Key COVID-19 Adaptations

President McPhee, Provost Byrnes and our leadership team put forward many changes in our operations and practices to prepare for a return to on-campus and in-person operations for the Fall 2020 semester. Here is a summary of those key decision points.

General campus operation

Face coverings must be worn in all indoor areas, and outdoors if physical distancing restrictions are not able to be maintained
Signage will provide instructions related to queuing, entry/exit, wearing of face coverings, occupancy, physical distancing, etc.
Increased cleaning protocols for high touch areas and multi-use areas (classrooms, dining halls, etc.)
Special cleaning protocols for areas that may have been contaminated by an active COVID case

Academic instruction

40% of courses offered with some or all on-campus instruction; 40% of courses offered as completely on-line instruction. Remaining classes include internships, student teaching, dissertation hours, research, independent study, etc.
All classrooms have been reconfigured to meet social distancing guidelines. Traditional event spaces, including the Student Union Ballroom, are being repurposed for classroom instruction.
Consistent attendance policy across all classes, with provisions for illness or isolation requirements
All classroom instruction may be captured via video technology for use by students who cannot come to class due to illness

On-campus housing

All sleeping rooms converted to private space
There will be assigned check-in times staggered over five days to reduce density in lobbies, hallways, elevators.
5% of total bed spaces held for isolation/quarantine (100 beds)
Visitation restricted to one MTSU student guest per resident; non-student guests restricted unless approved by staff

Meal services

Tables and chairs removed to reach social distancing guidelines of 6 feet between tables
No self-service or buffet-style options; all food will be served or pre-packaged
On-line ordering available through Grub Hub
Touchless transactions instead of traditional meal card swiping
Prepared to go to an entirely take-out menu if needed

Student Health

Separate entry for potential COVID patients. Both in-person and tele-heath appointments available to students
Testing available for all students meeting CDC guidelines of symptomatic or close exposure. Expanding contracts with testing labs to facilitate faster results. Self-swab kits are becoming available.
Pursuing purchase of Sophia 2 machine so that on-campus rapid testing can be conducted
Contact tracing to be managed by medical staff in conjunction with local/state department of health
Online reporting process for those with knowledge of active cases or exposure, to be evaluated by medical staff

Activities and events

All events will meet social distancing guidelines
Room/ballroom capacities reconfigured to meet social distancing guidelines
Events restricted to university events only
Student activities provided either on-line or in small groups, or outdoors while meeting social distancing guidelines

Mental health and academic support

Both in-person and telehealth counseling available to students
Both group and individual counseling available. Long term needs will be referred to off-campus providers, as always.
On-line/virtual tutoring available.
On-line/virtual academic advising available.

Key Indicators to Continue Operations

Conditions to Move From In-Person, On-Campus Restrictions for Fall 2020

Any orders mandating campus closure/decreased campus operations/work from home by state or local public health officials/government would activate Immediate action to move totally online delivery
Local and regional hospital/ICU capacity nears capacity, per public health officials
On-campus isolation and quarantine rooms at full/near full capacity
Case counts on campus significantly exceed county and/or regional case counts
Absolute confirmed case counts rise to an unacceptable level in the county/region per public health officials
Absentee rates from documented illness of MTSU faculty/staff/students exceed acceptable margins to continue on ground experience

Conditions to Relax In-Person, On-Campus Restrictions for Fall 2020

Confirmation of decreased viral virulence or infectivity and/or development of improved treatment methods
Widespread availability of immunization (safe vaccine)