University of Georgia
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Important Message for Parents/Guardians

Date:
Posted on
To:
  • UGA Parents
From:
  • Jere W. Morehead, University President
  • Victor K. Wilson, Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear UGA Parent/Guardian,

As you may have heard from your student, the University System of Georgia announced yesterday that—effective Monday, March 16, 2020—all USG institutions will temporarily suspend instruction for two weeks to assess the current situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) and to prepare for continued instruction when appropriate.

We continue to keep the health and wellbeing of your student as our top priority.

As you know, UGA students have been away from campus on Spring Break this past week. As Spring Break concludes, students are strongly encouraged to stay or return home rather than return to campus. University Housing residents currently on campus are asked to depart housing facilities by the close of business today, Friday, March 13, 2020. All students should plan to remain away from campus until March 29, 2020. At this time, residents do not need to prepare to move all belongings out of their residence hall/apartment.

We are opening our residence halls on a limited basis for those who need temporary access to retrieve books or a small amount of belongings during the following times:

  • Friday, March 13: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 14: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 15: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Monday, March 16: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 17: 8 a.m. to noon.

Although most residents are able to remain or return to their permanent home, we know there may be extenuating circumstances for some students preventing them from being able to leave campus by Friday, March 13, if at all. University Housing residents who have no other housing option and who have registered their need with University Housing will be permitted to remain on campus. To register to remain in on-campus housing due to an extenuating circumstance, your student should complete the registration form no later than March 16.

Students may expect further communication about available student services and student support and care. University Housing residents should expect additional communication with specific instructions,
as well.

Please ask your student to pay close attention to their email inboxes and to refer to https://www.uga.edu/coronavirus/info.php for the most up-to-date information about campus services, class, and ongoing developments.

Even during the temporary suspension, the excellent professionals at the University Health Center will continue to serve as a resource for students who are unsure as to how best to seek medical assistance. Please ask your student to refer to previous ArchNews emails from the University for guidance on monitoring their own health and seeking assistance and support, particularly for those students who have traveled this week.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work diligently to support your student, ensuring their health and safety first, and resuming their class instruction at the appropriate time. While we realize that this evolving situation is challenging for everyone, we must all continue to work together in the best interests of our students, and for the health and safety of our community.