July 29, 2020

Shift to Phase Two, Safety Measures, Residential Move-in & Town Hall Meetings

On Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, Bowie State University will move to Phase Two of our Return-to-Campus Plan that is set to continue though the fall semester. Staffing schedules will be in place for employees who have been designated by supervisors to work on site providing required services for the fall semester. We want to recognize the 25 implementation teams, whose tremendous work over the past month has enabled the campus to make this transition. Their collaborative efforts reflect our shared commitment to make sure BSU is prepared to welcome and provide a rich learning environment for our new students.

Multi-layered Safety Measures

Maintaining a low-density population on campus is the first measure of defense in our multi-layered approach to mitigate the presence of COVID-19 in the campus community. Employees will alternate on-site and telework or have full telework schedules, where possible, to maintain a significantly reduced number of employees on campus and enable physical distancing in offices and other areas. Continuation of many university services through virtual appointments will also allow face-to-face, personal interactions with students and others no matter where they are located.


A robust testing and daily screening program is in place to continuously monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 among all students and employees. Everyone is asked to get a COVID-19 test 7-10 days before returning to the campus for the first time. Employees and students are expected to report their results in the following ways:


Other safety measures implemented include:

  • The requirement of a mask or face covering for entry into all campus building at all times and outside when 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible
  • Installation of Plexiglas barriers at office reception and service desks, professor teaching stations, computer labs and other spaces where social distancing may be difficult
  • Enhanced cleaning of high-traffic public spaces by housekeeping staff multiple times per shift
  • Provision of a personal “BSU Cares Packet” with a mask, thermometer and sanitizing gel/wipes for every employee and student, as well as face shields for key groups on campus
  • Provision of hand sanitizer and wipes throughout the campus
  • Campus-wide COVID-19 safety signage with entry and exit directions
  • Dining to-go and delivery service for students and employees and dining hall tables configured for up to four people with social distancing.

Please view the comprehensive health and safety protocols web section and a downloadable PDF.

 

Residential Move-in Scheduled

Students approved for university housing received move-in schedules this week with designated two-hour appointments. Freshman students will move in Aug. 17 – 21 and upper class students in the Christa McAuliffe Residential Community and affiliate housing will move in Aug. 24 – 28. All residential rooms will be single occupancy for the fall semester. If you have any questions about housing, please contact housing@bowiestate.edu.

 

Upcoming Town Hall Meetings

Several virtual town hall meetings have been planned to share more information about safety precautions and respond to your questions. Planned sessions are as follows:

We want to encourage all members of the BSU community to remain engaged in the efforts to deliver the quality service and educational experience that our students expect. Cabinet leadership is getting reports of the extraordinary work of many individuals and recognizing them in Cabinet meeting notes provided to shared governance leaders. Please know that the commitment and dedication of our employees is valued and appreciated.