ETSU releases Modified Stage 4 Operations Plan

Transition to fewer restrictions begins May 15

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

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

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