Fall Closeout – Spring Startup

December 16, 2020

Final preparations are underway to end the fall semester with the virtual commencement for our graduates on Friday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. Their perseverance and achievement through this very challenging year is a testament to their tenacious Bulldog spirit. We encourage the entire BSU community join in the celebration and share your pride in our students’ achievement.

Spring Semester Opening

Essential employees designated by supervisors to work on campus the week of Jan. 4 should make appointments through the Wellness Patient Portal for COVID-19 testing on their first day of work after winter break. Rapid tests that provide results within 20 minutes will be administered. A negative result will enable employees to begin work immediately. The traditional PCR nasal swab test will also be administered to confirm the rapid test result.

All other employees, designated as essential with regularly scheduled days on campus to meet the university’s ongoing operational and quality service needs, should schedule testing Jan. 4 – 6. This process will assure that the confirming PCR nasal swab test results are received before in-person work schedules begin on Jan. 11.

To assist employees and supervisors in managing work schedules, a web app will soon be available for you to input proposed schedules for supervisor review and approval. Look for further instructions later this week.

Student Return to Campus

Students will begin returning to the campus for residential hall move-in by appointment on Jan. 15. The rapid and PCR nasal swab tests will both be administered. Students should assure that all financial obligations are addressed before your scheduled move into the residence halls.

As we approach the end of 2020, we welcome the first arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, but acknowledge that the virus remains prevalent all around us. We encourage you to continue to practice the safety precautions throughout the winter break to protect yourselves and those around you. University COVID-19 testing will continue through Dec. 21, so please take advantage of this free service to confirm your negative status.

Continue to monitor email and the COVID-19 Updates web section for any updates that may occur before the new year.