The University of Georgia Griffin Campus is instituting a phased return of faculty, staff, and students to campus throughout the summer. With guidance from the University System of Georgia (USG), UGA created a comprehensive document that outlines safe practices to be used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help curb the spread of COVID-19, in mid-March, UGA Griffin employees began primarily teleworking, with only limited personnel continuing to work on campus in a rotating schedule. All remaining Spring Semester classes were converted to an online format, with faculty teaching through zoom sessions from remote locations. UGA determined the Summer Semester would follow the model of remote learning as well, with plans for face-to-face classes with social distancing to resume for the Fall Semester. A key component to the Fall Semester planning is the safe and effective delivery of high-quality instruction and resumption of all campus operations.
Dr. David Buntin, Interim Assistant Provost and Campus Director for UGA Griffin is hopeful that the plan will remain in place.
“The unprecedented pandemic has caused significant changes in our lives in many ways,” said Buntin. “It has been a challenge, on both personal and professional levels to navigate through the last couple of months. I am hopeful that the light at the end of the tunnel will grow brighter in the coming days.”
UGA Griffin’s return to campus will be broken into three phases; Phase 1 began on June 15 and will continue with preparations for the next two phases. Phase 2 is set to begin on July 20 and Phase 3 will begin Monday, August 10, when all faculty and staff return to campus for the Fall Semester. Employees will gradually return to campus through staggered schedules during Phase 1 and Phase 2. During Phase 3 there will be a full restoration of teaching, research, and service activities, where all faculty and staff return to campus, for the 2020 Fall Semester. All guidelines are subject to change and revision based on new directives from the USG and UGA administration.
The Facilities Management Division has worked diligently to implement an enhanced cleaning schedule for the entire campus as well as making modifications to offices on an as-needed basis for each department to adhere to the guidelines. Employees have been provided two reusable face masks and are required to self-monitor their symptoms each day before reporting to work. If they are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms, they are required to stay home.
“The response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the UGA Griffin Campus has been and will continue to be a focus on the health and safety of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Buntin.” “This commitment will be the guiding force as we prepare to enact a carefully planned and measured reopening of the Griffin campus.”
Under Phase 1 and 2, the UGA Griffin Campus buildings are remaining closed to the public. This also includes the Research and Education Garden located on Ellis Road.
However, the Dundee Café is currently open to the public and is following the State of Georgia requirements for safety as well as social distancing. The café, located in the renovated Mule Barn in the heart of campus, is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. offering both dine-in and carryout options. Be sure to check out their website www.itsfromthefarm.com for menu and ordering options.