Student Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 STUDENT FAQs

Are we returning to on-campus instruction in the Fall?

Yes. Classes will resume in the Fall in the following modalities: in-person/face-to-face, hybrid (synchronous), and online (synchronous or asynchronous), with an emphasis on the return to in-person/face-to-face and synchronous learning sections.

Students in hybrid and in-person courses should expect to meet on campus in a designated classroom when scheduled. Further, students who register for a hybrid class should make sure to understand which meetings will occur in-person/face-to-face and which meetings will occur online. For descriptions of the various modalities of instruction, please visit: https://www.savannahstate.edu/registrar/class-sched.shtml

When will the fall semester begin and end?

The first day of classes is August 15th and the last day is December 2nd. Final exams will occur December 3rd – 9th.

What safety measures are in place to protect us from COVID-19?

Covid-19 vaccines will be available on campus for students.
Covid-19 testing will be available on campus for students.
Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout campus.
An enhanced cleaning schedule has been developed for offices, common areas and classrooms.

What should I do to stay safe?

The University System of Georgia (USG) continues to recognize COVID-19 vaccines and boosters offer safe, effective protection and urges all students to get vaccinated and/or boosted either on campus or with a local provider.
The system encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk

Will the residence halls be open?

Yes, the residence halls will be open this fall.

If so, will we have roommates?

Yes, students in double occupancy rooms will have roommates.

Will I have to sign a waiver to reside on campus?

No.

Can we have off-campus visitors?

No off campus visitors in the residence halls after regular business hours.

How will move-in be handled?

Students have been emailed their move-in date and time. Students should report at their indicated date and time to move-in.

Will we have to wear masks or other protective equipment to class?

The system encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk.

Will the university provide masks?

SSU students should bring their own masks.

Will we be required to take a COVID-19 vaccine to return to campus in the Fall?

No. Covid-19 vaccines are available on campus. Schedule an appointment via the Savannah State University website.

Will we be required to take a COVID-19 test during the semester?

No. Covid-19 testing is available on campus. Schedule an appointment via the Savannah State University website.

How will social distancing impact my classes?

SSU will continue to follow CDC and State guidelines concerning social distance. If modification to when a student attends an in-person course is needed, direction will be provided by the instructor of record. Students should expect to be in-person for all in-person/face-to-face classes and at least 50% of the class meetings of a hybrid class.

Fully vaccinated students can engage in-person classes and other activities without social distancing. Unvaccinated students are strongly encouraged to continue socially distancing from others when possible.

How will social distancing impact research in the laboratories?

What options do I have if I’m not comfortable being in a traditional classroom setting?

SSU has returned to traditional course scheduling. Special accommodations for students will be limited to those specified by the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students should contact Disability Services for ADA requests. There are no special accommodations related to COVID.

.Will the library be open?

Yes, the library will be open.

Will we be able to visit the health center for routine care?

The Harris-McDew Health Center will be open by appointment only. All patients must call ahead for any needs. To schedule an appointment,

please call 912-358-4122. To pick up medication, please call the pharmacy at

912-358-4116. Masks/face coverings may apply to the health center/medical facility.

If I experience COVID-19 symptoms, do I go to the health center for a test?

No. Students who develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should please notify ssucovid-19@savannahstate.edu. Do not go to class and stay away from people. If you must be around people, wear a mask. Free COVID-19 testing is available on campus. Schedule an appointment online on the COVID-19 site and walk-ins are welcome. Testing is located in Harris Hall. For more information, contact the COVID-19 Team at 912-358-4673.

Will the student health center use telemedicine for visits?

Telemedicine will be an option for patients during operational hours.

I think I’ve been exposed to someone who has the virus – what do I do?

Please notify ssucovid-19@savannahstate.edu for further instructions; residential students should also notify their residential director.

Exposure is contact with someone infected with the virus that caused COVID 19, in a way the likelihood of getting infected with the virus. A close contact is someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.

Individuals not up to date with COVID 19 vaccines or not vaccinated and without symptoms should follow these measures if you are a close contact:

Notify ssucovid-19@savannahstate.edu
Quarantine at home and stay away from others for 5 full days, watch for symptoms
Schedule a COVID-19 test on campus or with a local provider after quarantining for 5 full days
Receive a negative COVID-19 test result to resume campus activities
Discontinue quarantine after negative test result but continue to monitor for symptoms, wear a mask until day 10
If you develop symptoms isolate immediately and get tested. Continue to stay home until you know the results.
Wear a well- fitted mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public

People who are fully vaccinated and boosted with COVID vaccines or had confirmed COVID 19 within the past 90 days (tested using a viral test) do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms.

A student in my residence hall is exhibiting coronavirus symptoms but refuses to seek medical attention – what shall I do?

Please notify the residential director.

What are the protocols if a student test positive for the virus?

Students who test positive for COVID-19 should notify ssucovid-19@savannahstate.edu for further instructions.

Isolate if you tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status

If you test positive for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status, follow the below measures:

Self-isolate for 5 full days
Wear a mask if you must come in contact with other people in your home
Do not travel
End isolation after 5 full days if you are fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever –reductions medication and your symptoms are improving
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Wear a well –fitted mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public
Schedule a COVID-19 antigen test on campus or with a local provider
Receive a negative COVID-19 test result to resume campus activities

If my professor or a classmate test positive for the virus, will I be notified that I may be at risk?

Students will be contacted by the COVID-19 Team if he/she is considered to have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Will our clubs and organizations be able to gather for meetings, activities?

SSU will resume traditional student life activities beginning fall 2022. Individuals are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering based on person preference and/or comfort level inside campus facilities.

How will we receive mail?

Residential students will receive their mail at the campus post office.

Will residential students be able to leave campus for shopping, part-time jobs, etc.?

Yes, students will be allowed to leave campus for shopping and jobs.

What are the plans for December 2022 commencement?

In-person commencement will occur on Friday, December 9^th. Plans may be adjusted as needed in response to environmental changes.

Are we having homecoming this year?

Yes, Savannah State is planning for a Homecoming game, scheduled for October 8, 2022 versus Virginia University of Lynchburg. Information regarding tickets and tailgating can be found at ssuathletics.com. The Department of Student Life will host a series of activities and events the week of Homecoming.

Will we be able to attend athletic competitions: football? volleyball?

We will be permitting fans for all athletic competitions. More information will follow under the direction of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) regarding capacity limits. SSU will continue to follow NCAA and SIAC Conference guidelines for COVID-19. Patrons may choose to wear masks during home games based on preference and assessment of personal risk.

What about dining facilities – will they be open and how will they operate to achieve social distancing?

Yes, our dining venues will be open. Tables and chairs will be cleaned between each use. Tables and seats have been removed from the original capacity in order to adhere to distancing requirements. Individuals are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering based on person preference and/or comfort level inside campus facilities.

What about visiting the bookstore to purchase books and supplies?

The campus bookstore is open for normal business operations. . Individuals are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering based on person preference and/or comfort level inside campus facilities.

Will the shuttle service be available to students?

Yes, the shuttle service will operate on campus. Masks and face coverings are strongly encouraged on public transit.Will mandatory fees be reduced or eliminated?

In accordance with the approved tuition and fee structure from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, there were limited increases to student mandatory fees and tuition rates will remain unchanged for the third consecutive year.

If a student is not high risk but does not feel safe attending face-to-face classes, how is that being handled? And if my major doesn’t offer fully online classes, how is that going to be accommodated?

Special accommodations for students will be limited to those specified by the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated prior to the start of the Fall 2022 semester.

If I am not vaccinated, can I return to campus?

Yes, you can return to campus if you are not vaccinated. The University System of Georgia continues to recognize COVID-19 vaccines and boosters offer safe, effective protection and urges all students to get vaccinated and/or booster either on campus or with a local provider.

Will the Covid-19 vaccine be available in the Fall?

SSU will continue to ensure vaccine availability to faculty, staff, and students through the VAX Clinic located in the Harris McDew Health Center. Savannah State will not assess COVID-19 vaccination rates for the institution. For COVID vaccines, please use the link below to schedule an appointment https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/COVID19VaccineClinic@savannahstate.edu/bookings/.

I have a question that is not listed here; who do I contact?

Please submit your questions to ssucovid-19@savannahstate.edu.