This semester, nearly 80% of instruction is being offered remotely with some on-campus instruction in select courses requiring specialized equipment, clinical rotations, or other face-to-face learning. Employees continue to work on campus with options in place for staffing rotations and/or remote work options to maintain physical distancing expectations. University offices are open during normal business hours and providing in-person and remote access (phone, email, Zoom, etc.).
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Spring 2021 - Operations and Revised Academic Calendar
Spring 2021 Operations
ETSU is currently operating in stage 2 with modifications. A series of operational stages, 1-4, were developed by the Future Operations Workgroup to provide levels of restrictions and other health and safety guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ETSU transitioned to stage 2 in mid-June and continues to operate in stage 2 with modifications.
The academic calendar for spring 2021 has been revised (see revised Academic Calendar below).
NOTE: Details within each operational stage are recommendations and may be modified as necessary.
ETSU will continue to follow recommendations from the CDC, the State of Tennessee and other entities in making decisions about the fall semester. Some decisions will be subject to approval from our Board of Trustees.
*Revised* Academic Calendar for Spring 2021As we prepare for the fall 2020 semester, the COVID-19 pandemic will require adjustments to procedures and operations, such as the academic calendar. These changes are being made to safeguard the health of our students, faculty, staff, and campus.
January 18 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day ETSU closed January 19 First day of classes February 18-19 - "Mini Break" Classes will not meet; ETSU offices will be open March 15-21 - Spring Break Spring break week is being divided into three "mini breaks" throughout the semester.
- Classes will not meet March 15-16 for "mini break"
- ETSU offices will be open March 15-21
March 15-16 - "Mini Break" Classes will not meet; ETSU offices will be open April 2 - Good Friday ETSU will be closed April 14 - "Mini Break" Classes will not meet; ETSU offices will be open April 30 Last day of classes May 1-6 Final Exams May 8 Spring Commencement (ceremony details to be provided at a later date) - Quillen College of Medicine and Gatton College of Pharmacy will continue to follow their own academic calendars for Spring 2021.
ETSU Employee Holidays Schedule
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Safety Pledge
Bucs Are Back: COVID-19 Safety Pledge
Take the pledge today!
- Check your ETSU email for instructions on how to take the COVID-19 Safety Pledge.
- The training module only takes about 10 minutes to complete and includes a review of public health
- recommendations followed by the pledge.
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Remote Work Guidance, Personnel Protocol & Contact Info
Remote Work Guidance and Personnel Protocol
The health of safety of the ETSU community is vital to the success of the institution. Since March, ETSU has operated differently than any other time in our history, yet our faculty and staff have remained dedicated to providing the highest academic quality for our students. We must do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following the personnel operating protocol updated for fall 2020.
Personnel Operating Protocol for Fall 2020
Some ETSU employees have returned to their offices on rotational schedules while others continue to work remotely. University offices are open for in-person assistance during normal business hours. Remote access to campus services is also available (phone, email, Zoom, etc.).
- Some employees may return on a rotational schedule to maintain physical distancing expectations. Flexibility will be provided to employees who may need to continue working remotely (e.g., individuals who identify themselves or immediate family members to be at high risk as defined by the CDC).
- Unit/Division leaders are responsible for making appropriate decisions regarding flexibility for their employees. Supervisors should work with employees to explore all appropriate options as we strive to meet the diverse needs of the campus community. The expectation is a physical presence in each office during normal office hours.
- If you are unsure of when you should return to work or if you will require an accommodation, please reach out to your supervisor as soon as possible.
ETSU will continue to follow recommendations from the CDC, the State of Tennessee and other entities in making those decisions. Some decisions will be subject to approval from our Board of Trustees.
Office of Administration Contact Information
As our lives and daily routines continue to change in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Office of Administration would like to express appreciation and support the ETSU family. Staff are preparing and adjusting to the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves.
Human Resources suspended all existing telecommuting and VPN access policies and developed new broad and flexible protocols to accommodate remote work for most employees. The PERSONNEL OPERATING PROTOCOL has been updated for fall 2020.
Contact Information: hr@etsu.edu or 423-439-4457
Operations is continuously adjusting staffing and procedures to address cleaning and safety in our facilities and has contracted with outside vendors to address disinfecting needs.
Contact Information: rasnick@etsu.edu or 423-439-7900
CAPITAL PLANNING
The Office of Capital Planning is working with the State Architect and other state entities to address transitioning bidding procedures to an electronic format. Workflow related to the multitude of capital projects is being adjusted to continue planning, design, and construction as appropriate.
Contact Information: baileyle1@etsu.edu or 423-676-1475
Public Safety maintains 24-hour service and availability. New services such as camera patrol, engagement protocols, and response procedures have been implemented.
Contact Information: tiptonlm@etsu.edu or 423-439-6900
ETSU Athletics is cooperating and communicating with officials from the NCAA, Southern Conference, and the University. Athletics staff is focused on supporting our student athletes.
Contact Information: athleticsdirector@etsu.edu or 423-439-4343
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Teaching Resources
Teaching Resources
When moving a course to remote/online delivery, please consider the basic principles of online instructional design. You can access these through the Center for Teaching Excellence.
D2L is the university’s Learning Management System hosted in the cloud. It can be used by instructors to post and distribute course content such as syllabi and handouts; to communicate with students via discussion boards, announcements, and email messages; to collect student work and assignments; to assess student learning through quizzes and online assignments; and to grade assignments. A D2L site already exists for every course at ETSU which the instructor may need to populate with instructional material. Please see this reference site for a quick start using D2L.
Zoom (https://etsu.zoom.us) is a videoconference and audioconference software hosted in the cloud that enables communication across many mobile devices, desktop computers and video-enabled classrooms. Zoom allows for face-to-face interaction, and even breakout rooms for small group discussions. For example, it is possible for a faculty member to host a class discussion using only a cell phone equipped with a camera.
More Help with Zoom and D2L Remote Instruction Guidelines Create Your Plan Moving Content Online
For online accommodations for students with disabilities, please reference https://www.etsu.edu/students/ds/online-accommodation.php . For more information or questions, please contact Mary Little, Director of Disability Services.
- Support from the Information Technology Services is available from the ITS Help Desk at 423-439-4648.
- The Center for Teaching Excellence is also available for teaching pedagogy questions at 423-439-8661.
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Technology Resources & Software
Helpful Technologies
ITS has put together a website with resources related to remote content delivery, remote access to campus, technologies to assist with communication, zoom conferencing and other information to help you do your job while away from campus.
Technology Resources & Software
The ITS Helpdesk is available to continue support of faculty, staff and students. Find their contact information and hours at the website.
ETSU outdoor WiFi available
Students, faculty and staff can connect to ETSU WiFi at the campus locations identified on the map below:
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Library
Sherrod Library
The Sherrod Library building is open, however, building and service hours may differ.
- Sherrod Library building and service hours: https://libraries.etsu.edu/use/fall2020
- All Sherrod Library services and collections are available online: https://libraries.etsu.edu/
Research help is available remotely:
✉ Email: refdesk@etsu.edu
💬 Chat: https://libraries.etsu.edu
📅 Zoom: https://libcal.etsu.edu/appointmentsSERVICES
24/7 off-campus access to electronic resources
Databases, articles, ebooksebooks, and streaming media remains available via OneSearchOneSearch, A-Z Databases, and Course and Subject Guides, email, and Library service FAQs
Electronic delivery of interlibraryinterlibrary loans (articles, chapters, other digital media)
Training and support to integrate library’s electronic collections into D2L
Digital Commons repository for student and faculty e-portfolios, posters, papers, and other digital works
For questions please email refdesk@etsu.edu or call 423-439-4307 or 1-866-542-3878 (1-866-LIB-ETSU).
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Research
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Office for the Protection of Human Research Subjects and the ETSU IRBsIRBs are fully operational. All IRB email addresses continue to be monitored with the same or greater frequency. IRB staff will be available via phone and email during normal business hours. We want to assure the research community that our primary concern is the safety of our researchers and research participants while also preserving the scientific integrity of research protocols. For more information, please visit https://www.etsu.edu/irb/covid-19-info-for-research.php.
Information regarding ORSPAORSPA site for grantees: https://www.etsu.edu/research/orspa/federal_agency_guidance_in_response_to_covid-19.php
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Health Information
University Health Center
The University Health Center, located in Roy S. Nicks Hall, Suite 160, is open and providing services for the ETSU community.
University Health Center
423-439-4225 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) or
after-hours at 1-888-915-7299Do you want to be seen in person? You can schedule an appointment during clinic hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The University Health Center also offers Virtual Telehealth visits for those who are not in Johnson City or prefer not to come to the clinic. Telehealth visits can either be conducted over a phone call or via a computer/laptop or camera capable cell phone. The latter provides both an audio and visual component, so you can see and speak with a provider without coming the clinic.
The University Health Center also offers virtual behavioral health appointments, in person and virtual sick visits, immunizations, TB tests, etc.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing is available to any student, staff, or faculty member who wishes to be tested. For more information about how to get tested, call the University Health Center at 423-439-4225. If you experience COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) and/or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, contact your health care provider or the University Health Center. Do not go to a health care facility before you have called your provider.
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Travel Restrictions
Travel Restrictions
Travel guidelines will be updated as the campus progresses through stages of operation. Travel restrictions and guidelines currently in place include:
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
All outgoing university-related international travel is suspended.
STUDY ABROAD
All study abroad programs are suspended.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Travel is suspended until further notice. College deans will continue to approve travel requests within their respective colleges, but any travel approved must have justification that it supports accreditation, tenure/promotion activities, or essential program delivery. Dean or Vice President approval is required.
LOCAL/REGIONAL TRAVEL
Local travel associated with everyday operations of the university, including blanket travel, will continue.
Vehicular travel outside a 50 mile radius, with the exception of other ETSU campuses, requires supervisor approval and should be limited to activities that are absolutely necessary and cannot be rescheduled or conducted remotely.
PERSONAL TRAVEL
Recommendations for personal travel and international students traveling to ETSU is to follow the most current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other appropriate state and federal agencies.
Do the travel restrictions apply to personal travel?
This suspension is applicable to university-related domestic travel and international travel and does not apply to personal travel plans.
What are the self-quarantine requirements if I have traveled?
When considering personal travel, follow the most current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which include self-quarantine guidelines when traveling to and from certain areas.