By Jenna Ingalls |Staff writerIn the most recent town hall, Provost Gretchen Caughman announced that Augusta University will be following contingency plan No. 1 for the fall reopening.“Contingency plan one is that fall classes will begin with full social-distancing expectations,” said Caughman on Friday, July 26.There are also plans in place to start the semester fully online and to move courses online if needed.The Fall 2020 semester starts on Aug. 1.Each dean was asked to create plans of social distancing expectations and how it will look specific to the department. Some classes will have a harder time following social distancing guidelines, said Zack Kelehear, vice provost for instruction, noting the intimate nature of labs. Although the university is hoping for more face-to-face classes, whether or not the course is online or hybrid is up to the individual professor.The general guidelines for the university include maintaining social distancing when able and encouraging the use of face masks.Although face masks cannot be required, the university is providing all students, faculty and staff two reusable masks. The plan for distributing the masks has not yet been released.“Everyone has a mask that they can use which we strongly, strongly suggest,” said Caughman.The Division of Facilities Services has been working to create an environment that supports social distancing. This includes removing and rearranging seating throughout the university and marking appropriate distancing on the floor. Plexiglass is being ordered for areas with close range interactions, like walk up desks.“Some of these products are in limited quantity so we are still at the mercy of the supply chain to a great extent, but we are successful in getting what is needed so far,” said Caughman.There will be an increase in sanitization stations around the university, and will be frequently refilled according to Caughman. Computer labs will have wipes so students are able to sanitize their computers.“We know we have many classrooms that do not allow full attendance given social distancing protocol,” said Kelehear.Because of this, the Desire to Learn software is going to be a major part of the online classroom this semester. If students do not have access to the technology they need to succeed, the university has the means to provide it on request.Resident halls will be opened this fall, with move-ins starting Aug. 3. Instead of the traditional move-in day, students will gradually move in throughout the week, similarly to how they moved out in the fall. The dining hall is set to reopen with social distancing and limited occupancy. There are plans to move to carry-out dining only if needed. The recreation center will reopen July 1 with social distancing and limited hours.Caughman also announced that AU employees will not face furloughs during the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1. The University System of Georgia has approved AU's budget proposal for FY 2021.
Contact Jenna Ingalls at JEINGALLS@augusta.edu.