University of Georgia
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Information for Students

Read “Spring 2021 Instruction and COVID-19 Related ADA Accommodations Requests,” a message from S. Jack Hu, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, and Rahul Shrivastav, Vice President for Instruction.

 

We know you have questions, and we are working provide the information you need. See the links below, check your email regularly and check this site often to stay informed.

News You Need

  • Daily Class Schedule

    The Daily Class Schedule will be adjusted to add five minutes between classes to allow you additional time to walk between classes, should you choose to do so. Campus Transit buses will be operational but with social distancing measures in place that will limit passenger capacity. More details about the adjusted class schedule and Campus Transit service will be released in the coming weeks.

  • In-Person Instruction Concludes at Thanksgiving Break

    In-person instruction will conclude at Thanksgiving Break, with all remaining coursework and final exams moving online following Thanksgiving. The calendar for online final examinations will remain as previously set, December 11–17. The University will remain open after Thanksgiving Break and will continue providing regular campus operations and student life services—such as housing, dining, health/wellness centers, and campus transit—until the end of the Fall Semester.

Campus Information

  • University Bookstore

    We are excited to welcome you to UGA. Remember to get your textbooks and materials for your classes. Be sure to include everything you need for the fall semester including supplies, tech, and gear.  Our campus store is open and our team is available to help you locate the books you need. Click to view our store hours, and please be mindful that wearing a face covering in our store is required at all times. Coming into town for the first time and want to check out our store? Click to see our virtual tour. 

  • Housing

    The health and wellbeing of residents is University Housing’s highest priority. We have revised to our rigorous cleaning protocols, increased the frequency of touchpoint disinfection and added soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, hand sanitation stations and sanitizing wipe dispensers in all buildings. Moreover, we will remind residents that a healthy environment is their responsibility, too. Habits such as wearing masks, staying six feet apart, limiting visitors and washing hands will be crucial to preventing illness from spreading. Every small act is a reminder that we’re in this together.

  • Dining Services

    To ensure you have a safe and healthy experience as you return to campus or start your first semester at UGA, Dining Services is temporarily adjusting our dining procedures. We are introducing a new online ordering program, to-go options, and a reservation system to adhere to proper social distancing guidelines. During this period of temporary dining adjustments, residential dining locations will be open for meal plan participants only. Those using credit/debit, Paw Points, or Bulldog Bucks to purchase food may do so at our retail dining locations. 

    Learn more about the safety and sanitation measures we are taking to keep UGA Dawg Strong this fall by watching our videos on residential and retail dining.

    Please note the videos are intended to be an example of our temporarily adjusted procedures and were filmed with a small group of people to adhere to Phase 1 reopening guidelines in place at the time of filming. 

  • Face Coverings

    Effective July 15, 2020, the University of Georgia—along with all University System of Georgia (USG) institutions—will require all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not always be possible.  Face covering use will be in addition to and is not a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings will not be required when alone in an enclosed office or study room, in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met, or for students in their own residence hall rooms or suites. Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or must leave the area.  Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff, or students. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons; employees seeking such an accommodation should follow the ADA accommodations process outlined in the July 7 campus message while students should follow the Disability Resource Center’s existing accommodations process.

  • Self-Monitoring

    UGA students, faculty and staff are required to self-assess (check for symptoms) for COVID-19 every day before coming to campus as outlined in the return to campus modules. To this end, UGA has provided a digital thermometer to all faculty, staff and students, as well as two (2) reusable and washable cloth face coverings.

    DawgCheck is a tool to help you check your symptoms and provide guidance to support your health and safety as well as the health and safety of the UGA community. DawgCheck consists of a reporting function which must be used by anyone who has received a positive COVID-19 test result, as well as a symptom checking tool which we strongly encourage everyone to use before coming to campus or leaving your residence hall in the morning.

    You can also view the COVID-19 self-assessment graphic to check your symptoms.

    For more information about DawgCheck, visit dawgcheck.uga.edu/support.

  • Transportation & Parking Services

    Transportation and Parking Services is working carefully to ensure we all return to a safe and healthy environment. This includes focusing on cleaning, social distancing, employee safety, and alternative transportation options. Learn more about the safety and sanitation measures we are taking to keep UGA Dawg Strong this fall by watching this short video.

    Please note the videos are intended to be an example of our temporarily adjusted procedures and were filmed with a small group of people to adhere to Phase 1 reopening guidelines in place at the time of filming. 

Instruction Info

  • Advising at a Distance

    Just because you’re not on campus doesn’t mean you can’t connect with your adviser. The Advising at a Distance guide offers instructions for remote advising and resources for registration, accessing your advising plan and a directory of offices ready to assist you.

  • Disability Resource Center

    The Disability Resource Center continues to support its students while instruction is online. Information about assistive technology resources, connecting with your coordinator, and accessing services from home is available on their website.

  • Experiential Learning

    We know the pandemic has significantly affected your ability to complete experiential learning requirements and you may have questions about non-traditional coursework. The Experiential Learning at a Distance page connects you with information about service-learning, experiential learning and CURO.

  • Social Distancing in the Classroom

    Classes will be taught face-to-face with social distancing. This will look different, depending upon classes and subject areas. For example, in some cases, students will attend every session in person but will meet with their professor online for office hours. In other cases, some students will attend class in-person with others attending online, typically by rotation; and in yet others, faculty may deliver online lectures with in-person breakout sessions. A variety of options are available, and faculty members will use the approach or approaches best suited to their classes.

  • University Libraries

    Did you know you can still access ebooks, articles, journals, special collections and other library resources while you’re study at home? Chat online with a librarian for research help and learn more about library resources on the COVID-19 section of the University Libraries website.

Health & Wellness

  • DawgCheck

    Immediate self-reporting is critical to help us assess and respond to risks and exposures on campus. With DawgCheck, track symptoms related to COVID-19 daily and report a positive COVID-19 test. No symptoms? Great! But still respond to the survey every day before you leave your home or dorm.

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  • BeWellUGA at Home

    The trained dietitians, mindfulness instructors, wellness coaches, health educators, and clinicians at the University Health Center, as well as other campus partners, are here to support your wellbeing no matter how far from campus you are. They will share ways to stay organized; strategies to wake up feeling rested; and live virtual sessions on mindfulness, yoga, mental wellbeing, and stress reduction, among other topics.

  • Mental Health for Students

    As UGA continues with remote learning, CAPS is still open and available to our students. If you need to speak to someone, we encourage you to call CAPS at 706-542-2273. We offer Telebehavioral Health services for UGA students. Staff are available to answer questions and to set-up free screenings during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm).

    CAPS remains available for crisis services during business hours and after-hours (available via UGA Police, 706-542-2222). You can also access additional crisis services here.

    Additional FREE support to students who may be experiencing anxiety or stress:

    • Georgia Crisis & Access Line, 1-800-715-4225
    • BetterHelp (UGA United Healthcare Student Insurance) — Students can find more information at www.counseling4students.com. BetterHelp Customer Service can be contacted at contact@betterhelp.com.
    • Optum’s toll-free help line, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. 

  • Recreational Sports

    Have COVID-19, quarantine and working from home caused you to be less active and more stressed? Now it is more important than ever to take care of your mental and physical wellbeing. We all know that exercise benefits our strength and cardiovascular function, but did you also know that regular exercise can boost your immune system, fight depression and anxiety, give you more energy and help you sleep better?   

    If you are ready for better health and wellness, the department of recreational sports is committed to helping you. To better serve the UGA community, new outdoor and virtual fitness options are now available in addition to our in-house options. 

    Read more about Rec Sports Fitness options.

    Follow UGA Recreational Sports on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for at-home workouts, mindful activities, fitness challenges, UGA-themed exercises, and live and pre-recorded group fitness sessions. All members of the University community are invited participate.

Campus Support

  • Student Affairs

    Student Affairs continues to provide countless learning, development, and support opportunities that inspire students to lead, discover, and serve. Student Affairs spans the student experience, including housing and residential life, health and well-being, student and cultural centers, campus activities, student organizations, accessibility, student conduct, and more.

  • Student Care & Outreach

    Student Care and Outreach is the hub of care and support at UGA, coordinating care and assistance for all students, undergraduate and graduate, by providing individualized assistance and tailored interventions. SCO helps students get connected to the resources that best address their needs, whether they are related to academics, social life, or health and wellness.

Travel & Study Abroad

  • Exchange Programs Status

    UGA Outbound Exchange Programs

    The status of Fall 2020 outbound UGA Exchange Program participation is currently undergoing a review given the COVID-19 pandemic and potential impact on health abroad. Additional information regarding the program status, current immigration restrictions for students, as well as calendar changes and/or teaching format has been sought from our UGA Exchange Partner Institutions and will be taken into consideration as UGA further evaluates the feasibility of each individual program location. Should a program be canceled, OGE will work with impacted students and host universities institutions to defer participation to Spring 2021 where feasible.

    Incoming International Exchange Programs

    Incoming exchange students are still being welcomed to attend University of Georgia as long as their program has not been cancelled by their home university. Travel to the US will be dependent on immigration services – for more information, please visit https://globalengagement.uga.edu/immigration for updated FAQ regarding immigration status and services at UGA.

    Non-UGA Programs

    Please note that Non-UGA programs are external to UGA, and therefore are not affected by UGA program cancellations. If your program provider is still continuing operations (in-person or virtually), you may continue your participation with your Non-UGA program. We ask that you carefully consider your decision and consult with your program provider and the advice of the State Department and CDC, especially if you have certain respiratory or immune deficiencies.

    Any questions in regards to your program continuation, contingency plans for academics, or program refunds should be directed to your program provider.

    Please keep your Global Education Advisor up to date with any changes in your program plans or if you decide to withdraw and update your program itinerary in the StudyAway Portal with any travel changes.

Orientation

  • Online Orientation

    All of our new students are required to attend an Orientation session before enrolling in your courses. We have built an online program that ensures you will start your new adventure on the right foot.

Additional Resources for Students

  • Recreational Sports and the Ramsey Student Center

    For complete information about Rec Sports programming and facility guidelines, please check out our Know Before You Go website. This page is designed to provide members with detailed descriptions of programming and facility changes as well as health and safety guidelines for patrons.  The fall semester hours of operation for the Ramsey Student Center and Pound […]

  • International Student Orientation

    The online International Student Orientation program is free to all incoming international students and covers a wide-range of topics focused on making your transition to UGA and the U.S. a successful one!

  • Campus Operations

    Throughout the University of Georgia’s (UGA) response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UGA has remained focused on the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students. This commitment has never wavered, and it remains a guiding tenet.

  • Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) Fund

    The federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided financial resources to colleges and universities. The resources available through the Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) Fund allow universities to distribute grants to students in need to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athletics

Campus Information

The standard sizes advertised and made by FMD are 24”X30”, 36”X30” and 48”X30”.  Some custom installations are also available at the units’ request based on the specific needs of their faculty, staff and students which also determines the type, size, use and location of the plexiglass barriers.

If neither the standard nor custom units are acceptable, please notify the Preventative Measures Advisory Board (PMAB) for further assistance by email at pmab@uga.edu or through the PMAB Help Desk.

Plexiglass barriers, also known as “sneeze guards,” reduce the chance of direct person-to-person droplet transmission.  Plexiglass barriers are a supplemental measure and do not replace the need for wearing a face covering and social distancing.  More information about plexiglass barriers can be found here.

The information you provide as a participant in surveillance testing, as well as your test results, is considered “sensitive information” under the University’s data protection policies and is protected by federal privacy laws.  This information will only be accessible by authorized University employees with a need to know. This information will also be shared safely and securely with the Georgia Department of Public Health to help facilitate contact tracing.

Read more about how the Department of Public Health Facilitates contact tracing.

Yes.  If you are being quarantined for potential exposure or if you are showing signs of illness, then we ask that you provide that information to our communications center when you contact the police department to request assistance.  If possible, we will evaluate if we can provide the requested service remotely, i.e. taking a report over the phone.  If not, our officers have the necessary protective equipment and training to safely respond in person to assist you.

Officers at the UGA Police Department have been adhering to social distancing and mask protocols recommended by the CDC.  The department has taken significant steps to increase our sanitation standards during this outbreak and officers have been directed not to report to work if they are feeling ill.  Our officers have been given guidance to self-quarantine if they have been exposed or if they are showing signs of illness.

No.  As part of steps taken to prevent the spread of illness, officers have been instructed to wear protective equipment whenever they deem it is necessary to keep them and our public safe.  Our officers have been instructed, when in doubt, to wear protective equipment for their safety.  Protective equipment will now be part of a standard response protocol.

High quality CPR includes both chest compressions and breaths using a CPR face shield or CPR mask; however, as in any situation, if you do not have access to a shield or you do not feel comfortable providing breaths, you can provide only chest compressions (also called “Hands Only CPR”). Should someone need CPR, first call 911. Have someone call 911 for you or place your cell phone on speaker mode. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. You should compress the chest 100 to 120 times per minute. The following video demonstrates the Hands Only CPR method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4ACYp75mjU

All individuals on campus are required to follow posted signage. Signage will communicate important information including, but not limited to:

  • Protocol reminders, e.g. mask-wearing, social distancing, personal hygiene and DawgCheck.
  • Building entrance and exit points
  • Floor decals denoting six feet of distance for wait areas and lines
  • Occupancy limits in classrooms, conference rooms and other spaces
  • Building-specific instructions, such as for laboratory work

The university will also regularly communicate with campus community members about protocols and other changes through emails, social media posts and updates to the COVID-19 website.

If you are a student, you should work through the Disability Resource Center’s (DRC) existing accommodations process. DRC professional staff work directly with students to assess their individual needs and to develop appropriate plans for accommodations and services. If you have questions regarding a COVID-19 accommodation, please contact the DRC at drc@uga.edu or 706-542-8719. More information can be found at https://drc.uga.edu/content_page/student-accommodation-guidelines.

If you are a staff or faculty member, you should work through the University’s existing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations process.

The academic calendar for the Fall Semester has not changed. Classes will begin on Thursday, August 20. In-person instruction will conclude at Thanksgiving Break, with all remaining coursework and final exams moving online following Thanksgiving. For more information about the plans for Fall Semester Instruction, read the June 23 announcement (see student message).

Effective July 15, 2020, the University of Georgia—along with all University System of Georgia (USG) institutions—will require all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not always be possible. Face covering use will be in addition to and is not a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings will not be required when alone in an enclosed office or study room, in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met, or for students in their own residence hall rooms or suites. Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or must leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff, or students. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons; employees seeking such an accommodation should follow the ADA accommodations process outlined in the July 7 campus message while students should follow the Disability Resource Center's existing accommodations process.

Campus Operations

Classes offered in Spring 2021 will continue to follow in-person instruction with social distancing. Classes will be offered in a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online formats. Faculty interactions with students are essential in all our instructional formats and should remain a priority. However, the trajectory of the pandemic remains unpredictable, and we must be prepared to adopt a different approach on short notice.


All on-campus classes and activities will continue to require social distancing measures that are currently in place unless guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) changes. Per USG guidance, all individuals must wear a face covering in campus buildings, unless granted an accommodation. Details about social distancing and face coverings that were announced in August 2020 will continue to be in effect.

Read more about Spring 2021 Instruction and COVID-19 Related ADA Accommodations Requests.

All First-Year Odyssey Seminars (FYOS) will need to be taught in-person, as a high level of engagement between faculty and first-year students is an essential element of this program. As all FYOS classes have low enrollment, faculty who have approved accommodations to teach other classes online may choose to teach FYOS in-person.

Classes offered in Spring 2021 will continue to follow in-person instruction with social distancing. Classes will be offered in a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online formats. Faculty interactions with students are essential in all our instructional formats and remain a priority. However, the trajectory of the pandemic remains unpredictable, and we must be prepared to adopt a different approach on short notice.

All on-campus classes and activities will continue to require social distancing measures that are currently in place unless guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) changes. Per USG guidance, all individuals must wear a face covering in campus buildings, unless granted an accommodation. Details about social distancing and face coverings that were announced in August 2020 will continue to be in effect.

Overview

University of Georgia instructors are using a variety of teaching methods to enable social distancing while also meeting the course learning objectives for all students, including those who are unable to be physically present due to a COVID-19 accommodation from the University’s Disability Resource Center. The University continues to make every effort to maximize face-to-face interaction while maintaining social distancing. 

More than 850 faculty members participated in the University’s short-course on socially distanced instructional options, while nearly 800 faculty members also took part in online learning seminars over the summer.

To accommodate social distancing requirements, students often rotate between in-person and online components in many classes. The need for social distancing required that several large, introductory classes that typically enroll first- and second-year students move the lecture component online but preserve the lab or discussion groups in-person. (Note that many lab sessions aren’t held during the first week of classes, and initial class sessions are often held online before establishing a rotational schedule). 

Courses in which an instructor has been granted an accommodation through the University’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) process have been moved entirely online but are still required to have interactive, small-group sessions and online office hours during which the student can meet with the instructor. 

Classroom Capacity

To maintain social distancing, the number of students classrooms can accommodate has been reduced, in most cases to between 20 – 40% of capacity, depending on room size and configuration. 

Instructional Formats

Spring semester classes will be taught using one of five instructional methods: fully face-to-face, hybrid synchronous, hybrid asynchronous, online synchronous, or online asynchronous.

Read more on these instructional formats.

There is not sufficient time between classes for FMD staff to disinfect every classroom effectively between classes. However, all classrooms will be thoroughly disinfected daily.  

In addition, disposable disinfectant wipes are being placed at central locations in campus buildings so that commonly used hard surfaces and objects (e.g., desktops, classroom chairs, study tables, doorknobs, etc.) can be wiped down before use. These wipe stations offer an opportunity for immediate cleaning/disinfection between custodial routine cleaning of campus spaces, including classrooms, as a student or faculty member can obtain a wipe as they enter and wipe down their immediate touch surfaces.

The stations will typically be positioned outside the classrooms so that they can be readily available to students and faculty. In addition, they will be routinely checked and refilled to maintain availability.

The active ingredient in these wipes, which is approved by the CDC and EPA, provides campus stakeholders a mild form of chemical disinfection that is comparable to Clorox and Lysol household disinfecting wipes (but without chlorine bleach) and is effective against a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria. More information about these stations and the disinfectant is available on the FMD website.

The information you provide as a participant in surveillance testing, as well as your test results, is considered “sensitive information” under the University’s data protection policies and is protected by federal privacy laws.  This information will only be accessible by authorized University employees with a need to know. This information will also be shared safely and securely with the Georgia Department of Public Health to help facilitate contact tracing.

Read more about how the Department of Public Health Facilitates contact tracing.

The University of Georgia is anticipating a resumption of in-person instruction for the Fall Semester beginning in August 2020 for all University System of Georgia (USG) institutions. However, this is dependent on health conditions and state regulations.

In-person instruction will conclude at Thanksgiving break, with all remaining coursework and final exams moving online following Thanksgiving. The calendar for online final examinations will remain as previously set, December 11–17. 

While many students will choose not to return to Athens after Thanksgiving Break, we will need to continue to provide services for those who do choose to return or are unable to depart. The University will remain open after Thanksgiving Break and will continue providing regular campus operations and student life services—such as housing, dining, health/wellness centers and campus transit—until the end of the Fall semester.

The University Health Center recently set up treatment tents in our parking lot. These tents assist us with ensuring that the care of those with respiratory illness occurs separately from the services offered inside the center. We are continuing to see students and other patrons of our diagnostic, rehabilitation, and wellness services onsite, albeit in a limited scope, at this time. We are also offering curbside pickup from our pharmacy.

Although limited in scope, we are open, and we continue our primary mission of caring for the University’s students in the highest quality and safest manner possible, while also stewarding the health and wellness of our community. We are working diligently toward more remote encounters for those who can be seen by phone or other telehealth measures by our medical and behavioral care providers, as well as virtualizing our wellness and outreach programming under a new initiative, “BeWell UGA at home.”

Commencement

Fall 2020 Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement ceremonies are currently scheduled for Friday, December 18 in Stegeman Coliseum. We are discussing plans for that day, knowing that we may need to adjust planning for those ceremonies as conditions warrant. 

The Spring 2020 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony has been scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. in Sanford Stadium. The Spring 2020 Graduate Commencement ceremony for master’s and doctoral degree candidates is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 in Stegeman Coliseum in combination with the regularly scheduled Fall 2020 Graduate Commencement.

For information, please see commencement.uga.edu.

COVID-19

UGA is reporting test results on a weekly basis on the University Health Center website. Results from the prior week are reported each Wednesday. The website displays the COVID-19 positive test results from three sources: the UGA surveillance program, tests performed at the UHC and those reported in DawgCheck by employees and students. Analysis of the swabs sampled on Friday are not completed by the VDL until the following Tuesday—thus, the reason why results are reported on Wednesdays.

Students who are showing symptoms should seek care from the University Health Center. Please do not walk in. Make an appointment via telehealth or in person by calling 706-542-1162 or your primary care team’s number.

Employees who are showing symptoms should seek care and testing from a healthcare provider and may be required to self-quarantine.

UGA is performing surveillance testing for asymptomatic students, faculty and staff. Individuals will be randomly selected to participate in testing at Legion Field. Individuals who are not presenting symptoms and who have not been chosen in the random selection process may still sign up for a time to receive a test. 

Schedule a time for a test here.

Learn more about UGA’s surveillance testing plan here.

An appropriate face covering has the following qualities:

  • Made from at least two layers of washable, breathable material
  • Completely covers of nose and mouth areas
  • Fits snuggly against the sides of the face and doesn’t have gaps

Face coverings with exhalation valves are not considered effective as they can allow virus particles to escape. Cloth face coverings are recommended to be worn with face shields.

Read more about appropriate face coverings and how to wear them from the CDC here.

When sick, one should assume that COVID is possible and isolate until an accurate assessment of the cause can be determined. Isolation, similar to quarantine, requires that you remain out of contact with others and limit movement in public. Isolation and the support needed to accomplish it is best achieved off campus or at a permanent residence. Student Care and Outreach can help with various means of support, and the Health Center can assist with medical assessment and testing. Students should contact Student Care and Outreach to discuss the option that is best suited for their individual circumstance.

Employees should not come to work when they are sick and should self-isolate until they can determine the cause through consultation with their healthcare provider. This requires the appropriate use of available leave. If an employee appears to be exhibiting symptoms associated with coronavirus while at work, a manager should excuse the employee from work and advise them to seek care from their healthcare provider. 

The College of Public Health has developed and will continue to update a guide to local testing sites for faculty and staff. Note: Only PCR nasal test sites are listed here, as this is the accepted diagnostic tool used to determine if a person has the virus and is at risk of spreading it to others: https://publichealth.uga.edu/coronavirus/local-testing/

Public health officials strongly encourage people who test positive to notify those with whom they have had close contact, and in many cases, this is the most effective way to notify those who have been exposed.

Remember to respond to the DawgCheck questionnaire every day and report all symptoms. If you receive a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, you are required to report those results through DawgCheck.

Access DawgCheck through the UGA app or online at dawgcheck.uga.edu.

Guide for Students Displaying COVID-19 Symptoms and Needing to Isolate

Effective July 15, 2020, the University of Georgia—along with all University System of Georgia (USG) institutions—will require all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not always be possible. Face covering use will be in addition to and is not a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings will not be required when alone in an enclosed office or study room, in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met, or for students in their own residence hall rooms or suites. Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or must leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff, or students. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons; employees seeking such an accommodation should follow the ADA accommodations process outlined in the July 7 campus message while students should follow the Disability Resource Center's existing accommodations process.

You can help prevent illness by taking several simple steps:

  • Practice good hand hygiene.
  • Do not touch your face, eyes or mouth unless your hands are clean.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Be open with your travel history or possible exposure to others.
  • Respond to the DawgCheck questionnaire every day before leaving your home or dorm room.
  • Report positive COVID-19 tests through DawgCheck.

Learn more through the University Health Center. The CDC also has tips and resources for helping prevent illness, including COVID-19.

Emergency Preparedness and Training

High quality CPR includes both chest compressions and breaths using a CPR face shield or CPR mask; however, as in any situation, if you do not have access to a shield or you do not feel comfortable providing breaths, you can provide only chest compressions (also called “Hands Only CPR”). Should someone need CPR, first call 911. Have someone call 911 for you or place your cell phone on speaker mode. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. You should compress the chest 100 to 120 times per minute. The following video demonstrates the Hands Only CPR method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4ACYp75mjU

Employment

The University has been advised that student employees who are not working may apply directly to the Georgia Department of Labor (GA DOL) for unemployment.  The GA DOL will review and determine eligibility for state and/or federal unemployment benefits. UGA will verify with GA DOL that student employees have lost work due to the reduction of campus operations resulting from the COVID-19 Coronavirus public health emergency.

Please visit the GA DOL website site or call 404-232-3180 (Atlanta office) for information on filing an unemployment benefits claim.

Facilities and Cleaning

There is not sufficient time between classes for FMD staff to disinfect every classroom effectively between classes. However, all classrooms will be thoroughly disinfected daily.  

In addition, disposable disinfectant wipes are being placed at central locations in campus buildings so that commonly used hard surfaces and objects (e.g., desktops, classroom chairs, study tables, doorknobs, etc.) can be wiped down before use. These wipe stations offer an opportunity for immediate cleaning/disinfection between custodial routine cleaning of campus spaces, including classrooms, as a student or faculty member can obtain a wipe as they enter and wipe down their immediate touch surfaces.

The stations will typically be positioned outside the classrooms so that they can be readily available to students and faculty. In addition, they will be routinely checked and refilled to maintain availability.

The active ingredient in these wipes, which is approved by the CDC and EPA, provides campus stakeholders a mild form of chemical disinfection that is comparable to Clorox and Lysol household disinfecting wipes (but without chlorine bleach) and is effective against a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria. More information about these stations and the disinfectant is available on the FMD website.

Fall 2020

Overview

University of Georgia instructors are using a variety of teaching methods to enable social distancing while also meeting the course learning objectives for all students, including those who are unable to be physically present due to a COVID-19 accommodation from the University’s Disability Resource Center. The University continues to make every effort to maximize face-to-face interaction while maintaining social distancing. 

More than 850 faculty members participated in the University’s short-course on socially distanced instructional options, while nearly 800 faculty members also took part in online learning seminars over the summer.

To accommodate social distancing requirements, students often rotate between in-person and online components in many classes. The need for social distancing required that several large, introductory classes that typically enroll first- and second-year students move the lecture component online but preserve the lab or discussion groups in-person. (Note that many lab sessions aren’t held during the first week of classes, and initial class sessions are often held online before establishing a rotational schedule). 

Courses in which an instructor has been granted an accommodation through the University’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) process have been moved entirely online but are still required to have interactive, small-group sessions and online office hours during which the student can meet with the instructor. 

Classroom Capacity

To maintain social distancing, the number of students classrooms can accommodate has been reduced, in most cases to between 20 – 40% of capacity, depending on room size and configuration. 

Instructional Formats

Spring semester classes will be taught using one of five instructional methods: fully face-to-face, hybrid synchronous, hybrid asynchronous, online synchronous, or online asynchronous.

Read more on these instructional formats.

If you are a student, you should work through the Disability Resource Center’s (DRC) existing accommodations process. DRC professional staff work directly with students to assess their individual needs and to develop appropriate plans for accommodations and services. If you have questions regarding a COVID-19 accommodation, please contact the DRC at drc@uga.edu or 706-542-8719. More information can be found at https://drc.uga.edu/content_page/student-accommodation-guidelines.

If you are a staff or faculty member, you should work through the University’s existing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations process.

The academic calendar for the Fall Semester has not changed. Classes will begin on Thursday, August 20. In-person instruction will conclude at Thanksgiving Break, with all remaining coursework and final exams moving online following Thanksgiving. For more information about the plans for Fall Semester Instruction, read the June 23 announcement (see student message).

Financial Assistance

The CARES Act provided $11.8 million to be distributed to students in need due to the COVID-19 situation. At the University of Georgia, the funds will be distributed as need-based grants, with the highest amount awarded to undergraduates who receive Federal Pell Grants. Students who may not qualify for the grant based on typical financial aid measures but who have emergency needs caused by COVID-19 disruptions can submit an appeal for a HEER Fund grant by completing the HEER Fund Appeal Application (requires UGA Single Sign-On). 

Students must have a valid FAFSA on file and be eligible to receive federal student financial aid to be eligible for the HEER Fund grants. To submit a FAFSA, please go to https://fafsa.ed.gov.

The COVID-19 situation has created many scenarios in which students’ financial situations (or their families’ situations) have changed significantly. The University of Georgia has earmarked a portion of the HEER Fund allocation to be used for to awards to those students who do not qualify for a grant based on typical financial aid measures. To submit an appeal for a HEER Fund grant, students should submit the HEER Fund Appeal Application (requires UGA Single Sign-On). Students must have a valid FAFSA on file and be eligible to receive federal student financial aid to be eligible for the HEER Fund grants. To submit a FAFSA, please go to https://fafsa.ed.gov.

The University is offering Emergency Funds and Financial Hardship Resources to assist our students during this time. Undergraduate students in need of emergency financial assistance should submit applications to the Undergraduate Student Emergency Fund and graduate students to the Graduate Student Emergency Fund. Please visit UGA’s Financial Hardship Resources website at https://financialhardship.uga.edu/ for additional information.

Future Events

Fall 2020 Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement ceremonies are currently scheduled for Friday, December 18 in Stegeman Coliseum. We are discussing plans for that day, knowing that we may need to adjust planning for those ceremonies as conditions warrant. 

The Spring 2020 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony has been scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. in Sanford Stadium. The Spring 2020 Graduate Commencement ceremony for master’s and doctoral degree candidates is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 in Stegeman Coliseum in combination with the regularly scheduled Fall 2020 Graduate Commencement.

For information, please see commencement.uga.edu.

Health & Wellness

Per current CDC's guidelines, there is no need to quarantine if your test was positive in the previous 3 months, and you have recovered and remain free of COVID-19 symptoms. The sensitivity of COVID-19 PCR tests in discovering viral RNA is very high and it is not uncommon for individuals to have positive tests in the wake of an infection for up to 3 months. The 3-month span extends from the end of your isolation period from your infection with COVID-19. Thus, the 90-day period would begin 10 days from symptom onset, or 10 days from the day of a positive test if you have not had symptoms. At the end of the 90-day period from your last infection, you would resume all the usual CDC guidelines for quarantine and isolation.

By CDC's definition, members of the same household, including roommates in a dorm, are considered a close contact of a known COVID-19 positive person, even if wearing masks. You should contact your local medical provider and arrange for a COVID-19 test. You should immediately quarantine yourself at home for 14 days and stay in quarantine, even if your test results come back negative. Once you were exposed or deemed a close contact to a COVID-19 positive person, you cannot come out of quarantine for 14 days even with a negative test.  If the test is positive, you must move to isolation at home for 10 days from the date of the test unless you develop symptoms. If you developed symptoms of COVID-19, then you must stay in isolation for 10 days from the date of your first symptoms. You can end your isolation when you have been fever-free for 24 hours and your symptoms are improving. 

Click here to access calculators for quarantine and isolation.

If you do not fit the CDC's definition of a close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, there is no need for quarantine or isolation. You can continue to go to work or school. Continue to monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, please isolate at home and call your medical provider to arrange for COVID-19 testing. If you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and have symptoms, you can stop your home isolation when you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, your symptoms have improved, AND at least 10 days have gone by since your symptoms first appeared. 

Click here to access calculators for quarantine and isolation.

If you meet the CDC's definition of a close contact, you should contact your local medical provider and schedule a COVID-19 test. You should immediately quarantine yourself at home for 14 days and stay in quarantine, even if your test results come back negative.  Once you were exposed or deemed a close contact to a COVID-19 positive person, you cannot come out of quarantine for 14 days even with a negative test.  If the test is positive, you must move to isolation at home for 10 days from the date the test was taken, unless you develop symptoms. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, then you must stay in isolation for 10 days from the date of your first symptoms. You can end your isolation after 10 days, if you have been fever-free for 24 hours and your symptoms are improving. 

Click here to access calculators for quarantine and isolation

Please stay home and isolate yourself from others and contact your local medical provider to determine if continued isolation is warranted or additional testing is indicated. If COVID-19 is suspected despite your test results, you can stop your home isolation when you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, your symptoms have gotten better, AND, at least 10 days have gone by since your symptoms first appeared. 

Click here to access calculators for quarantine and isolation

Guide for Students Displaying COVID-19 Symptoms and Needing to Isolate

Please stay home and isolate yourself from others for 10 days. Contact your local medical provider to see if COVID-19 testing is warranted. If you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and have symptoms, you can stop your home isolation when you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, your symptoms have gotten better, AND, at least 10 days have passed by since your symptoms first appeared. 

Click here to access calculators for quarantine and isolation.

Guide for Students Displaying COVID-19 Symptoms and Needing to Isolate

No, if you have not had symptoms and have not been identified as a close contact, you may continue to work or go to school per the guidance of your employer or school; be sure to wear a mask, physically distance and use good hygiene. If the test comes back positive, then you must stay home and isolate away from others for 10 days from the date the COVID-19 test was taken.

 Click here to access calculators for quarantine and isolation.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, you are encouraged to contact Student Care & Outreach in the Division of Student Affairs at 706-542-7774 or visit sco.uga.edu. They will help you navigate any difficult circumstances you may be facing by connecting you with the appropriate resources or services.

UGA has several resources for a student seeking mental health services or crisis support. Need help managing stress, anxiety, relationships, etc., or want to be connected socially? Visit BeWellUGA for a list of free workshops, classes, mentoring and health coaching led by licensed clinicians and health educators in the University Health Center.

UGA is reporting test results on a weekly basis on the University Health Center website. Results from the prior week are reported each Wednesday. The website displays the COVID-19 positive test results from three sources: the UGA surveillance program, tests performed at the UHC and those reported in DawgCheck by employees and students. Analysis of the swabs sampled on Friday are not completed by the VDL until the following Tuesday—thus, the reason why results are reported on Wednesdays.

Students who are showing symptoms should seek care from the University Health Center. Please do not walk in. Make an appointment via telehealth or in person by calling 706-542-1162 or your primary care team’s number.

Employees who are showing symptoms should seek care and testing from a healthcare provider and may be required to self-quarantine.

UGA is performing surveillance testing for asymptomatic students, faculty and staff. Individuals will be randomly selected to participate in testing at Legion Field. Individuals who are not presenting symptoms and who have not been chosen in the random selection process may still sign up for a time to receive a test. 

Schedule a time for a test here.

Learn more about UGA’s surveillance testing plan here.

An appropriate face covering has the following qualities:

  • Made from at least two layers of washable, breathable material
  • Completely covers of nose and mouth areas
  • Fits snuggly against the sides of the face and doesn’t have gaps

Face coverings with exhalation valves are not considered effective as they can allow virus particles to escape. Cloth face coverings are recommended to be worn with face shields.

Read more about appropriate face coverings and how to wear them from the CDC here.

DawgCheck is an online tool to help assess and respond to COVID-19 cases at UGA in an effort to keep the campus community safe. DawgCheck consists of a reporting function which must be used by anyone who has received a positive COVID-19 test result, as well as a symptom checking tool which we strongly encourage everyone to use before coming to campus or leaving your residence hall in the morning.

Learn more about DawgCheck at dawgcheck.uga.edu/support.

UGA housing has several hundred rooms identified for students who need to isolate, and who do not have the ability to return to their permanent home. These spaces have exterior exits, a microwave, refrigerator, and in-room bathrooms. University Housing will provide disinfection kits, hygiene kits and linens to students in these spaces. UGA’s Student Care and Outreach will engage with all students who require isolation and will assist them based on their individual circumstances.

Student Care and Outreach is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and accepts walk-ins and phone calls throughout those hours. If you prefer, you can schedule an appointment by calling (706) 542-7774 or emailing sco@uga.edu.

High quality CPR includes both chest compressions and breaths using a CPR face shield or CPR mask; however, as in any situation, if you do not have access to a shield or you do not feel comfortable providing breaths, you can provide only chest compressions (also called “Hands Only CPR”). Should someone need CPR, first call 911. Have someone call 911 for you or place your cell phone on speaker mode. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. You should compress the chest 100 to 120 times per minute. The following video demonstrates the Hands Only CPR method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4ACYp75mjU

All individuals on campus are required to follow posted signage. Signage will communicate important information including, but not limited to:

  • Protocol reminders, e.g. mask-wearing, social distancing, personal hygiene and DawgCheck.
  • Building entrance and exit points
  • Floor decals denoting six feet of distance for wait areas and lines
  • Occupancy limits in classrooms, conference rooms and other spaces
  • Building-specific instructions, such as for laboratory work

The university will also regularly communicate with campus community members about protocols and other changes through emails, social media posts and updates to the COVID-19 website.

The University Health Center recently set up treatment tents in our parking lot. These tents assist us with ensuring that the care of those with respiratory illness occurs separately from the services offered inside the center. We are continuing to see students and other patrons of our diagnostic, rehabilitation, and wellness services onsite, albeit in a limited scope, at this time. We are also offering curbside pickup from our pharmacy.

Although limited in scope, we are open, and we continue our primary mission of caring for the University’s students in the highest quality and safest manner possible, while also stewarding the health and wellness of our community. We are working diligently toward more remote encounters for those who can be seen by phone or other telehealth measures by our medical and behavioral care providers, as well as virtualizing our wellness and outreach programming under a new initiative, “BeWell UGA at home.”

Students who believe they have been directly exposed to COVID-19 and are showing symptoms should seek care from the University Health Center.  Please self-isolate until you can be assessed and do not walk in.  For everyone’s safety the Health Center is seeing patients by appointment only.  For respiratory complaints we will often schedule a telehealth visit via Zoom through which we can determine how best to arrange for both care and testing.  To make an appointment via telehealth or in person please call 706-542-1162, or, if you know it use your primary care team’s number. 

Employees who believe they have been directly exposed to COVID-19 and are showing symptoms should seek care from a healthcare provider and may be required to self-quarantine. During this time, employees should not come to work and should inform their manager. Managers have the discretion to determine if an employee’s duties and responsibilities can reasonably be performed from an employee’s home location, and, when they can, the manager may elect to offer the employee the option to telework.

Check your symptoms each day through DawgCheck. If you are a student and are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID contact the University Health Center by calling 706-542-1162.  If you are an employee, you should contact your Primary Care Provider for guidance.

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and include:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
  • Fever (>100.4 degrees)
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell (without a stuffy nose)

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 symptoms, check the CDC website:  https://www.cdc.gov. By coming to campus, faculty and staff are acknowledging that they have completed the self-monitoring requirements earlier that day and confirmed that they do not have signs/symptoms of COVID-19.

Guide for Students Displaying COVID-19 Symptoms and Needing to Isolate

When sick, one should assume that COVID is possible and isolate until an accurate assessment of the cause can be determined. Isolation, similar to quarantine, requires that you remain out of contact with others and limit movement in public. Isolation and the support needed to accomplish it is best achieved off campus or at a permanent residence. Student Care and Outreach can help with various means of support, and the Health Center can assist with medical assessment and testing. Students should contact Student Care and Outreach to discuss the option that is best suited for their individual circumstance.

Employees should not come to work when they are sick and should self-isolate until they can determine the cause through consultation with their healthcare provider. This requires the appropriate use of available leave. If an employee appears to be exhibiting symptoms associated with coronavirus while at work, a manager should excuse the employee from work and advise them to seek care from their healthcare provider. 

The College of Public Health has developed and will continue to update a guide to local testing sites for faculty and staff. Note: Only PCR nasal test sites are listed here, as this is the accepted diagnostic tool used to determine if a person has the virus and is at risk of spreading it to others: https://publichealth.uga.edu/coronavirus/local-testing/

Public health officials strongly encourage people who test positive to notify those with whom they have had close contact, and in many cases, this is the most effective way to notify those who have been exposed.

Remember to respond to the DawgCheck questionnaire every day and report all symptoms. If you receive a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, you are required to report those results through DawgCheck.

Access DawgCheck through the UGA app or online at dawgcheck.uga.edu.

Guide for Students Displaying COVID-19 Symptoms and Needing to Isolate

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

  • Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
  • Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. These people may have been exposed to a disease and do not know it, or they may have the disease but do not show symptoms.

You can learn more about quarantine and isolation on the CDC website.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

  • Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
  • Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. These people may have been exposed to a disease and do not know it, or they may have the disease but do not show symptoms.

You can learn more about quarantine and isolation on the CDC website.

Students showing symptoms should schedule an appointment with your UHC Primary Care Provider by calling 706-542-1162 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m). Please DO NOT walk-in. All others, please contact your community healthcare provider.

All patients arriving at the University Health Center with cough, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and respiratory issues will be masked to protect other patients as we evaluate the cause of their illness. All patients will be asked to provide a travel history to determine if they are at risk for coronavirus. We are also mindful of the increased stress caused by the situation.

Effective July 15, 2020, the University of Georgia—along with all University System of Georgia (USG) institutions—will require all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not always be possible. Face covering use will be in addition to and is not a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings will not be required when alone in an enclosed office or study room, in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met, or for students in their own residence hall rooms or suites. Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or must leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff, or students. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons; employees seeking such an accommodation should follow the ADA accommodations process outlined in the July 7 campus message while students should follow the Disability Resource Center's existing accommodations process.

Housing

UGA housing has several hundred rooms identified for students who need to isolate, and who do not have the ability to return to their permanent home. These spaces have exterior exits, a microwave, refrigerator, and in-room bathrooms. University Housing will provide disinfection kits, hygiene kits and linens to students in these spaces. UGA’s Student Care and Outreach will engage with all students who require isolation and will assist them based on their individual circumstances.

Student Care and Outreach is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and accepts walk-ins and phone calls throughout those hours. If you prefer, you can schedule an appointment by calling (706) 542-7774 or emailing sco@uga.edu.

Instruction

All First-Year Odyssey Seminars (FYOS) will need to be taught in-person, as a high level of engagement between faculty and first-year students is an essential element of this program. As all FYOS classes have low enrollment, faculty who have approved accommodations to teach other classes online may choose to teach FYOS in-person.

Classes offered in Spring 2021 will continue to follow in-person instruction with social distancing. Classes will be offered in a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online formats. Faculty interactions with students are essential in all our instructional formats and remain a priority. However, the trajectory of the pandemic remains unpredictable, and we must be prepared to adopt a different approach on short notice.

All on-campus classes and activities will continue to require social distancing measures that are currently in place unless guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) changes. Per USG guidance, all individuals must wear a face covering in campus buildings, unless granted an accommodation. Details about social distancing and face coverings that were announced in August 2020 will continue to be in effect.

Instruction Info

Classes offered in Spring 2021 will continue to follow in-person instruction with social distancing. Classes will be offered in a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online formats. Faculty interactions with students are essential in all our instructional formats and should remain a priority. However, the trajectory of the pandemic remains unpredictable, and we must be prepared to adopt a different approach on short notice.


All on-campus classes and activities will continue to require social distancing measures that are currently in place unless guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) changes. Per USG guidance, all individuals must wear a face covering in campus buildings, unless granted an accommodation. Details about social distancing and face coverings that were announced in August 2020 will continue to be in effect.

Read more about Spring 2021 Instruction and COVID-19 Related ADA Accommodations Requests.

Orientation

Yes, we will still have new student orientation, but it will look a little different this year. Given the effect of COVID-19 on our campus and world, New Student Orientation will be delivered virtually this summer. UGA’s Online New Student Orientation Experience will consist of online orientation learning modules, opportunities to connect virtually with other incoming and current UGA students, and webinars around certain topics that will help create an successful transition for our incoming students. New students will receive detailed emails from New Student Orientation in the upcoming weeks with details and instructions. If you have any questions about the Online New Student Orientation Experience, visit our online orientation FAQs or email the NSO team at orientation@uga.edu.

Research

Transportation

Below are the current protocols Gotcha has established to reduce risk to its riders and employees for Bulldog Bike Share.

  • Implemented enhanced, and more frequent, cleaning of bikes using disinfecting products approved by the CDC to kill coronavirus germs. Disinfection will be repeated throughout the day.
  • Fleet techs will mist at-risk contact areas such as hand grips, brake levers, bells and any other points of contact for bikes going into and staying in the field.
  • Briefed all employees and in-market staff on proper personal hygiene practices as recommended by the CDC.
  • Employees will wash hands with disinfectant soap for 20+ seconds before shift and at the end of shift and whenever possible in between. In addition, employees will be provided with hand wipes and/or hand sanitizer to clean their hands in the field use.
  • Gotcha recommends all riders use hand sanitizer before and after riding, wear protective face masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Gotcha is committed to the safety of its riders and will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. Gotcha will update its process and protocols as needed to make best efforts to ensure everyone’s safety. The company will comply with any federal, state or local policies that may require changes to its services.

  • Disinfectant sprayers will be used to sanitize parking deck stairwells overnight as well as inside each bus. The sprayers contain a solution proven to kill coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • All rails and handles on buses will be wiped down with disinfecting wipes between class breaks. 
  • All pay meters and elevators in the parking decks will be sanitized throughout the day and overnight.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available to passengers on each bus.

Walking and bicycling are great options for quickly navigating campus. The Daily Class Schedule is being adjusted to add five minutes between classes to allow students more time. Our new Bulldog Bike Share offers a convenient, affordable alternative to having a car on campus. You can rent an electric pedal-assist bike any time via the Gotcha app. Download the Gotcha app for iPhone or Android to get started. Point-to-point walking and bicycling routes may be found on the UGA app’s campus map module. UGA reCYCLE is a need-based bicycle recycling and redistribution program for the UGA campus community. The program refurbishes bikes that were abandoned on campus bike racks and puts them in the hands of UGA students and employees who need them for transportation to and from school or work.

Routes will be updated on the UGA app soon. Please note that you may need to update the UGA app once routes are in effect to see changes. Please visit routes.uga.edu to view updated route information in the meantime. Additional information on new routes can be found at https://tps.uga.edu/routechanges

All changes are in effect August 3, 2020, with a limited number of buses running from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on each route. 

Regular service will resume August 20, 2020: 

  • Monday - Wednesday: 6:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
  • Thursday - Friday: 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
  • Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

*All times and dates subject to change.

To ensure the safety of all passengers by keeping crowding to a minimum, Transportation and Parking Services is following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding reduced occupancy on buses (ex. 18-20 people per bus). The number of riders on a bus is subject to change based on guidelines from the CDC and FTA. Shorter bus routes will ensure buses get through campus more quickly. 

Effective July 15, 2020, the University of Georgia—along with all University System of Georgia (USG) institutions—will require all faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not always be possible. Face covering use will be in addition to and is not a substitute for social distancing. Face coverings are required on UGA buses as well as at bus stops.

Travel & Study Abroad

Students arriving from international travel should take extra steps to monitor their health for 14 days after returning from travel. Please visit the CDC’s travel website for post-international travel guidance. Check your symptoms each day through DawgCheck. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID contact the University Health Center by calling 706-542-1162.

Visit coronavirus.uga.edu for the latest campus messages and information on COVID-19.

There are several options available to students to ensure that they receive the necessary credits:

  • You may check with your program director to inquire about the possibility of taking the courses online if your study abroad program was cancelled.
  • Students who originally planned on participating in Maymester or Summer 2020 programs may also contact their program director to inquire about the option of rolling their application over to the 2021 application cycle. Many programs have taken advantage of this opportunity, but please check with your individual program. Students whose applications were rolled over to the 2021 cycle will still need to commit to the program again and will need to pay the program deposit again (2020 program deposits were refunded to students).
  • You may check the UGA Bulletin for the availability of other UGA courses that could fit your academic needs.
  • You may check the availability of Domestic Field Study programs that fit your academic needs.
  • You may schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss additional study abroad opportunities.

However, please work with your UGA academic advisor to ensure that the courses you are taking will fit into your individual academic plan.

As of now, programs beginning in Spring 2021 are still running as planned. Students who originally planned on participating in Maymester or Summer 2020 programs may also contact their program director to inquire about the option of rolling their application over to the 2021 application cycle. Many programs have taken advantage of this opportunity, but please check with your individual program. Students whose applications were rolled over to the 2021 cycle will still need to commit to the program again and will need to pay the program deposit again (2020 program deposits were refunded to students).

UGA Police Department

Yes.  If you are being quarantined for potential exposure or if you are showing signs of illness, then we ask that you provide that information to our communications center when you contact the police department to request assistance.  If possible, we will evaluate if we can provide the requested service remotely, i.e. taking a report over the phone.  If not, our officers have the necessary protective equipment and training to safely respond in person to assist you.

Officers at the UGA Police Department have been adhering to social distancing and mask protocols recommended by the CDC.  The department has taken significant steps to increase our sanitation standards during this outbreak and officers have been directed not to report to work if they are feeling ill.  Our officers have been given guidance to self-quarantine if they have been exposed or if they are showing signs of illness.

No.  As part of steps taken to prevent the spread of illness, officers have been instructed to wear protective equipment whenever they deem it is necessary to keep them and our public safe.  Our officers have been instructed, when in doubt, to wear protective equipment for their safety.  Protective equipment will now be part of a standard response protocol.

Yes.  The UGA Police Department will continue to respond to traffic accidents, educate our community on traffic safety, and when necessary, engage in enforcement actions directly related to the safety of our community.  Expect police officers to use precautions such as protective equipment and proper social distancing during traffic stops.  The officer may ask for your driver’s license information instead of taking your license from you in order to minimize cross contamination risks.

You may contact the UGA Police at (706) 542-5813 to obtain copies of police reports.  Reports may still be picked up in person, mailed or faxed. The UGA Police Department is taking the necessary precautions to maintain social distancing by placing barriers between records personnel and the public. These preventative measures are being put into place to protect our public and police department staff.

Campus Messages