March 22, 2020: COVID-19 Updates for Campus

The university will reopen with modified services Monday, March 23. Faculty and staff should report as arranged with their supervisor. To maintain as safe conditions as possible, campus buildings will be closed to the public. Students, faculty and staff should be the only ones accessing campus, as needed.

Extended spring break for students will also begin and continue through Friday, March 27. Beginning March 28, classes will resume with alternative instructional delivery. Faculty and staff will work this week to finalize transitional plans for classes and many campus services. Students should expect to hear from their professors via email and/or D2L on plans for each class.

An adjunct faculty member has been identified as having symptoms of COVID-19 by their primary care physician. This is considered a presumptive diagnosis since the individual was not tested for the disease. This individual is experiencing mild symptoms and has self-isolated. The last time the individual was on campus was March 6, which is 16 days ago. Therefore, there is minimal risk to campus.

The UCO Library will remain open for students, faculty and staff, but with modified services and hours. Until otherwise noted, the library will be closed to everyone except those with a valid UCO ID. To enter the library, use the south entrance. Other entrances will be closed.

To the best of its abilities, the library will offer its services virtually, including research consultations. In an effort to maintain as safe conditions as possible, visitors will not have access to public spaces on the third and fourth floors until the university returns to normal operations. The library now is also a “closed stacks system,” meaning that no visitor browsing is allowed. However, upon request, items can be retrieved by library staff. If needed, consideration will be made to possibly ship necessary materials.

The library website provides remote access to electronic resources. However, students can bring their devices to the library to access electronic resources and the university wireless internet; use any of the 70 workstations throughout the building, including the computer lab (Room 226); check out one of more than 45 laptops and tablets from the information desk (subject to availability) on the first floor; or, simply use the space to study. Students who choose to come to the library are advised to practice social distancing by remaining at least six feet apart from others. Additionally, the university’s custodial partners also will be cleaning and sanitizing these areas.

For more information or for assistance, visit library.uco.edu.

This is an opportunity to remind everyone that the COVID-19 may be stable for up to three days on surfaces and for three to four hours in the air. With time, hand-washing, regular cleaning and social distancing, our environment can remain a safe space. When you return to campus, please remember to social distance, if you have an enclosed office space, it is helpful to close the door to your office, maintain at least six feet between individuals. If you are exhibiting any symptoms consistent with the virus, do not come to campus.