Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), along with the other University System of Georgia (USG) institutions, plans to reopen in June and resume face-to-face instruction in August for the Fall semester should guidance from Governor Kemp's office and public health officials allow it. Currently, USG institutions are developing complex plans to ensure the health and safety of faculty, staff and students. The May and summer semester will continue to be online-only at all 26 USG institutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are making the necessary adjustments to modify our campus operations and our facilities to ensure we can accommodate for social distancing guidelines," said GSW President Neal Weaver. "GSW administration and staff are working diligently to make this a smooth transition as we look to resume normal operations. We understand there will be many questions, we just continue to ask for patience as we work through these details moving forward."

The situation remains a fluid one, as the USG monitors developments related to COVID-19 and receives counsel from state public health officials. Guidance could be subject to change, even after contingency plans are in place.

Each institution's plans will vary as there are unique needs on each campus, however the recommendation for a staggered, phased-in approach in June is the same. Plans will address overall workplace and health safety, and are to be submitted to the USG for approval. GSW's top priority in the gradual reopening over summer continues to be the safety of faculty, staff and students, especially those in the high-risk population.

"We are certainly looking forward to seeing everyone back on our beautiful campus this fall," said Weaver, "but in a safe manner. I want to thank the entire GSW community for their patience and flexibility over the past two months, especially our faculty, staff and students. They've shown resiliency and perseverance during a very uncertain and ambiguous time. We will rise to this challenge together, and come back stronger and more united than ever to take every day by storm."