March 6, 2020: COVID-19 Guidance on Continuity of Learning and Absenteeism

Georgia Southern University is monitoring the COVID-19 situation and following the guidelines set forth
by the University System of Georgia to minimize any disruption to students, faculty and staff in the event
the campus is affected. While many faculty, staff, and students face uncertain circumstances, we ask
everyone to be flexible in working to meet their needs.

The CDC has issued guidance for Institutes of Higher Education with students, faculty and staff
participating in foreign exchange or study abroad programs. This includes suggested consideration of
postponing or canceling these programs regardless of which country faculty, staff and students may be
traveling. Please monitor cdc.gov/COVID-19 for additional information.

The USG has provided some guidance about self-quarantine precautions during the ongoing COVID-19
situation. All USG institutions have been directed to plan and prepare as follows:

• Be prepared to provide continuity of learning
• All faculty within the University System of Georgia are assigned a D2L account.
Prepare your courses to be delivered online should students be under quarantine
• Consider “asynchronous” discussions to promote cooperative learning
• Consider video conferencing
• Consider independent learning activities and implement them into your courses
• Prepare a list of resources for your students to disseminate information on student
services available to them on campus
• Consider alternative plans for lab and clinical course requirements
• Plan for absenteeism. Faculty, staff and students who traveled to countries at a Level 3 or
higher designation are required to remain home as they self-monitor for 14 days prior to
returning to campus. Additionally, all instructions for quarantine or isolation must be
followed.
• Reconsider absenteeism policies: Students should not be penalized for absenteeism
during the period of self-monitoring. Have plans in place if a quarantine or isolation
is required.
• Similarly, faculty during a period of self-monitoring or quarantine should continue to
communicate with students via learning management systems and online teaching
strategies

Faculty, staff and students should seek medical care if symptoms include high fever or difficulty
breathing.

Faculty should be prepared to teach courses via Folio in the event social distancing becomes necessary. If
you need assistance in moving your course to Folio, please contact the Center for Teaching Excellence.
University leadership is working to create a plan that considers all contingencies that may arise from
COVID-19 and will keep you updated.

Sincerely,

Carl L. Reiber

Provost & Vice President Academic Affairs

Last updated: 8/18/2021