FAQ on campus operations amid COVID-19

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call the COVID-19 hotline at 706-721-1852 or complete a free virtual screening.

Updated March 25:

Are there cases of COVID-19 on campus or in the community?

As of March 16, there are confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in the Augusta area. Please check the Georgia Department of Public Health site for the most updated information on positive cases in Georgia.

Augusta University is committed to regular updates on our website with the latest information on the disease and steps you can take to protect yourself. As this is an evolving situation, we will not update this site with current numbers of admitted patients with COVID-19.

What precautions is the university taking to protect students, faculty and staff from COVID-19?

We continue to monitor COVID-19 and to take safety actions as warranted and in conjunction with our local, state and national health agencies. We also participate in regular updates with the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, established a task force in February composed of leaders from across campus who are now working to assess the university’s readiness plans and execute protocols related to medical health and safety, business continuity, emergency preparedness and travel.

Will the university be implementing special screenings or other procedures related to spring break travel by students and other employees?

The university announced March 4 it will cancel the Italy Business Study Abroad program and the Italy Film and Study Abroad Program, both in May 2020. We are continuing to work with the University System of Georgia for further recommendations and guidance regarding travel.

The federal government handles screening at U.S. entry points and does not allow anyone who has been in a high-risk area in the past 14 days to enter the country. Individuals traveling to nations that are under CDC Levels 2 or 3 travel advisories during spring break also will be required to observe and prove a 14-day self-quarantine before being allowed to resume normal campus activities.

As part of the CDC travel guidance, all non-essential travel to Level III countries including China, Iran, Italy and South Korea have ceased. It is also recommended that employees delay travel plans to countries with known outbreak.

In light of the outbreak’s spread, are all students, faculty and staff welcome on campus?

Yes, we uphold the value of inclusivity and believe that times of crisis are when we work together to promote the safety and wellbeing of our entire university community. Only those students, employees and visitors under mandated self-quarantine or who have not been cleared by Student Health Services will not be permitted on campus.

Why are you not limiting entry to your campus except people who are self-quarantined?

It is important to note that travel by U.S. citizens both within the country, as well as internationally, is regulated by the U.S. government. The university abides by federal regulations and CDC guidelines. We are taking appropriate measures to protect the entire community, while providing support and resources to anyone who might have been exposed.

What counseling and support services are available?

We encourage students to seek support with Student Counseling and Psychological Services at 706-737-1471. Our counselors will provide psychological care and refer students to other university resources.

Augusta University strives to be an inclusive community that welcomes and respects all people. Acts that violate the institution’s core values of compassion, inclusivity and integrity will not be tolerated.

How will I be notified about actions related to coronavirus?

The university is committed to keeping the community informed through updates on its dedicated resource webpage. Employees and students will also receive a bi-weekly email update with news and information related to COVID-19. We also encourage you to follow our social media channels for additional information and updates.

The university has responded to many infectious diseases, and our protocols are designed to protect the entire community, while providing support and resources to anyone who might have been exposed.

JagCard Office operations modified:

JagCard Office operations will be modified through March 31 to limit person-to-person contact.

To obtain services, email or call 706-721-0323.

An identity and badging specialist will walk you through the needed information and steps to obtain the service you need. You will be given a designated time to report to the HS/Annex 1 building to obtain your card.

To have access added to your card, your building coordinator will need to approve and contact jagaccess@augusta.edu.

Information regarding Summerville Campus:

All buildings on the Summerville Campus will be locked beginning Friday, March 20. However, staff who need access to a building can use their ID Badge at buildings that have card readers or use their building key if they have one.

For everyone else, we are establishing a dedicated phone number to call that will then allow us to send a Facilities staff member to let them in the building. Our plan includes having multiple Facilities staff members on campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to respond quickly to these calls as well as having someone continuously taking calls on the multi-line phone during these hours.

There will be signage placed with this information at each building entrance with details and phone numbers.

Please continue to check our COVID-19 resource page for updates.