Regent Responds to Coronavirus with Flexible Study Options
SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY
We continue to closely monitor the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). There are no known cases of COVID-19 at Regent, but we are exercising the utmost precautions for our faculty, staff, and students. The safety and well-being of our Regent community is our top priority, so we are offering the following flexible study options for on-campus students.
FLEXIBLE STUDY OPTIONS
- Regent University will remain open and on-campus classes will resume on Monday, March 16. We look forward to welcoming students back from spring break. We have implemented proactive measures to protect the health of our campus community, including:
- On-site health screenings are available in Regent’s Health Center.
- All facilities are equipped with sanitation stations and disinfected daily.
- Regent has also engaged an outside cleaning firm to supplement our ongoing sanitation efforts using hospital-grade cleaning agents with active ingredients consistent with EPA and CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, and infectious disease.
- Large-scale student gatherings will be live-streamed or pre-filmed as deemed appropriate by university officials.
- If students are unable to return to campus, they may continue their designated courses online. On-campus course content will be available online, so students can complete classes without interruption. Faculty will use Canvas, email, and Collaborate to communicate, create assignments, share feedback, and more.
- If students wish to complete courses online and not return to campus, they must contact Advising by Monday, March 16, 2020.
- Students should work closely with Advising throughout the spring semester if they have any change of plans for class attendance.
- Advising is open from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Friday, and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday.
- Email advising@regent.edu or call (757) 352-4385.
RU HEALTHY? WELLNESS TIPS
While it may appear that Regent is unique for keeping our campus open, most workplaces, schools, universities, and meetings are continuing without interruption. In fact, the CDC continues to state: “For the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. There is not widespread circulation in most communities in the United States.” The CDC is not currently recommending suspension of classes at K-12 or universities when there are no cases of COVID-19 in those settings. The CDC says people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic. In 80% of people, the disease causes only mild illness, experts say. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In light of current concerns, we recommend that you adhere to the following precautions to prevent the spread of illnesses:
- Avoid the hugs and handshakes. Transmission of the virus is done when people come into contact with respiratory droplets from symptomatic individuals. Avoiding the handshakes and hugs will help prevent the chances of transmission.
- Stay home when you are sick with flu symptoms. This is the same advice we have for other flu strains.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Experts believe the disease is spread from being in close contact – within about 6 feet – with infected individuals.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
STAY THE COURSE
Campus operations will continue as planned. Employees who have recently traveled to infected areas should coordinate remote work or medical leave options with their supervisors and Human Resources. For concerns regarding increased risk for infection due to underlying health conditions, employees should contact Human Resources. We continue to support the Regent community in prayer as we complete the spring semester. Together, we can practice good hygiene to help prevent the spread of illness. Let’s stay the course and finish strong.
For additional coronavirus updates, please visit: https://webdev.regent.edu/news-events/regent-university-statement-on-coronavirus/