Livingston, Ala. — March 13, 2020 — The University of West Alabama has continued to monitor novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential effects on the university community and its educational delivery methods. While no COVID-19 cases have been identified on the UWA campus – and no one from UWA has reported experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms – out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the entire university community, and in response to the latest guidance and recommendations from CDC and other public health agencies, the university will transition all on-campus classes to online instruction beginning April 6.
On-campus classes will continue to meet as normal through March 20. The university will close as scheduled for Spring Break March 23-27. On-campus classes will be suspended March 30-April 3 to allow additional time for UWA to transition as efficiently and completely as possible to online instruction. All on-campus classes will fully transition to online instruction April 6. Students currently enrolled in UWA Online courses will continue as originally scheduled.
UWA Housing
Students are not required to return to campus when classes resume on April 6, and can continue their course work via online instruction. International or other students who do not have alternative accommodations, students from areas without high-speed internet or other means of receiving remote instruction, and students with exceptional hardships, or academic, employment, or clinical requirements may return to their university housing. Arrangements will be made to ensure any students who need to remain on campus have access to essential services. A move-out plan from UWA Housing will be communicated soon.
Domestic and International Travel
In addition to the previously announced suspension of international travel, all university-sponsored domestic travel will continue to be reviewed based on the previously announced criteria and changing circumstances.
Other University Business
Due to these changes, some essential personnel may be required to work over Spring Break. Supervisors will be in contact about those schedules. Other university operations will continue as originally planned, with employees returning from Spring Break March 30.
Exposed or Sick Individuals
Individuals should not return to campus if they have traveled to a CDC COVID-19 Level 2 or 3 country (on personal or university business) or come in close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. These individuals are required to contact the Alabama Department of Public Health. Individuals having symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, should contact their healthcare provider.
Assistance with Online Instruction
UWA is examining how to best support employees and students who have special health or other needs impacted by these decisions. Faculty may call upon UWA Online staff members to assist with online preparation and teaching.