Operations Update Regarding COVID-19



Please Click Here for additional information about our recovery plan.



Confirmed COVID-19 Cases on Campus

14

As of July 14, 2020.

 

The University of North Alabama is extending the remote/online instructional environment throughout all of the Summer 2020 sessions.

Further, in light of recent federal and state directives, the UNA campus will be accessible on a modified schedule from sunrise to sundown. We ask that all visitors maintain physical distancing while on campus. Updates to this schedule will be made as details regarding the national emergency emerge.

All international education abroad trips for the May Intersession and Summer Session are canceled. Study Away (domestic) trips for the May Intersession and Summer Session are canceled. University-sponsored international travel and non-essential domestic travel remain canceled until further notice.

This schedule is subject to additional modification based on federal and state directives and as the situation evolves. 

CRTF Phase II Team - Academics

When will the semester start and end?

UNA’s academic calendar will remain as originally scheduled:

  • Classes will start August 19; the semester will conclude December 11.
  • The final weeks of the semester after Thanksgiving break will be conducted remotely:

    o Tuesday, November 24: Last day for in-person instruction
    o Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27: Thanksgiving Break
    o Monday, November 30: course instruction and assessment shift to remote delivery for the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester.

What does “modified face-to-face instruction mean?

  • To maximize physical distancing, most classes in the fall semester will be delivered in a hybrid format – a mixture of face-to-face instruction and on-line delivery where participation may be synchronous or asynchronous (Hy-Flex model). In synchronous instruction, students and faculty meet together online at scheduled times. Asynchronous instruction is not scheduled, and faculty and students may participate online at any time.

  • Course format (in-person, hybrid in-person/online/synchronous/asynchronous) will be based on course goals and curricular/clinical/internship requirements.

  • In-person, seated instruction will be designed to provide for six feet of physical distancing, when possible. Cloth face coverings will be required.

  • Students will receive communication this summer confirming the instructional format of their classes.

What will on-campus classroom settings look like?

  • Plans are underway to finalize classroom schedules for in-person modified instruction considering factors such as: seating capacity, modality of instruction, and prioritization of courses for access to seated classrooms/alternate learning spaces.

  • In-person education is a key aspect to UNA’s mission; however, the need to follow distancing guidelines and reduce overall density in buildings during pandemic conditions dictates that classroom seating capacity may be reduced. For that reason, in determining access to classrooms and labs, consideration will be given to curricular requirements that are ideally delivered in-person.

  • Faculty, department chairs, and academic deans maintain agency in academic operations for Fall 2020 within the operating parameters of public health.

Are masks/face coverings required?

  • Students and faculty members are required to wear appropriate mouth and nose coverings throughout the class period and/or when moving about public spaces within academic buildings.

How will the university determine which classes will be in-person and which will be remote?

  • Whether particular courses, laboratories, studios and other learning environments will be taught in-person, in a hybrid format, or fully remote, and how instructional spaces will be utilized will be determined by the programs, departments and colleges based on course goals, curricular requirements, and university priorities.

  • The type of in-person instruction during the fall will also be determined by classroom availability given the need for six feet of physical distancing (when possible), face coverings, and other health considerations.

    What support will students, faculty, and staff receive to transition to a hybrid format?

  • UNA will ensure that students, faculty and staff have the resources and training needed for modified, in-person instruction.

  • Educational Technology Services (ETS) and Information Technology (IT) will provide faculty with professional development opportunities and the technology necessary for creating revised purposeful and effective learning environments. These include remote proctoring solutions, and web resources identifying best practice design strategies for hybrid learning that allow for physical distancing while facilitating the achievement of student learning outcomes. Please visit their respective websites linked above for additional information.

  • In addition, some classrooms will be equipped with sound amplification and video recording/streaming technology.

    What about Office Hours?

  • Faculty should utilize virtual office hours to remain available to students while also physical distancing.

  • If in-person office hours are held, physical distancing must be practiced and cloth face coverings worn in office spaces.

    How will the University conduct academic advising in Fall 2020?

    • Academic advising can be conducted via Zoom or face-to-face if six-feet physical distancing can be maintained and cloth face coverings worn.

Can departments have in-person faculty/committee meetings?

  • Since Departments and other units will be required to reduce density and enhanced physical distancing, faculty meetings, committee meetings, etc. should be held virtually or hybridized for the fall semester.

What provisions are there for faculty who may have elevated risks?

  • Faculty who have elevated risks or may be otherwise vulnerable to the effects of COVID- 19 as determined by the CDC should make appropriate requests to department chairs and deans for approval of alternate teaching modalities.

Will UNA Library Services be open and available?

  • Collier Library and Information Services will operate under normal hours during the fall semester; available hours can be located here. Some services may be modified to protect the safety of students, faculty, and staff. The full list of services is available here.

Will Research and IRB approvals continue in the fall semester?

  • Research and IRB review and approval will continue this fall with physical distancing and face coverings when the six feet requirement cannot be maintained. At this time, proposals are currently being accepted and reviewed by the IRB. While the IRB has suspended recruitment/data collection involving face to face interactions in response to Covid-19, research that can be conducted by other methods (Zoom interviews, online surveys, etc.) will continue to be approved. If you have questions about your study or the IRB process, please email irb@una.edu.

Will administrative assistants return to campus after Thanksgiving break or will they be allowed to work remotely?

  • Yes, only courses will move to remote delivery. All others will return after the Thanksgiving break and remain working on campus.

Will UNA supply face coverings for students or will they be responsible for purchasing their own?

  • UNA has about 1800 masks available for students who need them, and more can be purchased if needed.

What happens if a student comes to class without their face covering?

  • Faculty are requested to make sure the student understands that the university is requiring face coverings when six feet physical distancing cannot be accommodated.

  • If the student continues to resist wearing a face covering, faculty may either refer them to the Office of Student Conduct for failing to comply with a reasonable directive and/or not allow them to attend your class until they wear a face covering. A referral may be submitted to the Office of Student Conduct by email to studentconduct@una.edu.

If we have a student that is hearing impaired and reads lips during lecture, will a face covering still be required for that instructor?

  • Disability support services has some face coverings that have clear fronts, so we can provide those to faculty who have hearing impaired students in their courses. Please contact Disability Support Services for more information.

What happens if there is a surge or outbreak on campus mid-semester?

  • After reopening, the University will continually monitor the health of the campus population and the public health of our region and be ready to move back to remote work if conditions warrant.
  • All faculty are advised to design courses which include a modular approach such that required coursework can be delivered completely online in the event of:
    • an outbreak on campus that might necessitate a temporary break or a mid-semester shift
    • teaching faculty become ill and are unable to complete the course
    • students become ill or have to self-quarantine during the term and miss a significant amount of class time
    • federal or state guidelines/recommendations shift the maximum size of gatherings or academic activities due to virus resurgence in the fall.

When will details for a return to campus/remote instruction plan for classroom instruction be communicated?

  • A coordinated planning effort facilitated by the Covid-19 Recovery Taskforce (CRTF) is currently underway, involving central administration, schools/college, and departments. Plans will be finalized and communicated soon.

What is the university planning for the Spring 2021 semester?

  • The CRTF that made recommendations for Fall 2020 will consider and make recommendations for Spring 2021. These recommendations will be made with the health and safety of the campus community as our top priority and will follow ADPH and CDC guidelines.

Questions?

Check for the most up-to-date information on Operations Update Regarding COVID-19.

What's Next?

Information on our plans to transition back to campus.




COVID-19 Employee FAQ Sheet

1. What is the University’s plan to return to campus?

  • UNA has a four-phase approach to normal operations:
    • Preparing the physical campus, from May 11-26
    • Return of employees, from May 11-26
    • Academic support staff employees, July 6
    • Return of students, during the Fall of 2020
    • Return of guests and events, which is TBD

2. When should I complete the Self-Screening Assessment?

  • Before 10 a.m. of the business day before your first scheduled return to work date
  • Every day before your arrival to campus.
  • Employees are not required to report the results of the assessment to their supervisor or University Health Services unless the answer to any of the questions is yes.

3. What if I answer “yes” to one of the questions on the Self-Screening Assessment?

  • If the response to any question is “yes,” the employee should contact University Health Services at 256-765-4328 to determine if isolation from campus is necessary.
  • The employee must call between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

4. What if I develop symptoms of COVID-19 while at work?

  • If an employee develops COVID-19 symptoms while at work, they will need to contact their immediate supervisor and move to an area away from people, preferably a closed room, or go home and contact University Health Services.
  • If an employee must leave campus because of illness, they should cover their mouth and nose, and leave the campus immediately. Once the employee is safely off campus, the employee should contact University Health Services at 256-765-4328 for further evaluation and direction. If the employee is unable to drive themselves, their supervisor will assist in isolating them from others until transportation arrives.

5. What if I develop symptoms of COVID-19 while at home?

  • The employee will need to contact their primary healthcare provider and their immediate supervisor.   

6. When should I return to work if I test positive for COVID-19?

  • The employee will need to call University Health Services at 256-765-4328 to determine a return-to-campus date. Health Services will work with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to determine the employee’s COVID-19 status. Only UNA Health Services can clear an employee for return to campus.

7. Should employees wear a cloth mask?

  • Employees are asked to follow physical distancing guidelines as directed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and remain at least six feet from others as much as possible. It is encouraged that masks be worn when the six feet distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Hand sanitizer will be distributed throughout campus, and re-usable masks will be available upon request. Call extension 4658 or email gbroadway@una.edu to request these supplies.

8. What if I am unable to telework and unable to return to the workplace?

  • The employee will need to contact their immediate supervisor.
  • If an employee is unable to return to the workplace for any of the FFCRA-protected reasons listed below, they may be eligible for FFCRA leave. To submit an FFCRA Leave Request Form, please click here and follow the two-step process.
    • As Alabama has lifted the “Stay at Home Order,” this reason may only apply to an order by a state Department of Health. Please attach such documentation here.
    • My own illness as I have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19. Check this category if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or if you have a high-risk condition as defined by the CDC (see section B below). If you select this option, you will be provided with an additional form for your physician to complete.
    • I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and am seeking a medical diagnosis. If you select this option, you must contact University Health Services as soon as possible.
    • I am caring for an individual subject to an order described in (1) or self-quarantine as described in (2). Please select this option if you are needed to provide daily care for an immediate family member who regularly resides in your home. If you select this option, you will be provided with an additional form for your family member’s physician to complete.
    • I am caring for my child whose place of care is closed (or childcare provider is unavailable) due to COVID-19-related reasons. Types of documentation may include a notice that has been posted on a government, school (camp), or daycare website, on social media, or published in a newspaper, or an email from an employee or official of the school, place of care, or child care provider. If you select this option, please attach documentation here. 
    • Experiencing any other substantially similar condition specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (to date, no similar conditions have been identified).
  • Accumulated leave time may be utilized by the employee in order to remain in full pay status if not eligible for FFCRA leave.
  • Employees with childcare needs or COVID-19 related conditions may qualify for additional allowances under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and will need to apply using the form referenced above.
  • Questions about individual circumstances may be directed to the Office of Human Resources at extension 4291 or humanresources@una.edu.

9. How is UNA assisting employees with child care?

  • Beginning May 26, the University will offer a modified camp on the campus of Kilby Laboratory School.
  • Priority will be given to full-time UNA staff or faculty members who are required to work on campus, have no available summer childcare assistance, and have children who have completed Pre-K through 6th grade.
  • The camp will take place May 26-July 31, Monday-Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • The camp is available to eligible UNA employees at no charge.

10. How will Dining Services manage adherence to the physical distancing guidelines?

  • Seating in enclosed dining spaces will be modified to meet physical distancing guidelines.
  • Chick-Fil A, Moe’s, Panda Express, and Starbucks have established protocols specifically for their locations.

11. How has Environmental Services worked to sanitize buildings on campus?

  • Environmental Service Specialists are working diligently to prepare the physical campus for business operations.
  • Following CDC guidelines, specialists are emptying trash receptacles as well as cleaning and disinfecting common areas.
  • Office spaces will be cleaned once per week.
  • All highly touched surfaces in offices should be cleaned and disinfected by individual occupants, until further notice. Cleaning supplies will be provided by Facilities upon request.

12. When will buildings on UNA’s campus be accessible to visitors?

  • The buildings on campus are currently closed to visitors. This decision is continually being monitored based on CDC, ADPH, and other federal and state guidelines and best health practices.

13. What resources are available to faculty, staff, and students about COVID-19?

  • UNA has developed a COVID-19 web page. The web page contains information related to student resources, external resources, a link to the CDC’s COVID-19 FAQ page, and other helpful resources.
  • All updates, including the phased return to campus information, will be housed at this website.

Liability/Risk Statement.

The University of North Alabama aims to deliver its mission while protecting the health and safety of its faculty, staff, and students. As UNA continues to make public health-informed decisions, there will be changes to campus. While UNA is taking steps to follow federal, state, and local health recommendations and reduce opportunities for spread of infection, it is impossible to shield the campus community from all risk of infection. As such, all faculty, staff, and students are responsible for complying with UNA rules, directives, policies, etc.

What does this mean for students?

  • Modified classes will be offered online through the use of Canvas and videoconferencing technology, such as Zoom.
  • A limited number of computers are available for student use, most notably through Collier Library’s retrieval service.
  • Medical, counseling, disability, student recreation, and other services will continue to be offered.

For the health and wellbeing of students and the greater UNA community due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, students who live in UNA residence halls and who have access to alternative housing are asked to remain off campus. Please be assured that residential students who do not have access to alternative housing and/or have other extenuating circumstances will be able to remain on campus. Dining services will also continue to be available. All residential students received correspondence via their UNA email account, which outlines instructions for checking out and/or applying to remain in the halls or request a delayed check-out.

The health and wellbeing of all students is of the utmost importance. The university worked closely with the Alabama Department of Public Health in establishing the housing check-out process. The process is designed to maintain physical distancing and be in compliance with Governor Ivey's directive that was announced on March 19th. The process includes limiting the number of students who can move out per hour and by floor, limiting guests per student to two, a prescreening process by University Health Services staff to make sure high-risk and/or ill individuals do not enter the residences, and additional disinfecting protocols.

For more information regarding the housing check-out process and what to expect upon arrival visit: https://una.edu/housing/living-on-campus/

What does this mean for UNA faculty and staff?

What does this mean for parents?

The safety and well-being of your students, our campus, and our community is of utmost importance. We remain in contact with the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We have plans in place to address the need for isolation areas, food distribution, and other possible student needs. Please know that we are acting on behalf of your student to ensure their safety and well-being as a member of the UNA family.

To inquire about additional precautions UNA is taking, call 256-765-5000 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and someone will respond to your questions as quickly as possible.

Student Resources

Now, more than ever, it is important that we find different ways to stay connected. IT Services has been working to expand our digital footprint to help us stay connected during this time.  As such, we have extended our campus WiFi to many parking lots and outside areas around campus.  You can come to campus and stay in your car or explore outside areas while connecting to our campus WiFi and maintaining your appropriate physical distance. 

Check out our campus map at https://www.una.edu/map.  Wherever you see this symbol, , you can access our campus WiFi just as if you were in your class with your classmates or studying in the library.  We are still working to improve our campus coverage and hope this will help you to remain connected to the campus, especially during this difficult time.

For more resources check out https://wwww.una.edu/youruna

University Messaging

Important COVID-19 Information

Preventing Illness

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention-treatment.html

CDC’s COVID-19 FAQ

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html 

Shoals COVID-19 Cases Among Lowest in State

https://www.timesdaily.com/news/local/shoals-covid-19-cases-among-lowest-in-state/article_7565f02b-be3a-512b-992e-2a254e3f2994.html

University of Washington Map Shows When Each State Can Start to Consider Ending Lockdowns

https://www.upworthy.com/university-of-wa-map-shows-the-dates-each-state-can-start-to-consider-lifting-lockdowns

Academic Information Links

Important Links

coronavirus testkit

CDC FAQ

CDC FAQ

CDC Travel FAQ

coronavirus testkit

Interactive COVID-19 Data

covid-19 alabama

Alabama COVID-19 Data and Testing Sites

FAQs

University housing and dining services will remain open for students who reside on campus and who do not have alternative accommodations or have other exigent circumstances, including but not limited to the following:

  • extreme distance to, and current conditions in, permanent home locations
  • documented needs for academic accommodations that can only be met on campus
  • complete reliance on local employment for financial stability
  • residential displacement (homelessness)
  • Convenience jobs, unless deemed a critical public safety or public health profession should not be considered a legitimate reason for remaining in the residence halls.

Students who have access to alternative housing and/or do not meet the criteria for exigent/hardship circumstances should remain off campus. This is a precautionary measure and aligns with all health-related guidelines and recommendations regarding the COVID-19 outbreak that has occurred in other areas of Alabama, as well as globally.

Academic and other support services are available for all students. Students are encouraged to visit https://una.edu/successcenter/ and https://una.edu/studentaffairs/. Students should also reach out to their professors or advisors for advice regarding academic matters.

What is the modified food pantry hours/locations?
Because UNA has moved to remote classes for the remainder of the semester, we will work with you on a one-on-one basis to help get your food needs covered. Please contact Bethany Green at bloliver@una.edu or fill out this form to make necessary arrangements. 

What is the modified Health Services Schedule?
Health Services will operate on an appointment-only schedule. Anyone needing an appointment for any reason, will need to call 256-765-5000.  Click here for further information.

What is the modified Dining Schedule?
Dining services has provided the times and locations of food options for the next three weeks. Click here for further information.

What is the modified bus operations schedule? 
UNA shuttle bus operations have been modified.  Students may call 256-765-4853 for assistance.  Click here for modified times and days.

What is the modified way to access Disability Support Services?
Please contact Disability Support Services at 256-765-4214 or dss@una.edu for immediate assistance during normal operating business hours from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For further information go to, https://www.una.edu/disability-support/. 

What is the modified way to access to Student Counseling Services?
Please contact Student Counseling Services at 256-765-5215 for immediate assistance during normal operating business hours from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  For further information go to, https://www.una.edu/counseling/index.html.  Additional resources for students will be pushed out via Student Counseling Services social media platforms on self-help and coping strategies in managing overall health and well-being.

What are modified mail room services?

Beginning Monday, May 18, 2020, the UNA Mail Room will resume their regular operating hours of 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday-Friday. For the week of May 18, we ask that you continue to use the side door by the mail room for access. Thank you for working with us during this time.

If you need to call the Mailroom, please dial 256-765-4282 or email Linda White at lwhite3@una.edu .

What are the modified Student Affairs services?
For more information click here.

What are the modified Collier Library services?
In accordance with the state of Alabama's Stay at Home Order issued by Governor Kay Ivey, physical access to Collier Library is unavailable until further notice. If you have any questions or need any assistance from Collier Library & Information Services personnel, please request materials here, contact us via our chat service on this page, or email us.

What are the modified Student Recreation Center services?
Find out the modified services offered here.

What are the other modified university services?
University Wellness Center is closed.
All academic buildings are closed.
Mane Market will be open for to-go orders only Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 8 a.m. and Saturday - Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Create will be open for to-go orders only Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Yes, based on individual department's discretion.

For more information please click here.

When will the pinning ceremony for ACONHP graduates take place?

The May Pinning Ceremony for spring 2020 nursing graduates has been rescheduled for July 31, at 1:00 pm in the GUC Performance Center. 
This is the same day as the new ACONHP Commencement date. 

Tours of the University of North Alabama will be offered beginning June 3, from 9-11 a.m. They are facilitated and self-guided. Visitors are asked to check in at the tent at the Harrison Entrance where they will receive a campus map, a bag, and a free t-shirt. There are other check points, including one at the Memorial Amphitheatre, where visitors will be offered bottles of water and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Students who were unable to complete the semester as a resident in a residence hall may be eligible to receive a refund in the form of a scholarship for use in the summer or fall. Housing and meal plans have been prorated for these students and will be issued as scholarships, where applicable, directly to their student account in the following manner:

  • Graduating seniors, those scheduled for a May commencement, will receive a credit to their student account which will be disbursed as a refund if there are no financial obligations remaining on the account.
  • Other students, including freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors, will have a scholarship applied to their student account for use in the summer or fall 2020 semester.

GOOD NEWS: If you’ve already registered for summer courses, the University will match the amount of your scholarship, not to exceed the total cost of summer tuition and fees. For instance, a scholarship issued in the amount of $250 will be matched for summer, so the total toward summer tuition would be a $500 scholarship.

If you’ve not registered for summer courses, now is the time to do so in order to take advantage of the matching scholarship from UNA and to remain on track academically in order to finish your college career in four years.

Any unused Dining Dollars by July 31st will roll into the fall 2020 semester for use in the 2020/2021 academic year.

How will I know if I’m receiving a scholarship and the amount?

Students will receive an email with their eligible amount identified within the next two weeks. The scholarships will be applied as defined above without action from the student. More information will be provided within the emailed notification.

Do you have more questions? Please reach out to us at student_accounts@una.edu or by calling 256-765-4442.

If I am a graduating senior, scheduled for commencement in May, but want to take graduate classes in the summer, will the University offer the scholarship match?

Yes! Any graduating senior who prefers to take advantage of the matching scholarship opportunity should contact Student Accounts as soon as possible.

Additional Information