FAQ for students during COVID-19 outbreak

For answers to questions not covered in this article, please call 706-737-1411.

Updated April 24:

Online learning

The University System of Georgia has announced that all institutions will move to online instruction for the remainder of the spring semester, now including the 2020 summer semester, in light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Some limited exemptions will be made to allow on-campus instruction for a few courses.

Classes that were temporarily suspended will resume in an online format Monday, March 30.

Due to the shift to online instruction, students may receive live appointments online from our various academic support centers.

Graduate students may request asynchronous online appointments for the Writing Center.

Request an appointment with the Writing Center

• Log in to the Writing Center appointment page.
• Schedule your online chat appointment.
• If you cannot make an appointment, utilize the center’s online resources.

For more information on writing assistance, please contact the Writing Center at 706-737-1402.

Meet with a tutor from the Math Assistance Center

• Check the math tutor schedule. Scheduled appointments are not required.
• Log in to Microsoft Teams with your AU credentials.
• Click “calls” on the right side of the screen and type in the name of the tutor that is on call.
• To chat with a tutor, click “chat” on the right side of the screen. Type in the tutor’s name. Then type your message in the box at the bottom of the page.

For more information on math assistance, please contact Dr. Brooke McGuire.

The Academic Success Center (ASC) is open with online tutoring and academic coaching.

The ASC is open for online support with time management or study skills as well as tutoring in over 40 subjects.

• Schedule an appointment on the ASC website
• Click the button that says schedule an appointment and follow the directions.
• You meet with your tutor or coach via Microsoft Teams.

College of Science and Mathematics

For assistance in Chemistry or Physics, please visit the College of Science and Mathematics webpage to look at virtual tutoring hours via Microsoft Teams.

Online learning for health programs

The Dental College of Georgia

Currently, fully online courses will continue without interruption, while colleges such as The Dental College of Georgia dental student clinic care and pre-clinical simulation instruction will remain suspended until March 27. Also, DCG dental student online-only instruction may commence as early as March 23, with approval from Dr. Joseph Vitolo, DCG associate dean of academic affairs and advanced education.

College of Nursing

All College of Nursing students will finish all courses online, with online exams. For pre-licensure students, effective immediately, in-person clinical and virtual simulation have been suspended until further notice. Doctor of Nursing program students involved with the DNP Project Defense have moved to virtual platform; and for clinicals, continue as scheduled to the extent possible. Reach out to your program director/concentration faculty for questions and further guidance.

For College of Nursing PhD students, PhD Defense has moved to a virtual platform. For questions regarding dissertation and other research engagement, talk with Dr. Julie Zadinsky and your dissertation chair.

Medical College of Georgia

See the COVID-19 student policy here.

General student information

What services are available to students now?

Most services will still be available to students through the end of the semester. Our faculty and staff are working now to shift those services to a virtual format. We are committed to engaging and serving students as we always have.

On-campus operations have been reduced to a minimum to allow for social distancing, but many resources will still be available:

• Student Counseling and Psychological Services in CE-2A
• Student Health Services in Pavilion II
• Testing and Disability Services
• Financial Aid
• Open Paws Food Pantry
  • Now located at Elm Hall
  • Also available in Bellevue Hall by calling the Dean of Students’ Office at 706-737-1411 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Dining (see updated hours)
• University Police
• JagExpress Shuttle (see updated hours)

Will I have access to Career Services?

Yes. Career Services has a myriad of tools available for students to use online.

Virtual appointments and slots for virtual walk-in hours can be secured online by logging into Handshake or by calling Career Services at 706-737-1604. Once scheduled, appointments and walk-ins are conducted via Microsoft Teams or via Phone Call.

Additional virtual services include:

• Big Interview for virtual interview assistance and practice.
• Online assessments for finding the best major or career route options.
• Career Guide for sample resumes, tips to help writing a ‘thank-you’ or elevator pitches.

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 page. 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.

What health resources are available to me — whether I have student health insurance or not?

All students still have access to Augusta University’s Student Health Services and Student Counseling and Psychological Services. Please contact these offices if you are in need of care.

Additionally, all students at University System of Georgia institutions are now eligible to consult with Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) doctors, nurses and mental health specialists as they work through issues related to COVID-19. These consultations are no cost for students enrolled in USG SHIP and are $40 for non-enrolled students. There is a 24/7 help line available for all students at no charge.

All students can download the HealthiestYou mobile app, call 855-870-5858 or go online for telehealth services. To support students who may be experiencing anxiety or stress following the recent developments around COVID-19, an Emotional Support Help Line at 866-342-6892 provides access to specially trained mental health specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge to all students.

Students who have questions or concerns about whether they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 should immediately call their health care provider or member services number through their insurance plan. For students who need guidance or may not have a provider or insurance, the Georgia Department of Public Health has established a hotline at 844-442-2681.

Additionally, Augusta University is fortunate to be associated with AU Health. If any students thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, they may use the AU Health Hotline at 706-721-1852 or the free virtual screening tool. All testing is free of charge, if indicated.

What if I do not have access to a computer at home?

It is a critical, top priority for Augusta University to support the online learning operation. We are aware that some students may not have the ability to access learning management systems (like D2L) from home, due to the lack of a device or internet service.

In an effort to assist these students, the Office of the Dean of Students has created a process through which students can request assistance with technology that will help them successfully complete their courses during spring semester. The form can be found here or on the Jags CARE website and can be completed by any student.

Augusta University faculty and staff will assist students, when possible and when consistent with overall public health guidelines, in providing access. For example, faculty may make of traditional remote learning options, e.g., U.S. mail, etc.

Will I receive a refund for housing, meals, and other fees?

Find full information regarding refunds here.

Is graduation canceled?

Students will still be able to graduate, consistent with academic standards, but the actual ceremony is postponed.

All public events, including commencement exercises and extra-curricular activities such as intercollegiate athletics, are canceled or postponed. Online-only activities will be permitted and should be supported by campus staff.

How can I stay connected to AU during this time?

Students are asked to download Microsoft Teams to stay in contact with one another and their faculty, and to check all channels (emails, social media, D2L, COVID-19 resources page) at least twice per day.

Students are also asked to make sure their emergency contact information is up to date. Click here to update or verify your information in POUNCE.

Update on residence halls

The decision to move courses online also means students will need to move out of the residence halls, with two exceptions: Students in health care/clinical programs and graduate research assistants who will continue face-to-face instruction without interruption and those with extenuating circumstances.

Students received an email communication from Housing & Residence Life directing them with next steps for move-out.

If students have extenuating circumstances, they will be invited to explain those. Upon review of the Dean of Students office, students with extenuating circumstances will be able to remain in the residence halls through the end of the semester. Please note this includes those students enrolled in health care/clinical programs whose instruction has continued without interruption, as well as graduate research assistants. All students needing to stay in the residence hall must complete the extenuating circumstances form to seek permission to stay.

There is specific guidance on how to conduct the move-out process. For example, we will avoid clustering of students and families. Social distancing will be enforced as a part of the move-out procedure. Only five students will be able to move out each hour per building. They can be accompanied by only two guests. Our Housing & Residence Life team is working hard to prepare for our move-out, which began Friday, March 20.

Campus updates

How can I stay connected with the university remotely?

Utilize this IT resource web page to understand what software or technology support you will need to stay connected remotely, check your university email regularly and visit the coronavirus resource page for tips on how to protect yourself, how to determine if you have COVID-19 and ways to prevent contracting the virus.

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.

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 has canceled the Italy Business Study Abroad program and the Italy Film and Study Abroad Program, both in May. 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.

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.