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COVID-19

May 14, 2020

President's Message: COVID-19 Update

Dear TSU Family:

I want to thank you for your hard work, cooperation and patience during this unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic period.  I continue pray that you, your families and loved ones are well, staying safe, and following the recommendations of health care experts.

As I informed you last month, I appointed a Pandemic Task Force to engage in an ongoing review of data, establish terms and conditions associated with the University’s remote operations, and to plan for the safe resumption of on-campus operations.  The task force continues to meet every day to address COVID-19 related issues.  As I noted then and reiterate now, the taskforce’s primary focus is protecting the health and safety of the campus community and assisting me in addressing operational issues.   

Please find below an update on the status of the University’s operations and information regarding current plans governing TSU’s eventual return to on-campus operations. 

Campus Operations

Remote Operations

The University will continue to operate under its Remote Operations policy until further notice. Under that policy, only approved individuals engaged in essential functions that require working on campus are authorized to come to campus.  All other employees are required to carry out their duties and responsibilities on a remote basis under the supervision of their unit head. Any employee who is not on the approved list to be on campus, must have the express permission from their supervisor. This is for the health and safety of the entire campus.

Our Campus administrators remain in contact with state and federal authorities, including the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), the Governor’s office, and other higher education institutions, to evaluate operational options for the immediate future and into the fall.  Summer courses and events will occur on an online basis only.  

At this time, we are hopeful, and are currently planning, for the return of students in the fall under COVID-19 related guidelines and standards.  We are evaluating and developing operational safety measures, best practices, and academic related logistical options to prepare for the return of students in the fall with the focus on the health and safety of the campus community.  These measures will include the ongoing cleaning of campus facilities, the use of larger classrooms and hybrid in-person and online course presentations, and the implementation of appropriate social distancing standards.  We will continue to provide updates related to the return of students to the campus in the fall.     

We also continue to examine options related to the resumption of on-campus operations, including the eventual return of employees to campus.  We are evaluating various options related to the timing of the return of employees and the conditions and standards associated with their return.  Please know that science, data, best practices, and the specific needs of the TSU campus community will guide the University’s decision-making in this area.  We will continue to provide updates, as information becomes available.

University Related Travel

In March 2020, TSU suspended all international and domestic travel.  This suspension will continue until further notice. 

Spring 2020 Commencement

In our announcement in April 2020, we announced our decision to postpone, rather than cancel, the spring commencement ceremonies until Saturday, August 1. We plan to go forth with that date, but we continue to monitor and receive information as to whether we will be able to hold the event safely in August.  We will provide additional details and logistics as soon as possible.

Other University Events

TSU has postponed or cancelled all in-person events until further notice. Several events are occurring virtually as arranged by the respective division of the university. Students and employees are advised to check with the appropriate university division for specific guidance.

Campus Cleaning

Campus buildings and residence halls continue to undergo thorough cleanings on an ongoing basis. These include all residence halls, student apartments, academic buildings, student center, dining halls, and all other structures on both the main campus and the Avon Williams campus. This enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will continue well into the foreseeable future.

Online Learning and Student Affairs

• The University continues to use TSU eLearn and Zoom and other platforms as the way to deliver classroom instruction. Students enrolled in summer courses may use desktops, laptops or smart phones to access TSU eLearn and to participate in the class sessions using Zoom.
• Additional online technical support and virtual student services are available to assist students and faculty with delivery of online courses.
• Tele-counseling services are available for students who may be experiencing anxiety or need guidance.
• The TSU Library is furnishing remote access services. The Brown-Daniel and Avon Williams Campus Libraries are closed, but our library faculty are available to assist with research and information, answer reference questions, and provide virtual sessions.

Student Refunds and CARES Act Funding

Student Refunds

Students who had to leave campus in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic received housing and meal related credits or refunds on April 15, 2020. Students should contact the Business office if they have any questions related to their refunds or credits.  

CARES Act Funding .  The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on Friday, March 27, 2020, makes available funding to the states, including approximately $14 billion in emergency funding for universities throughout the country to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on their respective campuses. 

TSU received $7.2 million in CARES Act funding which TSU must allocate to cover University and student related expenses the University incurred that were related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. TSU has implemented a model for distributing CARES Act funds to both graduate and undergraduate students, one-half of the funds are allocated to students who were directly affected by COVID-19. Those distributions were made to students beginning May 7.

The CARES Act also appropriated additional funding specifically for HBCUs (and other minority serving institutions) to be used for other expenses associated with COVID-19. The total amount provided to TSU under the HBCU provision is $16.2 million.

I am appreciative that I had the opportunity to personally work with members of Congress in my role as a member institution with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), as a board member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and through my leadership roles in other national and international organizations to ensure that the HBCU funding became a reality for minority serving institutions (MSI). 

Please visit tnstate.edu/covid19 for the latest information on campus operations and polices.  

Student Grades the Spring 2020 semester

Students are given the option of electing to receive the pass/fail grade in their courses for the Spring 2020 semester in an effort to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students may choose the pass/fail option on a course-by-course basis, except for instances where it conflicts with accreditation, certifications, or licensure requirements.

Outlook for Fall Semester 2020

Fall class schedules

TSU, along with colleges and universities nationwide, is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 coronavirus in hopes of starting the academic school year on time. Our plan at this point is to start classes in mid-August but only if it is safe; and it will be under new social distancing restrictions with additional safety protocols to protect the public health and safety of our students and employees.

We plan to work aggressively to implement measures to minimize the risks associated with opening the university this fall. These measures will likely include, but will not be limited to, compressed semesters, smaller class sizes, revised logistical arrangements, and COVID-19 related screening of students, faculty, and staff.  We have begun to implement campaigns to educate the campus community about safety protocols. Moreover, there will have to be restrictions on residence halls, dining halls, and other social aspects of college life. We also will work proactively to prevent the spread of the virus and assist students who may require quarantine related measures. We are meeting with other Tennessee universities, as well as TSU peer institutions, as we determine the best mode of delivery.

 There are several issues that are unresolved at this point. I am appointing a Fall Course Delivery Task Force consisting of broad-based representation from the faculty, staff, and administrators in the campus community to assist me in working through the issues and developing the best strategy for classes this fall. We will determine the safest method of delivery for our students this fall.

 It is our job as university leaders to ensure that TSU provides a quality education irrespective of the format that we may be forced to use. Our goal is to provide an exceptional student experience despite the challenges this pandemic has posed.

 If we are not able to start this fall under the ideal circumstances, there are a few scenarios that are being considered:

• Begin the fall semester with students on campus and have online classes until circumstances allow the students to return to classroom style teaching.
• Delay the university’s on-campus opening for a few weeks, and phase in the return of students to the campus and in-person teaching.
• Continue with online classes for the fall semester, and students will return to campus in January 2021.

  Sports Activities

We are continuing to anxiously monitor the COVID-19 pandemic in hopes of beginning football season on time. We expect the NCAA will provide guidance in this area. We also will follow guidance of the OVC and will continue to confer with the member presidents. As soon as we have any information available, we will share it with you.

In closing , TSU is committed to doing all that is possible to safeguard the health of our campus family, while providing the support that is needed to be successful students and productive employees. This remains our “new normal” for now; and your patience, support, and understanding are truly appreciated.  Please remain prayerful, safe and encouraged.

Sincerely,
President Glenda Glover

 April 6, 2020

President's Message: Limited Access to Campus

Dear Campus Community: 

Under the University’s remote operations policy, only authorized employees (essential employees and limited access employees) are permitted to come to campus during this COVID-19 pandemic period.  Under the policy, Unit Heads may designate an employee as an essential employee or a limited access employee only if the employee is not able to perform their duties on a remote basis. 

With the implementation of the policy and the receipt of additional information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we are updating the list of employees deemed essential employees and limited access employees.   By COB today, April 6, 2020, each Unit Head shall submit to the applicable Vice President/Cabinet member an updated list of employees they are recommending for essential employee or limited access employee designation.  For limited access employees, Unit Heads shall specify the days and time period the employee shall be granted limited access. 

The Vice Presidents/Cabinet members must review the lists to ensure the individuals listed have been suitably designated as an essential employee or limited access employee.  The Vice Presidents/Cabinet members shall submit their approved lists to Dr. Curtis Johnson by Tuesday, April 7, 2020. The Vice Presidents/Cabinet members will be notified if there are any employees that have not been approved for the essential employee or limited access employee status.

I appreciate your cooperation during this unprecedented time.  We remain strong and resolute in our commitment to provide a quality education for our students and carry out the University’s operations under these unique circumstances.   

Glenda Glover,
President

April 5, 2020

Message from President

Dear TSU Family:

Thank you for the manner in which you have adjusted to this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. I pray that you, your families and loved ones are well, and continue to observe the safety precautions to ensure your health and wellbeing.  TSU is continuing to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19), and will keep you abreast of the latest information regarding academic delivery, campus operations, and other activities during this pandemic.

I applaud our faculty, staff, students, and alumni for the manner in which you have assisted us in navigating through during this difficult period. Our top priority is the safety of the TSU community. We are providing this communication to you representing a brief update of our adjusted campus procedures. Please visit tnstate.edu/covid19 for the latest information on campus operations and polices.  

Campus Operations

Campus Closure

The University ceased normal operations on Monday, March 23, 2020 and closed the entire campus. This action was based largely on information developed through our ongoing communications with state and federal authorities, including the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the Governor’s office, and other higher education institutions. Only essential personnel and individuals approved by their Division Head are allowed on campus at this time. We do not know exactly when the institution will return to normal operations, but we will provide updates as information is made available.

University Related Travel

TSU has suspended all international travel and only allows domestic travel on a limited basis in order to minimize exposure to the disease. Both personal international and domestic travel are strongly discouraged.

Spring 2020 Commencement

We announced earlier that Spring Commencement would not be held on May 1 and 2, 2020. Rather than cancel the ceremonies altogether, we postponed commencement until Saturday, August 1. We will provide additional details and logistics as soon as possible.

Other University Events

All TSU in-person events have been postponed or cancelled. Several events may occur virtually as arranged by the respective division of the university. Students and employees are advised to check with the university for specific guidance.

Campus Cleaning

Campus buildings and residence halls are undergoing thorough cleanings on an ongoing basis. These include all residence halls, student apartments, academic buildings, student center, dining halls, and all other structures on both the main campus and the Avon Williams campus. This enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will continue well into the foreseeable future.

SACSCOC Visit Postponed

The SACSCOC team visit scheduled for April 1-3, 2020 was postponed due to the stay-at-home orders and the travel bans from the states where the team members reside. A virtual meeting was not an option since the United States Department of Education requires in-person visits. We have spoken with SACSCOC officials, and they are planning a new date for some time in June. The faculty, staff, and students were quite disappointed and look forward to new date.

Online Learning and Student Affairs

• Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, all classes were moved to an online format for the remainder of the semester. Students were given guidance on how to log-in, report to classes on-line, and receive assistance when needed.
• To protect the safety and health of the students, residence halls and apartments closed on Saturday, March 21 and students will not be required to return to campus for the remainder of the semester. They will finish the semester using the online format.
• Certain students with clinicals and other work-based learning assignments are allowed to continue those required projects with applicable organizations. Students also may develop remote activities and hold meetings in a virtual format.
• The University is using TSU eLearn and Zoom as the way to deliver classroom instruction. Students may use desktops, laptops or smart phones to access TSU eLearn and to participate in the class sessions using Zoom.
• Additional online technical support and virtual student services are available to assist students and faculty with delivery of online courses.
• Tele-counseling services are available for students who may be experiencing anxiety or need guidance.
• The TSU Library is furnishing remote access services. The Brown-Daniel and Avon Williams Campus Libraries are closed, but our library faculty are available to assist with research and information, answer reference questions, and provide virtual sessions.

Student Refunds

Students who had to leave campus may be entitled to a housing and meal credit or a refund. Our Business Office is currently reviewing each individual student account to determine if is a refund is due. There are a number of factors that will determine eligibility. These factors include the source of funds, outstanding balances, federal guidelines, contractual obligations, and the type of funding assistance received from the university. We will work as quickly and as comprehensively as possible, given the nature of this situation. Refund or credits will be issued on April 15, 2020.

Student Work Study Checks

Work study students will receive payments for March and April using their hours worked during the month of February to estimate payments. For specific information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

In closing , I truly appreciate our spirit of collaboration that we all have embraced. You remain in my thoughts and prayers as we continue to face the uncertainties this unprecedented virus presents to our nation. TSU is committed to doing all that is possible to safeguard your health, and the health of our campus family, while providing you the support you need to be successful students and productive employees. This is our “new normal” for now, and your patience and understanding are truly appreciated.  Please remain prayerful, safe and encouraged.

Sincerely,
President Glenda Glover

March 22, 2020

Teleworking Begins Monday, March 23, 2020

Dear TSU Faculty and Staff,

This is a reminder that TSU employees will begin teleworking tomorrow morning, and will do so until further notice. We are following directives from the Governor and Mayor  that ask individuals to remain at home in an attempt to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. This is in line with my previous communication to the campus that TSU would begin working remotely on Monday, March 23.

I am asking all employees to work from home with the following exceptions:

• TSU Police
• Emergency Management
• Facilities Maintenance

We are continuing to do all we can to help with the concerted effort to halt the spread of the coronavirus. I encourage everyone to visit tnstate.edu/update on a regular basis for the latest information from the university. And again, please follow all public health guidelines for prevention, and to slow down the spread of the virus.

I also ask for your patience as we continue to respond to this rapidly evolving crisis. The TSU family has always come together to support each other through difficult times, and I know it will be no different during these uncertain times.

Sincerely,
President Glenda Glover

View Working Remotely Policy >>

March 21, 2020

TSU Student tests positive with COVID19; in self-isolation

Dear TSU Family,

This communications is to inform you that a student has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual, who did not live on campus, has been at home in self-isolation for a number of days while receiving the necessary care to treat their condition. 

It is our duty to safeguard the privacy of the student so that the individual can receive treatment and focus on their health. To that end, I would ask that you respect their privacy and avoid sharing information informally.

We became aware of this case today, and immediately contacted the Tennessee Department of Health and our Student Health Center Staff. In addition to making this public announcement, we have compiled a list of individuals who were in contact with the person who tested positive during the relevant time period. We are in the process of notifying these individuals and providing specific Centers for Disease Control guidelines on the steps they should take, depending on the nature and extent of the contact they had. 

While this is the first confirmed case associated with TSU, it also reinforces the need for all of us to follow public health directives, practice social distancing, and observe other preventive steps, including:

• Avoid physical contact (handshakes, hugs, kisses hello, etc.)
• Maintain physical distance between yourself and others
• Wash your hands frequently (especially after being around others)
• Avoid passing shared communal objects between people
• Do not share food or beverages

Almost all students have left the campus, and employees are working remotely. We ask those individuals who are still coming to campus, to please be mindful of your health, and familiarize yourself with the  symptoms of COVID-19 . The most important thing is to stay home if you feel ill, or believe you may have been exposed to the virus. Please contact your healthcare provider by telephone for medical advice if you develop a fever or display any of the other symptoms related to COVID-19. 

This maybe a stressful time for members of our campus community as COVID-19 has an impact on every aspect of our lives. In the wake of this,  Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Frank Stevenson is available to provide support for students and connect them to campus resources. For faculty and staff experiencing difficulties in any area of their lives, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available by calling 855-437-3486  or  online . EAP a free service for all eligible employees and their dependents that provides counseling and other services. 

The TSU website has information on how to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 as well as a list of resources for information on coping with COVID-19 fears.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold across our nation, we must remember we are all in this together. We are also one TSU Family. Again, please heed the advice and practices designed to protect your health and safety. We will continue to keep you apprised of any pertinent developments.

Sincerely, 
President Glenda Glover

March 20, 2020

Spring Commencement rescheduled to August 1, 2020

Dear TSU Family:

It is with sincere regret that we must inform you that we will not hold Commencement as scheduled on May 1 and 2, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rather than cancelling the ceremonies altogether, we will postpone it until Saturday, August 1, 2020. We will share more details with you as they become available.

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

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 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 Dr. 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.

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. TSU has made these decisions to ensure the safety and health of the campus family. 

The university 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

Dear Campus Family,

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

President's Update on COVID-19

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

Classes will resume as planned following spring break

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 

March 5, 2020

President's Update: Exercise caution and use preventative measures