Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)


	Current Risk Level: Moderate

If an individual needs to enter a building, signs are posted on outside doors letting them know who to contact. Visitors, please make an appointment in order to practice social distancing and allow for proper cleaning between visitors.

Student Guidance and Information

Employee Guidance and Information

What to do if you have been exposed or tested positive for COVID-19

Returning to Campus Resources:

	Risk Level
	NORMAL
	LOW
	MODERATE
	HIGH

What to do if you are feeling ill:

Campus Communications:

Commencement Ceremonies

Austin Peay State University held three commencement ceremonies on Aug. 6 and is conducting three more on Aug. 7. APSU celebrates graduates from the spring and summer semesters. Many administrators, faculty and staff contributed to the planning and setup of our ceremonies. Graduates sat six feet apart, guests had assigned seats and masks were mandatory for everyone. Thanks to all who planned, set up and participated.

Instagram Takeover

With permission from Public Relations & Marketing, Academic Affairs took over the APSU Instagram account. The purpose was to answer questions regarding the fall semester. Numerous faculty and staff responded to the questions in short videos. All the videos were also posted to Austin Peay’s Facebook Story. Do you have questions? They may have been answered and posted on Austin Peay’s Instagram and Facebook.

APSU Coronavirus Website

Austin Peay State University has a coronavirus website. Information on that website includes COVID-19 guidelines, University risk categories, student guidance, employee guidance, fall academic calendar and links to many university resources. Links are also provided to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization. You will also find information on what to do if you have potentially been exposed, experience symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19. The website is at https://apsu.edu/coronavirus/.

Numbers provided are those active cases being tracked by the university administration. Our data is reliant upon students, faculty, and staff filling out the COVID-19 form on the APSU COVID-19 Website (link below).

COVID-19 Data

Austin Peay State University relies on community members to report data regarding positive COVID tests, exposures, self-quarantining, and when they have recovered from COVID or been released from quarantine. Even though we report positive cases that have been reported to university administrators, that does not mean the person contracted the virus on campus. It only means that a member of our community has tested positive. We have improved our procedures for getting follow-up information and will be able to start supplying data that has been reported to university administrators. We continue to request community members report positive COVID tests or exposures through the COVID-19 form.

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinPeayStateUniv&layout_id=19

Socially Distanced Classrooms

The COVID-19 Recovery & Implementation Working Group has been setting up classrooms for social distancing. Classroom set up consists of student desks separated in all directions by six feet, and the instructor area having a ten-foot separation from desks. The group have been working with Deans, Chairs, and Building Coordinators to accomplish this task. Most classrooms have been completed with the remaining few being completed this week. Please do not move any furniture in classrooms.

Classroom COVID Supplies

Each classroom will be supplied with hand sanitizer, disinfecting spray, and dry wipes for sanitization between custodial cleanings. These supplies will be used by professors and students for personal hygiene and cleaning of work surfaces before use. These supplies will be in classrooms by August 12, 2020.

Storymap/Dashboard Coming Soon

In conjunction with APSU GIS, the Recovery & Implementation Working Group and the COVID-19 Command Group are establishing a story map/dashboard that will provide up-to-date information on university operations, facility availability, and COVID-19 data, among other things. Tweaks are being made to the story map/dashboard and an announcement will be made when it is available to the public.

Paper Masks for One-Time Use

The university has a stock of paper masks that can be provided to people who have shown up to campus without a mask. It is recommended that each departmental office have a box of masks for this purpose. If you are in need of a box of disposable masks, please complete a physical plant work order requesting a box of paper masks.

Branded Cloth Masks

Distribution has begun on providing branded cloth masks to university faculty and staff to department offices through campus mail. We found that our list was incomplete and we have not provided enough masks to the some departmental offices. If you did not receive enough cloth masks to provide two to each employee, please contact Michael Kasitz at kasitzm@apsu.edu.

APSU Coronavirus Website

Austin Peay State University has a Coronavirus website. Information on that website includes COVID-19 Guidelines, University Risk Categories, Student Guidance, Employee Guidance, Fall Academic Calendar, and links to many university resources. Links are also provided to the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization. You will also find information on what to do if you have potentially been exposed, experiencing symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19.
The website is located at https://apsu.edu/coronavirus/

Exposure Definition

The CDC defines an exposure as being in close contact (within six feet) with a person who is COVID-19 positive for 15 minutes or more. Wearing a mask and staying six feet apart is the best way to avoid exposure to COVID-19.

Self-Reported Data

Austin Peay State University relies on data supplied by individuals who have been exposed, are symptomatic, and have been tested for COVID-19. These data help us make informed decisions regarding the best course of action for the university community. If you have been experiencing symptoms, have been exposed, or have tested positive for COVID-19, please complete the COVID-19 form: https://www.apsu.edu/coronavirus/exposure.php

Additionally, if you have reported that you have tested positive or have been quarantined because of an exposure, please complete a new COVID-19 form to update us when you are out of quarantine or you have recovered after a positive test. Updates are important for accurate data reporting.

Dear Colleagues,

Navigating COVID-19 Workplace Scenarios

If you missed the recent workshop hosted by Lynn Fisher, Director of Emergency Management, on navigating what-if COVID-19 workplace scenarios, please see the attached presentation and notification workflow. As a reminder:

Employees must be free of any COVID-19 related symptoms to be on campus.
If you are feeling ill or have been exposed to an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 please contact your supervisor immediately and complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form.
Please note: CDC defines exposure as employees who have been within six (6) feet or less for ten (10) minutes or more of an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 or has been in direct contact with infectious secretions of a positive COVID-19 case. Employees must follow the mandatory CDC recommended quarantine period and seek COVID-19 testing.

Hiring Pause

APSU announced a hiring pause on May 29, 2020.
Additional information including FAQs is available at the following link: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/coronavirus/hiring-pause.php.

Sick Leave Bank

Enrollment is open through July 31.
Review the information at https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/sick-leave-bank.php.
If you wish to enroll, follow these steps:

Complete the form available at https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/forms/sick_bank/sick_bank_enroll.pdf.
Send the completed form to benefits@apsu.edu no later than July 31.

Am I in the Sick Bank? Click on this link to inquire regarding your current enrollment.

If you have any questions and/or concerns please feel free to contact any member of the APSU HR team at humanresources@apsu.edu.

Thank you,

APSU HR

Quarantine vs. Isolation

At Austin Peay, we do not distinguish between quarantine and isolation. We consider the terms to be interchangeable. The person in quarantine or isolation is still separating from physical contact with others and staying in a specific location to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

Mask Distribution to Faculty/Staff

APSU branded masks were received yesterday. Each employee will receive two masks. Masks will be sent to the department P.O. Boxes. When received by the department, please provide two to each person in your department. if you do not receive enough masks, please email Michael Kasitz at kasitzm@apsu.edu.

Announcements about distribution of masks to students will be provided soon.

Wearing Masks

Masks are required in all indoor common areas and outside if people are within six feet of each other. Masks must be worn over the mouth and nose at all times. The exception to wearing a mask indoors is when you are alone in your office or residence hall room.

Was I exposed?

The CDC defines an exposure as being in close contact (within six feet) with a person who is COVID-19 positive for 15 minutes or more. The university guidelines defines an exposure as close contact for ten minutes or more. Wearing a mask and staying six feet apart is the best way to avoid exposure to COVID-19.

Data Regarding Positive Tests and Quarantine

For the past two weeks, numbers of reported positive tests and individuals who reported self-quarantine were provided. These numbers became cumulative and did not represent actual active cases. We have not been provided with information about how many people have recovered from COVID-19 or have left quarantine. Therefore, no numbers are presented this week because the data is not accurate.

We have had four new reports of positive tests this week. In three instances, the individuals were not on campus in the weeks leading up to their positive test. In the fourth instance, the person reported being on campus for a brief time, but did not come in contact with anyone else.

We are working on ways to get more accurate data so that we can inform the community.

COVID-19 Testing On Campus

APSU is working with the Tennessee Department of Health to provide COVID-19 testing on campus. We are hoping to have testing available by early August. More information about COVID-19 testing procedures will be provided in the weeks to come.

APSU Branded Masks

We have ordered 30,000 masks to provide to the community. We are expecting our first shipment of 6,000 masks soon. Once we receive those first masks, we will provide each department with enough masks to give two to each faculty and staff member. After that process is complete, we will provide information on distribution of masks to the rest of the community.

Cleaning Procedures

Our custodial contractor (CMTi) has been deep cleaning campus buildings this summer. As we move into the fall semester, the regular daily cleaning personnel will be supplemented with daytime “porters.” These individuals will provide more frequent cleaning of restrooms, door handles, elevator buttons and other “high touch” surfaces.

Classroom Density

Work has begun in classrooms across the university to reduce the density. Desks/Chairs are being placed six feet apart with a ten foot buffer for the professor/lecturer. All classrooms should be set up by early August. Please do not rearrange any classrooms that are set up for social distancing.

About This Data

Data presented here is all self-reported. it does not include information about how many have recovered from COVID-19 or have completed quarantine.

COVID-19 Task Force

The APSU COVID-19 Task Force worked for more than three months to plan and implement the intial move to remote learning and working. The task force then created the framework to help move the university back to on-ground and prepare for the fall semester. The COVID-19 Task Force finished their work on June 15, 2020. Thank you to all task force members who helped the university through this rough time.

COVID-19 Recovery and Implementation Working Group

This working group is tasked with implementing the plans of the COVID-19 Task Force. The scope of the group includes: setting up classrooms to comply with social distancing guidelines, setting up non-academic spaces for academic use, creating pathways through buildings and providing appropriate signage, and many other tasks to prepare for the return of classes in the fall.

All Data is Self-Reported

We rely on individuals to report potential exposures, self-quarantine, and test results so we can inform the university community of COVID-19 on campus. No personal identifying information is shared with the public. We request all members of the community work with their professors/supervisors if they believe they have been exposed or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19. We also request the completion of a COVID-19 form for data collection purposes. https://www.apsu.edu/coronavirus/exposure.php

Risk Level Classifications

Austin Peay State University has identified four risk level classifications to be used as guidelines during a pandemic. The four categories are: High Risk, Moderate Risk, Low Risk, and Normal Operations. Information on the risk level classifications can be found on the APSU Coronavirus website or by clicking on the Risk Level button in the upper right corner of this email.

11 Positive Cases Reported since June 20, 2020

43 Individuals Reported they have Self-Quarantined since June 15, 2020

Many of you recently learned through media reports that some of our student-athletes tested positive for COVID-19 and that we suspended voluntary workouts. The campus community should have been alerted of this situation before any information was released to the media, and I’m very sorry for this oversight.

While the Department of Athletics followed the procedures that both the department and University put in place, we realized we need clear protocols that help ensure any COVID-19 related issue on campus is first communicated to our community. Our Athletics and PR teams are establishing a better process to identify communications that should be sent to all campus stakeholders.

Approximately 40 campus leaders and I spent several hours today working through table-top exercises to help us learn how to implement the plans developed in the last few weeks and to identify areas to strengthen. It was clear in our work that we have communication gaps, and we’re developing a plan to provide information about COVID-19 cases on the University website. Assistant Vice President Michael Kasitz also will provide weekly updates to the campus going forward.

I also asked the Senior Leadership Team today to further reduce density on campus and to close the Foy for the next two weeks. We’re not moving the University back to a higher risk phase, but I believe reducing density could have some benefit. I was on annual leave Friday and Monday and flew back into the Nashville last night. While I was double-masked, gloved and armed with antibacterial wipes in the airport and on the plane, I was struck by how cavalier some of the travelers seemed to be about safety precautions. This especially distressed me considering how the Nashville area has experienced a big uptick in cases recently.

I hope more people will realize the importance of social distancing and wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to promote these measures, and our recent reduction in campus density will allow us to assess the current situation without significantly affecting University operations. I will immediately inform you of any future changes to how we operate.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate this unprecedented time. Your continued support and creativity will help us discover any gaps and help us overcome new challenges in the coming months.

In the event you missed the media release, I’ve included it below.

Alisa White

--------------------

Release

CLARKSVILLE – Austin Peay State University’s athletics department has suspended voluntary workouts and closed its facilities, effective Saturday, June 27, due to a small cluster of positive tests for COVID-19 among its student-athletes.

“While these positive tests are regrettable, I am encouraged that the procedures we put in place prior to the return of our student-athletes worked as we expected,” said Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison. “Once we were notified of an individual displaying COVID-19 symptoms within our family we began implementing our plans, which ultimately led to the closure of our facilities for workouts. The health and safety of our Governors family is paramount.”

Once notified of the first positive test, the athletics department and university placed individuals in isolation, utilizing single-occupancy rooms in university housing. Additionally, individuals determined through contact tracing to be at risk were placed in self-quarantine. Those individuals placed in isolation and self-quarantine were checked daily by athletics department and university staff and supplied boxed meals so they would not leave their room.

Additionally, the athletics department notified the university and state health department as required by state regulations. Currently, 11 student-athletes have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

During the closure, Austin Peay athletics will clean and disinfect its facilities. In addition, it will conduct online sessions reinforcing the importance for its staff and student-athletes to follow department and university guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19. Student-athletes will not be permitted into the facilities until July 16 and then only after receiving two negative COVID-19 results in a 10-day period.

“It is imperative that all members of our extended Governors family take steps to limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Harrison. “It is only through the steps we take every day that we can ensure the start of athletics this fall.”

As a reminder, the U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends individuals take the following steps to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19:

Wash your hands often or use sanitizer.
Avoid close contact between yourself and other people outside your home.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
Monitor your health. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in the area, the Foy Fitness & Recreation Center is closing immediately. We will reevaluate a reopening date in 2 weeks. University Recreation offices will remain open with minimal staffing Monday-Friday 8 am – 4:30 pm.

On Aug. 6-7, Austin Peay State University will host five commencement ceremonies to honor the University’s spring and summer graduates. Earlier this year, the COVID-19 pandemic caused Austin Peay – along with most schools around the country – to postpone its May graduation ceremonies because of health and safety concerns, but the University remained committed to recognizing students’ accomplishments.

On Thursday, Aug. 6, Austin Peay will host three ceremonies for spring graduates, and on Aug. 7, the University will host another morning ceremony for spring graduates and an afternoon ceremony for all summer graduates.

All ceremonies will take place in the APSU Dunn Center and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social distancing guidelines. All students, guests and Austin Peay employees will be required to follow established guidelines.

The Ceremonies

10 a.m., Aug. 6, APSU will honor the May graduates from the College of Behavioral and Health Science’s Criminal Justice, Leadership and Organizational Administration, Public Management, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology programs and Austin Peay’s general studies program.
2 p.m., Aug. 6, APSU will honor the May graduates from the College of Business and the College of Behavioral and Health Science’s Health and Human Performance, Nursing and Social Work programs.
6 p.m., Aug. 6, APSU will honor the May graduates from the Eriksson College of Education and students earning the Liberal Arts associate degree.
10 a.m., Aug. 7, APSU will honor the May graduates from the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
2 p.m., Aug. 7, APSU will honor all August graduates.

An additional ceremony will be added at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7, if more space is needed to accommodate August graduates who complete an application to graduate and indicate they will attend Commencement.

In order to provide as safe an environment as possible, all graduates and guests (three years and older) must wear a face covering or mask while inside the Dunn Center. The number of guest seats available in the Dunn Center will be limited to ensure social distancing, and each graduate will be provided with a limited number of tickets to distribute to guests. Every guest entering the Dunn Center will be required to present a ticket. The ceremonies will also be shortened to limit time indoors, but be assured attending graduates will be recognized by name as they walk across the stage.

Information about tickets and other details will be emailed to graduates in the next two weeks. Austin Peay faculty will receive additional information through the Office of Academic Affairs.

Doors to the Dunn Center will open one hour prior to the start of each ceremony for guests and graduating students to enter the facility.

Graduates who cannot attend the ceremony scheduled for their college will be allowed to participate in any other ceremony or in the University’s fall commencement. Participation in commencement is not a requirement for earning a degree.

May graduates who completed all required coursework will be mailed their diplomas on July 1. Diplomas for August graduates will be ready on Sept. 15, and distribution of those diplomas will be announced at a later date.

Austin Peay offers a free live webcast of each commencement ceremony. A link to the webcast will be made available on the commencement web page, http://apsu.edu/commencement/commencementinformation/webcast.php, within 24 hours of each ceremony.

Plans for the ceremonies in August are subject to modification based upon changes in the COVID-19 environment. Any updates about the ceremonies in August will be emailed to participating graduates and posted on the University’s social media accounts and the Commencement webpage, https://www.apsu.edu/commencement/index.php.

Austin Peay State University’s COVID-19 Task Force recently developed new guidelines and procedures for hosting University events, both on and off campus. The guidelines, attached to this email and available here, were developed to ensure social distancing, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to protect the safety and well-being of the entire campus community, including guests.

Under these new guidelines, any University event – whether on campus or off campus – must be approved by the Office of University Facilities. The event’s host must fill out a webform on the APSU room reservation page, and the host must describe in detail his or her plans to protect staff, students and guests. The host also must include the event’s social distancing guidelines. Once the request reaches the APSU University Facilities Office, it will be reviewed for attendance numbers, room size and mitigation strategies.

Before having an in-person event, hosts should consider the use of online technology (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, FaceTime, Google Meeting) whenever possible.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving, campus guidelines and attendance policies will continue to change. For the latest information, visit the COVID-19 website and the APSU room reservation page.

View Guidelines

On June 15, Austin Peay State University will begin a phased return-to-campus process for the University. Employees will be notified by their supervisor about when they can return to their offices, but members of the public are encouraged to wait until June 22 to visit campus. Appointments are recommended. The Office of Human Resources will conduct required return-to-campus training sessions via Zoom for employees and chairs/managers/supervisors on Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12. Please see a June 4 email from Human Resources or visit www.apsu.edu/coronavirus for registration information.

While some offices will reopen on campus next week, their full staff should not be there each day. Before anyone returns to campus, they need to be aware of several new guidelines and procedures we are enacting to keep our campus community safe. These documents are attached to this email.

Return-to-Campus Transition Guide

The threat posed by this pandemic might make it necessary for the University to move completely online again. With that in mind, the APSU COVID-19 Task Force developed a guideline for how Austin Peay will operate under different risk levels – high, moderate, low and normal. Descriptions of those levels are attached to this email. On June 15, the University will operate at the moderate level.

The purpose of these guidelines is to make it as safe, easy and practical as possible for all APSU employees to continue their work. The plan considers many factors, such as employees with children who struggle to find adequate child care and employees who commute long distances to Austin Peay.

All employees need to review the attached documents before returning to campus. This is a long process, and in order to keep students, colleagues, friends and mentors safe, everyone needs to adhere to these guidelines.

Thank you for your sacrifices over the last few months and for your continued dedication to Austin Peay State University.

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

Dear APSU Employees:

On Friday, May 29, 2020, President White sent the email below informing the university community about a phased return-to-campus beginning Monday, June 15. The Office of Human Resources will conduct required return-to-campus training sessions via Zoom for both employees and chairs/managers/supervisors next week on Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12, 2020.

Please click one of the links below to register for required training based on your role as either employee or chair/supervisor/manager. If you are a chair/supervisor/manager you will only need to attend one of the sessions designated below under your role.

Employees

Employee Session One: Thursday, June 11, 2020

10:00am – 11:00am

Click here to register

Employee Session Two: Friday, June 12, 2020

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Click here to register

Chairs/Managers/Supervisors ONLY

Leader Session One: Thursday, June 11, 2020

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Click here to register

Leader Session Two: Friday, June 12, 2020

11:00am – Noon

Click here to register

Thank you,

APSU HR

Yesterday Austin Peay State University’s COVID-19 Task Force presented the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with a draft of a phased return-to-work plan, and the focus of that plan is the health and safety of all our employees and students. I am grateful for the tremendous effort and expertise offered by task force members during this unprecedented time. The SLT is reviewing the plan now and will release the final, approved plan in the next few days, with the understanding that things may shift as more is known about COVID-19.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that the University will begin a phased return-to-work process beginning June 15. Not all departments will return at once, but I’m writing now to help you plan.

To begin preparations for this return, Human Resources staff will email information next week about supervisor training as well as employee training and will provide specifics particular to various phases. Additionally, after training has occurred, you will receive a more detailed document that will include information covered in the training sessions.

Thank you for your patience as we work through the details of this process. Thanks, especially, to the COVID-19-Task Force members for their incredible work.

Sincerely,

Alisa White

Dear Colleagues,

I appreciate your continued hard work and flexibility as we navigate the uncharted territory of an international pandemic. I will continue to update you on challenges the University is facing on a variety of fronts.

Yesterday I received word that the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration has directed higher education institutions to develop plans to meet a target reduction of 12 percent in state appropriations. In light of this, I am implementing a hiring pause for vacant positions effective immediately. Although not a decision I make lightly, it is necessary to ensure that we preserve financial resources until we analyze the effects of the reduction and have a better picture of fall enrollment. In addition, the University’s restrictions on university travel, currently in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, will continue as a cost-saving measure. I also ask that you limit spending to critical needs.

My intent is to minimize the financial impact of the reduction in state appropriations on the University in order to continue to serve our mission at the highest level possible and to preserve our talented workforce. Providing students with an excellent education is our priority, and it takes talented faculty and staff to do so. These decisions will be reviewed and considered again once the Financial Planning Task Force presents a list of options to increase revenues and reduce expenses to the Senior Leadership Team mid-June. The Task Force, chaired by Vice President for Finance and Administration Mitch Robinson, will provide the Senior Leadership Team a list of possible options and suggested priorities to guide budget decisions. The Senior Leadership Team will consider options in light of the reduction in state appropriations and projected fall enrollment numbers.

I understand and appreciate that many of you are going above and beyond what could be expected, and I am grateful for your efforts. I believe Austin Peay is better positioned than many institutions to emerge from this current challenge precisely because of your extraordinary work. Thank you. And on a personal note, I miss seeing you.

Sincerely,

Alisa White

President

The APSU COVID-19 Task Force worked with the Office of Equity, Access and Inclusion (OEAI) to develop an online accommodation inquiry process for Austin Peay employees who are qualified individuals with a disability. Many APSU employees who didn’t previously need accommodations may feel, with the current pandemic, that they need additional support. OEAI will evaluate each request through an interactive process that will include the employee and the employee’s supervisor to determine the level of accommodation the University will be able to provide. Please visit the APSU Individuals with Disabilities website for additional information about the process.

OEAI will host two informational sessions next week to explain reasonable accommodations (under the ADA and COVID-19 Impact) as well as provide support to those managers, supervisors and employees who may be impacted and need accommodations due to COVID-19. Please register using the links below:

Upcoming workshops:

Reasonable Accommodations Q&A for Managers/Supervisors

Tuesday, June 2

2-3 p.m.

https://apsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpdumrrDIqH9xwXZiTVvhdSa8D9mnfrvvd

Reasonable Accommodations Q&A for Employees

Wednesday, June 3

10-11 a.m.

https://apsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItf-mprDwsGdGIWYzZDRu7ySJQaYaxsDxC

Earlier this month, President Alisa White announced that Austin Peay will resume in-person classes on campus this fall, and the University’s COVID-19 Task Force is in the final stages of developing a plan to resume operations at Austin Peay with safety as the priority.

Over the last several weeks, the task force’s many subgroups have analyzed numerous issues – including housing and dining, facilities, events, human resources, financial aid, academic concerns, medical safety and communication – that affect how we will operate this fall. Each subgroup contributed to the Task Force’s plan, which we will soon present to President White and the senior leadership team to finalize.

We will present the final plan to the campus community once it’s ready. That plan will include such items as procedures for wearing facemasks and hosting gatherings.

We’ve also solicited input from students, faculty and staff through several surveys, and we will incorporate that information into this final document.

Our top priority is the safety and health of our students, faculty and staff. We will keep you informed as we move forward with this process, which includes a phased return to campus next month for some APSU employees.

With the complexity of this situation we know that some decisions we make will also uncover new challenges — there will be imperfections. We are making every effort we can to make the transition back to campus as seamless as possible.

We appreciate your dedication, teamwork and patience.

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

Austin Peay State University’s COVID-19 Task Force wants to remind employees that APSU’s current stay-at-home work operations will continue through at least June 1. If you must visit campus, please be sure to follow current CDC guidelines for social distancing, and all visitors need to wear a facemask for the protection of the Austin Peay community.

The COVID-19 Task Force, along with its subgroups, is currently developing a plan for a phased return to work at APSU. The main focus of that plan will be the safety of all our employees, and once we have that plan in place, we will release it to the entire campus community.

The COVID-19 Task Force also is working with the Office of Equity, Access and Inclusion to develop a process for online accommodation requests for Austin Peay employees who are qualified individuals with a disability. Many APSU employees who didn’t previously need accommodations may feel, with the current pandemic, that they need additional support. This online form, which will be made available in the next few days, will be managed through DocuSign. The Office of Equity, Access and Inclusion will evaluate each request through an interactive process that will include the employee and the employee’s supervisor to determine the level of accommodation the University will be able to provide.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging time.

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

Dear Austin Peay Students:

Congress recently approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided funds to colleges and universities for emergency student grants. The CARES Act made two types of funding available to the university.

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) specifies the funds are to be awarded to students for the sole and exclusive purpose of providing emergency financial aid grants to eligible students for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care expenses. Documentation of these expenses will not be required.

The Department of Education guidelines for distribution of HEERF state only undergraduate and graduate students who are eligible to receive Federal Title IV aid can be awarded these emergency funds. This means students must have a valid 2019-20 FAFSA on file with APSU or be eligible to file a FAFSA. Federal guidance further clarifies HEERF may not be distributed to international, DACA or undocumented students or toany student who was exclusively taking online courses prior to March 13, 2020.

Austin Peay will provide funds to all eligible students. The University will prioritize distribution of HEERF to our Pell Grant-eligible students while also providing funding to non-Pell Grant-eligible students who qualify.

The second type of funding is called a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). The Department of Education has relaxed some of the usual restrictions on FSEOG funds in order to provide emergency funds to a broader base of students. The FSEOG has the same guidelines as HEERF, except students who were exclusively taking online courses prior to March 13, 2020, may receive these emergency funds.

Austin Peay will begin distributing FSEOG funds on May 8. Distribution of the HEERF funds will occur during the week of May 11. An email will be sent to your Austin Peay email account with specific information. In addition, details will be available on our COVID-19 site at www.apsu.edu/coronavirus.

We are reserving additional funds for students who may meet Federal Title IV eligibility requirements, but who have not already filed a valid FAFSA. We are awaiting further guidance from the Department of Education about options for students to meet requirements if the student does not currently have a valid FAFSA on file.

We are working to get these funds to you as quickly as possible.

Rex Gandy

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Austin Peay State University

https://www.apsu.edu/financialaid/cares-act

To the Austin Peay community,

As we enter the last week of the Spring semester, I know many of you have questions about the fall and the upcoming academic year. After much thought and discussion with health and safety experts, I have decided to resume in-person classes on campus this fall. Your safety remains my main priority, and for us to successfully resume on-campus classes this fall, I need your help.

Over the last few days, we have emailed faculty, staff and student surveys requesting feedback on ways we can help you in your role at Austin Peay. I encourage you to participate in these surveys, as they provide us with critical information that helps us make decisions supporting you.

Since this pandemic began, representatives from Austin Peay’s faculty, staff and administration have met daily to discuss and strategize options for optimal campus community safety and quality of education. Please know we will continue to make decisions that follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health officials, and campus health and public safety experts.

Our COVID-19 Task Force and the Strategic Planning Integration Task Force will continue to develop recommendations to carry us through this and similar scenarios for up to two years. We soon will announce updates regarding specific issues the task forces and other subgroups are studying, such as on-campus housing and in-classroom social distancing. Whatever decisions we make, the focus always will be on the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our commitment to academic quality.

We are planning to have administration, staff and faculty begin returning to campus sometime in June. Over the next few weeks we will finalize and communicate how this will work while maximizing safety.

I live on campus, and I walk these empty grounds every day. I miss you. I miss seeing our students studying in the AP Bowl. I miss seeing our professors grading papers outside the Morgan University Center. I miss seeing our staff hustling to set up end-of-semester events. I want to see you back on campus this fall, even if we keep six feet between us.

No matter how difficult things have been, each of you already has overcome significant challenges to get to where you are. You’ve done great things. I know you will continue to do great things. You define what it means to be a Governor.

Thank you for your dedication, persistence and tireless pursuit to lead. I look forward to seeing you this fall.

Sincerely,

Alisa White

APSU President

As the Governor of Tennessee, Montgomery County Mayor and Mayor for the City of Clarksville recently announced changes related to COVID-19 stay at home orders, clarification is needed on how this will impact the Austin Peay State University community.

We previously announced that all Summer Classes will be offered through online delivery, and this decision will remain in effect through the summer.

Several states, including Tennessee, have made changes to stay at home orders, and outcomes of these decisions will provide important information in the weeks to come. APSU’s COVID-19 Task Force will continue to collect and analyze information to make recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) that will assist our decision-making. Specifically, this guidance will help determine when and how communities should be reopened.

With this in mind, we are not rushing to return people to campus so the COVID-19 Task Force can assess what happens in other communities, gather input from our campus community members and continue to make recommendations to the SLT.

The COVID-19 Task Force and a Long-term Planning committee are developing potential strategies that can help guide how we will begin to return to campus with safety as the priority. For now, we will continue to operate remotely as we have been for the last several weeks until a plan for returning can be finalized and communicated. Thank you for your patience and for being flexible and creative in how you serve Austin Peay stakeholders. It’s important that our students and our external stakeholders know that we are open for business and can help them regardless of our work location.

Sincerely,

President Alisa White

Dear Student,

I know this spring has been challenging for everyone at APSU. After much thought about how this may be affecting you as a student, our team has put together the survey, linked below, to see how you’re doing. I want to know how you feel about our response to COVID-19 and if there are things we can do to help you.

Take the Survey

Please know that a small number of people at APSU will be able to connect your name to your survey responses in order for us to arrange to have the appropriate person or department reach out to you, as a student, in case you need help. Beyond this small number of people, no one else will be able to link your responses to your name or other information that might identify you. We will protect your privacy and respect confidentiality.

I would appreciate hearing from you so we can get a better sense of how you are doing and ways that we can help. The survey will remain open through May 8. Thank you for your time.

Alisa White

President

Austin Peay State University

APSU Travel Notice – COVID -19

UPDATE:

In an effort to help mitigate university financial stresses relative to COVID-19, unused travel funds have been removed from each department’s travel budget. Travel funds may be reinstated if COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted prior to the fiscal year end, June 30, 2020. Travel claims filed by the April 10 deadline will be processed, and travel funds will be made available to cover those claims.

Travel funds have been removed from all areas except:

Restricted funds (grants)
Faculty professional development/research funds
Centers of Excellence
Budgets tied to a specific revenue source i.e. – academic course fees, student activity fees
Allied Health Clinical

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this critical time, and we will be happy to assist you with specific travel needs or questions. Please contact Sonja Stewart at 221-7342 or at stewarts@apsu.edu for assistance.

Due to our current travel restrictions, APSU is making the following changes related to travel cards and travel reimbursements:

Travel Cards

Effective March 30, 2020, all University Travel Cards will be temporarily frozen. Each card will remain open to ensure that incoming credits related to travel cancellations may be received. We expect the Travel Cards to remain closed through the end of the fiscal year. However, we want to remain flexible as specific needs arise. We will be happy to assist you should you have extenuating circumstances.

Travel Reimbursements

Please complete all outstanding travel reimbursement claims by 4:30 PM on Friday, April 10, 2020, including reimbursement requests for cancelled airline tickets that were not refunded by the respective airline. Further information on cancelled airline tickets is detailed below:

Cancelled Airline Tickets

Your cancelled airline ticket will fall within one of the following three categories. Please read through the descriptions to determine which option applies to your individual situation:

Personally paid – received travel credit – seeking reimbursement:

Submit a travel voucher accompanied with a screenshot of the cancelled travel that shows the travel credit applied to your account as well as the expiration date of the travel credit. Be aware that this travel credit applied to your personal airline account will be treated like a travel advance and will be used toward future University travel. This travel credit should be tracked by your supervisor and the travel office. When completing a future travel voucher for University travel, this amount will be reduced from future travel reimbursements when travel is reinstituted.

Paid on travel or purchasing card – individual received travel credit:

Similar to scenario #1, this purchase will be considered a travel advance and should be used for future University travel. The individual with cancelled travel should provide a copy of the airline credit to the Travel office and the individual’s supervisor. As future travel arrangements are made, apply this credit toward University airline travel.

Personally paid – received travel credit – not seeking reimbursement:

Unlike the two situations above, should you choose not to seek reimbursement for cancelled airline tickets, you may use these credits for travel (personal or work) at your discretion. You have accepted this cost as a personal expense.

MiFi tablets for rural internet access

Austin Peay State University’s Distance Education Office is now loaning a limited number of MiFi tablets for students in rural areas with limited or no internet access at no cost to APSU students. A MiFi is a wireless router that acts as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. If you are an APSU student living in a rural area and in need of internet access, you may check out a MiFi tablet at the Woodward Library lobby. The library lobby is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. When visiting the lobby, please remember to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines of maintaining at least six feet between you and other individuals. If you live more than 60 miles from campus or are unable to come to the library, send an email to circlibn@apsu.edu or call 931-221-7582 to request that a device be mailed to you.

With all APSU classes now online for the remainder of the spring and summer, some students in rural areas are having difficulty accessing the internet. The University originally partnered with several sites in rural counties that offered free internet access, but those locations have closed as the new coronavirus has spread. The University’s MiFi tablets now provide a way for students to continue their studies at APSU.

Student Account Services – Payment Instructions

Student Account Services is currently providing services remotely to comply with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. We are available to assist you with payments and account inquiries. Payments may be made online or by check. Specific instructions for each method are listed below.

We are available to assist you by phone (931) 221-6285 or through email sas@apsu.edu. Our service hours remain the same and someone will be available between 8AM and 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.

Check Payments

Checks may be written to APSU and mailed to APSU, Student Account Services, P.O. Box 4444, Clarksville, TN 37044. Please include your A# on the memo line to ensure the amount is promptly applied to your student account.

Credit/Debit Card Payments (for students)

Credit card or check card payments may be made through your OneStop account. We can accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

Log in to OneStop, click on Web Self Service, then on the Student tab.
Select Student Account.
Select Payments, then click Continue.
Select Make a Payment.
Click Amount Due, then choose Continue.
Select Credit Card or Debit Card on the ‘Method’ drop-down and click Continue.
Enter in credit card information then click Continue.
Click Continue again.
Enter all the required information and select Continue.
Verify your information is correct then click Submit Payment.

Electronic Check Payments (for students)

Log in to OneStop, click on Web Self Service, then on the Student tab.
Select Student Account.
Select Payments, then click Continue.
Select Make a Payment.
Click Amount Due, then choose Continue.
Select Electronic Check on the ‘Method’ drop-down and click Continue.
Enter your routing number and account information then click Continue.
Click Continue again.
Enter all the required information and select Continue.
Verify your information is correct then click Submit Payment.

Credit/Debit Card Payments (for faculty/staff)

Credit card or check card payments may be made through your OneStop account. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

Log in to OneStop, click on Web Self Service, then on the Employee tab.
Select Pay My Bill.
Click Continue.
Select Make a Payment.
Click Amount Due, then choose Continue.
Select Credit Card or Debit Card on the ‘Method’ drop-down and click Continue.
Enter in credit card information then click Continue.
Click Continue again.
Enter all the required information and select Continue.
Verify your information is correct then click Submit Payment.

According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the current COVID-19 pandemic is expected to peak in Tennessee on April 19, which means some members of the APSU community may become sick in the coming days. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) states that “If you have a fever or cough, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. Keep track of your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get medical attention right away.”

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or exposed to the new coronavirus, please fill out this form so the University can provide you with care resources and protect other members of the campus community from potential exposure.

The CDC provides information on what to do if you’re sick on its website, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html. If you are self-quarantining because you have COVID-19 symptoms, the website provides information on when it is safe for you to leave your home. Individuals should not leave home or return to campus unless they meet the CDC’s criteria.

CDC guidelines for ending home isolation

People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:

If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:

You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:

You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers) AND
other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

Governor Lee’s order #22 for State of Tennessee:

https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/pub/execorders/exec-orders-lee22.pdf

Clarksville and Montgomery County Mayor’s orders:

https://www.cityofclarksville.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=607

Woodward Library Access

To comply with recent Clarksville and Montgomery County shelter-at-home orders, Austin Peay State University is limiting access to the Woodward Library. Beginning today:

General access to the library, except for the front lobby, will be closed for the remainder of the spring semester.
The front lobby will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.
The library will provide access to physical resources – books, laptops, etc. – using the front lobby as a transfer point. No one will be permitted to enter the main part of the building. Students can call the library front desk at 931-221-7346 to alert the staff of their needs. The staff will check out what is needed and place the items on a table in the lobby.
Library staff will provide access to journal articles that are not available online by scanning and emailing the articles.
Students, faculty and staff will continue to have access to the library’s large array of online resources.
Research assistance will be provided via email, text or chat by librarians who are telecommuting.

If a student needs computer access, the University still has laptops available through its APSU COVID-19 Laptop Loan program.

APSU COVID-19 Laptop Loan Program

The Laptop Loan Program provides laptops to students without computer access on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of computers are still available. To request a laptop loan, visit https://govstech.apsu.edu/TDClient/2071/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=14868. Students must have an APSU student ID, a valid driver’s license, a state-issued ID card or a passport to participate. Students will be notified via email when their laptop is available for pickup at the library. The laptop loan is planned to expire at the end of the spring semester.

If any students require D2L support, they can contact APSU Distance Education at 931-221-6625 or online@apsu.edu.

In several of our APSU COVID-19 Task Force messages, we have mentioned following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for social distancing. Over the last week, we have noticed that many individuals are not implementing CDC guidelines of social distancing. These instances include people gathered at dining tables together, recreating in proximity (less than six feet apart), fitness training or recreational sports in groups and taking graduation photos with groups, including direct contact that do not follow the CDC guidelines.

Today, APSU announced its first two cases testing positive. With the spread of COVID-19 inevitably affecting APSU, we are implementing mandatory campus-wide social distancing known as, “Have a heart, stay six feet apart.” For your safety, and the safety of others, if you are on campus property you must stay six feet apart. Anyone congregating in groups or not practicing social distancing is subject to student or employee disciplinary actions. Please, have a heart, stay six feet apart.

—APSU COVID-19 Task Force

For the last several weeks, the University has worked hard to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, and throughout this process, I’ve promised to keep you informed of any important changes or updates – particularly in regards to your own personal safety. Today, we confirmed that an Austin Peay State University student living off-campus tested positive for COVID-19. This student, who has not been on campus for several weeks, represents the University’s first confirmed case. Additionally, we learned of a second case involving a staff member. The staff member has not been on campus since March 14 and tested positive for COVID-19 March 28.

Although this is news we hoped to avoid, it is not unexpected given the rapid spread of this virus across the country. Still, I know it is a cause of concern. I urge our students, employees and community members to continue to take care of themselves. We are hopeful the student and the staff member both have a full and rapid recovery.

We notified all campus community members who may have come in contact with these individuals and informed them they needed to take the necessary precautions for self-quarantining. This serves as a reminder to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for social distancing. Students are encouraged not to return to campus this semester. If you’re currently living on campus, please avoid congregating in groups larger than 10 and maintain at least six feet between yourself and anyone else, even when in those groups. I strongly encourage Austin Peay employees to telecommute. If you need to be on campus, the CDC’s social distancing guidelines must also be followed.

As the virus continues to spread worldwide, more members of our community may be diagnosed, but the University – along with its COVID-19 Task Force – is doing everything possible to limit this spread. To see what we’ve already done, visit www.apsu.edu/coronavirus. I will keep you informed on any additional updates regarding this pandemic.

This crisis is ever-changing and has impacted our campus, our community, our families and our lives. None of us has faced these challenges before, and I appreciate the support you have shown as we move forward. We will overcome this together.

Alisa White

Due to our current travel restrictions, APSU is making the following changes related to travel cards and travel reimbursements:

Travel Cards

Travel Reimbursements

Cancelled Airline Tickets

Your cancelled airline ticket will fall within one of the following three categories. Please read through the descriptions to determine which option applies to your individual situation:

Personally paid – received travel credit – seeking reimbursement:

Paid on travel or purchasing card – individual received travel credit:

Personally paid – received travel credit – not seeking reimbursement:

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the University has decided to adopt a pass/fail grading option for students currently enrolled in 2020 Spring, Spring II and Spring B undergraduate classes graded on a letter grade (A, B, C, D or F) basis. This option will be a voluntary, student-initiated, opt-in process on a course-by-course basis. Students wishing to remain on a letter grade basis will not be required to move to pass/fail. The details of the process and an associated timeline will be posted on www.apsu.edu/registrar on or before April 2, 2020 at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST).

Rex Gandy

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dear Austin Peay Community,

I appreciate everyone’s hard work and flexibility as we all continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to continue to do what we can to mitigate the spread of the virus and “flatten the curve,” we have decided to move all face-to-face Summer 2020 classes to non-face-to-face instruction. Summer 2020 classes include Maymester, Summer I, II and III, and Full Summer terms.

Students in labs, clinicals, field experiences and student teaching should contact their instructors and advisers for information specific to their situation.

Times are tough right now, but I’ve been gratified—although not surprised—by your response to a challenging situation. Governors find a way. #GovsLead

Alisa White
President
Austin Peay State University

As Austin Peay State University (APSU) has entered the realm of delivering all courses in a non-face-to-face format, we are discovering new challenges students face as a result of this change. These challenges include:

Access to laptops so students can work remotely
Reliable internet access, especially in rural areas, or data limitations that restrict the completion of coursework
Access to textbooks
Emergency funds to meet unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic

In response, APSU has pulled together the following resources:

Free e-Textbooks through Barnes and Noble – Austin Peay’s Ann Ross Bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble, is offering free access to eTextbooks for classes that began in January. Visitbookshelf.vitalsource.com for free access. The bookstore will continue to offer free shipping for online orders.
S.O.S. Food Pantry – The S.O.S. Food Pantry supports Austin Peay State University's students through troubling times by helping fight hunger. The campus community supports and supplies the food pantry through donations. Students who find themselves in need can fill out the request form (https://www.apsu.edu/volunteer/sos-food-pantry/index.php) and arrange to pick items up at 322 Home Avenue (the Center for Service-Learning & Community Engagement) during hours of operation. Students will need their APSU student identification card to receive food.
Govs Give Back Fund (now part of the S.O.S. Emergency Funds) – The University Advancement Office has established the Govs Give Back Fund to provide urgent financial assistance for students, faculty and staff who suffer from economic, medical or similar hardships. Several University donors have already contributed to this new initiative. To apply for this fund, please visithttps://www.apsu.edu/volunteer/sos-food-pantry/sosfunds.php.
Wireless, satellite and wired internet access — The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has implemented the Keep America Connected Pledge to help ensure Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of these exceptional COVID-19 circumstances. Currently, more than 550 companies and associations have complied. Below is a list of area providers that may be helpful to our students, faculty and staff.

Comcast COVID-19 response: Xfinity WiFi free to the public, pausing data plans, no disconnects or late fees
Charter COVID-19 response: 60 Days of Free Access to Spectrum Broadband and WFi for 60 Days.
AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families
Verizon COVID-19 Response: Waives overage charges and late fees.

Sprint COVID-19 response: Provides unlimited data to existing customers and additional 20GB for mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days.
T-Mobile COVID-19 response: Unlimited data to existing customers and additional 20GB mobile hotspot for 60 days (10 GB for two billing cycles).

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic marks a stressful time for all individuals, and “fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma toward people, places, or things.” That stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease with a specific population or nationality.

Even though we have a good track record of handling discrimination on our campus and have not had anyone complain about stigmas or bias associated with COVID-19, we have noticed that around the country people are experiencing stigmas associated with the virus because of their ethnicity.

According to Austin Peay State University policy, the University will not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, age (as applicable), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, and/or any other legally protected class. Such discrimination and harassment are prohibited.

During these times when stigmatized groups may be subjected to rejection, social avoidance or even acts of violence, it is important for the University community to retain its values and continue practicing respectful civility.

If a campus community member believes they have been treated in a way that is not equitable or in a way that is discriminatory, please contact the APSU Office of Equity, Access and Inclusion immediately to resolve the issue.

Mrs. LaNeeça Williams— Williamslr@apsu.edu

Mrs. Sheila Bryant— bryantsm@apsu.edu

Mr. Steven Grudzinski— grudzinskis@apsu.edu

For more Information:

APSU Discrimination and Harassment Based on Protected Categories other than Sex - Complaint and Investigation Policy and Procedure Link: https://www.apsu.edu/policy/pdfs_of_polcies/6004.pdf

CDC Link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday, Tennessee Governor Lee announced a new structure called COVID-19 Unified Command to help the State fight the spread of COVID-19. He has asked APSU’s Military Advisor in Residence BG (Ret.) Scott Brower to serve as chief of staff to the leader of the Command for the next few months. Although General Brower will remain an APSU employee, he’ll be on loan to the Governor’s effort. I’m proud of our colleague for being tapped for this responsibility, and I’m thankful that state leadership recognized his relevant skills.

Austin Peay will miss having General Brower here on a daily basis, but our campus team can work together to do as much as possible to keep his work going. General Brower has made a significant, positive impact on Austin Peay, and I look forward to his return to campus. That said, I am very happy he’s going to help the State of Tennessee get through the COVID-19 crisis.

Alisa White

The health and well-being of our customers and employees are incredibly important to us. It is with careful consideration that we have made the difficult decision to temporarily move our business online, with a tentative plan to reopen on Monday, April 6th. We will continue to accept orders online for delivery with free shipping.

For classes that started in January, we are offering free access to eTextbooks through our partnership with VitalSource. Visit bookshelf.vitalsource.com for free access.

We will offer free return labels for all your rental books.
Stay safe and healthy!

Barnes & Noble

APSU Buildings and Use of Facilities

Beginning Monday, March 23, all Austin Peay State University buildings will be locked, and individuals who work in those buildings will gain access by using their University ID cards. If an individual needs to enter a building, signs will be posted on all outside doors letting them know who to contact. The University has moved all classes, on all APSU campuses, fully online for the remainder of the spring semester. APSU employees are encouraged, if possible, to telecommute. If anyone needs to conduct University business, please call or email those departments before coming to campus. These efforts follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

The campus remains open for faculty and students who wish to continue research and scholarly activities requiring University equipment and facilities. All campus activities must follow the CDC’s recommendations for social distancing. Students are not required to participate in any face-to-face campus activity. Anyone who fits the CDC’s definition of a person of high risk should not participate in any activity that increases the risk of contracting the coronavirus. Any person who is ill or has come in contact with a person testing positive for the coronavirus must abide by the CDC’s guidelines of self-quarantine.

In light of recent events regarding COVID-19, the Department of Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services encourages students to move out of their assigned spaces for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. While residence halls and apartments remain open at this time, if you can return home, please do so. We understand this is not possible for everyone, and we want all residents to be where they feel most safe and able to do well academically. If you do plan to move out, please return to campus by 7 p.m. on March 28, 2020, to retrieve all belongings, return your room key, and complete the check-out process. This date was chosen to help facilitate the refund process and condensing of building operations.

Check Out Instructions

To check out of your assigned room, please complete the following steps:

Sign up for a move out time (Please click this link and complete the online form). Please do not skip this step. The goal is to manage the flow of moves to facilitate social distance.
Remove all personal belongings from your room.
Move all furniture back to its original location.
Remove all trash, sweep, and mop.
Complete an Express Check-Out Envelope, place your key in the envelope, and return the envelope to the Express Check-Out Box located in your hall’s lobby.

If you have questions regarding the check-out process, please contact Housing, Residence Life & Dining Services at 931-221-7444.

Housing Refund Information

Students who do not return to campus housing will be issued a pro-rated refund of housing fees paid after completing the check-out process. University officials are currently calculating student housing refunds for each student. Once we have identified the specific students not returning to campus, a calculation will be finalized and the refund amount will be provided to those respective students. We will work as quickly as possible to complete calculations, but the work will take some time.. However, this ~~date~~ is dependent on current housing students promptly notifying the Department of Housing and Residence Life of their intentions.

Extended Housing

If you believe that you need to remain in Housing for the remainder of the spring semester, please complete the Extended Housing Application. If you elect to remain on campus for any duration, and decide to check out before the end of the spring semester, your pro-rated credit will reflect the length of your stay in housing. Students must complete the Extended Housing Application by Sunday, March 28, 2020 at 7 p.m. Any students who fail to complete the form and fail to check out of their assigned spaces will continue to be charged for their housing assignment until May 9, 2020, whichever occurs later. Please understand that students who stay will not be allowed to have a roommate. Relocation may occur to facilitate social distancing and to condense buildings.

Meal Plan Information

Your meal plan will continue to work at the dining venues available until your check-out date, at which point we will calculate a pro-rated refund. We expect to issue this refund at the same time as housing refunds. If you remain on campus, your meal plan will remain active. Beginning March 29, Dining Services will reduce dining hours and availability based on the remaining on-campus residential student population.

Questions

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the content of this message, please contact Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services at 931-221-7444.

Thank you,
APSU Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services

APSU COVID-19 Laptop Loan Program

Earlier this week, the Austin Peay State University COVID-19 Task Force developed a new Laptop Loan Program, which will provide laptops to students without computer access on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of computers are available. To request a laptop loan, visit https://govstech.apsu.edu/TDClient/2071/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=14868. Students must have an APSU student ID, a valid driver’s license, a state-issued ID card or a passport to participate. Students will be notified via email when their laptop is available for pickup at the library. The laptop loan is planned to expire at the end of the spring semester.

If any students require D2L support, they can contact APSU Distance Education at 931-221-6625 or online@apsu.edu. If students live in areas with no internet service, many school systems and local business are allowing students to use their internet for free from the safety of their vehicles in the parking lots. The Woodward Library will also remain open, but the building is only open to APSU students, faculty and staff. No guests are allowed, and visitors must use their ID to enter the building.

Last week, the University announced that all classes, on all APSU campuses, were moving fully online for the remainder of the spring semester. This move was made in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social distancing guidelines, and the University’s COVID-19 Task Force is working on this and other initiatives to minimize the disruption to students.

Please share this information with fellow students, particularly those without computer access.

Austin Peay State University’s COVID-19 Task Force continues to monitor the situation regarding the new coronavirus. The following decisions were recently made to help slow the spread of COVID-19:

VetSuccess on Campus. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ VetSuccess on Campus Office at Austin Peay State University remains open, but the office will no longer conduct face-to-face counseling because of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Beginning March 25, all services will continue via tele-counseling by phone at 931-221-6194, until further notice. If you have questions, email Christina Hicks, VetSuccess counselor, at Christina.hicks2@va.gov.

Ann Ross Bookstore. The Ann Ross Bookstore, managed by Barnes and Noble, will be open daily between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bookstore management will be available between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to address any urgent needs.

APSU Post Office. The APSU Post Office window will be open daily from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Post Office staff will be available between 7:30-10 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. daily should anyone need service outside the current window hours. Contact Tammy Silva at silvat@apsu.edu if you need to schedule a special time to drop-off or pick-up mail outside the current operating hours.

Effective immediately, the Foy Center will be closed for fitness and recreation use until further notice. University recreation offices will remain open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fitness and recreation users must remove their belongings from lockers or other areas by 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 20.

Paid membership and locker rentals:

Drafts and payroll deduction for paid memberships and locker rentals will be suspended until access is reinstated. Adjustments for paid memberships will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Questions should be directed to 931-221-7564 or by email at davenportdl@apsu.edu.

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

The Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees will host its spring meetings this Thursday and Friday, March 19-20. Due to the precautions the University is taking to protect the campus community from the new coronavirus, these meetings will be conducted electronically. The Board’s Academic Affairs Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, with the Student Affairs Committee, the Business and Finance Committee, the Executive Committee and the Audit Committee meeting consecutively thereafter. The Board’s Audit Committee will end with a closed executive session to discuss ongoing investigations.

Members of the campus community may attend Thursday’s committee meetings by dialing 1-877-820-7831 and entering the passcode 667747.

The full Board will meet at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 20. The Board will discuss several important items, such as a proposed graduate degree in speech-language pathology.

To watch Friday’s meeting live, visit http://www.apsu.edu/president/board-of-trustees/board-meeting-archived-videos.php. To view meeting materials such as the agenda, visit https://www.apsu.edu/president/board-of-trustees/board-meeting-schedule-and-materials.php.

For information on the meeting, contact the Secretary to the Board at 931-221-7572.

Student Employees

Austin Peay State University is working to ensure that all student employees are paid – regardless if they are able to return to work or not – during this current COVID-19 pandemic. Since there are several different classifications of student employees, all students who work for the University should contact their supervisor about whether they should return to work.

Scholarship students. Students who work on campus to fulfill their scholarship service hours do not need to return to their positions. You will not lose your scholarship by not returning to work. Contact your supervisor for more details.
Federal Work Study students. These students do not need to return to their positions. The Department of Education has authorized that Federal Work Study students may continue to be paid for the remainder of the semester. This will be based on the number of hours the student was scheduled to work each week. For example, if a student’s schedule was Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-4 p.m., they will continue to log six hours and be paid at their regular rate of pay. Contact your supervisor so they can work with you on logging in the hours you’ve already worked to ensure you are paid.
General Campus employees. Employees who are non-essential to the functioning of Austin Peay will continue to be paid, but they do not need to report to their positions for the rest of the semester. This will be based on the number of hours the student was scheduled to work each week. For example, if a student’s schedule was Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-4 p.m., they will continue to log six hours and be paid at their regular rate of pay. Essential student employees – tutors, Help Desk workers, etc. – need to find a way to resume their work, either remotely or on campus. Contact your supervisor for information.
Veterans Affairs Work Study. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is still determining if it will compensate VA students during this situation. The University is currently developing plans to pay these students if the VA is unable to reach a decision soon.
Interns. Student interns should contact their professors or supervisors to find out if they can work remotely for the remainder of the semester.
Graduate Assistants. Graduate students should contact their supervisor to discuss their GA positions.

If you do not see your employee classification above (or are unsure of your classification), contact your supervisor for more information.

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

APSU delaying spring commencement because of new coronavirus pandemic

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – On Tuesday, Austin Peay State University announced it was delaying this spring’s commencement ceremony because of concerns over the new coronavirus pandemic.

“Commencement is my favorite event of the year, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring you for your significant accomplishments,” APSU President Alisa White said in an email to graduating students. “After thoughtful discussion based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to avoid large social gatherings for the next eight weeks, we have determined that Spring Commencement should not occur May 8 and 9.”

Last week, the University announced it was moving all classes online to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Classes will remain online throughout the spring semester. On Sunday, the CDC recommended that no event with 50 or more people should take place for the next eight weeks.

“Over the next few weeks, we will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and will attempt to identify a later date for spring commencement based upon updated guidance from the CDC,” White said.

If the University is able to identify an alternative date for spring commencement, graduates can either participate in that ceremony, the August ceremony or the December ceremony. If the University cannot find a suitable date for its spring commencement, graduates will be able to participate in the August or December ceremonies. Information, including any updates about a rescheduled spring commencement, will be posted to the commencement website, www.apsu.edu/commencement.

“I’m very sorry for the disruption,” White said. “Our goal is to do what we can to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and to keep you and the rest of our Austin Peay family as safe and healthy as possible.”

For questions about commencement, contact the APSU Office of the Registrar at 931-221-7150 orregistrar@apsu.edu. For information on Austin Peay’s response to the new coronavirus, visit www.apsu.edu/coronavirus.

Barnes & Noble Education Joins VitalSource and Leading Publishers to Make eTextbooks Free for Students Impacted by COVID-19 Campus Closures

March 16, Basking Ridge, NJ—Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED), a leading solutions provider for the education industry, today announced the Company has joined VitalSource in an effort to support students impacted by the recent COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Beginning today and through the remainder of the Spring 2020 term, VitalSource will offer free access to eTextbooks for students at BNED campuses that have closed due to COVID-19.

In light of the current COVID-19 outbreak, a number of colleges and universities nationwide have transitioned to online and distance learning programs to best protect the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff. This sudden shift to online learning can prove challenging for students and faculty alike, particularly when it occurs in the middle of an academic year.

To help maintain consistency and ensure students are equipped to learn wherever they are, BNED has joined VitalSource and leading publishers in providing free access to eTextbooks through the remainder of the Spring term. BNED operates more than 1,400 physical and virtual bookstores at campuses nationwide, and has partnered with VitalSource since 2016 to supply millions of students with eTextbooks and digital learning materials. Students at BNED campuses that have been closed down due to COVID-19 will now be able to access these eTextbooks free of cost to help them successfully complete their academic year.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on higher education at large. As a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, we feel strongly about doing all we can to support students, faculty and institutions during this time,” said Michael P. Huseby, CEO and Chairman, BNED. “We are proud to join VitalSource and our publishing partners in making quality digital learning materials available to students at no cost, ensuring they are prepared for continued academic success in this unprecedented learning environment.”

To view a list of publishers supporting this effort, please visit: http://get.vitalsource.com/vitalsource-helps.

To be consistent with the public health goal of minimizing unnecessary contact, unit heads should be as flexible as possible and encourage employees to telecommute. Not every employee can or will be able to work from home all of the time. For those unable to work offsite, units should work to create a safe onsite work environment with an emphasis on social distancing.

A unit’s decision as to whether a telecommuting arrangement is feasible will depend upon:

The employee’s job responsibilities—if certain tasks and assignments can be performed at home;
Availability of necessary equipment and materials to perform the work. As much as possible, units should attempt to provide the equipment needed;
And the home environment—if it is one in which the employee can work productively and safely.

Submitting a Request

The supervisor of the employee will electronically submit COVID-19 Temporary Telecommuting Request Form, which will be forwarded to employee for approval and acknowledgement of APSU policies for telecommuting. When telecommuting, employees are still obligated to comply with all APSU rules, policies and procedures. Violation of such rules, policies and procedures may result in immediate cessation of telecommuting arrangement, and possible corrective action.

Prior to submitting a request, please visit the COVID-19 Telecommuting Website which offers detailed guidance for supervisors, employees, and departments to help set up an effective telecommuting arrangement quickly and successfully. If you need assistance with establishing a telecommuting arrangement please contact the Office of Human Resources at (931) 221-7177 or via email at humanresources@apsu.edu.

Thank you,

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

Last week, Austin Peay State University announced it was temporarily moving all classes at all campuses fully online on Monday, March 23. Following new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop the spread of COVID-19, the following decisions have been made:

All classes at all campuses will remain online for the rest of the spring semester – including the University’s shortened Spring II and Spring B semesters.
All classes at all campuses – both online and previously on-ground – remain suspended until March 23. We want to remind everyone that any assignments that were due this week should have a new due date. Faculty are encouraged to communicate changes with their students as soon as possible.
The University’s Office of Distance Education is hosting a series of webinars via Zoom this week to help with the move to online education. Information is available at www.apsu.edu/godigital.
Students in courses that require clinicals or hands-on instruction should contact their academic departments for information specific to their situation.
Faculty and staff members who can perform their duties from home should consider telecommuting. Discuss options with your supervisor. Keep in mind that not all roles are suited for telecommuting due to specific job duties that cannot be performed at home or because of the operating requirements of the unit. See the telecommuting webpage for details.

University Business:

If anyone needs to conduct University business at any campus, such as meeting with the Office of Financial Aid or the Office of the Registrar, please call or email those departments before coming to campus. This will help with the CDC’s recommendation for social distancing, and you may be able to complete your business remotely. Because this situation is leading to a high volume of phone calls and emails to campus, responses may be delayed. Please know that the University will respond to all enquiries, though we might not have all the answers at first. Like most of our peer institutions across the country, we’re working through a situation with no precedent, and we appreciate your understanding as we move through this challenging time.

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

Last week, Austin Peay State University announced it was temporarily moving all classes online on Monday, March 23. Following new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop the spread of COVID-19, the following decisions have been made:

All classes will remain online for the rest of the spring semester – including the University’s shortened Spring II and Spring B semesters.
All classes – both online and previously on-ground – remain suspended until March 23. We want to remind everyone that any assignments that were due this week should have a new due date. Faculty are encouraged to communicate changes with their students as soon as possible.
The University’s Office of Distance Education is hosting a series of webinars via Zoom this week to help with the move to online education. Information is available at www.apsu.edu/godigital.
Students in courses that require clinicals or hands-on instruction should contact their academic departments for information specific to their situation.
Faculty and staff members who can perform their duties from home should consider telecommuting. Discuss options with your supervisor. Keep in mind that not all roles are suited for telecommuting due to specific job duties that cannot be performed at home or because of the operating requirements of the unit. See the telecommuting webpage for details.

University Business:

If anyone needs to conduct University business, such as meeting with the Office of Financial Aid or the Office of the Registrar, please call or email those departments before coming to campus. This will help with the CDC’s recommendation for social distancing, and you may be able to complete your business remotely. Because this situation is leading to a high volume of phone calls and emails to campus, responses may be delayed. Please know that the University will respond to all enquiries, though we might not have all the answers at first. Like most of our peer institutions across the country, we’re working through a situation with no precedent, and we appreciate your understanding as we move through this challenging time.

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

Dear Austin Peay Community,

We are continuing to monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in consultation with federal, state and local health officials, and our COVID-19 Task Force. At this time we are not aware of any members of our campus community who have the new coronavirus. We are joining the state and national efforts to slow the spread of the virus. After considerable deliberation, we have decided to suspend classes until March 23 and move all classes to fully online instruction. Spring B and Spring II registration will be extended until classes begin March 23. A new academic calendar will be posted by the end of the day. Students in clinicals, field experiences and student teaching should contact their supervisors for information specific to their situation. We will provide advanced notice if we decide to reconvene on-ground classes. I realize this will not be an easy task, and I appreciate everyone’s flexibility for taking on the extra burden in a compressed timeframe.

Additionally, all non-athletic University-sponsored events are canceled until further notice. If it is possible to reschedule events, details will be forthcoming. A decision about commencement will be made in the weeks to come. In following precedence set by the NCAA, sanctioned indoor athletic events will be held without fan attendance through the remainder of the academic year. Only student-athletes, coaches and essential personnel are allowed in the indoor sports venues.

Students living on-campus who can travel to their home or permanent residence are encouraged to do so. However, if leaving campus is not an option, we are prepared to continue supporting residential students, including access to limited dining options. The Office of Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services will be providing details in the days to come through campus email. Regardless of whether you relocate or stay on-campus, the CDC suggests social distancing as an important strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The University remains open, but employees are to consult with their supervisors regarding alternate work arrangements as needed. Essential personnel are still required to report on a normal schedule.

The CDC has identified certain populations likely to be more susceptible to the new coronavirus or to be less likely to recover from the virus, and I encourage members of those populations to take extra precaution. Senior citizens, people with compromised immune systems, heart patients, diabetics and others need to be especially cautious.

I understand how disappointing many of these cancellations and changes may be to members of our community. I do not take these decisions lightly, and they are based on our collective understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. These decisions are in the best interest of public health, including that of students, faculty, staff and administration.

Thank you to our Coronavirus Task Force for continuing to monitor the environment and to post updates to the University’s website at https://www.apsu.edu/coronavirus. This situation is quickly evolving, and we endeavor to provide the safest environment possible.

Alisa White
President
Austin Peay State University

Until further notice, all events (official university events, student events and non-university events) are suspended. Event organizers are responsible for taking action to cancel their individual events, including communicating with speakers and guests, cancelling room reservations, cancelling catering, and cancelling any other arrangements. Contact the office of University Facilities at 931-221-6617 if you have questions about event cancellation.

Administrative meetings of fewer than 25 faculty and staff (excluding students) may take place but remote options should be provided for participants (Zoom, etc.). Click here for information on how to use Zoom web conferencing. This meeting size is consistent with the guidance of health care experts and professionals and with the policies of many peer institutions.

Please remind administrative meeting attendees to practice steps to reduce risk and prevent spread of viruses, including not shaking hands, practicing social distancing, etc. Ensure easy access to handwashing facilities and alcohol-based sanitizers. Remember, if you do not feel well, please consider others and stay home.

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

Dear Students,

With classes moving to all-online instruction beginning March 23, we understand some students may have needs for internet or computer access. Arrangements have been made with the partner sites listed below that are currently open and available to all APSU students needing access. Additionally, The Tennessee Secretary of State website has a very concise, user-friendly directory of all TN Public Libraries with addresses, contact info, hours of operation and technical services — https://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/tennessee-public-library-directory

Cheatham County

American Job Center, 384 South Main St, Ashland City, TN 37015

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Students can use their laptops, tablets, etc. to connect to the internet
Public use computers available

Dickson County

Bibb-White Bluff Civic Center, 1054 Old Charlotte Rd, White Bluff, TN 37187

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Students can use their laptops, tablets, etc. to connect to the internet
Four (4) public use computers in the library (will need to get a library card, but the cards are free).

Robertson County

Highland Crest Campus, 150 Laureate Ave, Springfield, TN 37172

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Students can use their laptops, tablets, etc. to connect to the internet

Sincerely,
APSU COVID-19 Task Force

Yesterday, Austin Peay State University President Alisa White announced that all classes – both online and on-ground – will move fully online on March 23 to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The University’s COVID-19 Task Force is currently developing additional resources and protocols to guide Austin Peay’s faculty, staff and students through this unprecedented situation.

A number of changes have been made regarding classes, work arrangements, travel and campus events; however, we want to emphasize that the University will remain open, and we will manage this situation in a manner consistent with our University values.

During this time, telecommuting should be considered and used, where feasible. Decisions regarding telecommuting eligibility need to be made in consultation with your supervisor and the Office of Human Resources unless otherwise directed by the senior-level leader of your department/unit.

If approved by your supervisor, we will provide options and insights into telecommuting at Austin Peay State University. Visit the Human Resources website for all telecommuting-related guidance and frequently asked employment-related questions specific to COVID-19.

When telecommuting isn’t a viable option, additional alternate work arrangements may be available, if approved by your supervisor. If neither telecommuting nor additional alternate work arrangements are options, you should report to work as usual.

For those employees who are reporting as usual to work, we’re also taking preventive measures to ensure the well-being of our faculty, staff and students. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of viral illness is to minimize the circumstances in which individuals interact and transmit the disease. Visit the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 website for additional information and best practices to follow.

Here is some additional information on how to best take care of yourself while at work.

Other measures you can take include:

Stay home when you’re sick and avoid close contact with people who are.
Practice good hygiene protocol, including washing hands often and regularly, not shaking hands, coughing into your elbow, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
If you are in the office, maintain social distancing and use virtual meetings in place of in-person meetings.
Continue to check the Human Resources website and the University’s coronavirus website for updates and other information.

During this challenging time, it is important to take care of yourself and each other. Thank you for all your efforts to promote a safe and healthy campus community at Austin Peay State University.

Sincerely,

APSU COVID-19 Task Force

https://letsgopeay.com/news/2020/3/12/director-of-athletics-gerald-harrisons-statement-regarding-coronavirus.aspx

Earlier today, Austin Peay State University canceled its 36th Annual Candlelight Ball, scheduled for March 14 in Nashville, in order to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

“Although we had planned extra precaution for the safety of our guests, hosting the event is not prudent at this time,” APSU President Alisa White said.

The University has also suspended classes until March 23, when it will move all classes to fully online instruction. Additional information is available at www.apsu.edu/coronavirus.

With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) now present in Tennessee, we have received several questions about hosting of the 36th Annual Candlelight Ball in Nashville this Saturday, March 14. Our top priority is safety. At this point, the event is still planned as scheduled. We are monitoring the situation in Nashville and will announce any changes as soon as they are made available.

If you are planning to come to the 36th Annual Candlelight Ball or other University-related events and have existing health conditions or are in a known at-risk category from symptoms causes by COVID-19, we encourage you to check the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website before traveling or attending.

The event organizers for the Candlelight Ball have reached out to the Omni Hotel regarding procedures that have been put in place. They include:

Hand sanitizer stations on each meeting room floor
Increased cleaning schedule for all surfaces in the meeting room floors such as elevator buttons, escalator handrails and meeting room door handles
Increased cleaning schedule for all public restrooms
Increased frequency of existing deep cleaning schedule for certain items in guestrooms

For additional questions regarding the 36th Annual Candlelight Ball, please email petersonn@apsu.edu.

If you have questions regarding the status of an upcoming event in the days and weeks to come, please contact the department organizing the event. Additionally, you can check our COVID-19 Task Force’s website for the latest updates and information.

COVID-19 Task Force

Austin Peay State University

International Travel Notice - Campus Communication

(March 6, 2020 8:18 p.m.)

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Due to the high probability of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and with the health and safety of our campus community being my chief concern, I am implementing a moratorium on University-related international travel beginning Sunday, March 8, until further notice. While domestic travel is not prohibited at this time, it is discouraged, and I urge you to exercise caution should you choose to travel.

Additionally, please keep in mind the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on preventative measures:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

My hope is that these efforts will minimize the spread of the virus, and I appreciate your cooperation. Our APSU COVID-19 task force, chaired by Assistant Vice President Michael Kasitz, is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates as new information is made available.

Sincerely,

Alisa White

President

Austin Peay State University

The University’s Coronavirus Task Force is monitoring the outbreak in coordination with state and local health departments. Currently, no members of the Austin Peay community have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus. The Tennessee Department Health & Safety Department maintains a page with updates on any APSU community members who have been or are being screened.

We understand the increased anxiety on our campuses and throughout the community. APSU leadership is actively monitoring and responding to the situation and will continue to follow the guidance of public health agencies. At this time, there have been no recommendations to suspend campus operations. With this in mind, APSU campuses will remain open. In order to accommodate students who may be experiencing symptoms or who believe they should isolate themselves, we are working with instructors and managers to ensure maximum flexibility during this time of uncertainty.

This is an evolving situation, and updates are available from the Tennessee State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including updated Travel Notices for countries with community transmission.

This page is not intended to be all-encompassing and should not be considered to be providing medical or legal advice. In all instances, you should consult with a relevant expert for guidance specific to your circumstances.

About COVID-19

Infectious agent: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Situation Summary: In December 2019, Chinese health authorities identified an outbreak of pneumonia associated with a novel, or new, coronavirus which has resulted in thousands of confirmed cases in China. Additional cases have been identified in a growing number of other international locations, including the United States. There are ongoing investigations to learn more. Click here to access CDC’s COVID-19 webpage for the most up to date information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Learn more from CDC

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.^*

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Learn more from CDC

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations forusingafacemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Learn more from CDC

Stay home except to get medical care

People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home

People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.

Animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

Wear a facemask

You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.

Soap and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid sharing personal household items

You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

Monitor your symptoms

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.

If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.

Discontinuing home isolation

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

Learn more from CDC

Public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are stressful times for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma toward people, places, or things. For example, stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease. Stigma can also occur after a person has been released from COVID-19 quarantine even though they are not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html