COVID-19 Update
Posted March 24, 2020 and sent to all Union students on all campuses
Good afternoon,
I hope your Spring Break is off to a good start and that the break from classes is allowing you to be refreshed and recharged for the rest of the semester. I'm writing with a couple of updates regarding resuming classes and finishing the semester strong – thanks for reading to the end!
First, please know that we care for you and want to support you as you finish the remainder of the semester. While COVID-19 has changed some of our methodology, Union University is still open and we have no intention of 'shutting down' all campuses and/or closing the residence halls on the Jackson campus. Because all of our residence halls are apartment-style, in that every student has an individual bedroom and all apartments have kitchens, the Health Department categorizes them as an apartment complex rather than a traditional college residence hall. Union University offices will also remain open, although faculty and staff may be working from home in accordance with government directives. Furthermore, the Dining Hall on the Jackson campus will reopen on Monday, March 30 with to-go meals.
Second, in light of executive orders from Governor Bill Lee (EO-17) and Jackson Mayor Scott Conger (EO 2020-02), several Jackson campus locations/services will be closed through at least April 6. These include: Bowld and McAfee Commons, Wellness Center, Logos Library, Barefoots Joe, and Modero Coffee Roasters. The mayors of Memphis and Nashville have issued safer-at-home orders for those cities. However, while there may be no one physically on our Memphis, Germantown, and Hendersonville campuses, office operations are still ongoing as faculty and staff work remotely providing instruction and services to our students.
Third, we understand that many students have traveled over spring break and may be returning to Union for the remainder of the semester. We want to remind you that if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, is awaiting a test result for COVID-19, or has symptoms of COVID-19, please consult with a medical professional before traveling to or from campus. In almost all situations it is best for you to self-quarantine for the recommended 14-day period or until all symptoms have subsided. Campus Guidance for COVID-19 is copied at the conclusion of this email. Please don’t hesitate to contact Union’s Health Services at clinic@uu.edu if you have any questions.
Finally, it is still our strong desire to resume in-person classes on or near April 13. With that said, our priority is for the safety of our students and the broader community. We will do our best to keep you abreast of developments impacting the University as decisions are made.
With abiding hope,
Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver, Ph.D.
President