South Georgia State College President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers announces preparations are underway for a return to in-person instruction this fall. The semester is currently scheduled to begin on August 17, 2020. SGSC, and all University System of Georgia institutions, is planning to fully reopen this fall following guidelines of the Governor’s Task Force, the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As guidance from public health officials monitoring COVID-19 continues to evolve, plans are subject to change, and SGSC has developed contingency plans should it be necessary to shift back to remote delivery of instruction at any point during the semester.
Best practices and procedures are being developed for implementation across each campus, including expanded workplace health and safety protocols, technology-enhanced teaching and learning agile practices, effective communication systems and protocols and plans for public service and outreach, athletics and campus life. A phased program for employees and students to return to campus is being implemented in accordance with policies and procedures from the University System of Georgia (USG) and other health officials.
SGSC has introduced a #StayHealthySGSC communication campaign that will continue throughout the academic year. Through this initiative, workplace health and safety messages are being communicated to faculty, staff and students through social media and other traditional platforms. “Our goal is to keep those on campus safe and encourage employees and students as a collective group and individually to take responsibility for their health and the health of others,” states Dr. Jaime Carter, Dean of the School of Nursing. Enhanced cleaning, social distancing guidelines, preventative measures and office space and classroom modifications are taking place in preparation for the return to campus and are part of SGSC’s approach for a safe and healthy campus. The new guidelines will impact a range of services that impact students such as, campus life and student support services.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our students to campus and are committed to providing them with a quality education and a full college experience. We will have new guidelines and protocols in place but it will all be done in an effort to create an environment that is safe and healthy,” explains Dr. Thompson-Sellers.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit www.sgsc.edu for information about admissions, associate and bachelor degree programs, scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Admitted students should check their SGSC student email about orientation sessions and other upcoming opportunities and deadlines.
Additional information will be posted at www.sgsc.edu as it becomes available. All individuals on SGSC campuses will be expected to comply with procedures and protocols for the health and safety of all.