Guiding Principles for Unit/Department Return to Campus During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Since January, SDSU’s Emergency Management Team (EMT) has been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and working to ensure the health and safety of SDSU’s students, employees and visitors. Operations have been altered with students completing the semester online and employees working remotely where possible.
On May 1, 2020, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the presidents of the six regental institutions announced they are committed to resuming on-campus operations for the fall 2020 semester to provide opportunities for teaching, learning and co-curricular activities in an appropriate manner. With that in mind, EMT and the JacksRBack task force have decided university functions will operate under the following guiding principles:
- SDSU is committed to participating in and upholding the principles of public health in our operations;
- Planning for a safe return will include a focus on academics; employees; student life; research, scholarship and creative activities; athletics and the Brookings community;
- Decisions pertaining to a return to campus operations will be made with the health and safety of our students, employees and anyone who engages with SDSU considered;
- SDSU administrators will utilize guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, South Dakota Department of Health and ad hoc medical and epidemiological expertise in their decision-making processes;
- SDSU will collaborate with local health care clinics and South Dakota Department of Health for virus testing, serological testing and contact tracing as dictated by the most current public health regulations and guidance;
- SDSU is steadfast in our mission of providing access to higher education and creating a rich intellectual experience for the purpose of learning, research, scholarship and creative activities whether a student is able to return to campus in fall 2020 or requires an alternate opportunity to ensure academic progress;
- SDSU may direct remote or on-site work performance by employees in the most effective and efficient manner possible;
- SDSU will continue to operate within our core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, operating with integrity, commitment to diversity, and achieving excellence; and
- Changes in key metrics such as hospitalization rates, level of community spread or the emergence of a localized “hot spot,” as well as other emerging information about the COVID-19 virus and related guidance, will be the metrics for movement into more restrictive plan phases or less restrictive plan phases depending on the trend direction of these monitored data points.
SDSU General Guidelines:
- Individuals should stay home when sick.
- Prior to arrival to campus each day, individuals should self-screen and stay home when sick.
- Individuals will stay home when sick, following designated reporting protocols and seeking medical care when appropriate.
- Individuals will practice good hygiene.
- Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow, throw used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (if soap and water are not readily available, clean hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol). Routinely wash your hands throughout the day.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes doorknobs, light switches, desk areas and computer-related or other equipment in which you come into contact. Ensure appropriate custodial and cleaning services are used.
- Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting electronics. If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol and dry surface thoroughly.
- Individuals will maintain social distancing from other individuals at all times feasible, regardless of the group size.
- Individuals will use self-provided face coverings when around others, especially when social distancing may be difficult to maintain or cannot be maintained. Face coverings are not an alternative to distancing. Where specialized job duties require PPE use such as N95 masks or other protective equipment, adhere to these requirements.
- SDSU will engage in appropriate collaboration for testing, tracing and self reporting for COVID-19 related exposures and individuals will participate in the same.
- Individuals will self-isolate or follow quarantine directives when there is a reasonable belief they have been exposed to COVID-19 infections or are infected.
- Individuals will be encouraged to participate in all recommended vaccinations.
- SDSU will provide communication, training and education on topics related to the COVID-19 virus and public health.
Important Information
The following section will be used to communicate important information pertaining to the return to campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to check this area of the website on a regular basis.
Wellness Center Re-opening June 1, 2020
As part of the phased reopening, the SDSU Wellness Center will be reopening in a phased approach for SDSU students and current community members with limited hours beginning Monday, June 1, 2020. Operating hours will be:
- Monday through Friday: 5 - 9 a.m., 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., and 4 - 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 7 - 9 a.m., and Noon - 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Extensive precautions are being enacted to provide a safe environment, so our members have an opportunity to resume an active lifestyle. Cleaning will be conducted during regular intervals throughout the day, as well as deep cleaning during facility closures. Wellness Center staff will follow CDC guidelines as well as American College of Sports Medicine and American College Health Association guidelines.
Read the full announcement for information regarding the re-opening as well as important guidelines and expectations for patrons and staff to create a safe work-out environment.