Campus Message - March 19, 2020

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19 March 2020

Dear Blazer Family,

As many of you know, my favorite days of every year are Commencement days. The greatest joy I have as your President is handing out degrees as our graduates celebrate their amazing accomplishment with classmates, family and friends.

And so, it is with deep sadness that we share the University System of Georgia has announced Spring Commencement ceremonies have been canceled for all 26 USG institutions, including VSU. I know how much our graduates have longed for this day, and I am truly sorry that this decision became necessary. That said, our top priority must be the health, safety, and wellbeing of all members of our VSU community, especially during these challenging times.

Following the successful completion of academic requirements, diplomas will be mailed directly to all VSU graduates. We are also looking for an alternative way to celebrate this year’s special group of graduates. A special announcement regarding that celebration will be coming soon.

For now, please know that all of us in Blazer Nation are extremely proud of our graduates and their accomplishments. For many of you, completing a college degree changes not only your life, but the lives of your entire family for generations to come. Be proud of that, and know that your faculty and staff, your loved ones, and I are all proud of you!

Go Blazers!

Dr. Richard Carvajal

REPORT HEALTH CONCERNS

Key term: Close Contact - this is defined as being within six (6) feet of an individual for more than 15 minutes regardless of whether a face covering is worn.

EMPLOYEES DO NOT come on campus if you believe you have been in close contact with a person having COVID or yourself having symptoms or receiving a positive diagnosis. Instead, notify your supervisor of your absence, seek medical services from your primary care provider, and self-report your information by completing the online form or contacting HR directly at 229-333-5709.

STUDENTS DO NOT come on campus nor go directly to the Student Health Center if you believe you have been exposed to COVID. Instead, call the Health Services at 229-333-5886 to speak with a triage nurse over the phone. Additional guidance will be provided on how to access the health center facility. The health center remains open for walk-in patients with non-COVID medical needs.

Members of the campus community should report all instances of close contact with a person having COVID or themselves receiving a positive diagnosis of COVID. To assist with reporting, a COVID Self Reporting link has been added within MyVSU.

If you have been instructed to self-isolate or quarantine, you should do so at your permanent home for the period given unless it should be extended due to remaining symptoms.

Report a Social Distance Concern