University of Georgia
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Information for Students

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.

Return to Campus

  • University Bookstore

    Shop textbooks responsibly. Order your textbooks and course materials now for home delivery. Have them in hand when you arrive on campus — contact AND crowd free. Don’t forget to add any needed supplies, tech and gear to your cart. Books not assigned yet? We can let you know when they are available. Get Started > Spend $25+ online at the campus store, get $10 off a future apparel, gift or supplies purchase.*

    *Offer code available after placing qualified order.

  • 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

    In the best interest of the health and safety of our community, the University of Georgia is requiring all faculty, staff and students to self-monitor and acknowledge that they are not aware that they have signs or symptoms of COVID-19 prior to coming to campus each day. Toward that end, UGA will provide a digital thermometer to all faculty, staff and students, as well as two (2) reusable and washable cloth face coverings.

  • 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. 

Remote Learning

  • 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

  • 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. 

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

  • Required COVID-19 Training Modules

    For UGA Supervisors As a follow up to the Return to Campus Guidelines for Faculty and Staff, the initial training module for supervisors is now available for completion by all supervisors in the UGA Professional Education Portal (PEP). The supervisors training module includes information on how supervisors can evaluate their specific work environments, using a […]

  • 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 Operations

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Many UHC services are still available. Please check the UHC website for updates on accessing available serves.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Remote Learning

Research

Return to Campus

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.

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.

Transportation

Travel & Study Abroad

Students arriving from international travel should stay home and/or quarantine for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing. Your quarantine period may overlap with academic courses beginning (Aug. 20). Please contact Student Care and Outreach at sco@uga.edu for assistance with contacting and coordinating accommodations with your faculty.

For students with on-campus housing assignments, please contact University Housing at housing@uga.edu to receive guidance and assistance.

International students may contact International Student Life at isl@uga.edu for guidance and assistance. Once the DawgCheck monitoring and reporting app has been launched (early August), students may follow the instructions for reporting and communication there.

During your 14-day quarantine period, please take the following steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:

  1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing. 
  2. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not attend work or school in person. 
  3. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
  4. Keep your distance from others (at least 6 feet or 2 meters). 
  5. Use the DawgCheck monitoring and reporting app. 

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