Update on Gordon State College Continued Operations
TO: Gordon State College Community
FROM: Kirk A. Nooks, Ed.D., President
RE: Update on Gordon State College Continued Operations
03.13.2020
For the last several weeks, the Gordon State College Task Force has been working diligently to prepare for and plan our institution’s approach to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Phase One included “Education and Prevention,” which was captured in the Nooks’ Notes from March 6. Phase Two included “Readiness,” in which we prepared for the possibility of online instruction and remote services should there be a confirmed outbreak or guidance by the University System of Georgia and the Department of Public Health. As of yesterday, we find ourselves entering into Phase Three of “The Response.”
Per the direction from the University System of Georgia, Gordon State College, will temporarily suspend instruction for two weeks starting March 16, 2020. We take very seriously the responsibility to make prudent and well-informed choices for the well-being of our campus communities and the public. We continue to prepare for all scenarios in this rapidly evolving situation. All USG institutions have plans to ensure academic continuity as operations are impacted. The USG is providing regular updates to all institutions and the public at its website, https://www.usg.edu/coronavirus.
Today in consultation with the GSC Task Force and Cabinet, we have made some decisions that will guide our actions over the next couple of weeks.
1. Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, Gordon State College will be open to the public in a limited capacity. Visitors to the campus will be greeted and served at the Student Services Center. We know there may be a delay in our response time and we appreciate your patience.
2. The Facilities team will continue to sanitize per CDC guidelines and deep clean campus buildings during the break.
3. Effective immediately, Gordon State College is postponing or cancelling on-campus or off-campus events between now and March 29. This includes recruitment events, tours, Open House, student programs, advisory board meetings, reunions, concerts, performances, conferences, athletics, community education, competitions, club and social events. In addition, all GSC non-essential travel has been cancelled.
4. We will provide timely and updated information as it becomes available to our GSC website in order to keep you informed with factual information. Please monitor frequently.
This is a significant challenge for our college, region and nation. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate “The Power of WE” and our commitment to our campus community as we learn to adapt and support one another through these circumstances. We are an institution with a history of putting self aside and focusing on the common goal. Thanks for all you continue to do on behalf of our students and Highlander Nation.