Latest updates from President Noelle Cockett
Dear Students,
Thank you for your help in preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and protecting yourself and other Aggies. We have several new updates for you today, March 18. As of right now, we know there are two confirmed cases in Cache County. These individuals are not on campus, but these confirmed cases reaffirm our need to practice social distancing.
Remote Delivery of Classes
Remote delivery of Spring 2020 Semester classes is now in effect. Students should have already been contacted by their instructors with information about their classes. If you have not been contacted, or you cannot find information about your class in Canvas, contact [email protected].
Testing Centers
USU’s Testing Centers at all campuses (Logan, Statewide and Eastern) will close effective today, Wednesday, March 18. This closure will remain in effect as long as all USU classes are delivered remotely. Access to other university facilities has been restricted as a precautionary measure in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Although USU campuses have not closed outdoor public fields, you must practice social distancing and limit the number of people within any group so that these areas can remain open.
Refunds of Tuition and Fees
USU realizes remote delivery of coursework is a different learning experience than was anticipated when the semester began. Please be patient and open to this new approach. USU will not be refunding tuition or course fees as courses, grades, and credit are still offered. Likewise, student fees will not be refunded. The COVID-19 crisis has created a variety of unexpected challenges for everyone and has placed USU in a position where it must respond in atypical ways.
Remaining on Campus
If it is possible, you should return home to a permanent residence. For non-resident students who are establishing Utah residency, leaving the state of Utah will not affect residency status.
For those who check out of USU Housing, USU is providing prorated refunds for their housing and dining contracts, as well as for parking permits (USU Parking at 435-797-3414).
For those students who must remain in USU on-campus housing, it is extremely important that individuals with potential COVID-19 symptoms report to their Resident Life assistant (RA) by email or phone. We will arrange for evaluation, and if necessary, self-isolation of the sick student, including the delivery of meals, for the required 14 days.
Dining Services
Dining Services will offer take-out meals only. For those living on-campus, food services will be available through the end of the semester.
Using Computer Labs
If you have your own computer or laptop, and sufficient internet, please work in your own home instead of coming onto the USU campus. If you do not have sufficient internet, but do have your own device, please use the USU Bluezone to do your schoolwork. If you do not have a device, USU computer labs will remain open for essential needs. Lab facilitators will be enforcing social distancing and strict sanitation protocols.
Student Employees
USU student employees who have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or who have recently traveled to a CDC level 3 area should not report to work and should self-isolate for 14 days or until symptom free (whichever is longer). The university will pay USU student employees who are ill or must self-isolate for up to 14 days. Check with your supervisor if you need to access this COVID-19 related sick pay.
Students whose work has changed or disappeared may still find other work on campus, if desired. Students should work with their supervisor to see if there is other work available in their area or go to www.jobs.usu.edu and log in to search for “temporary work” on campus. For additional questions contact Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or [email protected].
University Events Including Commencement
USU has extended the closure of USU events until May 1 in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancellations include its 133rd commencement ceremony in Logan and all graduation events at statewide campuses. The university intends to honor its graduates at a later date and will release more details soon.
Social Distancing
Please practice social distancing. This means putting distance (6 feet) between you and others, particularly people who are sick. Avoid meeting in groups, especially groups over 10, and stay at home as much as possible.
If You Feel Sick
The symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever (100.4 F or higher), a cough, or shortness of breath. Testing for COVID-19 is not yet widely available, and USU is not authorized to perform the test. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to many other respiratory illnesses. State health officials ask that only those with severe symptoms who need medical care seek a COVID-19 test. If you are ill at all, please stay home and self-isolate. Learn more at www.usu.edu/covid-19.
I know this is a stressful time, and it’s important that you reach out to family and friends to receive and offer support. We are fortunate to have so many options for connecting with others while still practicing social distancing. Thank you for continuing to cooperate with us as we address this public health threat. By pulling together as an Aggie family, we will get through this time.
Sincerely,
Noelle E. Cockett
President
