Student Information

Helping students through the impact of coronavirus

Classes will remain in an online delivery methodology through the spring 2020 semester and summer sessions. University offices are open and students are encouraged to contact offices and access services through remote means (phone, email, Zoom, etc.). 

  • Academics

    Emergency Grading Accommodation for Spring 2020


    Effective: March 31, 2020

    This emergency grading accommodation goes into effect on March 31, 2020 and will be active for the Spring 2020 semester only (at this time) to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This emergency policy temporarily supersedes any applicable current policies. ETSU Academic Council and President Brian Noland approved this emergency policy. 

    Read the full policy for undergraduate and graduate accommodations 
    (Note: These policy changes are not applicable to medical students or pharmacy students)

    • Undergraduate students have until June 15, 2020, to exercise the option to request a P/F grade for a course. This is only applicable for ETSU undergraduate students.
    • The request for a P/F grade is made to the academic advisor and is then submitted to the academic dean (or designee) for final approval.
    • Advisors will discuss with students the potential impact that earning a P/F grade may have on financial aid, scholarships, future graduate school applications, licensure, or other matters.
    • College deans (or designee) have the authority to deny requests for P/F grading in the event this option could have a negative impact on the student’s long-term progression.
    • At this time, this emergency modification of the Pass/Fail policy only applies to courses offering during the Spring 2020 semester.
    • Regarding graduate students, pass/fail is not an option. However, faculty are encouraged to use broader discretion to assign a grade of Incomplete as circumstances around the move to remote learning and COVID-19 warrant.
    • Academic dismissals will be suspended for Spring 2020 for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students may be placed on probation as warranted. Graduate students may be placed on probation if the GPA is lower than the required 3.0 for graduation.
    • ETSU will include a transcript note on all academic records, regardless of grading basis, indicating the extraordinary circumstances of the global health emergency during Spring 2020.

     

    Tools for Remote Learning


    Faculty are using email, D2L and/or Zoom (video conferencing software) to continue to provide course information and learning materials. 

    If you are not familiar with D2L, you can view the D2l Quick Start Guide for Students.

    Zoom will be available via your instructor from within D2L for various class-related meetings. You may also use zoom for student group meetings by logging in to https://etsu.zoom.us.  Zoom has a mobile app for iphone and android.  Please visit our zoom help page for more information. 

    Be sure to check your email and your courses in D2L daily for information from your instructor on how to proceed with the course.

    Will the change to online courses only affect the class schedule?


    No, all classes will continue to follow the Academic Calendar, with final exams scheduled for May 3-8.

     

    Book rental return instructions

    1. Go to SHOPETSU.COM and click Sign in*

    2. Once signed into your account, click on Rentals to view all of your rented out titles

    3. Click on Return All Rentals by Mail, then select the books you wish to check-in

    4. Print your free return label, and ship your books back to the bookstore 
      Be sure to print and include the packing slip along with your books

    Contact ETSU Bookstore for more details: 423-439-4436 or 1846mgr@follett.com

    *Even if you rented in store, you have an online account that matches the email address you gave at the register.  If you don't know the password, use the Forgot Password link to have a new password emailed to you.

     

    Will ETSU hold a Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020?


    Graduates, their families and friends are invited to watch ETSU's Virtual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9. The ceremony will be streamed online beginning at 10 a.m. and WJHL News Channel 11 will broadcast the ETSU Virtual Commencement Ceremony at 12 p.m.  (earlier viewing time than previously announced)

    For a more personalized virtual commencement experience, graduates will select and stream a specific ceremony for their college or academic program. More information about how to watch the ceremony is available at www.etsu.edu/classof2020.  Video stream links will be available on the website at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. Viewers may also stream the ceremony and arrange a watch party on the  ETSU Facebook page.

    NOTE: Spring graduates will have the opportunity to participate in a dedicated in-person ceremony in December.

     

    Will summer classes be online?


    All summer courses will be transitioned to online or remote offerings and all online fees will be waived. To learn more, visit ETSU Summer Session webpage. 

    ETSU outdoor WiFi available


    Although access to ETSU buildings is limited at this time, outdoor WiFi locations are available. Students can connect to ETSU WiFi from their personal vehicles at the following parking locations on the ETSU campus:

    1. Carillon/Bell Tower parking areas between Gilbreath Hall and Burgin Dossett.
    2. Parking lot at 902 Maple Street
    3. Southwest corner of the Parking Garage

    These locations are also marked with a blue circle on this campus map:

    ETSU campus map wifi

    While connecting to the ETSU WiFi, please follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for social distancing. Also, please remain in your vehicle while using WiFi.

  • College and Department Annoucements

    Nursing: Nursing Students, for more information  concerning clinicals view the nursing coronavirus status webpage.

     

  • Student Health

    What should I do if I am sick?

    If you experience fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and you have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient and/or traveled from a location with a CDC Level 3 or Level 2 travel notice within 14 days of the onset of illness, stay home and contact your health care provider or the University Health Center at 423-439-4225 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) or after-hours at 1-888-915-7299.

    Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, and shortness of breath may also contact the Health Department at 423-979-4689 for screening and further information on testing sites.

    Do not go to a health care facility before you have called your provider.

    Is the University Health Center open?

    The ETSU University Health Center is open and still providing services for the ETSU community. If you are a student, staff, or faculty member and would like to see one of our providers, there are several options to choose from. 

    Do you want to be seen in person? You can schedule an appointment during clinic hours:

    M/W/F: noon-4 p.m. 
    Tues/Thurs: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 


    We are also offering Virtual Telehealth visits for those who are not in Johnson City or prefer not to come in. These virtual visits can either be conducted over the phone like a phone call or it can be on a computer/laptop or camera capable cell phone. The latter provides both an audio and visual component, so you can see and speak with one of our providers in the comfort of your own home. 

    We are currently offering virtual behavioral health appointments, in person and virtual sick visits, immunizations, TB tests, etc. 

    For more information, please visit the University Health Center website or call 423-439-4225 during our clinic hours.

    What support services are available if I feel concern or worry about the COVID-19?

    Students may contact the ETSU Counseling Center at 423-439-3333 or counselingcenter@etsu.edu. The Counseling Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Bucs Press 2 provides counseling support by phone and is available 24/7 by dialing 423-439-4841 and pressing 2. 

    The BucsCARE website is another resource for students. BucsCARE lists offices and campus resources in various categories. Student referrals can be made by submitting a CARE Report.

    The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for faculty and staff members who need counseling support and referral to other resources. Assistance is available 24/7 by calling 855-437-3486.

  • Library

    Sherrod Library

    The Sherrod Library building is closed until further notice. However, all Sherrod Library services and collections are available online at https://libraries.etsu.edu/

    Research help is available remotely via:
    ✉ Email: refdesk@etsu.edu
    💬 Chat: https://libraries.etsu.edu
    📅 Zoom: https://libcal.etsu.edu/appointments

    Research help hours:
    May 8-17
    Monday-Friday: 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
    Saturday-Sunday: Closed

    SERVICES

    24/7 off-campus access to electronic resources

    Databases, articles, ebooks, and streaming media remains available via OneSearch, A-Z Databases, and Course and Subject Guides, email, and Library service FAQs

    Electronic delivery of interlibrary 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

    ETSU students enrolled for Summer or Fall 2020 will have the due date on checked out library materials extended to July 15, 2020. This includes interlibrary loan items. ETSU employees will also have due dates extended to July 15, 2020 unless contacted by the library to resolve special cases.

    Book Return

    Most ETSU campus buildings are closed but you can come onto campus to return books to Sherrod Library.

    From the front entrance doors, turn to the left and walk 28-30 steps and you will find yourself at the 24/7 book returns on your right. The book return slots are built into the side of the building, and they are secure for your return of all library books. 

    If you need to mail books back to the library, send to:
    Sherrod Library, AskUs Desk
    ETSU
    PO Box 70665
    Johnson City, TN  37614

  • Support Services

    Housing and Residence Life

    A limited number of ETSU students were granted an exemption to remain on campus. Students remaining on campus have access to food service at the Dining Hall and other support via the Department of Housing and Residence Life, Public Safety, and the University Health Clinic.

    Governor Lee’s “Safer at Home” expires April 30, 2020, therefore, ETSU will resume move-outs to all buildings, except Lucille Clement, on May 1, 2020. In an effort to limit the number moving out at any given time, students need to sign up for a specific day/time to retrieve their belongings from May 1 – 31, 2020. To schedule a move out date/time,  complete the ETSU Move Out Form. Once approved, students will receive a confirmation email.

    For questions please contact housing@etsu.edu or 423-439-4446

    If you don’t have a place to live, contact the undergraduate student success specialist (undergradsuccess@etsu.edu) or the graduate student success specialist (gradsuccess@etsu.edu). They are trained to put you in touch with community resources.

    If you can't afford to pay for basic needs, ETSU is giving small grants on a case-by-case basis when no other means of aid are available. To make a request, fill out a CARE report.

    Culp Student Center

    The Culp Center is closed

    Access to the dining hall on third floor is available via the north entrance to the Culp on J.L. Seehorn Road

    Post Office

    Window services open Monday-Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    ETSU Bookstore

    Accepting online orders only at https://www.bkstr.com/shopetsustore/home

    For questions contact cbirdwell@follett.com or 423-439-4436

    Dining Services

    Dining Hall is open daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed from 1-4:30 p.m. and reopens 4:30-6 p.m. for grab-and-go meals using Anytime Dining or Block plans. Student ID required. (Access via the north entrance to the Culp on J.L. Seehorn Road.)

    Sherrod Library

    The Sherrod Library building is closed until further notice. However, all Sherrod Library services and collections are available online at https://libraries.etsu.edu/

    For questions please email refdesk@etsu.edu or call 423-439-4307 or 1-866-542-3878 (1-866-LIB-ETSU).

    Research help is available remotely via:
    ✉ Email: refdesk@etsu.edu 
    💬 Chat: https://libraries.etsu.edu 
    📅 Zoom: https://libcal.etsu.edu/appointments

    Research help hours:
    Monday-Friday: 8 a.m to 9 p.m.
    Saturday-Sunday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

    Tutoring

    The Center for Academic Achievement  (CFAA) is conducting online tutoring/learning services. Staff are available to answer student questions via phone or email and students can access assistance through the “Online Help” resources.  

    Disability Services

    Disability Services offers qualifying students who register with our office a variety of accommodations and assistance. As we transition all courses into the online environment, we continue our commitment to providing an accessible environment that allows people with disabilities an equal opportunity for participation in educational pursuits. Guidance for faculty will be provided. Students or faculty who have questions related to disability accommodations should contact Disability Services at 423-439-8346 or littleme@etsu.edu

    Academic Advising

    Academic advisors are available to assist students. Meetings should take place by phone or using Zoom. If you have not scheduled a spring appointment for advisement, you should do so now.   

    Financial Aid

    The Financial Aid office is open and available to assist students remotely via phone, email and other means. 

    Counseling Center

    Students may contact the ETSU Counseling Center at 423-439-3333 or counselingcenter@etsu.edu. The Counseling Center's regular operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Other times may be available upon request. Bucs Press 2 provides counseling support by phone and is available 24/7 by dialing 423-439-4841 and pressing 2.

    Bucky's Food Pantry

    Bucky's Food Pantry is available to assist students. Call 423-439-8487 to arrange for a box of food.

    Basler Center for Physical Activity/CPA

    The Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA) is closed. All Campus Recreation sponsored programming and services are cancelled at this time. Please call 423-439-7980, Monday-Friday, 9 am-4:30 pm to speak with a Campus Rec Staff Member or email campusrec@etsu.edu with any questions.

    Student Organizations

    Clubs and groups should contact the Student Activities and Organizations office with questions on any student events, activities, or club/organization planning or programming.

    Student Government Association

    • BucFunds already approved for travel or on-campus events are on hold at this time, and funds will not be processed. No new applications will be processed during this time period.
  • Student Employment Positions (FWS, APS, RWS, temporary employees)

    APS workers should not report to work. There will be no penalties for APS workers who are not able to complete hours during the online class period. FWS workers and RWS should not report to work. Questions should be directed to your supervisor. Look for further guidance from Human Resources.

    Federal Work Study (FWS) recipients will not report to work and will continue to receive regular paychecks for their scheduled hours during the period of time in which the university holds all course work online. Offices and supervisors will be asked to document scheduled hours during this period.

     Regular Work Study (RWS) recipients will not report to work and will continue to receive regular paychecks for their scheduled hours during the period of time in which the university holds all course work online. Offices and supervisors will be asked to document scheduled hours during this period.

    Student Temporary employees should speak directly with their supervisor about staffing needs. 

  • Graduate Assistantships/Fellowships & Tuition Scholarships

    Graduate Assistants (GA) and Tuition Scholarship (TS) recipients should continue, as possible, with their usual activities. Contracts will be honored, that is, they will be paid and there will be no changes to tuition.

    GAs/TSs who are helping a faculty member with secondary research can do so remotely. You and your faculty member will need to stay in routine contact and you will be responsible for fulfilling your obligations.

    GAs/TSs who have full teaching responsibilities or who conduct break-out or other learning support for a course should be working with a faculty member or mentor to understand the plan for moving classes online and receive the training you need to do their jobs competently. ETSU’s Center for Teaching Excellence and Information Technology offer useful resources to help you.

    GAs/TSs who have responsibilities for laboratories, studio spaces, animal care, or who work in an administrative unit (like CPA) will receive instructions from your direct supervisor as to what will be expected from you and your responsibilities during this time.

  • International Student Information

    I cannot travel to my home country because my visa is expiring. What should I do?

    Students may stay in the United States on an expired F-1/J-1 visa as long as they maintain their immigration status by being in possession of a valid I-20/DS-2019 and an I-94 Arrival/Departure record, and by meeting normal enrollment requirements.

    My F-1 visa requires that instruction must occur in person. What should I do?

    Due to the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19, SEVP recently issued guidance to universities that allows for increased flexibility to ensure international students can continue their academic progress. Universities can implement temporary adjustments such as moving to online instruction without negatively impacting the immigration status of enrolled international students.  

  • Research

    Institutional Review Board (IRB)

    Office for the Protection of Human Research Subjects and the ETSU IRBs 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.

  •  Student Athletes

    Scott Carter, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, announced that spring practice for all men's and women's athletic teams has been suspended until further notice.

 

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