Faculty and staff will be provided with two face coverings, which will be mailed to their homes as soon as available.

Face shields, masks and amplification systems will be distributed in the colleges closer to the beginning of the fall semester. The university will send a university-wide announcement when they’re ready for pick-up.

Individuals who work in lab settings will continue to receive personal protective equipment as required to conduct research.

Staff members will be provided with personal protective equipment based on the nature of their work and upon request.

 

University System of Georgia institutions require faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities. Face coverings will be worn in addition to and not as a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings aren’t required in one’s own dorm room or suite, when alone in an enclosed office or study room or in outdoor settings where social-distancing requirements are met.

Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff or students. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons.

When you wear a face covering you’re protecting yourself, but equally important, you’re protecting other members of the university community. You’re showing you’re taking responsibility for the welfare of those around you.

The University System of Georgia is composed of Georgia’s public colleges and universities, Georgia Archives and the Georgia Public Library Service. Georgia’s Constitution grants the Board of Regents the exclusive right to govern, control and manage the USG and USG institutions. The board exercises and fulfills its constitutional obligations, in part, by promulgating rules and policies for the governance of the USG and its constituent units. The board elects a chancellor who is its chief executive officer and the chief administrative officer of the University System.

Georgia State is one of the 26 colleges and universities in Georgia, and the presidents of USG institutions report to the chancellor. USG institutions are required to follow the policies and procedures established by the USG. Those interested can review the USG’s Return to Campus Planning Framework here: https://provost.gsu.edu/files/2020/06/USG-Fall-2020-Return-to-Campus-Planning-Framework.pdf.

Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff or students.

Yes, in most cases. The University System of Georgia’s face coverings policy requires all individuals in campus buildings to wear a face covering at all times except when alone in an enclosed private office, study room or dorm room in a residence hall. The virus can be spread through the air, and the risk of infection increases any time an individual is not wearing a mask.

Yes. Cubicles are not private, enclosed offices. Personnel who work in such spaces are required to wear a face covering.

No face covering is required when you are outdoors and six feet of social distancing is possible. However, we strongly recommend you wear a face covering at all times when on campus or in the vicinity to best protect yourself and others.

The situation with the pandemic is fluid, and we’ll continue to adapt our plan as new public health recommendations emerge. For that reason, instructors should develop contingency plans in their syllabi to take classes fully online at any time if the need arises.

If the instructor is largely asymptomatic and teaching online, it may be that no adjustment is needed. If the instructor is teaching an in‐person component of a course, the course would either need to move to an online format if the professor can continue with instruction in that modality or be taught by an alternate instructor who can step in to maintain continuity. That process will look very similar to previous semesters during which an instructor became ill.

Students who are symptomatic may request a test through the Student Health Clinic. Faculty and staff who want to be tested should consult with their personal health provider or review the list of testing sites that are available throughout Atlanta under the Resources tab of the Georgia State Ahead website. The university does not have the capacity to provide COVID-19 testing to the entire community.

The Georgia Department of Public Health is responsible for contact tracing. Those who have tested positive or are presumed to be positive should contact Kerry Heyward (kheyward@gsu.edu) and Ijeoma Azonobi (iazonobi@gsu.edu) and, for employees, their supervisor or department chair. Steps will be taken to identify and contact those at Georgia State who were in close contact (within six feet for at least 15 minutes) with the individual who tested positive. The name of the individual who tested positive will not be shared with others. Those in close contact will be advised to follow CDC guidelines about quarantining.

Students in residence halls who report an infection will be asked to return home. For those unable to do so, we’re planning to reserve a sequestered area that will allow residential students to isolate while infected. More information will be provided soon.

Our facilities team has developed a plan to provide regular cleaning and disinfecting around our campuses. A description of the plan can be found here: https://facilities.gsu.edu/files/2020/06/GSU-FMSD-Building-Services-Schedule-5-29-2020.pdf.

We will provide spray bottles, cloth rags and disinfectant to each academic department to the extent supply is available. Academic departments will provide these items to faculty to bring with them to the classroom so they can disinfect as they see fit.

Our air-handling units are equipped with air filters. The use of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters is not feasible without major alterations to existing mechanical systems and duct work. We are installing UV lights in the air-handling units of several buildings and are working on placing more around campus. We also have ordered numerous portable air purifier machines for deployment in strategic locations across all campuses.

Employees who fall into one of the Georgia Department of Public Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categories for higher risk for severe illness with COVID-19 may request alternate work arrangements via the Benefits Office.

In accordance with University System of Georgia guidelines, employees who care for or live with individuals at higher risk for severe illness with COVID-19 should plan to return to their campuses as scheduled. These guidelines are consistent for employees in public universities across the state.

However, our goal is to provide as much flexibility and choice as possible within these parameters. Individuals may be eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, Families First Coronavirus Response Act or other policies.

There also may be options for flexible work arrangements within a department or course even if an alternate work arrangement is not formally available through the Human Resources process. Individuals interested in exploring these options should speak with their supervisor or department chair immediately.

Instructors who need an alternate work arrangement should do so as soon as possible.

It’s important you discuss your concerns with your department chair or supervisor as soon as possible. Our goal is to provide as much flexibility and choice as possible within the parameters of the policies and procedures established by the University System of Georgia.

There may be options possible in your department even if alternate work arrangements are not formally available through the Human Resources process. For example, with respect to instructors, requests to change course delivery modality may be granted where strategically justified and in the best interests of our students. Such requests must be approved by your department chair, dean and the provost.  All such requests should be made prior to July 31 except in exceptional circumstances.

Because of the logistics involved and the need to establish a firm course schedule for students and departments, instructors should submit requests as soon as possible but no later than July 31 in all but exceptional circumstances.

You should discuss with your department chair or supervisor options for alternative work arrangements such as continued telework, split shifts and alternative schedules. The Benefits Office in Human Resources may be able to offer potential leave options available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

All University System of Georgia (USG) institutions are planning to hold face-to-face classes this fall in accordance with USG guidelines. Those interested can review the USG’s Return to Campus Planning Framework here: https://provost.gsu.edu/files/2020/06/USG-Fall-2020-Return-to-Campus-Planning-Framework.pdf.

With more than 11,000 classes scheduled at Georgia State and the fluid nature of the pandemic, the logistics of holding face-to-face classes while socially distancing and following public health guidelines are very challenging. The original plan announced earlier this summer adopted a blended learning model that aimed to reduce density by 50 percent or more in classrooms and to limit the days most students and instructors would be on campus. Because of the increasing rate of COVID-19 in Georgia, we shifted our target for classroom density to 25 percent capacity to enable six feet of social distancing for each individual.

Instructors have flexibility to determine how best to use their time in class under the revised plan. The revised plan also allows for department chairs to recommend that some classes move fully online where 25 percent attendance is not pedagogically suited, and/or to meet student demand. Those instructors who wish to meet in person more frequently than allowed under the 25 percent model may request to be scheduled in a larger classroom that allows for six feet of social distancing.  Some classes also will be held entirely face to face where necessary or feasible and safety can be maintained. The university will prioritize in-person classes for freshman, graduate and professional students, as well as experiential learning, labs and other coursework that strongly benefits from this modality.

All requests to change modality or move to a larger space must be approved by the department chair, relevant dean and provost. Priority will be given to those requests made prior to July 31. Departments should prioritize options for in-person classes and pathways for Freshman Learning Communities, graduate and professional students.

 

The COVID-19 infection rate is increasing in Georgia, and many members of our community are demographically at higher risk. Georgia State’s downtown campus is dense, composed of tall buildings and overwhelmingly fixed seating in classrooms, along with elevators, narrow hallways and small spaces. Whereas a 50 percent reduction in classroom density at one time provided meaningful protection, it is no longer sufficient. We are committed to creating a six-foot radius around each individual in classroom settings wherever feasible.

By reducing the number of individuals in class at any one time, we also reduce the overall density on campuses. This will also allow us to provide larger spaces to those classes with a high need to operate in a hybrid or face-to-face setting consistent with social-distancing requirements.

Adding online classes also allows us to respond to student demand for flexibility in course modality. We have received many requests for further options from our students who either cannot be present on campus this fall or prefer to be on campus fewer days each week. Our goal is to provide options that will meet the needs of all students during this challenging time.

The provost meets weekly with an Academic Task Force composed of key administrators, faculty, representatives from the University Senate Executive Committee and staff, including:

• Julian Allen, Chief Learning Innovation Officer
• Lisa Armistead, Dean of the Graduate School
• Michelle Brattain, Professor and Chair of the University Senate Executive Committee
• Laura Carruth, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
• Shelby Frost, Professor and member of University Senate Executive Committee
• Chip Hill, Assistant Provost for Administrative Operations
• Nancy Kropf, Dean of Perimeter College
• Tarrah Mirus, Registrar
• Richard Phillips, Dean of the Robinson College of Business
• John Redmond, Professor and member of University Senate
• Sara Rosen, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
• Kim Siegenthaler, Associate Provost for Online Strategies
• Jeff Steely, Dean of University Libraries
• Ramesh Vakamudi, Vice President for Facilities Management

The Academic Task Force is charged with identifying how best to deliver classes effectively and safely in light of the pandemic and the policies established by the University System of Georgia. It reports through the provost to the COVID-19 Coordinating Committee led by President Becker, which coordinates the university’s response to the pandemic.

 

In addition to allowing us to reduce density in classrooms and on our campuses, the model offers a great deal of flexibility to faculty in structuring their classes. It also ensures students will have opportunities to interact with their instructors face to face to enhance learning outcomes and secure some of the benefits of our campus environment. It will allow examinations to be administered in a face-to-face setting where desired by the instructor to enhance academic integrity.

Should we need to move to entirely online classes at any point in the semester because of the pandemic, this model will aid that transition because some course content will already be in an online format.

Instructors who’ve not already done so should enroll in a Mastering Online Teaching course offered through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). CETL has training courses for full-time and part-time instructors and graduate teaching assistants focusing on this model and Web resources that can be accessed here: https://cetl.gsu.edu/resources/resources-for-remote-teaching-and-learning/. CETL also can consult with individuals and departments to identify the best way to structure specific disciplinary courses and achieve excellent learning outcomes using the blended learning model.

It’s important every instructor prepare a contingency syllabus that is entirely online in the event a shift is required because of the pandemic. If such a shift becomes necessary, it’s unlikely we’ll suspend classes for two weeks as we did in spring semester, so advance planning is a necessity.

No. While department chairs are being asked to review courses and determine which ones should remain in a hybrid modality or go fully online, instructors don’t have the option of unilaterally changing a course to a fully online format.

If an instructor (full-time, part-time or graduate teaching assistant) needs an alternate work arrangement or believes a course would be better delivered in a fully online format for pedagogical or strategic reasons, they should consult with their department chair immediately.

Instructors have the flexibility to determine how best to use the in-person class time in the revised 25-percent model. One option would be to divide students into cohorts that attend class only on specific days. For most classes, students would typically meet in person once every two weeks or three weeks per class, depending on how many days per week the class meets.

Based on historical enrollment patterns, students could be divided alphabetically by (1) A – Du; (2) Dv – La; (3) Lb – Re; and (4) Rf – Z. For most class sessions, these groupings will not create a perfect 25-percent split, and instructors will need to make some adjustments to ensure class sections are evenly distributed based on available seating in classrooms. In GoSOLAR, classrooms will have 25 percent of seats marked as usable, so it’s important to divide the class roster accordingly.

Deviations from these recommendations are permitted for pedagogical reasons and based on compelling individual student requests at the instructor’s discretion. There also may be other criteria that may make more sense for some types of courses. Instructors may adjust their class divisions accordingly. The goal is to reduce the number of days any student is on campus. An alphabetical division of cohorts in each class will help to meet this goal.

In all cases, it’s important that the instructor provide the schedule of attendance and course delivery method to students by email, on syllabi and the course website (in most cases, iCollege) by Aug. 10 or earlier if possible. Students will receive these same instructions.

Yes, in some cases. Aside from safety, our highest priority is to preserve in-class programming for:

a. Populations that experience greater educational success rates with in-person programming (freshmen, for example);
b. Classes that benefit significantly from this modality (such as experiential classes and labs);
c. Graduate and professional classes in which learning takes place in similar settings.

We have already approved a number of requests for a course to be entirely taught in a face-to-face format. Those classes will proceed as scheduled.

Instructors also can ask department chairs if their classes may meet more frequently than a 25-percent capacity would typically permit. In such cases, we may be able to identify a larger room that will accommodate a larger group of students while maintaining social distancing. Such requests need to be documented and approved by department chairs, the relevant dean and the provost as soon as possible. Space will be allocated as available and based on the priorities identified above.

University System of Georgia institutions require faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities. Instructors teaching in-person courses may wear a face mask and will be given the option of securing a face shield and an amplification system upon request. Many large classrooms are already equipped with amplification systems in which an individual lavalier microphone can be checked out for the semester. Face shields, masks and amplification systems will be distributed in the colleges closer to the beginning of fall semester. We’ll send a university-wide announcement when they are ready to pick up.

One benefit of the blended learning model is that exams may be administered in person in class. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has developed a number of resources for online and in-person testing that can be found here: https://cetl.gsu.edu/resources/resources-for-remote-teaching-and-learning/testing/.

We’re working out logistics for fall and will follow up soon with a plan for final exams.

We considered ending the in-person portion of the term early as Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia are doing. However, most of the evidence we’ve seen suggests this is primarily a tool for those heavily residential universities that have large out-of-state populations. This strategy ensures students don’t fly to their homes for the holidays and then fly back with additional exposure risks.

Most of our students are from within the metropolitan Atlanta area.

We also weighed the strong demand from instructors for in-person exams to ensure academic integrity. This was perhaps their most common complaint from the spring. We don’t have the capacity to proctor online exams in a high-security format as would be required using this option.

The situation with the pandemic is fluid, and we’ll adapt our plan as necessary. If conditions at the time warrant an end to in-person instruction after Thanksgiving, we’ll consider this modification.

The situation with the pandemic is fluid, and we’ll continue to adapt our plan as new public health recommendations emerge. For that reason, instructors should develop contingency plans in their syllabi to take classes fully online at any time if the need arises.

Although synchronous classes are technically permitted, CETL has raised many concerns regarding this format. Synchronous classes create difficulties for students with spotty technology or challenges at home because they require fixed attendance. Often this format is inferior pedagogically, sometimes “the path of least resistance” for instructors who will simply lecture online rather than creating engaging online material. Synchronous classes also can create Americans with Disabilities Act issues because some students will need captioning, which is not easily secured.

We must ensure that synchronous course are of high quality and offered by an instructor who is trained in an online modality and aware of these limitations.

We’ve evaluated spacing in classrooms by consulting architectural plans and individually assessing each room on our campuses. Where possible, six feet of spacing between students is being created by eliminating seating, marking off areas and configuring furniture to allow social distancing. The original plan announced earlier this summer adopted a blended learning model that aimed to reduce density by 50 percent or more in classrooms and to limit the days most students and instructors would be on campus. Because of the increasing rate of COVID-19 in Georgia, we shifted our target for classroom density to 25 percent capacity to enable six feet of social distancing for each individual.

We are requiring face masks at all times on campus with limited exceptions, such as when a student is in one's own dorm room or suite, when alone in an enclosed office or study room or in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met. Face masks and other protective equipment will be required for safety reasons in student laboratories consistent with best practices.

We recommend and will communicate to students and instructors the following options:

• While in the corridors, students should to try to keep right whenever possible. Observing this “rule of the road” will enable students to keep a maximum distance from one another as they pass in the hallway.
• Students should avoid congregating in the corridors.
• Students should enter the classroom one at a time with social distancing.
• At the end of class, instructors should dismiss students one group at a time in the case of one doorway, or two groups in the case of two doorways. An exit group might consist of a row of students, a small learning group or whatever grouping makes sense depending on the classroom arrangement. Students should exit through the doorways one at a time to practice social distancing.
• In a fire or other emergency, students should disregard the social distancing conventions and make their way to the exits as quickly as possible.

 

University System of Georgia institutions require faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while on campus. Face coverings will be worn in addition to and not as a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings aren’t required in one’s own dorm room or suite, when alone in an enclosed office or study room or in outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met.

Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff or students. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons.

Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff or students. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons.

Instructors who use a face shield have the option of not using a mask while teaching. We are providing face shields to all instructors, so you may want to evaluate whether ours meets your needs before purchasing your own.

The in-person portion of classes that are taught in a hybrid or face-to-face modality should be essential to instruction. In many if not most cases, it wouldn’t be reasonable to excuse students from all in-class attendance.

Students who need accommodations should be directed to the Access and Accommodations Center at https://access.gsu.edu/. Our advisers are working with students who are unable to attend classes in person to direct them to classes that are fully online and make other arrangements that suit their specific needs.

Instructors are asked to be as flexible as possible with their attendance policies. They may not require a doctor’s note to excuse a student from class and are encouraged to provide assistance in meeting missed assignments to the extent feasible and reasonable.

An instructor who believes the learning outcomes of the course can no longer be achieved because of a student’s number of absences should recommend the student withdraw from the course.

Yes. Instructors will be asked to maintain seating chart(s) for the in-person portion of any class. Should someone in the class become ill, this will help us identify who, if anyone, should be contacted. We’ll provide instructions soon on how to access blank charts that may be filled in for each classroom.

Office hours may be held virtually at the discretion of the instructor, so long as students still have the same level of access they would in any other semester.

No. Students may be coughing because they have allergies, asthma or any number of conditions that are not contagious to others. You can ask the student privately if they are OK and encourage them to seek medical attention if necessary. In no case should you call out a student during class for coughing or discuss their medical issues publicly.

The Task Force is working to develop standardized language that instructors can elect to include in syllabi, stressing the importance of staying home when sick.

You should direct the student to stay home and work with them to adjust any deadlines that may be missed because they are sick.

You should also report the infection to Kerry Heyward (kheyward@gsu.edu) and Ijeoma Azonobi (iazonobi@gsu.edu) of Georgia State’s Coronavirus Task Force. Others at Georgia State who are identified to have come in close contact (within six feet for at least 15 minutes) with the student who tested positive will be advised to quarantine and follow CDC guidelines.

Because student health information is protected by federal law, you should NOT contact the other students in your classroom to report a COVID-19 case.

The Georgia Department of Public Health says there is an increased risk of transmission for those who are within six feet of an infected individual for more than 15 minutes. Because our new fall plan in most cases will provide six feet of distancing between students, all of whom will be wearing masks, classes may continue to operate as scheduled after an infection is reported. Outside of these parameters, we’ll determine what is needed to maintain safe operations on a case-by-case basis once an infection is reported.

An instructor who is diagnosed with COVID-19 should stay home and not come to campus. They also should notify their department chair immediately. Deans and department chairs will work with instructors to determine next steps for the course in light of the particular circumstances in each case.

Students who contract COVID-19 will be allowed to withdraw using regular university means through PAWS/GoSolar prior to the midpoint of the semester. Withdrawal petitions submitted after the midpoint because of COVID-19 will be approved on the grounds of emergency or hardship just as occurred in spring and should go through the Student Affairs online process at https://deanofstudents.gsu.edu/student-assistance/emergency-withdrawal/.

You should notify your supervisor, seek medical treatment and stay home. You should also report the infection to Kerry Heyward (kheyward@gsu.edu) and Ijeoma Azonobi (iazonobi@gsu.edu) of Georgia State’s Coronavirus Task Force.

Employees may also contact Human Resources Benefits at 404-413-3330 or benefits@gsu.edu about the use of sick leave or other possible leave options.

If you’re unable to teach your courses, you should immediately inform your department chair so that alternate arrangements can be made.

Employees should follow CDC guidelines to determine the appropriate time to return to work.

The University System of Georgia offers tenure-track faculty the option to stop the tenure clock for up to two years in a limited set of circumstances. Board Policy 8.3.7.4 states that “credit for the probationary period of an interruption may be given at the discretion of the president.” Because of the unanticipated disruptions caused by COVID-19 this semester, Georgia State will allow pre-tenure faculty to apply for a one-time tenure clock stoppage for the 2020-21 academic year where justified. We hope this will alleviate some of the stress many of you are experiencing because of unanticipated instructional challenges and restricted research opportunities.

The stoppage request should originate with a memo from the faculty member to their chair. The memo should include a description of the nature of the disruption to the faculty member’s research. Examples include (but are not limited to) inability to travel to the field sites or to conduct interviews, closed labs, delays in delivery of lab equipment, delays in manuscript or grant proposal review/approval, etc. The request must be approved by the chair and the dean.

Deans should forward approved requests to the Office of Faculty Affairs for the provost’s review. The provost’s recommendation will be forwarded to the president, and approval will be communicated back to the dean’s office. Because this tenure stoppage does not require a leave of absence, no leave-of-absence form will be required. The deadline is Dec. 3, 2021, however, the deadline for some faculty groups will be earlier. Information is available here: https://faculty.gsu.edu/files/2020/04/COVID-Clock-stoppage-FAQs-4.15.2020.pdf.

The schedule for post-tenure review will not change. However, the disruption to research and service that almost all faculty are experiencing will be taken into account in determining whether productivity standards were met over the prior five years.

Although synchronous classes are technically permitted, CETL has raised many concerns regarding this format. Synchronous classes create difficulties for students with spotty technology or challenges at home because they require fixed attendance. Often this format is inferior pedagogically, sometimes “the path of least resistance” for instructors who will simply lecture online rather than creating engaging online material. Synchronous classes also can create Americans with Disabilities Act issues because some students will need captioning, which is not easily secured.

We must ensure that synchronous course are of high quality and offered by an instructor who is trained in an online modality and aware of these limitations.

We’ll charge the standard rate for monthly parking beginning in the second half of August. Employees who come to work on a reduced basis may elect to change from monthly parking to a budget card, which allows payment per use at a significant discount ($3.50 budget versus $10 daily visitor rate or $5 daily permit). More information on this option will be provided soon. Employees who use MARTA may continue to buy discounted MARTA cards.

Employees should discuss childcare availability with their supervisors. Employees who are asked to return to support on-campus operations should talk with their childcare provider to look at options that may be available. When no childcare options are available during this COVID-19 response time supervisors are encouraged to provide flexible work options through continued telework when work is available and create opportunities to support rotating schedules or extended hours of work where possible. Employees may qualify for leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Questions about eligibility should be directed to the Human Resources Benefits Office by phone at 404-413-3330 or by email at benefits@gsu.edu.

Employees should not bring their children or other family members to the workplace to respect the health and safety of co-workers. This approach is critical to being able to maintain social distancing at all times and is also in accordance with university policy.

The phases were established by the Return to Work task force to enable a safe and thoughtful approach to the increased campus operations over the summer and in the fall. Departments will have the flexibility to adjust based on departmental and position needs. University officials will be monitoring to understand changes in the spread of the virus based on information from federal, state and local authorities.

As of publication of these FAQs, the dates are as follows. Updates may be necessary based on changing guidelines.

Phase 1 - TARGET DATES:  June 1-30

• Employees included in Phase 1:
  • Vice presidents, deans, department chairs and key managers
  • Faculty teaching Maymester and summer classes
  • Research personnel who rely on access to specialized resources on campus
  • Employees engaged in health and safety measures needed for the increased number of personnel on campus (for example, police, custodians), as identified and communicated by leadership
  • Instructional Innovation and Technology staff necessary for support

Phase 2 - TARGET DATES: July 1-31

• Employees included in Phase 2:
  • Faculty teaching late-summer classes
  • Employees critical in planning and supporting fall semester activities, as identified and communicated by leadership
  • Managers and supervisors

Phase 3 - TARGET DATES: Aug. 1-24

• Employees included in Phase 3:
  • Faculty teaching fall semester
  • Employees engaged in in-person customer service to students, faculty and staff
  • Other employees engaged in planning and supporting fall semester operations

Division, college and school leadership will create return-to-workplace plans, accounting for the number of personnel in the department, work setting to allow for proper social distancing, work activities needing to be prioritized and level of service needed to provide to constituents as campuses begin to open as part of the three-phase plan.

Employees should receive communication from their supervisor or department leadership about the anticipated date of return to on-campus work, including a timeline to prepare for that transition.

In preparation for returning to campus, employees should:

• View the video orientation for return to on-campus work
• Review the comprehensive return to work guide
• Review the employee or manager return to work checklist

In preparation for returning to campuses, employees should:

• View the return to on-campus work video orientation
• Review the comprehensive return to work guide
• Review the employee or manager return to work checklist

Departmental leadership is asked to determine return-to-campus timelines for faculty and staff based on several factors, but maintaining a healthy and safe environment is most important. Supervisors should communicate to employees an appropriate timeline for their return to campus, which should be adhered to unless appropriate approvals are obtained.

The university will continue to offer temporary telework options for employees whose work can be completed through that method. A continued temporary teleworking arrangement should be directed and approved by supervisors.

While doing remote work, employees should be available during normal business hours to perform their tasks, as well as to attend meetings virtually. Employees working remotely may be required to report to campus at certain times, such as for meetings, and may be asked to return to their in-office work on short notice.

A request for accommodation for a disability should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and should go through the Human Resources Benefits Office. Phone: 404-413-3330. Email:  benefits@gsu.edu.

Non-working time away from the office should be coordinated with and approved by supervisors regardless of whether an employee is working on campus or remotely.

If any employee does not have the work volume to continue position responsibilities while awaiting authorization to return to campus, paid leave benefits may be used in accordance with Georgia State policies. For example, staff may qualify for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Act or may use accrued vacation leave to make up additional hours due to lack of work assignments.

Employees should comply with social-distance guidelines, including maintaining at least six feet of separation from other individuals

Employees are also asked to self-screen BEFORE going to work for any new or worsening symptoms of possible COVID-19.

Effective July 15, University System of Georgia institutions will require faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities because six feet of social distancing may not always be possible. Face coverings will be worn in addition to and not as a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings aren’t required when alone in an enclosed office or study room or in campus outdoor settings where social-distancing requirements are met.

In-person meetings should be kept at a minimum and have fewer than 10 people, and social distancing should be maintained. Virtual meeting options should be used whenever possible in lieu of in-person meetings.

Non-essential business domestic and international travel is not allowed through the summer. Employees should be mindful of COVID-related travel advisories for personal and essential business travel. Any mission-critical exceptions must be approved in advance by the appropriate senior administrator. We continue to monitor federal or state mandates about international and domestic travel and will provide updates as needed.

Faculty and staff will be provided with two face coverings, which will be mailed to their homes as soon as available.

Face shields, masks and amplification systems will be distributed in the colleges closer to the beginning of the fall semester. The university will send a university-wide announcement when they’re ready for pick-up.

Individuals who work in lab settings will continue to receive personal protective equipment as required to conduct research.

Staff members will be provided with personal protective equipment based on the nature of their work and upon request.

 

University System of Georgia institutions require faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities. Face coverings will be worn in addition to and not as a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings aren’t required in one’s own dorm room or suite, when alone in an enclosed office or study room or in outdoor settings where social-distancing requirements are met.

Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff or students. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons.

When you wear a face covering you’re protecting yourself, but equally important, you’re protecting other members of the university community. You’re showing you’re taking responsibility for the welfare of those around you.

The University System of Georgia is composed of Georgia’s public colleges and universities, Georgia Archives and the Georgia Public Library Service. Georgia’s Constitution grants the Board of Regents the exclusive right to govern, control and manage the USG and USG institutions. The board exercises and fulfills its constitutional obligations, in part, by promulgating rules and policies for the governance of the USG and its constituent units. The board elects a chancellor who is its chief executive officer and the chief administrative officer of the University System.

Georgia State is one of the 26 colleges and universities in Georgia, and the presidents of USG institutions report to the chancellor. USG institutions are required to follow the policies and procedures established by the USG. Those interested can review the USG’s Return to Campus Planning Framework here: https://provost.gsu.edu/files/2020/06/USG-Fall-2020-Return-to-Campus-Planning-Framework.pdf.

Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff or students.

The situation with the pandemic is fluid, and we’ll continue to adapt our plan as new public health recommendations emerge. For that reason, instructors should develop contingency plans in their syllabi to take classes fully online at any time if the need arises.

Employees who suspect a co-worker is ill should notify their supervisor. Supervisors should contact Human Resources if employees report a suspicion outside or within their department and request the identified employee to go home until confirmation from a medical provider is obtained that a return to work is possible. Employees may be asked to follow the potential exposure protocol for COVID-19, which is staying home until they are without symptoms, including no fever for at least 72 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to work.

Employees who fall into one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Georgia Department of Public Health categories for higher risk for severe illness with COVID-19 may request alternate work arrangements via the Benefits Office. Those who care for or live with individuals at higher risk for severe illness with COVID-19 should plan to return to their campuses as scheduled and work with their supervisor to arrange for social distancing in their work place and the ability to practice behaviors known to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Employees may use leave options, and they should contact the Benefits Office at benefits@gsu.edu to identify those options.

For more information about work arrangements and leave options for employees unable to return to campus, refer to the university’s Keep Working Return to Campus website. 

For information about the new paid-leave provisions or Expanded Family and Medical Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, visit Georgia State’s Benefits portal.

Faculty and staff should return to work when they are cleared to return based on their individual circumstances and CDC Guidelines. While a return to the workplace typically requires assessment and documentation by the employee's health care provider, this may not be possible due to COVID-19. Employees should follow CDC guidelines to determine the appropriate time to return to work. Georgia State requires returning employees to be symptom-free and fever-free for at least 72 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to work. Additional questions about fitness for work should be directed to the Human Resources Benefits Office by phone 404-413-3330 or by email at benefits@gsu.edu.

Employees should notify and work with their supervisors if they believe they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Should any employee start to experience symptoms, they should notify their supervisor, seek medical treatment and stay home in a non-work status to support recovery.

Faculty and staff who have potential exposure to COVID-19 but are not experiencing symptoms should follow CDC guidelines and self-quarantine for 14 days. During the period of self-quarantine, employees may continue to telework unless they are otherwise on leave.

Employees should return to work when they are fit for duty. While a return to work typically requires assessment and documentation by the employee's health care provider, this may not be possible due to COVID-19. Employees should follow CDC guidelines to determine the appropriate time to return to work. Georgia State asks returning employees to be symptom-free and fever-free for at least 72 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to work.

Questions about fitness for duty should be directed to the Human Resources Benefits Office by phone at 404-413-3330 or email at benefits@gsu.edu.

Employees should bring their concerns to their supervisor and discuss options available to support the work needing to be done while supporting health and safety. Human Resources can facilitate conversations with supervisors and employees to determine the needs and accommodations available to meet those needs. Possible accommodations may range from continuing telework arrangements to office restructuring, to possible schedule rotations. A request for accommodation for a disability should be directed to the Human Resources Benefits Office by phone 404-413-3330 at or email at benefits@gsu.edu.

No face covering is required when you are outdoors and six feet of social distancing is possible. However, we strongly recommend you wear a face covering at all times when on campus or in the vicinity to best protect yourself and others.

Yes. Cubicles are not private, enclosed offices. Personnel who work in such spaces are required to wear a face covering.

Yes, in most cases. The University System of Georgia’s face coverings policy requires all individuals in campus buildings to wear a face covering at all times except when alone in an enclosed private office, study room or dorm room in a residence hall. The virus can be spread through the air, and the risk of infection increases any time an individual is not wearing a mask.

Our facilities team has developed a plan to provide regular cleaning and disinfecting around our campuses. A description of the plan can be found here: https://facilities.gsu.edu/files/2020/06/GSU-FMSD-Building-Services-Schedule-5-29-2020.pdf.

We will provide spray bottles, cloth rags and disinfectant to each academic department to the extent supply is available. Academic departments will provide these items to faculty to bring with them to the classroom so they can disinfect as they see fit.

Our air-handling units are equipped with air filters. The use of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters is not feasible without major alterations to existing mechanical systems and duct work. We are installing UV lights in the air-handling units of several buildings and are working on placing more around campus. We also have ordered numerous portable air purifier machines for deployment in strategic locations across all campuses.

If the instructor is largely asymptomatic and teaching online, it may be that no adjustment is needed. If the instructor is teaching an in‐person component of a course, the course would either need to move to an online format if the professor can continue with instruction in that modality or be taught by an alternate instructor who can step in to maintain continuity. That process will look very similar to previous semesters during which an instructor became ill.

Students who are symptomatic may request a test through the Student Health Clinic. Faculty and staff who want to be tested should consult with their personal health provider or review the list of testing sites that are available throughout Atlanta under the Resources tab of the Georgia State Ahead website. The university does not have the capacity to provide COVID-19 testing to the entire community.

The Georgia Department of Public Health is responsible for contact tracing. Those who have tested positive or are presumed to be positive should contact Kerry Heyward (kheyward@gsu.edu) and Ijeoma Azonobi (iazonobi@gsu.edu) and, for employees, their supervisor or department chair. Steps will be taken to identify and contact those at Georgia State who were in close contact (within six feet for at least 15 minutes) with the individual who tested positive. The name of the individual who tested positive will not be shared with others. Those in close contact will be advised to follow CDC guidelines about quarantining.

Students in residence halls who report an infection will be asked to return home. For those unable to do so, we’re planning to reserve a sequestered area that will allow residential students to isolate while infected. More information will be provided soon.

You should discuss with your department chair or supervisor options for alternative work arrangements such as continued telework, split shifts and alternative schedules. The Benefits Office in Human Resources may be able to offer potential leave options available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Employees who fall into one of the Georgia Department of Public Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categories for higher risk for severe illness with COVID-19 may request alternate work arrangements via the Benefits Office.

In accordance with University System of Georgia guidelines, employees who care for or live with individuals at higher risk for severe illness with COVID-19 should plan to return to their campuses as scheduled. These guidelines are consistent for employees in public universities across the state.

However, our goal is to provide as much flexibility and choice as possible within these parameters. Individuals may be eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, Families First Coronavirus Response Act or other policies.

There also may be options for flexible work arrangements within a department or course even if an alternate work arrangement is not formally available through the Human Resources process. Individuals interested in exploring these options should speak with their supervisor or department chair immediately.

Instructors who need an alternate work arrangement should do so as soon as possible.

It’s important you discuss your concerns with your department chair or supervisor as soon as possible. Our goal is to provide as much flexibility and choice as possible within the parameters of the policies and procedures established by the University System of Georgia.

There may be options possible in your department even if alternate work arrangements are not formally available through the Human Resources process. For example, with respect to instructors, requests to change course delivery modality may be granted where strategically justified and in the best interests of our students. Such requests must be approved by your department chair, dean and the provost.  All such requests should be made prior to July 31 except in exceptional circumstances.

• Individuals may click on the following Georgia State link for information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Individuals may submit a request for an accommodation by completing the Voluntary Disclosure Form and submitting it to the Benefits Office.
• Individuals may also contact the Benefits Office to request an accommodation by phone at 404-413-3330 or by email at benefits@gsu.edu.

All University System of Georgia (USG) institutions are planning to hold face-to-face classes this fall in accordance with USG guidelines. Those interested can review the USG’s Return to Campus Planning Framework here: https://provost.gsu.edu/files/2020/06/USG-Fall-2020-Return-to-Campus-Planning-Framework.pdf.

With more than 11,000 classes scheduled at Georgia State and the fluid nature of the pandemic, the logistics of holding face-to-face classes while socially distancing and following public health guidelines are very challenging. The original plan announced earlier this summer adopted a blended learning model that aimed to reduce density by 50 percent or more in classrooms and to limit the days most students and instructors would be on campus. Because of the increasing rate of COVID-19 in Georgia, we shifted our target for classroom density to 25 percent capacity to enable six feet of social distancing for each individual.

Instructors have flexibility to determine how best to use their time in class under the revised plan. The revised plan also allows for department chairs to recommend that some classes move fully online where 25 percent attendance is not pedagogically suited, and/or to meet student demand. Those instructors who wish to meet in person more frequently than allowed under the 25 percent model may request to be scheduled in a larger classroom that allows for six feet of social distancing.  Some classes also will be held entirely face to face where necessary or feasible and safety can be maintained. The university will prioritize in-person classes for freshman, graduate and professional students, as well as experiential learning, labs and other coursework that strongly benefits from this modality.

All requests to change modality or move to a larger space must be approved by the department chair, relevant dean and provost. Priority will be given to those requests made prior to July 31. Departments should prioritize options for in-person classes and pathways for Freshman Learning Communities, graduate and professional students.

 

The COVID-19 infection rate is increasing in Georgia, and many members of our community are demographically at higher risk. Georgia State’s downtown campus is dense, composed of tall buildings and overwhelmingly fixed seating in classrooms, along with elevators, narrow hallways and small spaces. Whereas a 50 percent reduction in classroom density at one time provided meaningful protection, it is no longer sufficient. We are committed to creating a six-foot radius around each individual in classroom settings wherever feasible.

By reducing the number of individuals in class at any one time, we also reduce the overall density on campuses. This will also allow us to provide larger spaces to those classes with a high need to operate in a hybrid or face-to-face setting consistent with social-distancing requirements.

Adding online classes also allows us to respond to student demand for flexibility in course modality. We have received many requests for further options from our students who either cannot be present on campus this fall or prefer to be on campus fewer days each week. Our goal is to provide options that will meet the needs of all students during this challenging time.

The provost meets weekly with an Academic Task Force composed of key administrators, faculty, representatives from the University Senate Executive Committee and staff, including:

• Julian Allen, Chief Learning Innovation Officer
• Lisa Armistead, Dean of the Graduate School
• Michelle Brattain, Professor and Chair of the University Senate Executive Committee
• Laura Carruth, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
• Shelby Frost, Professor and member of University Senate Executive Committee
• Chip Hill, Assistant Provost for Administrative Operations
• Nancy Kropf, Dean of Perimeter College
• Tarrah Mirus, Registrar
• Richard Phillips, Dean of the Robinson College of Business
• John Redmond, Professor and member of University Senate
• Sara Rosen, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
• Kim Siegenthaler, Associate Provost for Online Strategies
• Jeff Steely, Dean of University Libraries
• Ramesh Vakamudi, Vice President for Facilities Management

The Academic Task Force is charged with identifying how best to deliver classes effectively and safely in light of the pandemic and the policies established by the University System of Georgia. It reports through the provost to the COVID-19 Coordinating Committee led by President Becker, which coordinates the university’s response to the pandemic.

 

In addition to allowing us to reduce density in classrooms and on our campuses, the model offers a great deal of flexibility to faculty in structuring their classes. It also ensures students will have opportunities to interact with their instructors face to face to enhance learning outcomes and secure some of the benefits of our campus environment. It will allow examinations to be administered in a face-to-face setting where desired by the instructor to enhance academic integrity.

Should we need to move to entirely online classes at any point in the semester because of the pandemic, this model will aid that transition because some course content will already be in an online format.

Instructors who’ve not already done so should enroll in a Mastering Online Teaching course offered through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). CETL has training courses for full-time and part-time instructors and graduate teaching assistants focusing on this model and Web resources that can be accessed here: https://cetl.gsu.edu/resources/resources-for-remote-teaching-and-learning/. CETL also can consult with individuals and departments to identify the best way to structure specific disciplinary courses and achieve excellent learning outcomes using the blended learning model.

It’s important every instructor prepare a contingency syllabus that is entirely online in the event a shift is required because of the pandemic. If such a shift becomes necessary, it’s unlikely we’ll suspend classes for two weeks as we did in spring semester, so advance planning is a necessity.

No. While department chairs are being asked to review courses and determine which ones should remain in a hybrid modality or go fully online, instructors don’t have the option of unilaterally changing a course to a fully online format.

If an instructor (full-time, part-time or graduate teaching assistant) needs an alternate work arrangement or believes a course would be better delivered in a fully online format for pedagogical or strategic reasons, they should consult with their department chair immediately.

Instructors have the flexibility to determine how best to use the in-person class time in the revised 25-percent model. One option would be to divide students into cohorts that attend class only on specific days. For most classes, students would typically meet in person once every two weeks or three weeks per class, depending on how many days per week the class meets.

Based on historical enrollment patterns, students could be divided alphabetically by (1) A – Du; (2) Dv – La; (3) Lb – Re; and (4) Rf – Z. For most class sessions, these groupings will not create a perfect 25-percent split, and instructors will need to make some adjustments to ensure class sections are evenly distributed based on available seating in classrooms. In GoSOLAR, classrooms will have 25 percent of seats marked as usable, so it’s important to divide the class roster accordingly.

Deviations from these recommendations are permitted for pedagogical reasons and based on compelling individual student requests at the instructor’s discretion. There also may be other criteria that may make more sense for some types of courses. Instructors may adjust their class divisions accordingly. The goal is to reduce the number of days any student is on campus. An alphabetical division of cohorts in each class will help to meet this goal.

In all cases, it’s important that the instructor provide the schedule of attendance and course delivery method to students by email, on syllabi and the course website (in most cases, iCollege) by Aug. 10 or earlier if possible. Students will receive these same instructions.

Yes, in some cases. Aside from safety, our highest priority is to preserve in-class programming for:

a. Populations that experience greater educational success rates with in-person programming (freshmen, for example);
b. Classes that benefit significantly from this modality (such as experiential classes and labs);
c. Graduate and professional classes in which learning takes place in similar settings.

We have already approved a number of requests for a course to be entirely taught in a face-to-face format. Those classes will proceed as scheduled.

Instructors also can ask department chairs if their classes may meet more frequently than a 25-percent capacity would typically permit. In such cases, we may be able to identify a larger room that will accommodate a larger group of students while maintaining social distancing. Such requests need to be documented and approved by department chairs, the relevant dean and the provost as soon as possible. Space will be allocated as available and based on the priorities identified above.

University System of Georgia institutions require faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities. Instructors teaching in-person courses may wear a face mask and will be given the option of securing a face shield and an amplification system upon request. Many large classrooms are already equipped with amplification systems in which an individual lavalier microphone can be checked out for the semester. Face shields, masks and amplification systems will be distributed in the colleges closer to the beginning of fall semester. We’ll send a university-wide announcement when they are ready to pick up.

One benefit of the blended learning model is that exams may be administered in person in class. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has developed a number of resources for online and in-person testing that can be found here: https://cetl.gsu.edu/resources/resources-for-remote-teaching-and-learning/testing/.

We’re working out logistics for fall and will follow up soon with a plan for final exams.

We considered ending the in-person portion of the term early as Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia are doing. However, most of the evidence we’ve seen suggests this is primarily a tool for those heavily residential universities that have large out-of-state populations. This strategy ensures students don’t fly to their homes for the holidays and then fly back with additional exposure risks.

Most of our students are from within the metropolitan Atlanta area.

We also weighed the strong demand from instructors for in-person exams to ensure academic integrity. This was perhaps their most common complaint from the spring. We don’t have the capacity to proctor online exams in a high-security format as would be required using this option.

The situation with the pandemic is fluid, and we’ll adapt our plan as necessary. If conditions at the time warrant an end to in-person instruction after Thanksgiving, we’ll consider this modification.

The situation with the pandemic is fluid, and we’ll continue to adapt our plan as new public health recommendations emerge. For that reason, instructors should develop contingency plans in their syllabi to take classes fully online at any time if the need arises.

Although synchronous classes are technically permitted, CETL has raised many concerns regarding this format. Synchronous classes create difficulties for students with spotty technology or challenges at home because they require fixed attendance. Often this format is inferior pedagogically, sometimes “the path of least resistance” for instructors who will simply lecture online rather than creating engaging online material. Synchronous classes also can create Americans with Disabilities Act issues because some students will need captioning, which is not easily secured.

We must ensure that synchronous course are of high quality and offered by an instructor who is trained in an online modality and aware of these limitations.

We’ll charge the standard rate for monthly parking beginning in the second half of August. Employees who come to work on a reduced basis may elect to change from monthly parking to a budget card, which allows payment per use at a significant discount ($3.50 budget versus $10 daily visitor rate or $5 daily permit). More information on this option will be provided soon. Employees who use MARTA may continue to buy discounted MARTA cards.

The college and school deans’ offices and heads of larger administrative units will assess and prioritize requests to return to work. Employees should receive communications from their reporting units about this process.

Administrative support staff who can do their work remotely should continue to do so until further notice. Service support staff who have been working remotely will be notified by their supervisors if and when they need to return to campus. This includes, but is not limited to, loading dock personnel, custodial staff, security, building maintenance staff and Instructional Innovation and Technology staff, among others.

In general, undergraduate students should not return to campus at this time. In extenuating circumstances, undergraduate research assistants may be approved to work on campus, but faculty must provide a compelling written justification that must be approved by the college or school dean and the interim vice president for research.

The Office of Sponsored Proposals and Awards and college, school, institute and department research administration offices are open, and staff will continue to work remotely for as long as possible or until all employees are approved to return to campus.

Reach out to the appropriate OSPA contact or your college research officer. Contact information is listed below.

OSPA:

• For National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH) or any other Department of Human Services(DHS) proposals: Tulani Murphy, tmurphy30@gsu.edu, 404-413-3571, 678-787-3062.
• Other federal agencies (including as sub-awardee to an entity applying for any federal agency): Michael Mathisen, mmathisen@gsu.edu, 404-413-3523, 817-233-6935.
• Not-for-profit entity: Margaret Matkins, mmatkins@gsu.edu, 404-413-3604, 404-895-1568.
• Industry, international or non-federal governmental entity: Katie Pope, kpope11@gsu.edu, 404-413-3543, 404-606-0898.
• Questions at any time: Ken Packman, kpackman@gsu.edu, 404-413-3550, 607-279-3391.

College and School Research Officers:

• Andrew Young School of Policy Studies: Denise Jenkins, djenkins@gsu.edu, 404-413-0006.
• Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing: Lynn Rhodes, lynnrhodes@gsu.edu, 404-413-1086, 404-574-8350.
• College of Arts & Sciences: Lindsey Hornsby, lhornsby@gsu.edu, 404-413-5486.
• College of Education & Human Development: Kathleen Halley-Octa, khalley1@gsu.edu, 404-413-8365.
• College of Law: Mignon Jackson-Jones, mjackson@gsu.edu, 404-413-9096.
• Institute for Biomedical Sciences: Cynthia Willingham, cwillingham5@gsu.edu.
• J. Mack Robinson College of Business: Laura Letbetter, lletbetter@gsu.edu, 404-413-7353.
• Perimeter College: Glenn Pfeifer, gpfeifer@gsu.edu, 678-891-2528.
• School of Public Health: Lindsay Grasser, lgrasser@gsu.edu, 404-413-1348.

With only few exceptions, sponsors require that requests for project extension be submitted through the university’s authorized representative. If an extension is needed, contact the appropriate OSPA contact for assistance.

• For NSF, NIH or any other DHS proposals: Tulani Murphy, tmurphy30@gsu.edu, 404-413-3571, 678-787-3062.
• Other federal agencies (including as sub-awardee to an entity applying for any federal agency): Michael Mathisen, mmathisen@gsu.edu, 404-413-3523, 817-233-6935.
• Not-for-profit entity: Margaret Matkins, mmatkins@gsu.edu, 404-413-3604, 404-895-1568.
• Industry, international, or non-federal governmental entity: Katie Pope, kpope11@gsu.edu, 404-413-3543, 404-606-0898.
• Questions at any time: Ken Packman, kpackman@gsu.edu, 404-413-3550, 607-279-3391.

Rapid research funding opportunities for investigations focused on COVID-19 will continue to be handled expeditiously by Georgia State’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Research protocol submissions related to research on COVID-19 will be reviewed by each committee as soon as possible, and committees may be convened outside normal meeting schedules to accommodate the appropriate level of review. If your COVID-19-related project is subject to a specific start-up timeline, submit your project/protocol and follow up with the appropriate URSA offices to discuss time constraints the review committees should plan to accommodate.

• IRB protocols: irb@gsu.edu.
• IBC protocols: Daniely Danielle, ddaniely@gsu.edu.
• IACUC protocols: Margaret “Casey” Kilcullen-Steiner, mkilcullensteiner@gsu.edu or IACUC@gsu.edu.

Georgia State’s IRB did not impose IRB-issued suspensions as part of the university’s pandemic response, so researchers are not required to obtain approval from the IRB before resuming previously approved research. However, there are requirements that must be satisfied before resuming on-campus research when the fall semester begins. They are detailed in “During the pandemic, what is the university policy regarding research involving human subjects?” (See also “Should I submit an amendment for the COVID-19 precautions we will take when on-campus human subjects research resumes?”)

If you will make changes to previously approved research when you resume on-campus activities, you will need advance IRB approval of those changes via an amendment. See “What if I need to update my research plan?”

The federal Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) has issued guidance on COVID-19 and researchers are encouraged to review this information. In many cases, COVID-19 related precautions will not require Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. OHRP advises that “actions taken for public health or clinical purposes, and not for research purposes, are not research procedures and therefore do not require IRB approval before being implemented. For example, if a hospital implements mandatory clinical screening procedures related to COVID-19 for all people who come to that institution, including research subjects, these screening procedures do not need to be reviewed by an IRB before they may be implemented.”  

If the precautions you take with your study subjects are mandatory COVID-19-related precautions for all individuals who come to your college, school, institute or department’s facilities, they are not research procedures and advance IRB review and approval are not required.

If you will implement precautions specific to your study subjects and the precautions are not mandatory COVID-19-related precautions for all individuals who come to your college, school, institute or department’s facilities, submit an amendment for advance IRB review/approval.

If research procedures already described in an IRB-approved application will change to accommodate COVID-19-related precautions, submit an amendment for advance IRB review and approval.

See also “What if I need to update my research plan?” and “During the pandemic, what is the university policy regarding research involving human subjects?”

If the impact on your research is limited to extended timeframes for subject accrual or completion of study activities, amending your IRB-approved protocol may not be necessary. Refer to the current version of your IRB application in iRIS and submit an amendment only if that information requires an update. For research that will continue beyond the current IRB expiration date, submit a Continuing Review Submission Form or Status Check Form 30 days prior to expiration.

No human research subjects may be brought to any Georgia State University campus facility until at least the start of the fall semester (Aug. 24, 2020). Researchers may identify alternate ways to collect data and conduct research (for example, via the internet or digital technologies). If there are no feasible alternatives to on-campus face-to-face interactions with subject, the research should be paused until at least the start of the fall semester.

During the fall semester, human research subjects can participate in limited on-campus research activities provided that the following requirements are met:
• Laboratory/clinic spaces to which human subjects are invited will meet or exceed relevant standards detailed in the FAQ “How should I prepare my laboratory for re-opening?”
• Your dean has authorized you to conduct on-campus human subjects research.
• Your department/college’s procedures for complying with GDPH and CDC public health guidelines regarding social distancing, hand hygiene and the use of PPE are observed during the conduct of on-campus face-to-face human subject interactions/interventions.

Off-campus, efforts should be made to avoid face-to-face human subjects research and alternative methods should be used to collect data and conduct research. In situations when face-to-face contact is required, all human subjects interactions must fully comply with all GDPH and CDC risk mitigation and safety guidelines, or those risk mitigation and safety guidelines applicable in other jurisdictions where research may be conducted.

The IRB should be consulted regarding the possible need for changes to informed consent forms or research-related procedures. Any change to an approved study must be reviewed and approved by the IRB in advance. (See “What if I need to update my research plan?”)

The Human Research Protection Program has developed COVID-19 resources for researchers. For the most up-to-date information or to submit a question, contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office at irb@gsu.edu. Information about IRB policies is available in the IRB Policies and Procedures manual and on Georgia State’s IRB website.

Yes. Full IRB operations have continued remotely and staff are available during normal business hours. Use iRIS for submissions and contact the IRB at irb@gsu.edu or communicate with the IRB analyst assigned to your projects. In lieu of in-person help sessions or consultations with IRB chairs and staff, submit requests for telephone consultations to irb@gsu.edu.

No. The IRB is meeting virtually as scheduled. Refer to the application deadlines posted on the IRB’s website.

If you need to modify the research procedures already approved by the IRB, submit an Amendment Form for prospective IRB review in iRIS. It may be necessary to modify informed consent forms. Proposed changes to research cannot be undertaken without advance IRB approval except when necessary to eliminate apparent immediate hazards to subjects. Submit a Protocol Deviation form or Unanticipated Problem form within seven business days for changes undertaken without advance IRB approval.

One-on-one training resumed on June 1 on an as-needed basis. Bio-methodology and surgical workshops will resume in the fall semester.

On June 15, the DAR switched back to the regular changeout schedule for rodent caging (seven-day changeouts for group housed and 14-day changeouts for single housed), and DAR staff returned to their standard business hours (6 a.m.–4:45 p.m.).

There is no longer a prohibition on the initiation of new animal studies, and it is now permissible to conduct rodent breeding as normal. Follow the normal process for ordering animals.

The Division of Animal Resources (DAR) will continue daily care for animals in the animal facilities. (Faculty will remain responsible for invertebrates.) This includes veterinary medical care, assessment of animal health and well-being, husbandry care, sanitation, and animal facility management and oversight.

For Natural Science Center (NSC), Petit Science Center (PSC), Research Science Center (RSC):

For non-emergency veterinary assistance (minor wounds, mild lethargy, not in overt pain or distress, etc.), submit a health request through the DAR portal, and the animal will be examined within 24 hours (seven days a week). To submit a health request through the DAR portal:

1. Access the DAR portal and log in with your CampusID and password.
2. Select your IACUC protocol on which the animal resides.
3. Select the “Animal Health Checks” tab.
4. Select the “New Animal Health Check” button.
5. Complete the health check form and click “save & submit.”
6. The animal will be examined within 24 hours.

For emergency veterinary assistance (or if you are unsure whether the event constitutes the need for emergency veterinary assistance):

• During normal business hours, contact a member of the veterinary care team. (This includes the veterinarians as well as the animal health care technicians or veterinary assistants.)
• During the work week but after hours, contact the veterinarians directly. Contact information for members of the veterinary care team is posted on the exit doors of the animal facilities and is listed below.

Amelia Wilkes/Veterinarian: 678-923-0970
Michael Hart/Veterinarian: 404-391-7366
Courtnye Billingsley/Animal Healthcare Technician: 404-709-9910
Joi McNair/Animal Healthcare Technician: 404-908-4933
Kim Bryant/Animal Healthcare Technician: 404-493-1233

• During a weekend or holiday, consult the “Weekend/Holiday Veterinary Assistance Sheet,” which is posted in the following locations:

NSC: Animal facility vestibule in the facility entrance.
PSC: Glass-case corkboard outside PSC 974.
RSC: Bulletin board outside RSC 206. For the Language Research Center (LRC):

• During the work week (during regular hours or after hours), call one of the veterinarians:

Amelia Wilkes: 678-923-0970
Michael Hart: 404-391-7366

• During a weekend or holiday, consult the “LRC Animal Care Schedule,” as distributed on the LRC listserv each Friday. This will indicate which of the two veterinarians is on call.

Principal investigators should carefully consider how to safely resume animal studies in the vivarium. This should be a collaborative effort between the research community and the DAR to establish a safe environment that will not jeopardize the health of individuals working in the shared space.

As of June 15, everyone entering the animal facility must wear a disposable or reusable face mask (as indicated by posted signage). Continue to adhere to the protective equipment (PPE) provisions that have always been in place — and supported by PPE signage — in the animal facilities. When wearing a disposable face mask in previously required areas (for example, ABSL2, ferret rooms, quarantine, ultraclean mouse room, hamster rooms, LRC rooms) continue to discard these face masks after single use. Hamster researchers were previously notified about the need to wear a face mask in hamster rooms due to the sensitivity of hamsters to COVID-19.

To minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission, the DAR requests principal investigators try to minimize the number of people entering the vivarium at one time. Researchers must also be mindful of maintaining the six feet of social distance between themselves and others. If crowding prevents appropriate social distancing in the room, consider rescheduling activities.

Hand-sanitizing stations are at animal facility entrances and exits. Sanitize your hands as you enter and exit. Sinks are throughout the facilities for frequent handwashing.

As is standard practice, researchers should continue to spray down commonly used equipment (biosafety cabinets, animal transfer stations, tabletops, etc.) after use with provided disinfectant.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “Experts have not expressed concern about transmission to or from animals. Multiple international and domestic health organizations have indicated that pets and other domestic animals are not considered at risk for contracting or spreading COVID-19.”

DAR veterinary personnel will continue to monitor reports on risks related to research animals and will communicate those with the research community.

The IACUC, through the Institutional Animal Care and Use Office, is continuing to review submissions (for example, new protocols, protocol amendments for research and personnel, and annual renewals). Principal investigators should submit protocols and committee members should review submissions to the IACUC using iRIS. The pace of review has not been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and that is not anticipated to change during the return to campus. The IACUC will continue to meet monthly, although meetings will be held remotely as needed.

Online training modules will remain accessible via the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Learning Library. Members of the IACUC and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Office will continue to provide service and assistance to researchers remotely until they are phased back to work at their campus offices.

Contact the IACUC associate director, Margaret “Casey” Kilcullen-Steiner, if you have questions or need assistance (mkilcullensteiner@gsu.edu or iacuc@gsu.edu or 404-392-9118).

IACUC inspections will continue as required by law/regulations. Once researchers return to campus, the IACUC will complete the semiannual inspections of the laboratories that were shut down due to COVID-19. Required future inspections (such as adding new laboratory space) will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Every effort will be made to limit personal contact.

Yes, the RES Office remains operational. The RES hotline (404-413-3540) and email account (eprograms@gsu.edu) will continue to be monitored.

The Institutional Biosafety Committee, Radiation Protection Committee and Laboratory Safety Committee operations continue to operate during normal business hours. Protocol submission, review and approval continue. Committee meetings continue as scheduled.

1. Obtain approval from your department chair or dean to resume laboratory research.
2. Provide return-to-work schedules for laboratory personnel to comply with appropriate social distancing of six feet. Laboratories should implement alternating work schedules to reduce the amount of laboratory staff in the laboratory at one time. High-risk tasks should not be performed alone. Laboratory staff should stay home if they become ill and notify their supervisor immediately.
3. Ensure modifications have been made to laboratories and workspaces to meet social-distancing requirements. For example, submit a facility modification request form to install plexiglass dividers, provide hand sanitation dispensers or make additional personal protective equipment (PPE).  Modify laboratory bench and workstations to maintain at least six feet between individuals and post signage regarding handwashing, social distancing, etc.
4. Conduct a check of laboratory equipment and facilities to ensure they are operating correctly. Obtain repairs if needed. Recalibrate any relevant equipment. Ensure eye-wash stations are operational.
5. Assess and prioritize laboratory activities. Prepare stored materials for use, including cell cultures. Verify inventories such as controlled substances, biological toxins, radioactive materials and chemicals for accuracy. Notify the Division of Animal Resources (DAR) regarding animal studies.
6. Ensure data safety sheets are available for chemicals in Chematix.
7. Update contact information for your staff, including emergency numbers.
8. Make sure your “Caution” door signage is current with updated contacts and phone numbers. In the event of an emergency, RES will rely on the accuracy of this information.
9. Review protocols and procedures with laboratory personnel and provide refresher training, if needed.
10. Avoid sharing desks, chairs, phones and other equipment. Eliminate shared storage areas and lockers. Limit use of break rooms and other common areas to adhere to social-distancing guidelines. Avoid using water fountains.
11. Disinfect surfaces and equipment and ensure common areas have been disinfected. Provide proper disinfectants and instruction on appropriate disinfecting techniques and frequency.
12. Provide appropriate PPE and do not share laboratory coats or other protective equipment. Instruct personnel on proper disposal of used PPE.

The Petit Science Center (PSC) and Natural Science Center (NSC) receiving areas are open during normal operating hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

There is a nationwide shortage on N95 masks. They are being prioritized for health care workers. Laboratory staff should consult RES to discuss experiment planning and alternative options.

OTTC has remained fully functional with few disruptions in service. OTTC staff will continue to work remotely to the extent possible and will return to campus in a gradual and coordinated approach aligned with university guidance. Staff remain available via email and telephone during normal business hours. Contacts for OTTC staff can be found here.

As on-campus activities resume, OTTC will continue to encourage the use of Webex as an alternative to in-person meetings whenever possible, particularly if there will be multiple attendees or if space to conduct meetings is limited. If in-person meetings are necessary due to circumstances, proper social distancing will be practiced and face masks will be worn as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health. Other precautions may be implemented as needed.

The processing and negotiation of research-related contracts has continued without significant delays. In conjunction with colleagues in the Office of Legal Affairs, OTTC is processing and negotiating research-related contracts as normal, although we anticipate an increase in requests for these types of agreements as on-campus activities resume.

Faculty and researchers can request MTAs by following the process described here. If a new confidentiality agreement is needed to enable discussions with a potential industry or other partner, contact any OTTC team member by email for assistance.

Yes. Regardless of where our staff is working, new disclosures can be submitted. The disclosure document can be found here: GSU Intellectual Property Disclosure Form and Instructions. Digital signatures are acceptable on the disclosure form. Once completed, send the form to OTTC’s general inbox at intellectualproperty@gsu.edu and inform OTTC staff of upcoming publications or public disclosures. Contact any OTTC team member by email or phone for assistance or with additional questions.

We have experienced few, if any, interruptions or delays while working with outside patent counsel during the pandemic, and OTTC does not anticipate any substantive changes to patent-related legal work as on-campus research resumes. OTTC staff continues to be in close contact with patent counsel regarding upcoming deadlines, and we are aware certain accommodations are being made by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (and foreign patent offices) with regard to patent deadlines and fees.

Yes. The pandemic has had little impact on OTTC’s ability to continue negotiations with commercial partners. As on-campus activities resume, OTTC will continue timely negotiation for commercial licenses.

See the OTTC website for specific guidance for coronavirus researchers or contact one of our staff.

Contact the director of OTTC at cmichaels@gsu.edu.

• Make sure DUO multi-factor authentication is enabled on your account. If not, contact the Georgia State Helpdesk for assistance and see this page for more information: https://gsutech.service-now.com/sp?id=kb_article&sys_id=fbddfea0db4d9f40601b502bdc9619a9
• Make sure your laptop or desktop computer’s hard drive is encrypted. Find more information about this at: https://technology.gsu.edu/technology-services/it-services/security/encryption/.
• Make sure your computer has updated security software (Cylance and/or Windows Security). Contact the university Helpdesk if you need assistance.
• Switch on the “Find My Device” mode. This can help you locate a device if it is missing or stolen.
• Don’t trust public Wi-Fi connections. Think carefully about whether you need to use the Wi-Fi or if your task can wait until you are somewhere more secure.
• If you must use public Wi-Fi to transmit sensitive data, always use VPN that offers extra layer of protection. You can find more information about VPN at: https://technology.gsu.edu/technology-services/it-services/security/virtual-private-network/.
• Don’t use unencrypted USB drives to store sensitive data. Instead use university-provided secure cloud-based services for remote file storage, such as OneDrive (FERPA compliant) or Dropbox (HIPAA compliant).
• Don’t let anyone else plug their USB devices into your computer.
• Always keep your devices with you. Lock your computer every time your step away from it.
• If a device is stolen, don’t try to recover it yourself. Alert police or security.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.  Patients who are older and have preexisting medical problems appear to be at the highest risk for complications.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, including your cell phone (per manufacturer’s instructions).

If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath:

• Stay at home. Do not go to class or work and stay away from other people. If you must be around other people, wear a mask.
• Call your health care provider or the Student Health Clinic at 404-413-1930.  Explain your symptoms and tell the provider if you have recently traveled outside the U.S. Follow their instructions. Your provider will work with the Georgia Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine if you need treatment.

Employees who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19, but are not showing symptoms should self-quarantine consistent with Georgia Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.  Employees must contact their supervisor if they are unable to work or need to adjust their telework arrangement. They should contact their health care provider if they become sick and remain home.

Students can seek free and confidential assistance through the Counseling Center. Students can call 404-413-1640 or visit https://counselingcenter.gsu.edu/services/counseling-services/.

Most books in the general collection can be checked out with our new self-check system (coming in August). You can check out books using the self-check stations in each library or by using our mobile app. If you use the mobile app, stop by the self-check station to complete the process.

Tables and chairs are marked for appropriate social distancing. Only one or two persons are allowed per table. Most study rooms are temporarily single occupancy. Face-to-face group study is discouraged. Student groups are encouraged to meet virtually via WebEx or Teams. If you need help, chat with a librarian.

Your first stop should be library.gsu.edu. From the homepage, you can chat with us or, if live chat isn't available, submit a question and get a response within 24 hours. If you need in-person assistance, stop by the service desk. Note that the primary service desk for the Atlanta library will be on the 2^nd floor of Library North. The Library North 1^st-floor desk will be closed for the fall semester.

While the new entrance for Library North is under construction, all access will be through Library South. We’re doing all we can to streamline entry and exit, including creating a new exit. Be patient while you wait to come in and maintain six feet of separation while standing in line.

A PantherCard will be required for entry at all library locations (Atlanta and Perimeter). This is to prioritize available seating for students, faculty and staff. Plan to swipe your card to enter the Atlanta library and to display your card on entry at the Perimeter library locations. Non-Georgia State visitors must request access in advance.