Georgia Southwestern State University is closely monitoring the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We are continuing to receive and share further guidance from the University System of Georgia (USG) and Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) as it relates to COVID-19.
For a full list of campus services and hours for Spring 2021, visit gsw.edu/SpringServices.
GSW Updates
Please visit gsw.edu/BackOnTrack, launched on July 16, 2020, for the most up-to-date information about GSW's return to campus plan and procedures for Fall 2020.
- GEMA donated additional PPE supplies to USG | July 30, 2020
- August commencement ceremony postponed | July 17, 2020
- Return to Campus Plans for Fall 2020 | July 17, 2020
- Contingency Plans for Fall 2020 | July 9, 2020
- Important Changes to USG Healthcare Plan Coverage | July 8, 2020
- Updated Guidance on Age, Underlying Medical Conditions, Use of Face Coverings | July 6, 2020
- Requesting Special Leave or Accommodations | May 27, 2020
- Employee Return to Campus | May 27, 2020
- Board of Regents provides authority for potential reductions due to COVID-19 | May 7, 2020
- GSW expands WiFi options on and off campus | May 6, 2020
- GSW Emergency Financial Aid Grants update | May 5, 2020
- Georgia Southwestern plans to resume face-to-face instruction for Fall semester | May 4, 2020
- Spring 2020 Textbook Buyback and Rental Return | April 16, 2020
- University System of Georgia announces no tuition increase for 2020-2021 academic year | April 9, 2020
- Share Your Gratitude | April 8, 2020
- Commencement alternatives for Spring 2020 Graduates | April 6, 2020
- Statewide Shelter in Place issued by GA Governor | April 3, 2020
- GSW will continue remote instruction during May and Summer semesters | April 2, 2020
- Spring 2020 Move-Out Plan, Phase II | March 30, 2020
- Class Updates for Students from Provost | March 27, 2020
- Free COVID-19 Virtual Screenings for USG employees | March 26, 2020
- Albany lockdown lifted for GSW students and employees | March 26, 2020
- GSW to issue partial refunds | March 25, 2020
- Advisement, Registration, & Withdrawals | March 24, 2020
- Online Learning and Spring 2020 Campus Resources | March 23, 2020
- GSW employees and students from Albany not permitted on campus during lockdown | March 19
- Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremony cancelled | March 18, 2020
- Spring 2020 Move-Out Plan for Residential Students | March 18, 2020
- GSW will move to online instruction for remainder of semester | March 16, 2020
- Peach Belt Conference Cancels Remainder of 2019-20 Season | March 13, 2020
- GSW will continue online courses, ONLY face-to-face instruction suspended | March 13, 2020
- GSW Suspends Face-to-Face Instruction for Two Weeks | March 12, 2020
- Message from GSW President on Coronavirus | March 12, 2020
- Spring Break Travel Amid Coronavirus | March 11, 2020
- Initial statement | March 9, 2020
*All coronavirus-related media inquiries should be directed to University Relations at univrel@gsw.edu or 229-942-6549.
Resources
Health & Information Resources
- University System of Georgia (USG) information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates and information
- Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) information
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Decision Path for GSW Employees & COVID-19 Response
- Coronavirus vs. the flu, common cold, and allergies
- Coping with the fear of coronavirus
- What does social distancing mean?
- Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line
Faculty Resources
- Guide to Rapid Transition to Online Teaching
- Resources for Online Teaching (including GeorgiaVIEW & technology resources)
- GSW Presentations on the Rapid Transition to Online Classes
- USG Resource Guide for Transitioning to Remote Instruction
- GeorgiaVIEW Remote Assistance
- Keep Teaching USG Podcast
- Free COVID-19 Virtual Screenings for USG employees
- USG Learning Everywhere
- Internet Access Resources
- Access Wireless Networks at Higher Education Institutions with eduroam
- Blackboard Collaborate Training for Conducting F2F Classes while Social Distancing
Student Resources
- Flowchart for GSW Students & COVID-19 Response
- Remote Learning Tips from a Full-Time Online Student
- Fall 2020 Campus Services
- Student Guide to Transitioning to a Remote Online Learning Environment
- COVID-19 and SHIP Important Health Information
- Charter to Offer Free Access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi For 60 Days For New K-12 and College Student Households
- Keep Learning USG
- Internet Access Resources
- Library Hotspot Map - Free WiFi
- Access Wireless Networks at Higher Education Institutions with eduroam
FAQ
What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. The virus has been named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19").
How is COVID-19 spread?
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is spread like any other respiratory illness, such as the common cold or influenza. Coughing or sneezing by those who already have symptoms spread coronavirus to others. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
What are the symptoms?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
What should I do if I feel sick?
Anyone showing signs or symptoms of coronavirus should first call their primary care provider. DO NOT go to the GSW Health Clinic, health department or emergency room. If you do not have a primary care provider, then please call your local health department. While you are waiting to see your doctor, be sure to take the following precautions to stop the spread of germs. Do not go out in public or go to work until you've been cleared by your doctor.
What precautions can I take?
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick, especially if you have a fever.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing.
- Stay home and avoid crowded places if possible.
What should GSW students be doing?
We encourage GSW students to diligently check their GSW email accounts and this page for any updates. Important announcements will also be made on social media and, in emergency situations, our emergency notification system. Students should also be practicing good hygiene and the precautions listed above.
If news about COVID-19 is causing an increase in anxiety, hopelessness or isolation, we have structures in place to help you attend to your mental health. Students can connect with the Counseling Services, and employees can seek resources through Human Resources and the Employee Assistance Program.
Contact Information
- GSW Health and Counseling Services - (229) 931-2235
- GSW Public Safety - (229) 931-2245
- Sumter County Health Department - (229) 924-3637
- Georgia Department of Public Health West Central District information line - 1 (855) 962-0955
