We hope you are enjoying your Spring Break.
You received communication from the University yesterday stating that Spring Break is extended by one week and then we will move to online learning platforms for a week and perhaps longer if necessary. During this time, the Anderson University COVID-19 task force will closely monitor the development of the virus in our area and adjust plans and services as necessary and/or advisable.
To be clear, there are no cases of the Coronavirus on the AU campus and there are none in the Anderson County area to our latest knowledge.
You may return to campus on March 22, however a best practice is to remain off campus, if you wish. If you prefer to not come back to campus on March 22, you may remain off campus while coursework is offered online. It’s your choice.
Thus, we are not closing the campus at this time or requiring you to vacate your campus room even if you remain off campus.
Exceptions:
Early arrival exceptions will be made for students who have no choice but to return to campus this Sunday, March 15 for activities such as clinicals, research, internships, employment on or off campus, and other academic purposes. For these students, dining services will continue with modified and limited options. If you do not have to be on campus next week for these reasons, please observe the best practice of staying off campus.
If traditional classroom teaching resumes, you will then need to return to campus to complete your coursework. In that event, you will be notified by email.
Again, residence halls will be open, and students may return to their on-campus residence, but on-campus services will be significantly diminished and everyone will be required to practice social distancing to avoid the potential spread of germs. Food services will be available but we may have limited menu options. Student Activities will be cancelled and shared facilities such as the Fitness Center and other common spaces will remain closed until the University returns to normal operation. In addition, students who return to their on-campus residence will be restricted from visiting other students’ rooms. Large group gatherings will not be permitted, and common spaces will be off-limits.
Dining Services will continue to offer three meals per day, however, meal options may be limited. More detailed dining information will be sent to traditional undergraduates.
If you wish to return to campus housing, you are required to fill out the “Returning to Campus Form” found at the link below. The information on the form will allow the University, particularly the Residence Life staff, to have an accurate record of students who are on campus and will also give us the ability to appropriately prepare for meals.
This form must be completed at least 48 hours prior to your return to campus. For students who did not leave campus during week 1 of spring break, we ask that you also complete the Returning to Campus form as soon as possible.
We have developed a list of frequently asked questions that we encourage you to review. However, if you have a specific question, please contact the Student Life Office at 864-622-6011. We will have staff available to answer your questions during our regular office hours of 8:30am-4:30pm. The Residence Director team will remain on campus and will also be available for any questions.
As the COVID-19 event evolves, Anderson University staff will continue to work closely with local and state health officials. If advised to do so, the University will close residence halls and require students to move to alternate locations.
This is a rapidly evolving public health event, and things are changing quickly. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we take the steps necessary to protect our campus community.