please note that these numbers reflect combined activity on all of our ETSU campuses from Johnson City to Sevierville.

Our COVID-19 Coordination Response Team, in collaboration with the Medical Response Team, are actively monitoring the data and will update the dashboard each weekday evening. Additional instructions for students, faculty and staff concerning the process for getting a COVID-19 test as well reporting a suspected or confirmed case is available on the Bucs Are Back website. I greatly appreciate all that you are doing to protect your health as well as the safety and welfare of your colleagues, students and classmates. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Brian Noland
President

Behavioral Expectations in Light of COVID-19 - 8/20/20

Dear ETSU Student,



As we enter into the fall semester it is important for you to know your role in helping to keep our community safe. Recently you received information via email on how to complete the Buccaneer Safety Pledge. Within the pledge are expectations for you to follow, including wearing a mask while on campus, physically distancing from others, and practicing other safety precautions. If you have not already done so, please complete the pledge.



All community members are expected to live the values of our university. As a member of the Buccaneer family, you are expected to treat each other with care and respect. Many students depend upon campus housing and services to be able to live in a safe environment. Protecting oneself by wearing a mask and physically distancing from others is integral to ETSU’s ability to maintain our current level of operations, such as keeping the CPA, Sherrod Library, Culp Center and others services open this fall. Your fellow Buccaneers are depending on you to do your part.



Students and student organizations who choose to disregard these expectations can expect a swift response. The Dean of Students office and the Department of Housing and Residence Life are prepared to address issues of non-compliance. The COVID-19 face covering policy, the wellness addendum to the 2020/2021 housing contract, and our student code of conduct outline behavior, both on and off campus, that is considered to be in violation of university policy. Sanctions for violations could include cancellation of a housing agreement, university probation, suspension, and/or expulsion.



We look to you to help us protect the safety of our community. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us and your commitment is crucial to your own health and the health of others so we can return to the activities and classroom connections that make ETSU so special.

Remember, COVID-19 testing is available through the University Health Center by calling 423-439-4225.

On behalf of our faculty and staff, we wish you all our best for a safe and successful semester.

Sincerely,

Joe H. Sherlin, Jr.
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment


COVID-19 Safety Pledge - 8/13/20

East Tennessee State University has implemented a number of health and safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Your awareness and acknowledgement of these protocols is essential as we embark upon a fall semester unlike any other. Please do your part to help protect our most important asset – people.


Please check your email for instructions on how to take the COVID-19 Safety Pledge. The training module only takes about 10 minutes to complete and includes a review of public health recommendations followed by the pledge. 

Your completion will be tracked electronically. You can find answers to commonly asked questions and troubleshooting tips about the Safety Pledge here. Please complete the training module and safety pledge before Monday, Aug. 24.


Thank you for taking the COVID-19 Safety Pledge. Please encourage students and colleagues to do likewise. We must all do our part to ensure the ETSU family arises from this crisis united and stronger than ever.

Sincerely,
Brian Noland
President

Operation Update for Fall 2020 - 8/10/20

Dear ETSU community,


Each day, we are faced with choices that could impact the health of our loved ones, our children, our community and ourselves. We are all doing the best we can to understand what is happening around us and to make decisions to help keep one another safe. As a university, we have made decisions to limit our on-campus presence, implement face covering and physical distancing requirements all in an effort to prioritize the health of the people who make East Tennessee State University a wonderful place to learn, work and live. In early June, the Future Operations Workgroup provided recommendations that outlined a process for university functions to resume on the ETSU campus by July 1 in a way that ensured a safe return for our students, faculty and staff while continuing our work within the institution’s teaching, research and service missions. The workgroup created a framework that included various stages in which the university would operate, and the determination of the appropriate stage of operation would be based on the current landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic at that given time.


Following spring break in March, the university operated in Stage 1, whereas all teaching was offered online and the majority of staff worked from remote locations. By mid-June, ETSU transitioned into Stage 2, as some employees began returning to their offices and working on rotational schedules while other staff continued their roles in remote locations. During this time, the ETSU Board of Trustees supported the decision to maintain tuition and fees at current rates with no increases for the 2020-21 academic year.


The fall 2020 semester begins in two weeks, and in the upcoming days students will begin moving into our residence halls. ETSU will remain at Stage 2 for the start of the semester, but we are making modifications to this framework. Highlights of this Modified Stage 2 structure include:


  1. Reductions in the number of on-ground courses have been made in order to lower the population density on campus, particularly during peak times. This fall, more than 80 percent of courses will be offered online. Some course competencies must be taught on-ground; however, accommodations will be made for those students who have on-ground courses but are not able to be present on campus. Changes to course delivery have been driven by faculty working alongside chairs, deans and the Provost. Whether students take courses online or on-ground, faculty are committed to providing the safest learning environment and the highest academic quality for our students.

  2. ETSU is reducing the density within its residence halls. To maximize the health of our students, Housing and Residence Life will convert all residence hall spaces to single bed occupancy this fall. This applies to those who will reside in Carter Hall and some Carter Hall Apartments, Davis and Luntsford apartments, and Clement, Governors, and West halls for the fall semester. Students reassigned to a single room will only pay the amount of their original assignment and those who had already selected a private room will be charged the double room rate.

  3. Indoor meetings or gatherings greater than 15 people and not associated with academic coursework are prohibited without special exception from the appropriate vice president. In addition, our policy remains in effect that requires face coverings be worn in classrooms and other public spaces as well as in outdoor areas where a physical distance of six feet cannot be maintained between persons.

  4. In order to reduce density within offices, supervisors are encouraged to continue allowing employees to work on rotational schedules and from remote locations. Our Office of Human Resources has provided guidelines for supervisors and employees to use in making determinations about working from remote locations. You can view those guidelines here.


Details of our Modified State 2 framework are available here and the Bucs Are Back website. Because people come first at ETSU, the health and safety of students, faculty and staff remains our highest priority. These decisions have been greatly informed by the institution’s COVID Medical Team, which has been charged with evaluating and providing advice to ensure that campus planning for the fall semester is based on current medical, federal, and state guidelines and best practices.
Another academic year is about to begin, and during the upcoming months the lives of more than 14,000 will be transformed. I thank each of you for your patience during these uncertain times and for your commitment to our mission.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President


 

Housing Update - 8/7/20

Dear ETSU on campus students:



The information below contains timely updates about on campus housing assignments and an important video message.




Important Housing Update



In an effort to ensure the health and safety of the ETSU community, the institution’s COVID Medical Team has been charged with evaluating and providing guidance to ensure that campus planning for the fall semester is based on current medical, Federal, and State guidelines, and best practices. Furthermore, this team oversees and collaborates with various partners across ETSU Health to administer options for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and other medical care for the ETSU community.



In consultation with ETSU’s COVID Medical Team, the decision has been made to shift residence hall double bed spaces to single bed occupancy. These plans will be implemented for fall 2020 and will be reevaluated later this semester for spring 2021. This is a decision that promotes the health and safety of our campus residents and is being made out of an abundance of caution given rapidly changing COVID-19 conditions and increasing cases in the Appalachian Highlands over the last several weeks.



With these changes we have extended the housing cancellation date to 4:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.



This decision will primarily impact students assigned to Carter Hall rooms and apartments with double occupancy bedrooms, Clement, Davis, Governors, Luntsford, and West halls for the fall semester. Students who have received a confirmed move-in time via email for these campus housing locations will be able to move in as scheduled. Students not yet scheduled for move-in will be contacted by Housing and Residence Life to finalize an arrival time.



This does not impact students assigned to Buc Ridge Apartments, some Carter Hall rooms and apartments with single occupancy bedrooms, and Centennial Hall, for each of these facilities have individual bedrooms. Students in these areas can continue to move in on the dates/times that they were originally scheduled to arrive on campus. Students not yet scheduled will be contacted by Housing and Residence Life to finalize arrival.

How the Reassignment Process Will Work for those not in Buccaneer Ridge or Centennial Hall


Housing reassignments will take place based on the date of housing application and deposit, as well as completion of the housing/dining agreements, and the COVID-19 Wellness addendum. Our goal is to contact students with their reassignment as they are made, but each student will receive confirmation/or reassignment information prior to scheduled move-in.

We realize that the timing of this decision is not ideal. We are honored that you have selected ETSU Housing and Residence Life. We want to assure you that those reassigned to a single room will only pay the amount of your original assignment, or the lesser rate if your new assignment reflects a lower rate. Those students who had already selected a private room will be charged the double room rate. Also, our Dining Hall will be open with the meal plan in effect.



There is not an option for remaining with your assigned roommate at this time. However, our housing staff will work with you to make every effort to keep you in your assigned hall and to keep roommates on the same hall or in the same building where possible.



Housing Cancellation Date Moved to August 12 and Fee Payment Remains August 17


Should you decide to cancel your housing agreement, please notify Housing and Residence Life of your decision, or of your wish to defer your application/deposit to spring 2021. We request you make this notification immediately to housing@etsu.edu so that your bill can be adjusted and housing charges can be removed prior to the August 17 payment due date.



Academic and Course Adjustments


You received an email from the Provost on August 4 that included the following important message:


I encourage you to take this opportunity to check your fall 2020 schedule in GoldLink and look under “Concise Student Schedule” for any changes in course modality. Definitions of each type of class format is available on the Registrar’s website. You may choose to make changes to your schedule and enroll in course sections in the formats you prefer. Use the “Add or Drop Classes” tool in GoldLink to make those changes. If you have questions about your changes or would like to register for different courses for which you are currently not enrolled, please contact your academic advisor for help. If your schedule changes affect your on-campus housing plans please notify Housing and Residence Life as soon as possible at housing@etsu.edu.



Extended Orientation Programs and Living Learning Communities


There have been changes to our pre-semester programs. Summer Bridge, Quest, and Preview participants will see all activities, entertainment, and small group sessions occur in a virtual setting. Students can fully participate from home or their on-campus residence. These changes will certainly have an impact on campus Living Learning Communities. Activities would continue virtually but all members of the Living Learning Community group may not be physically located and living together. If you are participating in any of these programs you will receive additional information soon via your ETSU email.



Scholarships


At this time, ETSU is waiving the on-campus living requirement for Public Service Corps Scholarship, Creative Arts Scholarships, and STEM Scholarships. No other scholarships/requirements related to housing are being impacted.

If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to Housing and Residence Life at 423-439-4446 or housing@etsu.edu.



Sincerely,



Joe Sherlin
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment


Important Information About Fall 2020 Class Schedules - 8/4/20

Dear ETSU Students,

In less than a month, the fall 2020 semester at East Tennessee State University will be under way. I know you are very excited about returning to classes, reconnecting with friends and faculty and continuing your journey toward graduation. As I shared with you earlier this month, in the interest of public health in the time of COVID-19, each of the courses scheduled for the fall semester has been carefully reviewed in order evaluate the possibility of altering the format of course delivery, such as transitioning some on-ground courses to online, or providing remote options for select on-ground courses. In making these decisions, our academic deans, department chairs and faculty have considered several factors, including which course competencies must be taught on ground and evaluating the ability to accomplish physical distancing guidelines in the classroom.

I encourage you to take this opportunity to check your fall 2020 schedule in GoldLink and look under “Concise Student Schedule” for any changes in course modality. Definitions of each type of class format is available on the Registrar’s website. You may choose to make changes to your schedule and enroll in course sections in the formats you prefer. Use the “Add or Drop Classes” tool in GoldLink to make those changes. If you have questions about your changes or would like to register for different courses for which you are currently not enrolled, please contact your academic advisor for help. If your schedule changes affect your on-campus housing plans please notify Housing and Residence Life as soon as possible at housing@etsu.edu.

For those students who are enrolled in a course this fall that is classified as on-ground with remote options, the university plans to make accommodations for anyone who is unable to come to campus or is concerned about doing so. Please feel free to check with your professor to learn more about plans for these course offerings.



If you have not yet registered for the fall 2020 semester, I encourage you to contact your advisor as soon as possible so that you can complete the registration process. Our team of advisors look forward to hearing from you.



In closing, I want to thank you for your patience during these recent weeks as this extensive review of course format offerings has taken place. As we move closer to the start of the semester, I encourage you to check GoldLink frequently to make sure you have completed all of the necessary requirements, such as confirming your registration or paying fees.

Best wishes for a successful Fall Semester,

Dr. Wilsie Bishop
Senior Vice President for Academics

Policy on Face Coverings - 7/28/20

Dear Members of the ETSU Community,


During the COVID-19 pandemic, local, state, and national health organizations and experts have underscored the importance of wearing a facial covering as a way individuals can protect their own health as well as the health of others. In recent weeks, local governments have initiated requirements that facial coverings be worn in public settings, and since ETSU’s reopening on July 1, all persons have been expected to wear masks while on campus.


As we move closer to the start of the fall 2020 semester, a formal policy on facial coverings has been developed and submitted to my office for approval. I have reviewed this proposal carefully, and, following discussion with the institution’s senior leadership and health and safety experts, I have authorized approval for the Face Covering Policy. This policy is effective immediately, and the policy and FAQ section are available for viewing by clicking on the links. The new policy states that all students, faculty, staff, and visitors should wear face coverings in classrooms and other indoor areas as well as in outdoor areas where a physical distance of six feet cannot be maintained between persons.


The ETSU Board of Trustees affords my office the authority to approve, revise, or suspend policies during extraordinary circumstances when emergency actions are necessitated. The health and safety of all members of the ETSU community is our highest priority, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created circumstances where urgent actions must be taken in order to protect the health of everyone. This policy is in effect until further notice.


Your attention to this new policy is greatly appreciated. I remain grateful for your patience as we have navigated through these challenging times. For more information about our reopening plans, please visit our Bucs are Back website. Thank you.

Sincerely,


Brian Noland, President

Course Information for Fall 2020 - 7/17/20

Dear ETSU Student,


Across the campus of ETSU, one can sense the excitement and anticipation that a new semester is about to begin. Our advisors, counselors and other student service staff members are busy answering questions and meeting with students and parents. Conversations about initiatives and plans for the fall semester are occurring daily. Some of our student athletes have already moved into our residence halls, and soon new students will arrive on campus to participate in enrichment programs, such as Summer Bridge Plus and Preview.


As we approach the fall 2020 semester, I recognize that many of you have questions regarding your schedule of classes and any potential changes to the course format that may be made prior to the start of the semester, all in light of the current COVID-19 climate. These may include transitioning the class to an online format or providing remote learning options for courses taught in person. Our academic deans, department chairs, faculty and administration understand the need to finalize this information as quickly as possible. Given the hundreds of courses that are offered during the fall semester, this is a highly complex process; however, it is our goal to have this finalized by the end of July.


By August 1, any format changes will have been finalized and updated in GoldLink under “Concise Student Schedule.” You will have the opportunity to log into GoldLink, review your current class schedule, and work with your advisor to make any adjustments that you feel are necessary. All course sections will be structured in one of three formats:


  1. On-ground required: At least some of the course competencies cannot be taught without some on-ground experience. The student must be able to be on campus, or at another designated location, for at least part of the semester.
  2. On-ground with remote options: At least some of the course competencies are offered in an on-ground format. While the student is encouraged to take advantage of the on-ground learning opportunities, they are not essential to completing the course competencies.
  3. Online only: All course competencies are offered in an online format. The student does not need to come to campus for any of the course.
    1. Asynchronous online courses: Students complete the course online, working on their own schedule within course deadlines. The day and time will NOT appear on the schedule for asynchronous online courses.
    2. Synchronous online courses: Students meet online as a class at the specific day and time noted on the class schedule.

Again, I want to thank you for your patience. These have been extraordinary times, and we understand that you would like clarification on your fall schedule as quickly as possible. As soon as all format changes have been finalized and updated in GoldLink, I will let you know. For those who will be attending in-person classes or will be living within our residence halls, please know that the university is implementing a number of additional safety, cleaning and sanitation protocols across campus and will make adjustments to classrooms to accommodate physical distancing guidelines. In addition, all members of the ETSU community and guests to our campus will be expected to wear masks.


Fall 2020 course format information is also available online. Learn more about our reopening plans and other updates to campus operations by visiting our Bucs are Back website.


I hope this summer is a time of rest and renewal, and I look forward to having you with us for the fall semester.

Sincerely,

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

Bucs are Back: Fall 2020 Update - 7/9/20

Division of Student Life and Enrollment - Updates


The Division is working daily to support Bucs being back on campus this fall and implementing COVID-19/Bucs are Back plans. Our staff are here to assist students and are available via phone, email, and Zoom.

Fee Payment Deadline and Payment Plan Changes


Have you completed Fall 2020 class registration? If so, then your fees have been assessed and applied to your student account. If not, see Academic Advising Information below for assistance in registering for Fall classes. The tuition fee payment deadline for Fall 2020 is 6 a.m. ET on Monday, August 17 and to better serve students, this year there is a new Five (5) Payment Plan option. The Four (4) Payment Plan remains as well. Instructions are available for how to set up a tuition payment plan. 


Contact: Bursar’s Office at bursar@etsu.edu or 423-439-4212, more information at etsu.edu/payment

Financial Aid and Scholarships


Counselors are here to assist you daily. Schedule a FASTPASS Zoom appointment for a time that works for you. An online chatroom, a video series about commonly asked questions, and other resources can be found on the Financial Aid website.


Contact: finaid@etsu.edu or 423-439-4300

Emergency Funding for Students


Students experiencing unexpected loss or hardship, for which no other means of assistance is available, may qualify for limited support.
Eligibility guidelines for emergency student funding and information regarding the application process are available here.

Academic Advising


Are you registered for classes? Academic advisors are readily available to assist students with questions and advising. Meetings are available via phone or Zoom. Find you advisor at:
www.etsu.edu/advisement/ 
Contact: advisement@etsu.edu or 423-439-8557

Class/Course Schedule


ETSU’s academic departments are working to finalize changes to the course schedule. In addition, faculty are working hard to finalize course delivery plans. All of these changes should be finalized by July 15. Waiting until after July 15 to make changes to your schedule would be best. And as always, it is a good idea to talk with your academic advisor before making any changes to your course schedule. Find you advisor at: www.etsu.edu/advisement/ 

Contact: advisement@etsu.edu or 423-439-8557

ETSU Summer Camps & Conferences - 6/26/20

Dear ETSU Community,


The safety and health of the ETSU community remains our highest priority as we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move toward the upcoming Fall semester and continue efforts to plan for appropriate on-ground services for students, we want to position ourselves to safely welcome our faculty, staff, and students back to campus. In keeping with recommendations put forth by the Future Operations Workgroup, ETSU will be cancelling camps and conferences for the remainder of the summer. This will allow us to focus on the continuing efforts to prepare facilities for a successful start to the Fall semester.

Fall 2020 Student Life and Enrollment Updates - 6/26/20

Division of Student Life and Enrollment

The Division is actively planning for our students return this fall. This information is shared in an effort to keep both new and returning students informed on plans for fall and on how to access offices and services for assistance now. As our physical offices begin to reopen on July 1, we will practice social distancing, wearing appropriate facial covering/masks, and following other COVID-19/Bucs are Back plans. Our staff are here to assist students and will be available via phone, email, and Zoom.  

Housing and Residence Life - Open now for summer school and in August for Fall 2020. Tour ETSU Residence Halls and Apartments virtually.

All students are eligible for on campus housing. Our residence halls and apartments are open now for summer school and will be welcoming students for Fall 2020. Residents will be able to sign up for a move-in time as campus arrivals will be staggered over multiple days. Submit a housing application and learn more about our facilities at: www.etsu.edu/students/housing 

Contact: housing@etsu.edu or 423-439-4446

Dining Services - Open Fall 2020

The Culp Center Dining Hall and retail locations such as Starbucks, Subway, Food Trucks and more will all be open this fall. Meal plan holders will receive additional details prior to residence hall/apartment move-in.

Learn more: www.etsu.edu/students/housing/dining.php 
Contact: diningservices@etsu.edu or 423-439-4446

 Financial Aid and Scholarships

Counselors are here to assist you daily. Schedule a FASTPASS Zoom appointment for a time that works for you. An online chatroom, a video series about commonly asked questions, and other resources can be found on the Financial Aid website.

Contact: finaid@etsu.edu or 423-439-4300

Class/Course Schedule

ETSU’s academic departments are working to finalize changes to the course schedule. In addition, faculty are working hard to finalize course delivery plans. All of these changes should be finalized by July 15. Waiting until after July 15 to make changes to your schedule would be best. And as always, it is a good idea to talk with your academic advisor before making any changes to your course schedule. Find you advisor at: www.etsu.edu/advisement/ 

Contact: advisement@etsu.edu or 423-439-8557

 Academic Calendar Changes

Changes to the fall 2020 academic calendar include:

  • The University will be open and classes will be held on Labor Day (September 7) and Veterans Day (November 11)
  • Fall Break is rescheduled to Thanksgiving week
  • Last day of in-person classes will be November 20 (Nov. 21 for Saturday classes)
  • The University will be closed for the Fall/Thanksgiving Break from November 23 – 27
  • Remote instruction for all classes will take place November 30 – December 4, with final exams December 5-10
  • Gatton College of Pharmacy will alter its start date but will follow the University schedule beginning in September. 
  • Quillen College of Medicine will maintain its regular schedule.

 BucShot, Campus Shuttle

BucShot procedures will be changing to accommodate social distancing and CDC recommendations to promote the safety of the ETSU community. Beginning for Fall 2020, BucShot buses will be reduced to 50% capacity and riders will be expected to follow ETSU face covering/mask guidance to ride the bus. It is recommended that you plan ahead and utilize an earlier bus than you may have in the past due to capacity reductions and to ensure you arrive at your location on time.

 Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS), grant assistance may be available

Are you an undergraduate student and in need of quality childcare for your child (3 months – 5 years)?
We can help! The Center of Excellence in Early Childhood received a federal grant to assist Pell-eligible undergraduate students with the cost of childcare while attending college (CCAMPIS). We can provide low-cost quality childcare services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a licensed childcare to ETSU students who are eligible for CCAMPIS funds. Are you ….

  • Eligible for Pell-award?
  • Enrolled or intending to enroll full-time at ETSU?
  • Declared as a degree or certificate-seeking student?

Not sure? Ask us! Contact our CCAMPIS eligibility specialist, Vicki Ledford, at ledfordv@etsu.edu. *Space is limited.

 Counseling Center

The Counseling Center is operating remotely at this time but will reopen on July 1, 2020, with safety precautions in place. To receive counseling services you must be enrolled for the summer or fall 2020 semester. Staff will also be available to provide consultation to help you find local resources and, as always, our 24/7/365 telephone mental health helpline BucsPress2 (423-439-4841, press “2”) is available.

Not a client?  Call our office staff at 423-439-3333 or email counselingcenter@etsu.edu to initiate services.

 Disability Services

Disability Services staff are working remotely to provide services for eligible students. We are available to meet by phone or Zoom and look forward to reopening our offices with safety precautions on July 1, 2020. Please feel free to reach us by telephone at 423-439-8346 or by email at littleme@etsu.edu or singletonlb@etsu.edu 

 ID Services

Visit the website to upload your own photo and for information on the various ways you can use your ETSU ID including using ID BUC$ at many off campus merchants.

Contact: IDBUCS@etsu.edu or 423-439-8316

 Fraternity and Sorority Life

College Panhellenic Council sorority recruitment will be held virtually this year! Registration is required by September 1 at 11:59 p.m. Interfraternity Council recruitment will also be adapted, with some events happening in person and some virtually. Registration is required.

Contact: dardenm@etsu.edu or 423-439-6837

 Parking Permit

Get your 2020-2021 student parking permit now! If currently enrolled, please visit https://etsupws.etsu.edu/Parking/Login and log in to request your permit. If currently enrolled and needing a permit to park in disability parking, please email Parking Services at parking@etsu.edu. Disability permits must be requested via email for them to be mailed.

 University Career Services

University Career Services is offering ongoing career support and planning to students for the Fall 2020 semester.  Appointments are available via Handshake at www.etsu.joinhandshake.com     

Contact: Careers@etsu.edu or 423-439-4450

Facility Reminders

D.P. Culp Student Center - Reopening July 1, 2020
The renovated Culp Center building will reopen on July 1 with physical access to offices.  www.etsu.edu/students/univcent/default.php 

Contact:  jenkinscp@etsu.edu or 423-439-4286

 Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA) - Reopening mid July 2020

Campus recreation continues preparations for the CPA to reopen in mid-July (Date TBA) and is hosting ongoing virtual opportunities.
www.etsu.edu/students/campusrec/ 

Contact: campusrec@etsu.edu or 423-439-7980

New Student Program Reminders

Undergraduate New Student Orientation - Ongoing

Have you completed ETSU’s online orientation, LAUNCH, and registered for your virtual orientation?
www.etsu.edu/orientation 

orientation@etsu.edu or 423-439-8452

 39th Annual Preview - Invitations were sent to new students via email; Program August 19-22, 2020

All new undergraduate students are invited to register to participate in one of ETSU longest standing traditions, Preview. The Preview experience is like none other. The program is designed to make you feel at home and at ease prior to the beginning of fall classes. Get to know your classmates and have fun. The traditional multi-day Preview is for new students under the age of 23. A one-day program is available for Transfer, Adult, and International Students.
www.etsu.edu/students/nsfp/preview/default.php 

Contact: orientation@etsu.edu or 423-439-8452

Summer Bridge Plus Program - Application deadline extended to June 30, 2020; Program July 27 - August 16, 2020

Students will jump start their college career with this 3- week program that helps participants get acclimated to their new surroundings, studentship skills, explore careers, build connections within the community through a service-learning project, and connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Did you miss the deadline apply but you are interested in attending? We have extended the deadline. Apply at: www.etsu.edu/students/mcc/programs/summer-bridge.php 

Contact: etsumc@etsu.edu or 423-439-4844

 QUEST for Success - Register by August 14, 2020; Program August 18-19, 2020

This college transition program is designed to help underrepresented students become acclimated to campus life while building a network of friends, faculty, and staff to assist them through their college journey.
www.etsu.edu/students/mcc/programs/questprogram/participants/dates.php 

Contact: etsumc@etsu.edu or 423-439-4844

 International Student Orientation and Arrival - Tentatively set for August 13-23

Incoming international students will receive assistance with arrival tasks and requirements, begin to familiarize themselves with campus and its resources, and have opportunities to build social connections. Details TBD
www.etsu.edu/issuccess 

Contact: Brittany Brooks at brooksbl@etsu.edu or 423-439-4844

Fall Updates - 6/19/20

Dear ETSU Community,

The summer is always an exciting time and a busy season as we welcome new Buccaneers to orientation and assist students in preparations for the fall semester. Our plans for the fall semester include on-ground experiences for students, housing and dining options, student activities, and engagement opportunities. As our offices begin to physically reopen, we will be practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and following other COVID-19/Bucs are Back plans. Staff will continue to be available via phone, email, and Zoom.

I wanted to take this opportunity to provide an update from the Student Life and Enrollment team that provides more information on services available to students and also addresses questions about the fall. Contact information about each announcement is available.

Should you need additional help or assistance, beyond some of the specific areas noted below, feel free to contact the Dean of Students office for assistance and/or referral at deanofstudents@etsu.edu or 423-423-4210.

Academic Advising - Ongoing
Are you registered for classes? Academic advisors are readily available to assist students with questions and advising. Meetings are available via phone or Zoom. Find you advisor at:
www.etsu.edu/advisement/

Contact: advisement@etsu.edu or 423-439-8557

Undergraduate New Student Orientation - Ongoing
Have you completed ETSU’s online orientation, LAUNCH, and registered for your virtual orientation?
www.etsu.edu/orientation

orientation@etsu.edu or 423-439-8452

Housing and Residence Life - Open now for summer school and in August for Fall 2020
All students are eligible for on campus housing. Our residence halls and apartments are open now for summer school and will be welcoming students for Fall 2020. Residents will be able to sign up for a move-in time as campus arrivals will be staggered over multiple days. Submit a housing application and learn more about our facilities at: www.etsu.edu/students/housing/
Contact housing@etsu.edu or 423-439-4446

Dining Services - Open Fall 2020
The Culp Center Dining Hall and many retail locations will be open this fall. Meal plan holders will receive additional details prior to residence hall/apartment move-in.
www.etsu.edu/students/housing/dining.php

Contact: diningservices@etsu.edu or 423-439-4446

Summer Bridge Plus Program - Application deadline extended to June 30, 2020; Program July 27 - August 16, 2020
Students will jump start their college career with this 3- week program that helps participants get acclimated to their new surroundings, studentship skills, explore careers, build connections within the community through a service-learning project, and connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Did you miss the deadline apply but you are interested in attending? We have extended the deadline. Apply at:
www.etsu.edu/students/mcc/programs/summer-bridge.php

Contact: etsumc@etsu.edu or 423-439-4844

QUEST for Success - Register by August 14, 2020; Program August 18-19, 2020
This college transition program is designed to help underrepresented students become acclimated to campus life while building a network of friends, faculty, and staff to assist them through their college journey.
www.etsu.edu/students/mcc/programs/questprogram/participants/dates.php

Contact: etsumc@etsu.edu or 423-439-4844

39th Annual Preview - Invitations will be sent to new students June 23; Program August 19- 22, 2020
All new undergraduate students are invited to register to participate in one of ETSU longest standing traditions, Preview. The Preview experience is like none other. The program is designed to make you feel at home and at ease prior to the beginning of fall classes. Get to know your classmates and have fun. The traditional multi-day Preview is for new students under the age of 23. A one-day program is available for Transfer, Adult, and International Students. www.etsu.edu/students/nsfp/preview/default.php
Contact: orientation@etsu.edu or 423-439-8452

International Student Orientation and Arrival - Tentatively set for August 13-23
Incoming international students will receive assistance with arrival tasks and requirements, begin to familiarize themselves with campus and its resources, and have opportunities to build social connections. Details TBD
www.etsu.edu/issuccess

Contact: Brittany Brooks at brooksbl@etsu.edu or 423-439-4844

Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA) - Reopening mid July 2020
Campus recreation continues preparations for the CPA to reopen in mid July (Date TBA) and is hosting ongoing virtual opportunities.
www.etsu.edu/students/campusrec/

Contact: campusrec@etsu.edu or 423-439-7980

D.P. Culp Student Center - Reopening July 1, 2020
The renovated Culp Center building will reopen on July 1 with physical access to offices.
www.etsu.edu/students/univcent/default.php

Contact: jenkinscp@etsu.edu or 423-439-4286

Student Activities and Organizations (SAO)
The SAO is offering ongoing support and planning for student clubs and organizations as they plan for Fall 2020.
www.etsu.edu/getinvolved

Contact: sao@etsu.edu or 423-439-6633

Welcome Weeks - August 24 - September 5
Now two weeks instead of one! Look for online and on ground activities and events to connect and engage new and returning students with campus clubs, opportunities, services, and offices.
www.etsu.edu/welcomeweek

Contact: sao@etsu.edu or 423-439-6633

Welcome Center and Campus Tours - Tours will resume on July 6, 2020
Have a friend or family member interested in ETSU? Register for a tour at: www.etsu.edu/visit
Contact: Sharon Leone at leones@etsu.edu or 423-439-4213


Again, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Student Life and Enrollment team. Thank you.

Joe H. Sherlin, Jr.
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment

Academic Calendar Changes for Fall 2020 - 6/18/20

Dear ETSU community,

In just over two months, the campus of East Tennessee State University will experience a renewed sense of excitement as we welcome students and faculty back to our campus for the start of the fall 2020 semester. As I have shared with you on many occasions, the start of the academic year is a time that I cherish as we celebrate the new journeys that are ahead, the individuals and experiences that will define those journeys, and the dreams that are made possible every day through the power of higher education.

As we prepare for the fall 2020 semester and all the rewards it promises to bring, we also recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic will require the institution to make some adjustments to our procedures and operations, such as the academic calendar. These changes are being made to safeguard the health of our students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors as we continue our mission to improve the quality of life of the people of this region through our work in teaching, research, and public service.

Please take a moment to review these important announcements as they relate to the fall 2020 semester.

Academic Calendar: Major changes for the fall 2020 semester calendar include:

  • The university will be open and classes will be held on Labor Day (September 7) and Veterans Day (November 11);
  • Fall Break will be rescheduled to Thanksgiving week;
  • Last day of in-person classes will be November 20 (11/21 for Saturday classes);
  • The university will be closed for Fall/Thanksgiving Break the week of November 23-27; and
  • Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, December 12; more information on the format for that event will be provided later.
  • Remote instruction for all classes will take place November 30 - December 4 and for final exams between December 5-10.
  • The Gatton College of Pharmacy will alter its start date but will follow the university schedule beginning in September.
  • The Quillen College of Medicine will maintain its regular schedule.

In addition to the revised academic calendar, please find below information regarding other aspects related to campus operations.

Academic Advising: Academic advisors are readily available to assist students with questions and advising. Meetings are available via phone or Zoom. Students can find their advisor at etsu.edu/advisement/ or by contacting advisement@etsu.edu or 423-439-8557.

Housing and Residence Life: Our residence halls and apartments are open now for summer school and will welcome students for the fall 2020 semester. Residents will be able to sign up for a move-in time as campus arrivals will be staggered over multiple days. Housing and dining services will remain open through final exams this fall semester. Housing applications can be submitted at etsu.edu/students/housing/ To learn more, visit that site or contact Housing and Residence Life at housing@etsu.edu or 423-439-4446.

As a reminder, when we return to campus, everyone is expected to adhere to physical distancing, frequent hand-washing and sanitization, and wearing appropriate face coverings.

Additional announcements will be made in the upcoming days regarding other updates for the fall 2020 semester. Information also will be made available on the Bucs Are Back website at etsu.edu/bucs-are-back.

I thank you for your attention to these matters and for all you do for ETSU.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

Return to Campus Information and Strategic Options Workgroup Update - 6/10/20

Dear ETSU Community,

I would like to thank everyone who was able to join me yesterday for our Live Town Hall discussion of the Future Operations Workgroup Report. I appreciate the thoughtful and engaging questions received during the Town Hall and look forward to holding similar events and opportunities to receive feedback from the campus in the upcoming weeks.

As a follow-up, I want to highlight three important dates as they relate to our return to campus:

  • Our campus will re-open to the public on July 1.
  • In order to prepare for this opening, most of you will transition from remote status to an on campus working status beginning June 15.
    • Some employees may return on a rotational schedule to maintain physical distancing expectations. Flexibility will be provided to employees who may need to continue working remotely (e.g., individuals who identify themselves or immediate family members to be at high risk as defined by the CDC).
    • Unit/Division leaders are responsible for making appropriate decisions regarding flexibility for their employees. Supervisors should work with employees to explore all appropriate options as we strive to meet the diverse needs of the campus community. The expectation is that there will be a physical presence in each office during normal office hours beginning July 1.
    • If you are unsure of when you should return to work or if you will require an accommodation, please reach out to your supervisor as soon as possible.
  • The fall semester will begin as planned on August 24.
    • As outlined in the Future Operations Workgroup recommendations, we will transition to Stage 3 with face-to-face instruction offered whenever possible, students living in residence halls, and employees working on campus with options in place for staffing rotations and/or remote work options to maintain physical distancing expectations. More information about the Fall 2020 semester will be shared with the campus in the coming weeks.

Additionally, as stated in my Town Hall, I want to provide you with an update regarding the progress of the Strategic Options Workgroup, which has been charged to develop a set of principles and strategies that will guide the institution in addressing the current budget landscape. Presently, ETSU leaders have begun to identify nearly $12.8 million in required budget reductions for the 2020-21 academic year beginning on July 1. These reductions are needed as a result of an expected decrease in state appropriations, as well as a projected enrollment decline for the fall semester. Effective immediately, the following measures are in place:

  • New or replacement full-time hiring is suspended. Given that state funded hiring is effectively frozen unless necessary for accreditation requirements and/or essential for program delivery. All essential hires will require review of justifications and approval from the appropriate Vice President, which includes requests to advertise as well as requests to hire.
  • Adjunct and temporary faculty/staff hiring is highly restricted for 2020-21. If units need to request critical exceptions based on accreditation or essential personnel for program delivery, those justifications must be submitted and approved by the appropriate Vice President in advance of processing hiring documents.
  • Travel is suspended. College deans will continue to approve travel requests within their respective colleges, but any travel approved must have justification that it supports accreditation, tenure activities, or essential program delivery. Dean or Vice President approval is required.
  • New stipend requests are suspended. Any exceptions must have justification and approval from the Dean, the Provost, and the President. Generally, assuming additional duties without a change in role complexity will not be approved as an exception.
  • Renovation projects/furniture purchases for new locally-funded projects are suspended. Any exemptions must be approved by the appropriate Vice President.
  • New contracts and consulting agreements will be curtailed. Multi-year contracts will be reviewed and approved at the Vice President level.
    The work of the Strategic Options Workgroup will continue, and I will share additional information as it is presented.

I recognize that these are uncertain times for higher education on a national, state, and local level. The measures outlined above are being taken to help ensure that East Tennessee State University can continue to achieve its mission to improve the quality of life for the people of this region through teaching, research, and service. Together, this campus has moved through challenging times throughout our history, and I know that together we will succeed through the uncertainties we are facing today.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

 

Future Operations Workgroup Releases Recommendations for Returning to Campus - 6/3/20

Earlier this week, senior leadership had an opportunity to review and discuss the recommendations from the Future Operations Workgroup that has been meeting in recent weeks to articulate a plan for university services to return to campus.  Dr. David Linville and his team have done an outstanding and masterful job developing strategies that ensure a safe return for our students, faculty and staff to our campus while continuing our work within our teaching, research and service missions.

These recommendations were presented to senior leadership and reviewed by our academic deans yesterday, and members of the University Council will have the opportunity for discussion on this topic next week.  In addition, President Brian Noland will hold a Town Hall via Zoom on Tuesday, June 9 at 11 a.m. to answer questions about this plan.  The feedback from all of these listening sessions will help guide our implementation strategies.  If you have questions about the workgroup recommendations to be addressed at the Town Hall, please submit prior to the event at president@etsu.edu. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the Town Hall. 

The workgroup was charged with creating a framework that could be easily adapted to meeting the needs of the ever-changing COVID-19 environment.  In reviewing the plan, you will note that the return to campus is described as occurring within various stages.  Since March, the institution has operated within Stage 1 whereas all teaching is being offered online and the majority of staff are working in remote locations.  In recent days we began entering into Stage 2.  This process will take place throughout the month of June.  

Report: Future Operations Workgroup Recommendations

These are the major highlights of Stage 2 as they relate to members of the university community:

• During the remaining weeks of June, ETSU employees will start the process of transitioning back to campus.  A soft opening will begin on June 15 at which time some employees will return to their offices working on rotational schedules while others continue to serve remotely.  This period of transition will be in preparation to welcome the public back to ETSU by July 1.  Information from department and/or division leadership regarding this process of returning to campus will be provided to employees soon.

• All summer courses will be taught online as planned; however, some experiential learning opportunities may be offered in-person on a case-by-case basis.

• We plan on transitioning into Stage 3 at the beginning of the fall semester when ETSU fully plans to offer face-to-face instruction whenever possible and to have students living within our residence halls and observing appropriate safety precautions that will be outlined in our Residence Life Operations Plan.

• The recommendations also outline decisions that will need to be made regarding calendars and other events during the fall semester.  ETSU will continue to follow recommendations from the CDC, the State of Tennessee and other entities in making those decisions.  Some decisions will be subject to approval from our Board of Trustees.  We will keep you informed of these changes as the summer and fall continue.

The report from the Future Operations Workgroup is available to read in its entirety.  Your continued patience is requested as we navigate these extraordinary days and address the questions, issues and challenges that are ahead.  Thank you for all you have done throughout this time.

Dr. Brian Noland
President, East Tennessee State Univeristy

Research Activities to Resume June 1 - 5/26/20

Effective June 1, research activities will resume on the ETSU campus. This announcement applies specifically to our funded researchers and graduate students in those labs. In addition, undergraduate students who are supported by NIH R15 grants or NSF grants should also return to their respective labs at this time. Deans and department chairs are communicating with research faculty and students regarding the conditions of re-engagement of research activities in laboratories. These conditions include the use of masks, limitations on the number of persons working in a lab space, and social distancing practices. In addition, information is being shared with faculty and students regarding the re-engagement of research activities that involve human subjects. Dr. Bill Duncan, Vice Provost for Research and Sponsored Programs Administration, is overseeing the process of research activities returning to campus and is making this information available on the ORSPA website. Those with questions should consult Dr. Duncan or the respective dean or department chair.

 

Strategic Options Workgroup Formed - 5/18/20

As the Future Operations Workgroup chaired by Dr. David Linville continues its efforts to develop a plan to transition university operations from its current remote status back to campus, a Strategic Options Workgroup has also has been established to specifically address budget matters.  Led by co-chairs Jeremy Ross and Dr. Michael Hoff, this group is charged with providing the Office of the President with projected budget scenarios for the 20-21 fiscal year and to make actionable recommendations and options in response to each identified scenario to ensure budget and strategic plan alignment.  In addition, this group will be responsible for identifying long-term strategies that may be considered for implementation into future university operations.

Joining Mr. Ross and Dr. Hoff as members of the Strategic Options Workgroup are:

• Lori Erickson, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources;
• Margaret Pate, Senior Associate Vice President of Budget and Financial Planning;
• Dr. Tony Pittarese, Senior Associate Dean, College of Business and Technology;
• Candy Massey, President, Staff Senate;
• Dr. Daryl A. Carter, Professor, History;
• Dr. Fred Mackara, Associate Professor, Economics;
• Dr. Jodi Polaha, Associate Professor, Family Medicine and 2020 Presidential Fellow; and
• Dr. Larry Calhoun, Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Academics.

 

ETSU Future Operations Workgroup seeking ideas and feedback - 5/11/20

The Future Operations Workgroup is meeting to develop recommendations and a plan for returning to appropriate academic, campus, and business operations in the safest way possible. The workgroup intends to provide different options or scenarios for the university, providing flexibility in how best to adapt to the pandemic situation as it continues to evolve. This coming fall will not look like any other we have had, and the workgroup wants to ensure scenarios and recommendations take into account many different perspectives. As this work continues, the workgroup is providing a way to submit any ideas, suggestions, or feedback. Comment period has ended.

 

CARES Act Information for Students - 5/8/20

East Tennessee State University has begun to distribute $5.54 million provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act for emergency relief to eligible students. The U.S. Department of Education provided student eligibility criteria and guidance to institutions of higher education concerning the distribution of the federal CARES Act funds. Students are required to have established eligibility for Title IV funding to qualify and the funding formula sets aside at least 75% of the funds for students with federal Pell Grant eligibility. Grants will be distributed to students with the highest need based on the data provided on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2019-2020 aid year.

In the coming days, university staff in the Office of Financial Aid and the Bursar’s Office will process the grant amounts and apply the aid to student accounts.  Students do not need to take any action to receive the grant. Students eligible to receive the grant will receive an email from the university with additional details regarding the disbursement. Approximately 90% of the initial CARES Act funding will be disbursed directly to eligible students in the form of grant awards to address financial hardships as a result of COVID-19.

The remaining 10% of the initial CARES Act funding will be made available for direct student emergency grant requests. Students must have been enrolled in the spring 2020 semester to qualify and the individual grants can be awarded for student expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.  More information about student eligibility and how to apply for emergency grants available through the CARES Act will be forthcoming in the coming days.  

The university has already distributed almost $50,000 and raised over $40,000 in private donations for the Buccaneer Student Crisis Fund, which is a separate fund from CARES Act funding. The Buccaneer Crisis funds enable the university to support a broader range of students and student needs, which include international students and other students who may be ineligible to receive CARES Act funds. Students who may not qualify for federal financial assistance, or who may have needs related to housing insecurity, may submit a care report to the Office of the Dean of Students to apply for emergency funding provided by the Buccaneer Student Crisis Fund.  

ETSU has taken additional steps beyond the creation of the Buccaneer Student Crisis Fund to provide students with support and financial relief due to the disruptions experienced by the spread of coronavirus.

·  The ETSU Board of Trustees approved the request for a 0% increase in tuition, fees, housing and food costs for the 20-21 academic year.





·  A campus-wide effort “Calling all Bucs!” to call all current ETSU students to offer support, information on resources, and assistance is underway. 



·  President Brian Noland approved the continued pay of work study, APS student workers, graduate assistants and tuition scholars during the spring semester who were displaced through no fault of their own.  


·  Students who paid out-of-pocket for university housing have received refunds. The university is currently completing refunds associated with meal plans.



·  More than 60 students have received housing and utility assistance and over 70 people picked up food boxes at Bucky’s Pantry during the month of April. 
  
·  The Office of Information Technology, in coordination with the Department of Housing and Residence Life, has designated and loaned laptops to students with technology needs who had no other way to access online learning. Students have also received subsidies for internet access and hotspots. 


·  Our skilled physicians, researchers, and faculty have partnered with Ballad and others to safeguard our region. The totality of these commitments and efforts speak to the perseverance of the ETSU Buccaneer spirit.  

We thank you for your patience during these times of uncertainty.  As the semester draws to a close, we hope the upcoming days can be a time of rest and renewal, and celebration for our graduates.  We look forward to the day when we gather together again on the beautiful campus that we are proud to call home. 

One E on the logo.    One Community.   One ETSU Family.

For questions contact: CARESact@etsu.edu 

Joe H. Sherlin, Jr.
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment

 

ETSU Virtual Commencement Information - 5/4/20

East Tennessee State University will confer some 2,200 degrees, virtually, as Commencement Exercises will be streamed online and broadcast locally for the Class of 2020.

Graduates, their families and friends are invited to watch ETSU's Virtual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9. The ceremony will be streamed online beginning at 10 a.m. WJHL News Channel 11 will broadcast the ETSU Virtual Commencement Ceremony at 12 p.m. (earlier viewing time than previously announced)

Last month, ETSU President Brian Noland announced that the university would postpone in-person commencement celebrations and hold a virtual ceremony for the Class of 2020. Spring graduates will have the opportunity to participate in a dedicated in-person ceremony in December.

For a more personalized virtual commencement experience, graduates will select and stream a specific ceremony for their college or academic program. More information about how to watch the ceremony is available at www.etsu.edu/classof2020.  Video stream links will be available on the website at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. Viewers may also stream the ceremony and arrange a watch party on the  ETSU Facebook page.

 

ETSU’s Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy and Quillen College of Medicine will hold separate virtual ceremonies on Friday, May 8.

Gatton College of Pharmacy will host a Virtual Hooding & Commencement Ceremony for its 68 graduates on May 8, at 11:30 a.m. on its Facebook page at facebook.com/ETSUPharmacy and the college’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/COPtechnology.

Quillen College of Medicine will hold a Virtual Hooding & Commencement Ceremony for its 68 graduates on May 8 at 2:30 p.m. A link to a livestream of the ceremony will be hosted on Quillen’s website at www.etsu.edu/com/graduation.php.

ETSU Travel Restrictions Update - 4/29/20

Earlier this semester, ETSU placed restrictions on university-sponsored domestic and international travel.  This was one of many decisions made as a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak to protect the health of our students, faculty and staff.   With that same goal, ETSU is extending its suspension of all outgoing university-sponsored domestic travel through June 15, 2020.  In addition,  all university-related international travel is suspended until further notice.

As noted in a previous communication, local travel associated with everyday operations of the university, including blanket travel will continue.  In addition, vehicular travel outside a 50-mile radius, with the exception of other ETSU campuses, continues to require supervisor approval and should be restricted to activities that are absolutely necessary and cannot be rescheduled or conducted remotely.

For more information on changes in university operations, please visit the ETSU coronavirus website.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Ross
Chief Operating Officer

 

 

ETSU Future Operations Workgroup - 4/28/20

As the spring semester draws to a close and we finalize plans for our Virtual Commencement ceremony on May 9, advising and registration continues for our summer and fall terms.  Here in Tennessee and across the nation, conversations are also emerging about how businesses and government will begin the process of resuming operations at levels similar to how they were prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The safety and health of the ETSU community remains our highest priority as we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty and staff will continue to work from remote locations through at least May 31, 2020.  During the upcoming month, leadership will provide direction on how university operations will proceed during the month of June.  These decisions will be guided by the work of a new ETSU Future Operations Workgroup that I have formed and will be led by Dr. David Linville, executive vice provost for academics and health.  The workgroup will create and provide recommendations and plans to senior leadership on transitioning our academic, campus, and business operations from our current remote status in a way that is safe for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Joining Dr. Linville as members of the workgroup are:

·      Joe Bidwell, chair of the Department of Biology
·      Tom Donohoe, registrar
·      Kim Edwards, director of space management
·      Stephen Hendrix, president of the Faculty Senate 
·      Betsy Kearney, director of budget development and business process improvement 
·      Sam Mayhew, assistant vice president for student life and enrollment 
·      Matt McGahey, senior associate athletic director
·      Shivam Patel, president of the Student Government Association
·      Randy Wykoff, dean of the College of Public Health

I greatly appreciate these members for their willingness to serve on this workgroup, and I will share their recommendations with you next month.  As always, you can keep up-to-date on the latest information regarding changes to university operations as a result of the COVID-19 virus by visiting www.etsu.edu/coronavirus.  Thank you for all you have done to support and sustain our institutional mission during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Brian Noland
President

Refund update for student housing - 4/13/20

ETSU has begun the process of notifying students regarding any prorated refunds they may be receiving for out-of-pocket housing costs for the spring 2020 semester. Students should check their email for more information and instructions. In the coming weeks, similar information will be available regarding any refunds for dining service fees.

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 Education Abroad and other international programs in summer 2020 are cancelled.  However, education 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 and 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

 

Video Message from President Noland's Notepads
3/25/20

 

 

COVID-19 and Academic Readiness
Memo to faculty and staff 3/20/20

Dear Colleagues,

The pandemic situation with Covid-19 is evolving rapidly.  Over the weeks ahead, the University will be using several channels to communicate with you, as this is a very fluid situation and guidelines and parameters for action do change.  Please check the university’s corona virus website (https://www.etsu.edu/coronavirus/) frequently for the latest information.  In addition, you will receive specific updates that will often require attention and action on your part as faculty and staff.  This is one of those messages.

In light of Dr. Noland’s communication today, I am sending this message to faculty and staff about the continuity of our education, service, and research missions. We are poised to resume instruction on Monday in an online format. I greatly appreciate all of the hard work of faculty and staff over the past several days to ensure we are ready for this transition. We must now pivot to provide online instruction for the remainder of semester. This will require continued flexibility, creativity, and understanding on the part of all faculty, staff, and students. Faculty should continue working with their chairs and deans to maintain instructional continuity, keeping students on track to graduation.

ETSU Health will continue to provide health care through its clinics operated by the Quillen College of Medicine and the College of Nursing. Faculty and staff who work in those clinics will continue to receive specific information and guidance about clinical operations from ETSU Health leadership. Other university service activities that cannot be accommodated in a remote or online fashion should be suspended.

As noted in Dr. Noland’s communication, we are moving to greatly limit the number of individuals on campus. This is an action based on the university’s commitment to flattening the pandemic curve. This requires further limitations in research activities on campus. Faculty members are being asked to suspend their on-campus research activities. Faculty members should work directly with their Chairs and Deans to wind down on-campus research activities. Contingency plans provide for the continued care of animals. Specific challenges that Faculty may encounter related to suspending research activities must be addressed with chairs, deans, and the Vice Provost for Research.

Today’s communication limiting access to campus means that Graduate Assistants cannot be working on campus to support administrative, research, or teaching activities. Their work must either cease or transition as appropriate to a remote or online location.  

During this semester of online instruction, faculty members may not convene with their students physically face-to-face in a group either on-campus or off-campus. For example, faculty may not gather with their students at a local restaurant or other public venue for class. 

If faculty and staff have materials or documents in their offices which they need to retrieve to continue your work in a remote location, please make plans/arrangements to do so as soon as possible.  It is anticipated that there will be very limited access to buildings after Tuesday of next week.

While the above parameters impose restrictions that are foreign to our academic culture, these restrictions are being put in place for the health and well-being of our campus community and the region. It is imperative that we move aggressively as a University and region to activities that prevent illness and avoid the spread of the corona virus. 

We are fortunate at ETSU to have the infrastructure and support structures available to rapidly move to remote teaching modalities.  I am very appreciative of the work that Dr. Karen King and her colleagues in Information Technology Services and Dr. Amy Johnson and her colleagues in the Center for Teaching Excellence have done this week to assist with the on-line transition.  I am receiving reports from each College today on the readiness for instruction on Monday.  The Deans, Chairs, Faculty and Staff have done an amazing job of responding to this challenge.  The resilience and the “can-do” attitudes that I have encountered all week assures me that as a University Community we are focused on our students and our mission of assuring that they receive the best education possible and are able to continue progress to achieve their educational and career goals.  During these final weeks of the semester, it will important that we keep our Community focused on that mission.  Let’s all look for ways we can lift each other up,  keep spirits buoyed, and meet challenges with creativity and hopefulness.  Out of adversity comes strength and opportunity.   

“The beauty of the soul shines out when a person bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because she/he does not feel them, but because she/he is a person of high and heroic temper.” Aristotle

Let us all be people of high and heroic temper in the days ahead.  I am so honored to work with individuals of your caliber.

Best regards,

Dr. Wilsie Bishop
Senior Vice President for Academics

 

 

COVID-19 Update
Memo to faculty, staff and students 3/20/20

Dear Members of the ETSU community,

As we approach the conclusion of spring break and resume classes on Monday, I want to thank everyone for the patience and dedication exhibited over the past week as we collectively strive to meet our teaching, research, and service missions.  Our campus has worked around the clock to bring classes into on-line formats, develop new operating procedures so that staff can work remotely, implement enhanced support structures for our residential students, and countless other initiatives that rise above and beyond traditional job responsibilities. I convey my deepest and profound respect to the entire ETSU family for the manner in which we have come together in service to our university.

In light of a rapidly changing national landscape, ETSU will implement a series of new steps to ensure that we are positioned to play a leadership role on regional and state efforts to flatten the curve of the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  Early next week, we will significantly reduce the scope of public access to our campus.  We do not take these actions lightly but do so in an effort to secure the health, safety, and welfare of our campus community. We strongly encourage faculty and staff in the coming days to retrieve materials from their offices that you will need to ensure our continuity of operations. By the middle of next week, it is anticipated that access to campus buildings and facilities may be subject to further limitations. As we witness the emergence of COVID-19 cases at sister institutions across our region, we must recognize the extraordinary circumstances that define our near and distant horizons. At this time there are no reported cases of COVID-19 virus among the ETSU community. 

The following outline a series of updates related to the operations of the university:

· All classes will remain in an online delivery methodology through the close of the spring 2020 semester. While our initial plans entailed the intent for all academic instruction to occur online through April 9th, the rapidly changing public health landscape necessitates that all courses remain online through the remainder of the spring semester.

·  A decision about Commencement, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, has not been made at this time.  We will provide an update on plans for graduation as soon as possible.  All other public events planned for the remainder of the semester are hereby canceled.

·  To the maximum extent possible, employees should work remotely until further notice. I recognize that not all employees can work remotely, and supervisors are thereby required to notify their appropriate Vice-President of those staff who are required to report to campus for their work assignments.

·  With the conclusion of spring break, many students have anticipated returning to campus for the remainder of the spring semester.  I strongly urge all students to either remain at home or return to their homes as possible.  Students who have previously received an exemption to live in the residence halls are encouraged to review the need for that exemption in light of the most recent changes to course delivery.  This recommendation is made for the health and safety of the entire campus community and is based upon emerging CDC recommendations.  For those students wishing to check out of housing, the Division of Housing and Residence Life will provide details regarding checkout processes and protocols.  For those students who must remain on campus, ETSU is here to support you, and the Division of Housing and Residence Life will provide you with information regarding adjustments to housing and food service that will be implemented for the remainder for the spring semester.

· The university is developing a process for those students whose housing and dining service fees were covered through out-of-pocket expenses to receive prorated refunds/credits.   Information on how refunds and/or credits will be issued is forthcoming and should be finalized by mid-April.

· As we move to limit the number of individuals on campus, we must also enact limitations on research activities physically underway across ETSU. I am asking that faculty members move to suspend their on-campus research activities. Faculty should work directly with their chairs and deans to wind down on-campus research activities. Challenges to suspending research activities must be addressed with chairs, deans, and the Vice Provost for Research.  Additionally, Graduate Assistants should not be working on campus to support administrative, research, or teaching activities. Their work must either cease, or transition, as appropriate to a remote or online location.  Finally, contingency plans are in place for the DLAR.

· The Sherrod Library will be closed to visitors, but online access to services will continue. In addition to the resources at the Sherrod Library, multiple national databases such as JSTOR have opened their services to public access. The library will provide information regarding how to access materials not available in our collection in the coming days.

· Extensive cleaning and sanitation started last week in ETSU buildings and will continue.  All buildings will be locked, and faculty and staff with keys may have limited access to their offices and classrooms.

· Our COVID-19 website provides the most current information on any changes and updates to university operations.

Next week will be a time of significant transition for our all of us, and I thank you in advance for your patience as we move through these unprecedented times.  I understand that the final stretch of the spring semester will proceed in a way that none of us envisioned; however, our focus on our institutional mission and commitment to our students are unwavering. While our work formats have changed, we remain open for business and focused on improving the quality of life for the people of this region.  Thank you for your understanding during this time of uncertainty.

- Dr. Brian Noland
President, East Tennessee State University

 

Remote Work Procedures and Contact Information
Memo to faculty and staff 3/18/20

ETSU Faculty and Staff,

As our lives and daily routines continue to change in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Office of Administration would like to express appreciation and support the ETSU family. For weeks staff have been preparing and adjusting to the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves. It is our desire that as many employees as possible be supported to work remotely. Please note the following information:

HUMAN RESOURCES
We strongly encourage every employee at ETSU to work remotely if at all possible. Human Resources has suspended all existing telecommuting and VPN access policies and has developed new broad and flexible protocols to accommodate remote work for most employees as noted in the PERSONNEL OPERATING PROTOCOL.

Contact Information
email: hr@etsu.edu 
phone: 423-439-4457

FACILITIES OPERATIONS
Operations is continuously adjusting staffing and procedures to address cleaning and safety in our facilities. Additionally, we have contracted with outside vendors for various needs to address disinfecting.

Contact Information
email: nelsonjs@etsu.edu 
phone: 423-863-5767

CAPITAL PLANNING
The Office of Capital Planning is working with the State Architect and other state entities to address transitioning bidding procedures to an electronic format. Workflow related to the multitude of capital projects is being adjusted to continue planning, design, and construction as appropriate.

Contact Information
email: baileyle1@etsu.edu       
phone: 423-676-1475

PUBLIC SAFETY
Public Safety will maintain 24 hour service and availability. New services such as camera patrol, engagement protocols, and response procedures have been implemented.

Contact Information 
email: tiptonlm@etsu.edu      
phone: 423-439-6900

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Emergency Management has been coordinating and communicating with emergency response officials and state officials to train and prepare for various issues. Staff is available for online training and to answers questions or concerns.

Contact Information:
email: worleyp@etsu.edu 
phone: 423-439-6114 

ATHLETICS
ETSU Athletics is cooperating and communicating with officials from the NCAA, Southern Conference, and the University. At this time, competition, recruiting, and spring practices are cancelled. Athletics staff is focused on support of our student-athletes and planning efforts to assist the University with critical functions and communication during the outbreak. Staff will be available to assist other units with various functions.

Contact Information
email: athleticsdirector@etsu.edu 
phone: 423-439-4343

Thank you for all of your hard work, flexibility, and patience during this time. None of us have every issue resolved or every question answered, but we will work together to serve our students, faculty, staff, and the community.

 - Jeremy B. Ross
Chief Operating Officer 

 

Video Message from President Noland
3/18/20

 

Memo to Faculty/Staff and Students
3/17/20

All-

 We are excited to announce ETSU Health will open an outpatient coronavirus testing/collection site at 2pm on 3/17/2020. The site will be located in the parking lot of the ETSU Health clinic, located at 325 North State of Franklin Rd.

 Pre-registration will be required via ETSU Health’s Coronavirus Testing Hotline (423-433-6110), and registration will be unavailable at the collection site. The Hotline screening will involve a series of questions to determine if the caller needs testing; these questions will be related to fever and respiratory symptoms.

 Access to the site will be via Professional Park Drive from the stoplight on State of Franklin Road. Testing must occur on the same date of registration, and patients must arrive in a private car with functioning windows to minimize exposure to the health care workers at the testing site. The patient will also be tested for influenza at the same time.

 Collected samples will be sent to a commercial testing entity such as LabCorp, and both insured and uninsured patients will be accepted.  Test results may be received within 72 hours, but this will depend on the volume of swabs the testing lab receives. Patients will be called with either negative or positive results; positive results will be forwarded to the health department. All patients will be asked to self-quarantine until the test results are received.

 Patients needing medical evaluation should contact their primary care physician. If not already established with a physician, they are welcome to call ETSU Internal Medicine (423-439-7280) or ETSU Family Medicine (423-439-6464).   ETSU Health clinics will continue to provide coronavirus testing within the clinic sites. Patients coming to clinics are advised to call the clinic so that staff will be expecting them. These patients will be given a mask and gloves upon entry to the clinic for their protection and the protection of other patients.

 The total number of patients screened at the outpatient site will be limited for the first few days to fine-tune processes and keep our health care providers safe. The ETSU Health’s Coronavirus Testing Hotline can be reached at 423-433-6110. Registration hours are 8am-3pm and collection site hours are 8:30am-4pm.

Sheri L. Holmes, MD FACOG
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Chief Medical Officer ETSU Health
Vice-Chair Obstetrics & Gynecology
Quillen College of Medicine

Memo to Faculty/Staff
3/17/20

Dear ETSU Community,

As we announced in yesterday’s Weekly Update (March 16), staff has been planning for a process that allows for continuity of operations, affording the opportunity for designated staff and faculty to work from remote locations.  The Office of Human Resources has been working with campus leaders to develop a protocol for select employees to transition to a remote/distance/alternative work environment.

Tomorrow, the Office of Human Resources will provide information to campus employees regarding this matter which, given the extraordinary circumstances this university and our nation are currently facing, will temporarily replace our existing current telecommuting policy until further notice.

We are actively striving to answer questions and resolve issues as they arise, and we thank you for your patience.  ETSU’s anticipate that a significant volume of staff will be working from remote/distance/alternative locations in the upcoming days.  It is critical to note that the university will remain open throughout the days and weeks to come.  The institution’s commitment to our students and to our teaching, research and service mission will not waiver.

Thank you for all you do for ETSU.

Office of the President

 

March 17, 2020- Message from President Noland

 

March 16, 2020- Message from President Noland

COVID-19 Update for Students
Memo to students 3/13/20

ETSU Students,

We realize spring 2020 is a most unusual semester. The past week has been challenging for our community. At ETSU we are a family, and we want you to know the ways in which we support you.

Information on Coronavirus
Continue to check ETSU’s coronavirus website. We will continue to post regular updates where many of your common questions are answered. Information on student employment and other topics of concern will be posted soon.

Student CARE
Review the BucsCARE website which is meant to be a resource for students and for student referral. BucsCARE includes the most referenced offices and campus resources in various categories. This page includes a link to ETSU’s “Need Help?” site which includes a comprehensive listing to other resources by topic area and provides the ability to file a report of a concern about yourself or others.

Counseling Center
The Counseling Center will be open and available to students. The main telephone line is 423-439-3333. To reach Bucs Press 2 helpline, the 24 hour mental health hotline, dial 423-439-4841 then press 2. This service is available 24/7/365.

University Health Services
If you are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) then stay home. Do not go to a health care facility before you contact the provider directly for instructions. You can also call the University Health Center at 423-439-4225 (M-F 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or after hours at 1-888-915-7299.

Reminders
Students with appointments on campus, such as advising or meetings with faculty, are encouraged to have those meetings using phone or Zoom. 
Be sure to check your ETSU email throughout spring break. As we have shared multiple times, it is important to be very mindful of the travel alerts and other information being released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I wish each of you a restful, safe, and enjoyable break.

Sincerely,

- Dr. Joe Sherlin
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment

Appreciation and Information for ETSU Staff
Memo to Staff 3/13/20

Dear ETSU Staff,

As we approach the close of what has been an unprecedented week on our campus, I want to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team of staff members for all you have done to support our students, faculty, and each other as we have navigated significant operations changes as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. I recognize that this has been a time of great uncertainty and concern as we transition all academic instruction online. There are many unanswered questions regarding how this will affect our daily operations. Please note that we are doing our best to answer these questions as quickly as we can, and I thank you for your patience as we work through a diversity of issues.

  • Before many of us leave campus for the weekend, I want to provide you with a few updates and, again, express my appreciation to everyone for your outstanding efforts over the past week and in the weeks to come.

  • The university will remain open under normal operating hours during spring break. However, the Basler Center for Physical Activity and a few other services will be closed. Staff members at these locations should expect to receive alternative assignments.

  •  Please take care of yourself and get some rest this weekend. This has been an incredibly busy and stressful week. I encourage you to take time to reflect on the week and give thanks for all that we have and will accomplish together at ETSU.

  •  Earlier this week, we launched a website where you can follow our response to the COVID-19 outbreak. I invite you to visit this site regularly and to monitor your email inbox for further updates.

  • I understand that this is a very stressful time for us as a campus community and a nation. Should you need assistance through our Employee Assistance Program, please call 1-855-Here4TN (855-437-3486).

  •  If you become ill, please do not come to work. The CDC has offered important tips for lowering your risk for acquiring the COVID-19 virus or other diseases.

East Tennessee State University is an institution where people come first, are valued, and are treated with dignity and respect. Thank you for all you do to support ETSU. Godspeed.

- Dr. Brian Noland
President, East Tennessee State University

 

Appreciation and Information
Memo to faculty 3/13/20

Dear Faculty Colleagues,

As we complete a week of focusing on how we as a university community can ensure that we maintain academic and business continuity for our students, faculty, and staff, I want to reach out to you as ETSU Faculty to personally express my gratitude for your willing spirit, positive attitudes, and energy.  These are critical ingredients for us as a University Team as we go through the next few weeks of change and uncertainty. 

As a collective faculty, you are offering nearly 3000 classes to students this semester of those classes close to 800 of them have been offered in an entirely online modality since the beginning of the semester.  That means that between now and the week after Spring Break, we are looking at moving a significant number of classes to an online format.  For some of you, this will not be a new experience, for others you will be making a transition to a new teaching style that at first will likely move you from your proverbial comfort zone.  For that reason, the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and Academic Technology Services (ATS) are providing resources that will assist you with navigating our already existing learning management system (D2L) and our teleconferencing capability available through Zoom.  Yesterday, with assistance, I offered a Zoom connection for the Academic Council meeting.  I am planning for our next Academic Council meeting to be held entirely using Zoom technology.  This is different and will require new ways of interacting, listening, and decision-making.  I realize that, but I know we are a community of learners and problem solvers.  I am confident that our faculty will be able to respond creatively and enthusiastically to the challenge.

Please visit CTE’s web site for tips and strategies (Basic Principles) for transitioning your course from face to face instruction to an online modality.  Visit the ATS web site  for information on schedules for training sessions.  Also, we have had a number of faculty within colleges across campus volunteer to assist others with the transition of courses to online.  Please take advantage of offers from your colleagues to assist.  I know that during the first few weeks of transition we all need to have grace and leniency…for ourselves and our students as we adapt to change.  This is a process that you cannot just flip a switch and have it occur.  I do know that the next few weeks will be busy and often stressful, but as one faculty told his dean this week, “I will figure out a way to get it done.”  I know that each of you is dedicated to providing our students with a quality education.  Thank you for your efforts that will minimize disruption and allow students to progress toward their goal of graduation and success in their future.

With appreciation for all that you do every day for our students and ETSU.

- Dr. Wilsie Bishop
Senior Vice President for Academics 

 

COVID-19 University Operating Status
3/12/20

East Tennessee State University officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak. In light of this fluid situation and with the health and safety of our ETSU Community as the top priority, the university is taking the following actions for all locations:

• All current face-to-face courses will move online effective Monday, March 23 for three weeks (through April 9) as university officials continue to evaluate COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Everyone should prepare for online courses to extend through the entire semester if necessary. Prior to April 9, the university will announce the official decision on resuming face-to-face courses. Students will not be charged any additional fees for courses impacted by this change. Experiential learning experiences such as student teaching, service learning, clinical rotations and internships will continue. Faculty will provide students with additional information about their specific courses. Current online classes will continue as scheduled.

• Students should stay home after spring break and resume classes online from their permanent residence. Please recognize the transition to online course work will require flexibility and patience on the part of faculty and students. Students living in campus housing who are unable to return to their permanent residence or are participating in experiential learning experiences may apply for an exemption to remain on campus. Residents will receive instructions and further information by email from the Department of Housing and Residence Life. University officials are exploring options that may allow potential credit or prorating for unused portions of housing and meal plans if face-to-face courses do not resume for the spring semester.

• All ETSU events scheduled through April 13 are cancelled; however, some events may be rescheduled at a later date and updates will be provided. During this time, in-person gatherings or employee/student organization meetings should be minimized. Everyone is encouraged to follow recommended COVID-19 mitigation procedures and social-distancing. Please take advantage of teleconferencing resources available through Zoom.

• Most other university operations, with the exception of face-to-face courses and activities listed above, will continue. Faculty and staff will continue to report to work at this time. Students with appointments on campus, such as advising or meetings with faculty, are encouraged to have those meetings using phone or Zoom.

Everyone is encouraged to engage in social distancing for meetings and gatherings and to follow mitigation protocols recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Please continue to check your email throughout spring break for additional announcements. The latest information, including resources and previous announcements, is available at www.etsu.edu/coronavirus.

ETSU is an institution where people come first, are valued and are treated with dignity and respect. These decisions are being made to protect the health and safety of the ETSU Community and that of the surrounding region. Your continued patience is deeply appreciated.

-Dr. Brian Noland
President, East Tennessee State University

 

COVID-19: Domestic Travel Suspended
Memo to faculty, staff and students 3/11/20

As part of our ongoing efforts to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and to protect the health of the campus community, East Tennessee State University has made the decision to suspend all outgoing university-related domestic travel effective immediately. This suspension is in place for domestic travel through April 30, 2020. This follows the announcement from this past Monday (March 9) that all outgoing university-related international travel is suspended through June 15, 2020. At this time, university-related domestic athletics travel for competitive events is not restricted and we will continue to follow guidance as provided by the NCAA and the Southern Conference.

Rare exceptions for domestic travel may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Anyone requesting an exception should submit this request to his or her supervisor for first level review. Specific details about the implementation of this directive will be available in the coming days. ETSU will reimburse employees and students for expenses associated with international and domestic business trips that are canceled due to COVID-19 and for which they cannot receive reimbursement through other means. This includes airfare, hotel cancellation fees, conference registrations and other pre-paid items. Those seeking reimbursements should work with the respective department that is sponsoring the trip, and steps to cancel your domestic and international travel will be available at ETSU’s coronavirus response website.

This suspension is applicable to university-related domestic and international travel and does not apply to personal travel plans. As we move closer to Spring Break, I encourage you to be prudent in following information being released from the CDC regarding travel alerts and any other information that is being provided from the health departments and other organizations that is applicable to where you plan to travel. In regards to next week’s break, anyone who plans to be away from campus next week is encouraged to take items with them, such as books and laptops, which would allow them to resume their academic and administrative responsibilities from a remote location if necessary.

Our dedicated website will continue to provide the most up-to-date information regarding the university’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Thank you for your continued attention to this matter.

COVID-19 and Planning for Spring Break
Memo to students 3/11/20

As we approach Spring Break when most of you will be away from our campus, the university wanted to provide an update on our planned response to the COVID-19 outbreak and offer suggestions on things you should do before you leave campus.

Many colleges and universities in the United States where outbreaks have occurred have made the decision to suspend in-person, or on-ground, class meetings and to move all instruction to an online format. At this time, ETSU will move forward with normal class schedules and academic operations; however, depending on how this outbreak progresses in our state and region, it is possible that a similar decision could be made for our campus in the near future. In light of this, we encourage all students to be prepared for a change in operations.

  • Before you leave campus for the break, take any books, items or learning materials with you that you might need, such as your laptop and other devices, to complete your coursework from a remote location. You should also take personal items with you that you would need if you have to be away from campus for an extended period.

  • If you are new to D2L (Desire2Learn) and Zoom – both distance learning technology programs frequently used by ETSU – it is important for you to start becoming more familiar. Our Academic Technology Services team has an informative website that serves as a great starting place for new users.

The use of tools like D2L and Zoom will help sustain continued academic operations in the event there is a disruption to on-ground classes. Our faculty understand that the possibility exists that in-person classes may be moved online and are planning accordingly.

As we communicated with you yesterday, it is important to be very mindful of the travel alerts and other information being released from the areas where you plan to travel for Spring Break. Thank you for your continued attention to this matter, and may each of you have a restful and enjoyable break.

-Dr. Joe Sherlin
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment

 

COVID-19 Information
Memo to student 3/10/20

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to be a significant topic of concern here in the United States and around the globe.  ETSU has been closely following this situation since early January and has adhered to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding travel alerts and other precautions.

I want to assure our students and parents that there is no higher priority than the health and safety of our community.  We have a team and several task forces on campus that are monitoring the outbreak and are meeting daily to assess the potential impact on the many aspects of our operations.  Specifically, extensive preparations are being made in the event that face-to-face class meetings are suspended for a period of time and that instruction moves to an entirely online format. I also wanted to let you know that additional cleaning precautions are being implemented, and we have built a website that provides the latest information on ETSU’s response to this outbreak. 

We encourage all students to be mindful of this situation as they finalize any spring break travel plans and to closely follow the travel guidelines from the CDC and from the state health departments where they may travel.  Our pledge is to keep the university community updated on any new developments or changes in operation. 

-Dr. Joe Sherlin
Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment

 

Preparation for Instructional Continuity
Memo to faculty and staff 3/10/20

ETSU is committed to the progress of our students and share the belief that they deserve to receive a quality educational experience. Whether that experience is on campus or using online tools, we should all do everything we can to fulfill our promise to our students. We anticipate adjustments to the way we conduct our teaching may be necessary in order to ensure our students continue to make academic progress. We need your help in making these adjustments possible.

In the event the University suspends face to face classes for some period of time this semester, all faculty need to make preparations over the next week to deliver courses using our university-wide online learning tools— primarily D2L and Zoom. D2L and Zoom are available to all faculty and students. If your college uses additional on-line resources please be sure that all faculty and students are familiar with those systems. Laboratory, clinical, performance and other experiential course offerings will need to be addressed on an individual college by college basis.  Your deans are sources of information and guidance in this area. Please note that in the event of suspension of face to face classes, it is likely faculty and staff will continue to report to work according to current CDC recommendations.

- Dr. Wilsie Bishop
Senior Vice President for Academics

 

ETSU suspends university-related international travel
Memo to faculty, staff and students 3/9/2020

Effective March 9, the university is suspending all outgoing university-related international travel through June 15. This includes all travel related to teaching, study-abroad programs, research, internships, conferences, presentations, performances, and athletics. The university will be continuously reassessing its operations in light of the evolving COVID-19 situation. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services is working one-on-one with students who are currently studying abroad. At this time, no restrictions are imposed for university-related domestic travel. For university-related international travel that is canceled, the university will assist with reimbursement of travel expenses on a case-by-case basis.

With the university spring break March 16-20, members of the ETSU community are expected to follow travel guidance from the CDC in addition to any treatment or monitoring by any health official. Please keep in mind that if you are planning personal travel, the university strongly recommends that you be mindful of the potential risk of disruptions to your plans, especially those traveling internationally. Continually changing travel restrictions may impact those seeking reentry to the United States and your ability to successfully return to class and/or work. Travelers returning from Level 2 or 3 CDC travel notice areas will not be allowed to return to any ETSU campus or facility until they complete a 14-day self-quarantine and show no symptoms associated with COVID-19. The university requires that all individuals adhere to the Tennessee Department of Health regulations and restrictions related to travel.

- Dr. Brian Noland
President, East Tennessee State University

Message from the President
3/9/20

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.

Since the outbreak began, we have followed the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Tennessee Department of Health and the Washington County Health Department and have remained in close contact with our students participating in education abroad programs in affected countries. In addition, we have shared information with our campus community about important prevention steps, such as handwashing, that we can take to reduce our risk. 

We have created a dedicated website to provide the latest announcements, answers to frequently asked questions, resources and measures that we put in place to address this rapidly changing situation.

 At this time, there have been no cases of the virus diagnosed at ETSU. However, as the coronavirus continues to spread, the health and safety of the ETSU community remain top priority. This is not a time to panic; instead, our administration is actively preparing for potential disruptions in operations, while hoping that the impact is minimal.

I have appointed several working groups to meet and prepare contingency plans and recommendations if the outbreak continues to spread:

 -ETSU Health
-International Student and Scholar Services
-Student Life and Enrollment
-Academic Affairs and Registrar
-Information Technology
-Finance and Administration
-Facilities
-Campus Communication Team
-Athletics

 A designated leader from each group is providing regular updates to the President’s Office. University officials have also met 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.

- Dr. Brian Noland
President, East Tennessee State University

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