In an email on Wednesday, the University announced that while nearly all students will have to be tested for COVID-19 before classes start, they do not have to receive the test before returning to Auburn.
Ivey extended the state's mask mandate until the end of August in a press conference on Wednesday.
Recruitment week will still be held Aug. 8-15, and chapters will be able to host virtual meetings with parents of new members after Bid Day.
Instead of commencements, Auburn University will be opening campus buildings on Aug. 8 for deans to greet graduates returning to Auburn. Graduates will also be allowed photos inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
All Auburn students will receive free Stay Safe Together test kits, but some may be encouraged to test on-site at one of 14 Alabama locations. Private tests are also accepted.
After three months, the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations at EAMC has again risen to more than 50. On Monday, the medical center set a new record of cases being treated: 58.
In a press conference Wednesday, the governor announced that with COVID-19 cases surging in Alabama, she will be implementing a statewide mask order.
As COVID-19 numbers across the state continue to rise, EAMC is reporting a steady increase of hospitalizations and ventilators in use.
Kelli Shomaker, Auburn's chief financial officer, recently spoke with The Plainsman to provide insight into the University’s financial impact from COVID-19 since March.
The University has released a plan, "A Healthier U," which details the changes being made to Auburn's campus and schedule to allow for reopening this fall. Included in the plan is a revised fall schedule, apps to report your symptoms and mask guidelines for University buildings.
Auburn’s move-in process has been modified this fall for incoming on-campus residents because of the coronavirus. Check-in will be curbside and there will be no volunteers.
EAMC reported an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations this week which some officials say could lead to another shelter in place order unless more people follow social distancing and mask guidelines.
With thousands of students and faculty expected back this fall, Monday's reopening was the University's first opportunity to test strategies for containing the spread of COVID-19 on campus.
The Plainsman spoke to Transportation Services director Don Andrae, who outlined safe health practices being introduced to campus transportation and detailed a new scooter share program launching this fall.
In past years, RA training has been two weeks long and in person. Now, due to social distancing protocols, training will be reduced to five virtual days.
The new policy applies to all buildings and includes classrooms and laboratories, except private offices and residence hall rooms, according to the University.
There are three options for the new sorority recruitment schedule, which will be held the week of Aug. 8-15.
Students and University employees can expect a COVID-19 contact-tracing app, class recordings, physical distancing in classrooms and policies on face coverings and backup faculty as they return in August.
The fall 2020 semester will begin on Aug. 17 as originally planned and end on face-to-face on Nov. 24, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, according to Provost Bill Hardgrave.
Two ceremonies in Jordan-Hare Stadium are scheduled — one at 7 a.m. and one at 7 p.m. Livestreams of the ceremonies will be available for those who cannot attend.
