Important Message for Campus

Coronavirus Update

 

March 17, 2020

COVID-19 Update to TSU Students and Parents

Dear TSU Students and Parents:

As we continue to face the unprecedented global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, I pray that you, your families and loved ones are well, and that you are taking the required precautions to ensure your health and well-being. I reemphasize to you that our number one priority during this period is to ensure the safety and health of the TSU campus family. As the coronavirus continues to worsen, it has prompted states of emergency to be declared in many states, including our State of Tennessee, and at the federal level.

I want to assure you that we have your best interest in mind, and we are taking every precaution necessary to minimize the spread of the virus. While we have adjusted the traditional manner in which we serve our students, we are ensuring that you continue to learn and excel academically.

Immediately following this letter, I have included the steps that TSU has taken to ensure the safety of our campus due to this coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, we encourage all students and their families to follow the safety precautions outlined by the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We are committed to using every resource at our disposal to keep students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni apprised of the latest information from local, state and federal health authorities as it becomes available. Please continue to take steps to maintain your health as we confront this extraordinary challenge.

Sincerely,
President Glenda Glover

TSU UPDATE: OPERATING PROCEDURES PERTAINING TO CORONAVIRUS

  1. Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, all classes have been moved to online for the remainder of the semester.
  2. Residence halls and student apartments will close on Saturday, March 21, and students will continue to study online remotely.
  3. Any student needing more time to vacant the campus must complete the “Student Request to Remain on Campus” form that all students received by an email link on Friday, March 13, 2020. Please contact Residence Life at reslife@tnstate.edu if you have additional questions.
  4. Additional online technical support and virtual student services have been secured to assist students and faculty with delivery of online courses.
  5. Tele-counseling services are available for students who may be experiencing anxiety or need guidance.
  6. All campus events where large crowds are expected have been cancelled.
  7. Major events for March and April have been postponed or rescheduled.
  8. Since the impact of the disease is changing so quickly, we hope to have an announcement about commencement available within the next few days.
  9. Senior exams are still scheduled as planned for now. Please contact Ms. Brenda Coleman in the Testing Center (bcoleman@tnstate.edu) for appointments to take the exit exam.
  10. All international travel has been suspended, and domestic travel has been restricted.
  11. Campus buildings and residence halls will undergo thorough cleaning several times per day.
  12. The University is currently assessing the charges that students paid for meals and residence life, and will provide information later this week or early next week regarding credits or refunds to student accounts.
  13. The University remains open operationally, but the campus is preparing for employees to work from home or a remote location if necessary.
  14. Administrators are continuing to evaluate information provided by State and Federal Authorities, and may modify the University’s operations based on new and updated information. Please remember to follow the safety precautions below:
    • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; if you are not able to wash your hands, utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol at all events were food and beverages are served
    • Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene by covering your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze
    • If you are sick with fevers of 100.4 F or greater or are showing signs of a fever and any other related symptoms, you should stay home
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    • Seniors and people with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.

March 13, 2020

TSU allowing students to go home and finish semester online as a precaution to COVID-19

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is allowing students to return home and finish the semester online as a precaution to the spreading coronavirus (COVID-19). In a Friday correspondence to students, TSU President Glenda Glover stated the decision was in the best interest of the university as both the federal government and State of Tennessee have declared a state of emergency.

“Concerns pertaining to the coronavirus COVID-19 are affecting all of us and continues to worsen,” says President Glover. "Within the last 48-hours, the country has changed drastically as the number of U.S cases continue to be confirmed."   

TSU will close all residence halls and apartments on Saturday, March 21. The university will evaluate requests from students with extenuating circumstances that need more time to make arrangements. Housing officials say those requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

On Thursday, the University announced it will transition to online learning beginning Monday, March 16. Students will continue their classes in an online format and there is no requirement to live on campus. Faculty participated in virtual classroom drills on Thursday and Friday in preparation for the change to online instruction.

As further precaution, the University has canceled all campus events where large crowds are expected, as well as suspended all international travel through the end of April to minimize exposure to the disease.

The university has made these decisions to ensure the safety and health of the campus family, and will provide more information on campus operations as decisions are made.     

March 12, 2020

TSU to transition to online classes Monday, March 16, suspends international travel

Tennessee State University will transition to online classes beginning Monday, March 16, because of health and safety-related issues attributable to the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Face-to-face classes will continue as normal both today, March 12 through Friday, March 13, and for Saturday classes if applicable.

Beginning March 16, no face-to-face classes will be held.

The campus will remain open. However, university officials are assessing the possibility of cancelling campus events where large crowds are expected.   

TSU has decided to suspend all international travel through the end of April to minimize exposure to the disease as well, and will continue to monitor domestic travel. 

Further updates will be provided as developments occur.

For additional information, please visit the TSU  website .

March 9, 2020

Dear Campus Family,

This communication pertains to the global coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic, and the procedures the university is undertaking to keep the campus safe. We are in constant contact with and receive regular updates from Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), as well as U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Classes and daily operations will continue under normal schedules for now; and we are not requiring remote learning or exam taking at this time. The leadership of TSU is operating a heightened state of caution and awareness as we address the ongoing concerns about COVID-19. 

While we have been advised that the current level of public health risk at the university is low, we are aware that we must be prepared for the possibility of a localized outbreak. In such case, it may become necessary to suspend face-to-face meetings and instruction for a period of time. We will have plans in place for all university operations.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available. We will continue to utilize the resources at our disposal to keep students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni apprised of the latest information from local, state and federal health authorities.

President Glenda Glover

March 8, 2020

Dear Campus Family,

Please be advised that classes will resume as planned for this week in our normal fashion. We will continue to monitor all information regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and notify you immediately if there are changes to class scheduling and instruction.

Remember to please take all safety precautions to lessen your chances of contracting the disease. Visit this link   cough and sneeze etiquette  and  hand hygiene  from the CDC on preventative measures.

Sincerely,
Tennessee State University
Academic Affairs