Georgia State is closely monitoring the situation with novel coronavirus/COVID-19 and has created a central website for updates at https://www.gsu.edu/coronavirus.
The university is canceling classes for two weeks beginning Monday, March 16, to test its teaching at a distance modules and its business continuity plan, as authorized by the University System of Georgia.
Starting Monday, March 30, all instruction will move online for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester.
To prepare and provide academic continuity, the Office of the Provost has created a guide with faculty resources for online instruction and a list of FAQs to help prepare for contingencies.
The web document, available at this link, includes a guide to resources created by Georgia State’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) to empower faculty to deliver academic material online, even if faculty have never taught online classes before. The resources are not intended to create master online teachers or courses, but provide faculty knowledge about how to create a basic online class, such as a recorded voice with slides.
There is also a list of important considerations and FAQs related to faculty, instruction and teaching at a distance, in addition to advice about how to handle student absences, other preparations in the event campuses are physically closed, and other considerations.
You can read Provost Hensel’s messages to Georgia State faculty below, in addition to messages by President Becker to students, faculty and staff.
Updates will be posted as new information is available.
— Jeremy Craig, Communications Manager, Office of the Provost
Messages from Provost Hensel to University Faculty
Tenure Clock Stoppage and Copyright Issues
Colleagues,
I know you are busy preparing to launch your remote courses in just a few short days. While none of us would have chosen these circumstances, it is impressive how our community has come together in such a short time. Because of your hard work and flexibility, we will ensure that 53,000+ students continue their education come Monday. That truly is an amazing accomplishment and could not be achieved without the phenomenal efforts of all of our faculty and staff. I am so proud of how everyone has risen to this challenge.
I continue to receive questions about our unusual circumstances and write briefly to provide new information.
Opt-In Tenure Clock Stoppage Related to the COVID-19 Emergency
The University System of Georgia offers tenure-track faculty the option to stop the tenure clock for up to two years in a limited set of circumstances. Board Policy 8.3.7.4 states that “credit for the probationary period of an interruption may be given at the discretion of the President.” Because of the unanticipated disruptions caused by COVID-19 this semester, Georgia State will allow pre-tenure faculty to apply for a one time tenure clock stoppage for the 2020-21 academic year where justified. We hope this will alleviate some of the stress that many of you are experiencing because of unanticipated instructional challenges and restricted research opportunities.
The stoppage request should originate with a memo from the faculty member to their chair. The memo should include a description of the nature of the disruption to the faculty member’s research. Examples include (but are not limited to) inability to travel to the field sites or to conduct interviews, closed labs, delays in delivery of lab equipment, delays in manuscript or grant proposal review/approval, etc. The request must be approved by the chair and the dean.
Deans should forward approved requests to the Office of Faculty Affairs for the Provost’s review. The Provost’s recommendation will be forwarded to the President, and ultimate approval will be communicated back to the Dean’s Office. Because this tenure stoppage does not require a leave of absence, no leave of absence form will be required.
Ownership of Course Materials
Some of you have raised concerns about ownership over the electronic course materials you are creating as part of our move to remote instruction. The relevant policy can be found on the CETL website at http://cetl.gsu.edu/services/instructional-support/ownership-of-digital-educational-resources/.
Per our policy, faculty typically own course materials they create for the purpose of instruction or evaluation, including syllabi, tests, course assignments, lectures, lecture notes, and other materials. However, intellectual property created with significant use of university resources (instructional design services, multimedia design or development, curricular or pedagogical consulting and project management or coordination by the university) is owned by the university.
The University does not consider courses taught remotely due to COVID-19 to be created using significant use of university resources.
Unauthorized Public Posting and Distribution of Course Materials
I have fielded concerns from faculty about the possibility that students will share electronic lectures and materials in ways that are not intended. One way to address this is to include a statement in your syllabi as follows:
“All content created in this course, including videos, handouts, etc., may be used only by students enrolled in the course for purposes relating to the course. No materials may be shared with students outside of the class or posted in any external forum. Failure to abide by these limitations constitutes a violation of the Policy on Academic Honesty and will be treated accordingly.”
Thanks, everyone. Take care and get some rest this weekend.
Sincerely,
Wendy F. Hensel
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Assessments and Grading
Colleagues,
As we move toward launch of online classes Monday, you no doubt have many questions about recent events as well as assessment and grading. Below you will find important information on all of these topics.
Stay Home Order by the City of Atlanta
Many of you have asked whether the new “Stay Home” order issued by the City of Atlanta affects our operations. It does not. We are identified as an essential business under the order and can continue operating, albeit on the significantly reduced staffing model that we already have in place. For those of you still working on campus, I strongly encourage you to consider your own risk level and your ability to work remotely. Safety is the priority.
Assessment Strategy
As we move closer to launching online classes, a key question is how we will conduct assessment in this atypical environment. Some assignments are no longer possible, and some are no longer reasonable in light of what we are collectively facing. We must be flexible not only in developing assessments but also in how we grade them.
1. Alternate Testing Strategies
In light of the limitations we are experiencing this semester, it is important that you consider whether your assessment strategy is realistic and still aligns with your course objectives. CETL has created numerous resources to help you rethink your exam strategies. I strongly encourage you to read about them on our new Testing section of the Keep Teaching site. CETL has also provided extensive details on how to set up your exams in iCollege. Because online learning is new for many of your students, it will be important to provide early assessment opportunities that are low risk for students. These will help you identify quickly which students are engaged and comfortable interacting in the new class environment, allowing you to intervene as necessary.
Talk to your colleagues to find out what assessments they have successfully used online or are willing to share. As I have said before, this is an excellent time to work together so that no one must recreate the wheel. You can connect with your colleagues virtually to share teaching ideas and strategies, and provide support in Virtual Faculty Teaching and Learning Communities.
2. Proctored exams
There are very limited options for proctored exams this semester. In person proctoring will not be an option. All testing will be done remotely, and testing will need to be conducted asynchronously except in rare exceptions. Live proctoring through vendors such as ProctorU will not be available because of the increased demand from universities around the country.
We have two online proctoring tools that are available within iCollege that you can use in your classes. Respondus Lock Down Browser blocks the student from using any other browser windows or applications on their computer during testing. Respondus Monitor records a video of the student using the student’s webcam that can be reviewed by an instructor if cheating is suspected.
3. Grading
Just as you are encouraged to consider which assessments you administer this semester, I urge you to consider how you will grade student performance. This is not business as usual, and our expectations as instructors must shift accordingly. Many of you are teaching in an online setting for the first time and will be learning along with your students. We all know that the road is likely to be bumpy and imperfect – these are not ideal conditions. Your students have experienced serious disruption in their lives and may encounter inadequate technology, financial exigencies, and other barriers to effective learning. We need to be thoughtful, flexible, and above all, compassionate toward our students and ourselves as we navigate these uncharted waters together.
Each instructor has a great deal of discretion in how he or she grades each individual course. As you consider what typically would be an “A” to “F” performance, you should take into account the context in which we are operating. What may seem like below average performance in normal times may reflect real achievement under the circumstances. You have the discretion to grade accordingly.
We do ask that you do your very best to assign a final grade in the normal grading period for the Spring term. To help you, we have extended the grade submission deadline to Monday, May 11 at noon. This will give faculty longer to assess new possible examination styles and provide final grades. We will also delay Degree Conferral to ensure colleges have enough time to complete graduation verification processes.
As is always the case, when grading, a good rubric helps. CETL has created rubric recommendations that align with the 10 assessment strategies identified above. Popular rubrics such as the AAC&U Value rubrics can be easily adapted for any type of instruction. Also, you may consider a more holistic rubric that focuses on basic expectations (exceeds, meets, or does not meet).
4. Use of Incomplete
While there may be a temptation simply to assign final grades of “Incomplete” for some students, the University Registrar has extended the length of the grading period in part to discourage this practice. Incompletes can have substantial negative impacts on students. They can postpone graduation/degree conferral for graduating students, impact eligibility for HOPE scholarships and federal financial aid, and stop students’ progression in their academic programs when courses serve as prerequisites to other degree requirements. Incompletes should only been assigned in extenuating circumstances as outlined in the policy: Incomplete Grade Policy and Form.
5. Exam Schedule
We will not hold any in-person final exams this semester. Because of challenging logistical issues, nearly all online final exams must be administered asynchronously. In rare cases, classes that must hold synchronous examinations because of accreditation or transfer requirements can do so with the permission of the dean of their college or school. The revised final examination schedule and instructions on format is available in the Keep Teaching website.
Expanded Period to Withdraw Without Penalty
Because students did not elect to take online courses and may experience serious learning challenges, we are expanding the deadline to withdraw and receive a “W” rather than “WF” for up to two classes until April 17. Students will be required to consult with advisors to ensure that their path to graduation stays on track and there are no financial aid implications. Details on the application of this process for students will be forthcoming. Please note that due to these unforeseen circumstances, all W grades for the Spring 2020 semester will be exempt from the institutional W limit of six in a student’s academic career.
Resources for Our Students
Although I brought this to your attention before, it is worth doing so again. We have assembled many resources for your students, including online readiness checklists, links to academic support services and help for technology challenges on www.gsu.edu/keeplearning . Please refer your students to this website. If your students still do not have access to adequate technology for remote learning, we may be able to help. There is a link under “internet and devices” to request assistance.
As always, thanks for your work on all of these issues. I will keep you posted as new information develops.
Best,
Wendy Hensel
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Latest Information for Faculty and Staff on Teaching and Research
Colleagues,
As you heard from President Becker on Monday, the University System of Georgia has officially moved all classes for the remainder of the semester to an online format. Fortunately, we have been working hard over the last several weeks to prepare for this transition. I am writing to provide you with updates about research and instruction going forward.
Research Operations
The paramount goal of the USG is to protect the public health. As our peer institutions have done to ensure the safety and security of their labs, we will be winding down all non-essential on-campus research. Limited, critical work to maintain living organisms, unique reagents and essential equipment will continue, and research related to COVID-19 will be exempted.
Principal investigators should prepare to halt on-campus research activities by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20. Faculty should develop a plan to wind down their labs as soon as possible and share it with their teams. The Research and Environmental Safety team has created a Laboratory Extended Closure Checklist for Atlanta Campus and Perimeter Campus investigators and staff available here: https://ursa.research.gsu.edu/laboratory-ennvironmental-safety/laboratory-opening-closeout-procedures/.
Research administrative operations, including meetings of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), will continue remotely. Georgia State’s college grants administrators and the Office of Sponsored Proposals and Awards are available to answer grant-related questions and continue with grant submissions and management. The National Institutes of Health has indicated that they will be accommodating (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/natural_disasters/corona-virus.htm), and we expect other funders to follow their example.
We understand that these measures will be disruptive to faculty scholarship, but we must consider safety first and foremost. To provide additional guidance during this period, we will be updating our research FAQs at www.gsu.edu/coronavirus and will post new information to address issues as they arise. Investigators are encouraged to reach out to their Deans, Directors or Chairs with questions.
Faculty with research obligations are encouraged to continue with research activities remotely to the extent possible. Activities such as data analysis, manuscript development and new grant submissions can and should continue, and graduate research assistants may support faculty in remote work.
Teaching Online
Last week, I announced the plan to ensure all faculty members teaching spring semester are ready to launch online classes starting March 30. We have since identified five steps that must be completed within the next two weeks, including revising your syllabus, posting materials for two class periods, and building a quiz or assessment. By now, all faculty should have met virtually with department chairs to identify deadlines and communication protocols that will help us ensure we are ready to launch as expected. You can find all of these materials at www.gsu.edu/keepteaching.
Faculty, your students will be waiting to receive instructions from you about next steps this semester, and it is important that you meet the deadlines identified.
Support for Faculty
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is transitioning from in-person support to fully online support in order to follow the CDC guidelines and recommendations regarding social distancing. You can be assured that despite this change, CETL is ready to support you. CETL has a robust schedule of webinars and drop-in online support using WebEx, where you can get personalized help. Equipment checkout (laptops, webcams, document cameras, digital writing tablets) for faculty will be available on Friday, March 20th from 9am-noon at the Atlanta campus CETL. Walk-in instructional support will not be offered during this time. The calendar and equipment checkout is available at https://cetl.gsu.edu/.
Everyone also should subscribe to CETL’s Status Page at https://status.gsu.edu for updated information about the operational status of learning systems and other technology resources. Any outages or issues will be noted here, including information regarding issue resolutions.
Support for Our Students
Just as it is difficult for many of you to transition to online instruction, the same can be said for many of our students. We are working on a comprehensive site, www.gsu.edu/keeplearning, that identifies resources for students on such topics as academic support, technical help, health and wellness, among others. I encourage you to become familiar with this site so that you can direct your students to these resources.
Student Evaluation of Instructors
In light of the rapid changes and disruptions that are occurring with COVID-19, the university has decided to suspend all student evaluations for spring semester. Going forward with evaluations at this time would lead to anomalies and skew results, making the data unusable. Be assured that the absence of evaluations this semester will not play a role in any Promotion or Tenure materials or impact contract renewal for term faculty.
Library Services
The University Library is committed to partnering with faculty, staff, and students in this transition to online learning. The physical library facilities will be closed at the end of business of Wednesday, March 18. However, all of the online databases, journals, streaming videos, and e-books that the Library subscribes to remain available. The Library’s FAQ provides answers to commonly asked questions, Research Guides continue to provide help with research projects, and library personnel are staffing chat reference to answer specific questions.
The Library home page at library.gsu.edu highlights these services. Additionally, the Library has compiled a quick guide to tools and resources that may be of particular use for teaching and learning online at research.library.gsu.edu/onlineteaching. Subject and campus librarians, listed at library.gsu.edu/services-and-spaces/research-services/librarians, are the first line of contact for personalized faculty assistance or to request an e-books or streaming video purchase.
Thank you once again for all of your hard work and flexibility as we move forward into uncharted waters. President Becker and I greatly appreciate your efforts to create the best possible experience for our students, staff, and faculty despite this unprecedented situation and will keep you informed as new information becomes available.
Best,
Wendy Hensel
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Important Information for Faculty on Next Steps
Colleagues,
There is much to tell you about and much to do to prepare for the days ahead as we continue to respond to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 virus.
First, I want to express my extreme appreciation for the collaboration and teamwork I have witnessed across the university these last two weeks. What we have asked you to do is not easy. We are in an unprecedented situation that is challenging every one of us on both a professional and personal level. I am deeply grateful for the work so many have done so quickly to rise to the occasion. Our community is truly remarkable, and your efforts speak volumes about how much we care about our students, each other and this university.
Campus is Open
As the President’s note stated, our campuses are closed to students and the public for the next two weeks, but the university remains open to faculty and staff. Faculty will have access to their offices and researchers may continue to work on most projects in the lab.
Online Instruction
All faculty who are teaching this semester must be prepared to take their course online beginning on Monday, March 30, for the remainder of the semester. While social distancing may not be required for the entire semester, we must plan for the distinct possibility that it will be. We have two weeks to get ready. Because our ability to carry on with instruction depends on the actions of each individual faculty member, everyone must play their part and be held accountable. This is not business as usual, and what typically would be phrased as suggestions or requests will be stated as hard deadlines and requirements that are not negotiable. My apologies in advance, but this is absolutely necessary to meet the challenge we are facing.
- Everyone should have completed a test module by the end of today to ensure you have the equipment and technology that will be necessary for remote instruction. If you have not done so, you need to complete this work immediately.
- Within the next two weeks, you will be required to:
- Redesign your course syllabus with the assumption of teaching at a distance for the remainder of the semester;
- Upload content for two complete class sessions; and
- Complete at least one assessment for your redesigned course.
I will provide more detail on Monday after consulting with department chairs and deans. However, I wanted to give you notice in advance so you can begin planning. This is a great time to talk with colleagues who teach the same course to explore what materials you can share or work on together. We do not need to reinvent the wheel. We need to meet tight deadlines to ensure continuity of instruction.
Teaching Support:
There is no doubt this is hard, and I share your frustration that we are working on a compressed timeline. We are providing as many supports as we can to help you meet these demands. CETL is offering enhanced walk-in support and online webinars to help faculty prepare their materials for online teaching. You can find an updated calendar of these events on the CETL website. New sessions will be added as needed. We have provided streamlined instructions on creating and uploading simple narrated content, including the ability to add captioning on our Keep Teaching website: www.gsu.edu/keepteaching. This site links to our Quickstart Guide, FAQs and options for help. A guide for students has now been added as well at www.gsu.edu/keeplearning.
You have people at the ready to help and support you as challenges arise. Faculty can get assistance from CETL’s Technology Service Desk on the web, through email ([email protected]) or by phone, 404-413-HELP (4357). CETL has ordered webcams, documents cameras and digital writing tablets for those of you who need this technology. Many have been distributed through your colleges and schools, but we are ordering additional items as necessary.
Calls for Proposals:
The deadlines to respond to the two Calls for Proposals relating to the creation of online certificates and Master Courses are coming up rapidly. Everyone already has enough on their plates, and I am postponing the due date for both until April 1.
I will continue to send updates to you about this rapidly evolving situation as information becomes available. In the meantime, thank you so much for all of your efforts. They are noted and extremely appreciated. There is no doubt that these are unusual times. I firmly believe that together, we can do this.
Best,
Wendy Hensel
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Messages from President Becker to Students, Faculty and Staff
Online instruction, teleworking, campus services/operations, student employees
STAFF & FACULTY
Our business continuity plan continues to evolve as we adapt to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We already are seeing the resilience of our university and appreciate all of the efforts taking place across our campuses. Thank you for your understanding and support, and the daily contributions you make to the success of Georgia State.
Here are important elements of our plan that inform our work for the coming weeks, and likely months.
HELP WITH THE TRANSITION TO ONLINE TOOLS
During this period of transition to online learning, teaching and work, the university continues to expand resources and support to help make sure everyone can make the most of available tools. Remember to check these websites to get the latest information on tools for students, faculty and staff and to get help if you encounter a challenge. Note that Webex, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, iCollege and Office 365 Email are available from off-campus via the Web and do not require the VPN, as is the case with most online systems.
- Learning Online: www.gsu.edu/keeplearning
- Teaching Online: www.gsu.edu/keepteaching
- Working Online: www.gsu.edu/keepworking
- System information is online at status.gsu.edu
ON-CAMPUS OPERATIONS
Our campuses are open with very limited in-person services. Faculty and administrators can continue to use their respective on-campus offices to the extent that social distancing protocols are followed.
The following on-campus operations are continuing:
- Care for students who must remain in our on-campus residence halls because they have no other option for housing.
- Limited dining options to support those students who are remaining on campus.
Services for students at the Atlanta Campus Student Health Clinic. - IT support for our academic support systems, core business functions, email and other systems needed to support our operations.
- Access to loaned IT devices and WiFi for students who may not otherwise have the tools to do their online coursework.
- Deployment of essential personnel to maintain core campus infrastructure and core institutional functions at minimal levels including, but not limited to, research facilities, lab safety and animal care.
- Mail service. Finance and Administration is working with each of the colleges, schools and vice-presidential units to develop a mail delivery, building access and delivery receipt (for example, UPS, FedEx) plan that meets their respective needs.
Important:
Please ensure you have your PantherCard with you at all times if you are going to your office or lab. Many buildings are locked, and you may not be able to enter without it.
CAMPUS SERVICES
The university is committed to maintaining essential services on all our campuses in a manner that protects all members of our community.
- University Police have modified officers’ roles and assignments to best protect members of our community and university resources during this time of altered campus operations.
- University parking lots and decks are set to automatic opening for faculty and staff. University Police have increased patrols in lots and decks.
- Building Services in Facilities Management is deep cleaning and sanitizing areas and surfaces in buildings on all campuses. This will include work surfaces, keyboards, arm rests, office, classroom and lab doors and door handles, parking decks, stairway railings, elevators and restrooms.
- Online databases, journals, streaming videos and e-books remain available in University Libraries. The physical libraries are closed.
- Parking and Recreation Center payroll deductions for faculty and staff are suspended for the months of March and April.
TELEWORKING
The majority of our faculty and staff members are teleworking or using other remote work arrangements. Those people who are physically on campus to provide essential services to sustain service, safety and compliance are working on flexible schedules that reduce the number of employees on our campuses.
Department chairs and supervisors also have been directed to be as flexible as possible with work-from-home assignments. In addition to performing essential work from a distance, this is a good time to address projects and programs that have not been addressed in the crush of day-to-day priority activities to serve students, faculty and staff.
It is important that supervisors and staff, as well as department chairs and faculty, stay connected and in close communication during their absence from our campuses. Daily or weekly calls – one-on-one and teams – are strongly encouraged; for example, visit www.gsu.edu/keepworking to learn how to use Webex as a collaboration and meeting tool.
Work-from-home assignments might include the following:
- Continuance of essential work.
- Continuance of academic and administrative work, including writing of manuscripts, new grant submissions, supporting documents, data analysis, contingency planning for Maymester and the summer, identifying new or altered priorities and planning accordingly, etc.
- Opportunities to improve technical skills through online courses and webinars, perhaps taking online certification courses where appropriate.
- Professional development through online content related to a department’s work, for example, Coursera, TedTalks and YouTube content that is informative and educational in the subject area.
- Special projects that may have taken a back seat to other priorities in a unit.
Review of department policies to ensure they are up to date, and to identify policy gaps. - Development or review of a department’s standard operating procedures and identification of opportunities for process improvements.
STUDENT EMPLOYEES
Graduate assistants of any type should only be on campus when supervisors determine their presence is absolutely mission critical, such as those who may need access to teach online. Most graduate assistants should be provided with responsibilities that can be completed off-campus. For all graduate assistants not reporting to campus, please provide remote working opportunities. Graduate assistants who continue to work will be provided their monthly stipend. Supervisors should contact their graduate assistants to discuss work responsibilities and may be flexible in assigning responsibilities that support faculty in remote work.
Student assistants, either undergraduate or graduate, may also be provided with responsibilities that can be completed off-campus. Student assistants who continue to work will be paid. Supervisors should contact their student assistants to discuss their work responsibilities and are encouraged to be flexible in assigning responsibilities that support the area to which they report.
Mark Becker
President
Office of the President
Out of an abundance of caution, Georgia State University is making the university community aware of the following situation related to COVID-19:
A staff member who works in the Robinson College of Business was confirmed yesterday (March 19) to have tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last on the Atlanta Campus on March 12. The employee is being treated at a local hospital. The Robinson College administration has contacted individuals who may have been in proximity to the staff member.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, it is mandatory for those who have been exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 to self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of notification.
Health officials are taking precautionary measures to quickly identify cases of COVID-19 and take appropriate public health action to reduce its spread and protect the public in identifying potential contacts.
The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus, including COVID-19, are:
- Adhere to social distancing practices and CDC guidance regarding groups and group activity.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
It is important that each of us pay close attention to our overall health, and to any COVID-19 symptoms that may arise. COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19 and develop those symptoms, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care center and describe your symptoms.
For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19, log on to: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov. Monitor Georgia State’s Coronavirus website for updates.
Mark Becker
President
Office of the President
To the university community:
Beginning March 30, Georgia State University will teach all classes solely online for the remainder of the spring semester, in accordance with guidance from the University System of Georgia. Members of the faculty have been working diligently to prepare for this development and are committed to continuing to provide students with a high-quality educational experience in the face of these challenging circumstances. In the days ahead, we will communicate about academic and technical supports for students to help them with the transition to online classes.
The Georgia State campuses remain closed to students and the public. University Housing will communicate directly with those residential students who have already left campus regarding when and how they will be able to retrieve their belongings from residence halls. The university is working on a plan to provide prorated refunds to students in housing and those with meal plans who have left the residence halls. Accommodations will continue to be made for those students unable to return to their homes.
We will continue to update our university community through email and our website as new information becomes available. I urge you to rely on university communications as your trusted and accurate source of information throughout this public health emergency. Social media, news media and other channels of communication do not have the most accurate and current information about Georgia State, and therefore during this particularly fluid time it is critically important that you rely on official communications for actionable information.
I deeply appreciate your understanding and support as our university addresses the challenges presented by this pandemic. Many of you are managing significant changes in your personal lives and at the same time are working to assure Georgia State’s transition to online education is as smooth as possible. Our greatest strength is our people, and together we will see to it that Georgia State emerges on the other side of this public health emergency stronger and better prepared for the future.
Mark Becker
President