Grambling State News

UPDATED JULY 9, 2020

University Facilities and Policies Updated for COVID-19 Prevention

GRAMBLING, La – July 6, 2020 – Today, Grambling State University announced a hybrid approach to online classes for the Fall 2020 semester along with more information for faculty and staff.

“We’ve been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and meeting regularly to consider all aspects of student, faculty and staff needs,” said President Rick Gallot. “Even though every feasible campus adjustment has been made to help everyone stay safe, with the recent surge in cases, it’s clear that we must remain flexible in our Fall planning.”

Adjustments to Fall Academics

Grambling State’s Fall semester will begin on August 10 and end on November 25. The majority of classes will be taught in a hybrid manner, including online and face-to-face instruction. Grambling State’s hybrid class model is largely online and allows professors to offer optional in-person class sessions as is consistent with CDC and state guidelines. Professional nursing and lab courses among other specialized classes must take place face-to-face.

“Our students will have the choice between learning remotely or returning to campus while taking hybrid courses,” said Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

In addition to mandatory temperature scans at each building entrance, masks must be worn in all university buildings and offices, excluding private bedroom spaces in residence halls, and appropriate social distancing must be respected. Access to Grambling State’s campus will be limited to faculty, staff, students, and a limited number of approved visitors.

“Many students need to return to campus for a variety of reasons. It’s our responsibility to make sure they have the option to live in safe spaces where they can focus on learning,” said Gourjoine M. Wade, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “We are counting on students and team members to observe new safety policies and our collective effort to minimize health risk.”

All campus resources will be available by online appointment to make sure students have what they need. Eligible students in need of laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, or other support for hybrid learning can apply for additional assistance when these resources become available.

At this time, no changes have been made concerning Fall sports, homecoming, or other events.

“We are being especially cautious with developing procedures to adequately protect our student-athletes and community,” said Dr. David Ponton, Athletics Director and Vice President of Student Affairs.

A Phased Return for Team Members

After months of remote work, university personnel will begin their phased return to campus on July 13, adhering to new safety policies.

“The phased approach will help everyone become familiar with the newly implemented safety procedures and develop a sense of normalcy around campus operations,” said Lori Williams, GSU’s Associate VP for Operations/Chief Human Resources Officer. “By the time students arrive, we can focus our attention on getting them acquainted with new safety procedures.”

• On July 13, 2020, team members from the following departments are to begin reporting to campus for work: Admissions, Athletics, Campus Living & Housing, Financial Aid, Information Technology Center, Registrar’s Office, Property & Receiving, Mailroom, Controller’s Office, and Tiger 1 Card Services.
• Academic department heads and deans will report on July 20, 2020.

New campus policies require faculty and staff to wear masks on campus and have their temperatures checked each morning before reporting to their respective work spaces.

In the event that the current surge of COVID-19 infections increases in the coming weeks, adjustments to the Fall 2020 plans may be necessary.

Students and families are encouraged to visit gram.edu/coronavirus for answers to frequently asked questions and contact pertinent departments for assistance with other matters.

For media inquiries, contact Raven Thissel at 318-243-5012 or email mediarelations@gram.edu.