Colleagues,

I know life has changed drastically over the past two months, as many of us have been adapting to remote work and trying to keep our social distance. But as the state of Georgia moves to reopen, so, too, will the University of West Georgia in the safest way possible.

I would like to share with you this video message regarding our phased return to in-person operations over the next two months. Beginning Monday, June 15, we will begin Phase I of our Return to Work plan, which has been submitted to and approved by the University System of Georgia and can be accessed online by clicking here.

While we are dealing with a fluid situation, below is our expected timeline for the carefully phased approach we’re taking to return to in-campus operations before the fall semester begins:

  • Phase I - June 15 through July 5
  • Phase II - July 6 through July 19
  • Phase III - July 20 through Aug. 2
  • Phase IV - Aug. 3 through Aug. 12 (the first day of Fall 2020 classes).

The vice presidents have created their own staggered Return to Work plans specific to their divisions. Each vice president will communicate with his or her respective employees soon about return schedules and other details about the Return to Work.

In developing a course of action, the health and safety of all our colleagues continue to be our highest priority. With that in mind, we will deploy the following on-site practices:

  • The implementation of proper social distancing measures (at least six feet apart) in workspaces;
  • Regular cleaning and decontamination of facilities and workstations;
  • The requirement to wear face coverings in non-private spaces;
  • Effective tools to conduct daily monitoring of employees’ temperatures and other relevant symptoms.

For more information on what you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19, you can watch this video produced by the University System of Georgia.

I want to thank all of you for your tireless efforts in facilitating this transition to remote work and how you have risen to the challenges presented by COVID-19. I also wish to express my deepest gratitude to the university personnel who have continued to provide essential services on-campus during this time. Because of all your efforts, we have the opportunity to return to campus safe and stronger than ever.

Take care of yourself and those around you. Be well.

Sincerely,

kelly logo

Brendan B. Kelly, Ph.D.
President
University of West Georgia