Cumberland University's Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Cumberland University continues to closely monitor the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Continue to closely monitor your Cumberland email for the latest information and updates.
Key Updates:
- CU will reopen campus for the fall semester. Classes will be held both on-ground and online.
- As announced Wednesday, June 24, Cumberland has altered the academic calendar for the Fall 2020 semester. Classes will now begin Monday, August 17. You can view the full academic calendar here: cumberland.edu/calendar/academic-calendar/
- CU will compete in all athletic events beginning in the Fall 2020 semester, using all guidelines and recommendations from the NAIA and Mid-South Conference
- Students, faculty and staff will be required to complete training and sign social contracts to abide by policies and behaviors to limit the spread of the virus. The social contract can be found below and is available for students to accept in their CAMS portal.
- To limit the total volume of students on campus, students will be divided into an A group and a B group
- A group: Students with last names A-K will be on campus Mondays and Tuesdays and online Wednesdays and Thursdays
- B group: Students with last names L-Z will be online Mondays and Tuesdays and on campus Wednesdays and Thursdays
- Student that need alternative learning arrangements, can fill out the Request for Alternative Learning Arrangements Form until August 7.
Health & Safety:
- Face coverings will be expected to be worn in all public spaces across campus. Masks will be available on campus for all students, faculty and staff.
- CU will increase cleaning and sanitation frequencies across campus and have hand sanitizing stations and PPE available
- Facility capacities will be limited to encourage social distancing, including limiting the dining hall capacity to 100
- Everyone will be required to monitor and track symptoms using the Cumberland App before coming to campus
- Students, faculty and staff will be required to complete training and sign social contracts to abide by policies and behaviors to limit the spread of the virus
- Visitors will be required to have temperatures checked before entering campus
- Students living on campus will have limited visitation
- Large events will not be held if social distancing is not possible - events can take place in small groups, virtual events or a hybrid option
- CU will provide updates to the campus community via a variety of media, including university email, the university's website, campus messages, the CU app and social media.
Academics:
- CU has modified the academic calendar for the fall semester. Classes will begin August 17 and end on November 25.
- To limit the total volume of students on campus, students will be divided into an A group and a B group
- Students with last names A-K will be on campus Mondays and Tuesdays and online Wednesdays and Thursday
- Students with last names L-Z will be online Mondays and Tuesdays and on campus Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Campus resources will be open and available, but students are encouraged to use these during their on campus days - or virtually or after 3pm on their online days
- Professors can elect if their online portion of classes will be synchronous or asynchronous
- There are some exceptions to this A/B plan, and those can be found in the attached campus reopening plan
Athletics:
- CU athletics will continue to follow all policies and procedures set forth by the NAIA and Mid-South Conference
- Temperature checks are required for all athletes prior to competition and those with a temperature above 100.4F degrees or who are experiencing symptoms will not be eligible for competition
- Travel roster sizes will be reduced to the traditional postseason travel roster
- Shared items, such as water bottles and unnecessary equipment will be prohibited
- Fan attendance at competitions will be limited
Social Contract:
Students, faculty and staff will be required to complete training and sign social contracts to abide by policies and behaviors to limit the spread of the virus. Students will virtually sign the social contract when logging into their online account. View the social contract here.
Questions? Email questions@cumberland.edu.
Updates (By Date):
Cumberland COVID-19/Coronavirus FAQs:
General:
Residence Halls & Dining:
Events:
Resources:
Other:
General Information:
We wanted to provide an update to students, faculty and staff and offer information related to the university’s preparation and prevention measures.
Cumberland is actively monitoring the evolving situation related to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are closely following the guidance and recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to keep our campus safe and provide our community important information and resources. This page will serve as the university's official communication source for updates related to policies, planning and resources.
We do expect that the CDC’s guidance on COVID-19 will continue to shift as we all come to understand more about this global health crisis. As the CDC’s recommendations evolve, we will continue to work to meet those best practices and share them via this site and through community messages.
Prevention:
Since there is currently no vaccine for the COVID-19, the CDC advises the best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to coronavirus, as well as other viruses, and to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Recommended actions include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid unnecessary contact with others, including handshakes, high fives, hugs, etc.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as cell phones, keyboards, remote controls, keys, writing utensils, etc.
Travel:
At this time, Cumberland University has cancelled all university-related international travel, and we urge all members of the university community to reconsider recreational international travel plans. In addition to the spread of the virus itself, travel restrictions into and out of countries may change at any time, leading to difficulties returning home.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. A runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, etc. are NOT symptoms of COVID-19.
Self-Quarantine:
As the number of cases has expanded, we have learned that asymptomatic persons may unknowingly pass the virus onto others. Therefore, it is important that each individual take precautions to help safeguard the broader health and well-being of our community. Students should contact their academic dean for assistance with managing any academic responsibilities while absent from campus. Similarly, faculty and staff should seek guidance from their supervisor if they need to self-quarantine.
Self-Quarantine means:
- Remaining alert for signs of fever, cough, or difficulty breathing during the self-observation period, which has been determined to be a minimum of 14 days.
- Limiting contact with others.
- If you should develop any symptoms of illness, seek health advice and instructions by telephone before visiting healthcare provider or facility.
- Avoiding locations where large groups of people congregate, such as: public transportation; shopping centers; movie theaters; restaurants; supermarkets; stadiums; workplaces; schools; and other classroom settings.
- To the extent possible, maintain a safe social distance (approximately 6 feet) from others.
