Covid-19 Information for International Students

international flags waving in the wind

International Student Updates

October 28, 2020 — Spring Instruction Message for Students

Dear Georgia Tech Students:

Coming together as a community now is more important than ever. The pandemic continues to leave its mark on the personal, academic, and professional lives of each one of us, but the Georgia Tech community response has been tremendous. I am so thankful for the resiliency and spirit of our community this semester. Faculty developed innovative approaches to instruction, students demonstrated remarkable focus and flexibility, and our dedicated staff have continued to provide their critical support to our academic mission. The semester has been tough, but we know the campus community will continue to work together in the spirit of caring and collaboration.

Since the start of the pandemic, our own faculty and staff experts have been involved in all areas of our planning. Our campus surveillance testing program and contact tracing efforts, together with a consistent commitment to enhanced cleaning and community-wide use of face coverings and distancing practices on campus, have continued to keep transmission low throughout our community. The U.S. has seen a recent rise in cases, and as reported last week, we have also seen a small uptick in positive cases on campus. Persistence and a return to basics — Test. Mask. Distance. — are necessary to get us through the fall as safely as possible and will be key to all members of the Georgia Tech community going home for the holidays, healthy.

Spring Plan – Safely Increasing On-Campus Presence
Our efforts to keep our community safe this semester have inevitably reduced opportunities for social and academic face-to-face interaction. We have received feedback from students feeling at times isolated and missing a more engaged academic experience. We have learned much this semester about this disease and our ability to combat it, and our goal now must be to use that experience to safely improve our campus experience.

For spring, we believe we can safely increase on-campus presence and instruction, to include regular, prescheduled in-person meetings in hybrid courses. This plan is primarily guided by the following two principles: The physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every student, faculty, and staff member remains paramount and we will continue to keep instructional quality, academic progression, and quality of the student educational experience as critical to our mission.

This plan was developed in close coordination and consultation with students, faculty, staff, and members of academic leadership, including college deans and school chairs, among others, as well as feedback received from a student survey and focus groups conducted by the Academic Restart Task force. While we will increase personal engagement for our students, we will also maintain the necessary flexibility to balance health and safety with the pedagogical needs of each course.

Spring Plan – Course Modes and Key Dates
As in the current semester, classes will be offered in one of three modes — residential, hybrid, and remote. In all modes, instructors are asked to provide clear communication regarding course delivery and expectations. For the spring, however, we will take the opportunity to improve on the hybrid mode by substantially increasing the clarity of the in-person engagement that is expected within each offering.

We know this information is critical to help you select courses that best support your academic progression and allow you to make timely decisions around housing, travel, and other personal matters. For this reason, hybrid course instructors will clearly outline in-person expectations and be explicit about details regarding assessments, attendance expectations, and other pertinent course details. Note: attendance policies are set by individual instructors.

The primary components of our spring plan include a revised academic calendar and refined course delivery mode expectations that promote meaningful and regular face-to-face interactions for students with faculty, academic staff, and peers.

Student Accommodations
Students may request an accommodation through the Office of Disability Services (ODS) due to 1) presence of a condition as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or 2) identification as an individual at higher risk for Covid-19, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit the Campus Guidelines for more information about higher risk definitions and requesting an accommodation. Students already registered with ODS and approved for accommodations this fall term should contact ODS directly with any questions regarding their spring accommodations request.

International Students
Georgia Tech values and supports our international student community, and we know that current and newly admitted international students continue to face various issues related to travel restrictions or visa matters. The Office of International Education maintains several online resources, including virtual 1:1 advising sessions and FAQs, to assist in planning and decision-making and should be consulted with any detailed questions about a student’s specific immigration or visa situation. Visit the Office of International Education for more information.

Looking Ahead to Spring
Thanks to all of you who have shared your ideas and concerns, but also for your creativity and resourcefulness that have brought Georgia Tech’s unique character and problem-solving to our ongoing planning. We will continue to listen. As we approach the end of the semester, your instructors and advisors are ready to assist and support you in any way they can. Please know that if you need additional support, there are other student support services available through the CARE Center, Counseling Center, and Stamps Health Services. Above all, please take care of yourselves, your loved ones, and others during these challenging times.

Take care,
Steven McLaughlin, Provost
Georgia Institute of Technology

July 14, 2020 - Important Decision Dates, Student Accommodations, and International Student Resources

Dear Members of the Georgia Tech Community:

As the start of the fall semester nears, we know that many of our students and their families, as well as members of our faculty and staff, have felt growing frustration and apprehension as important deadlines loom and decisions must be made. We have heard from you through various channels, including the recent student survey, and we want to be responsive and supportive as you make these critical decisions.

Important Decision Dates
Decision dates around Phase 2 registration, deferral, and student leave of absence requests have been adjusted in the hopes of providing more flexibility and, ultimately, supporting academic progress and success for every student. Leaders from the colleges and schools are working with members of the faculty to determine the instructional format for all courses. These will be finalized by July 20.

Phase 2 Registration
To help you make decisions about your fall class schedule, Phase 2 registration will open earlier than previously announced, and will run from August 1-21 at registrar.gatech.edu/registration. Current students who wish to make changes to their schedules can do so during Phase 2 registration. Any student attending FASET Orientation between now and July 31 will also be able to make changes once Phase 2 begins. Note: New first-year or transfer students who are attending the final August 10 FASET Orientation session should plan on registering as part of that session.

Undergraduate Enrollment Deferral
First-year students who have paid an admission deposit are eligible to request an enrollment deferral. The deadline to request a deferral has been extended to August 3. For more details, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Any housing cancellation requests that were made after June 30 did forfeit the housing deposit, but that deposit is transferrable to a future term if a deferral request is granted.

Student Leave of Absence Requests
For fall semester, the deadline for students to submit a leave of absence request has been extended to August 3. Find eligibility requirements and more about requesting a leave of absence via the Registrar’s Office.

All incoming students, including summer start first-year and transfer students, are invited to attend the Incoming Student Town Hall, hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Admission, scheduled for Thursday, July 16, at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

Student Accommodations
Students seeking an academic or employment accommodation (including graduate teaching and research assistants) should start by contacting the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

Registering with ODS is a 3-step process that includes completing an application, uploading documentation related to the accommodation request, and scheduling an appointment for an “intake meeting” (either in person or via phone or video conference) with a disability coordinator.

Students who work as undergraduate or graduate teaching assistants and graduate research assistants seeking an employment accommodation should also complete the Georgia Tech Covid-19 Higher Risk Alternative Work Arrangement Request Form.

International Students — Resources and Important Dates
Last week’s guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) caused confusion and anxiety for our international students. We hoped to provide clarity on that guidance, but we recognize that we fell short in providing answers and reassurance. Please know that the well-being of our international students is paramount and we have engaged with the national higher-ed associations in order to advocate for our students.

We are very happy to report that a resolution of the issues has been reached and the government has rescinded the proposed guidelines. We will continue to engage with our peer institutions and these national organizations and follow developments closely.

As the Covid-19 situation continues to be fluid and the ground continues to shift, we are consulting with the agency to get greater clarity and to minimize the impact on our international students, where possible. For additional direction, a task force made up of faculty, student leaders, and administrators is now working diligently to develop resources and possible solutions that we will share with the community as quickly as possible.

Resources for International Students
We understand that there are many different challenges facing international students right now. We have several online resources available to assist in planning and decision-making:

  • International Student Housing Intention Form. If you are able to travel for the Fall 2020 semester, Georgia Tech Housing can accommodate those with a fall housing assignment as early as July 24. All international students must declare their intention by August 3 via the resources section of the My Housing portal. Additional guidance about move-in, late arrival, and housing cancellations for international students is available here
  • Fall planning, FAQ’s, and general guidance are available at the Office of International Education.
  • Immigration Information Sessions: 
  • Group Advising Sessions are held three times each week. Students should use their Georgia Tech email to sign up for a session here.

Inquiries With the Office of International Education
The Office of International Education (OIE) may need to be consulted with any detailed questions about a student’s specific immigration or visa situation. Note: OIE is currently experiencing a very high volume of email inquiries and phone calls. Response and wait times are longer than usual for individual inquiries, but additional guidance is coming together quickly to allow students’ questions to be answered as soon as possible. Students are encouraged to register for a group advising session. 

Moving Forward
The fall semester is now just weeks away and we eagerly await the day we are all able to be on campus again — together. Thank you for your commitment to your own safety and that of your fellow Yellow Jackets, and for your patience, resilience, and flexibility as we adjust to these changes and adopt new behaviors and practices.

We will continue to keep you updated as new information becomes available. Please consult our Tech Moving Forward website and our Frequently Asked Questions, and know that we remain committed to the safety and success of our students under the parameters established by state and federal guidelines.

Thank you,

Rafael L. Bras, Provost
Georgia Institute of Technology

July 10, 2020 - Supporting Our International Student Community

To the Georgia Tech Community:

Georgia Tech is a global institution and embraces a culture of global engagement that allows us to tap the contributions of the brightest scholars from the United States and abroad. Our international student population is of importance to Georgia Tech’s academic mission and we value our students’ contributions to our global campus community. 

On July 6, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced proposed modifications of Covid-19 temporary procedural adaptations and guidance for international students and institutions for fall 2020 in a SEVP Broadcast Message: COVID-19 and Fall 2020. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to publish the procedures and responsibilities as a Temporary Final Rule in the Federal Register on August 4. In addition, SEVP published an FAQ on July 7. Some key points of that guidance are:

  • All Georgia Tech F-1 student visa holders currently inside the U.S. will be allowed to remain inside the U.S. and attend a mix of in-person and hybrid course delivery during the fall semester. Georgia Tech is planning to operate as close to a traditional way as health and safety allows us. The plan foresees the majority of courses will be offered in a hybrid (requiring physical presence) or in-person mode.
  • New Georgia Tech F-1 student U.S. visa holders will be allowed to join the institution for a combination of in-person instruction and hybrid delivery in fall 2020.
  • It is unclear if Georgia Tech international students outside the U.S. engaging in coursework from abroad will be able to maintain an Active SEVIS status. We will continue to work with SEVP to clarify this.
  • F-1 student visa holders in the U.S. cannot take a full course of study completely remote/online, according to the published guidelines. Unfortunately, that would imply that, if for any reason the mode of instruction were to change to completely remote or online, the students would have to leave the country, or take other measures to remain in lawful status.

To reiterate, Georgia Tech plans to open the fall semester with as close to traditional in-person modality of instruction as possible. We also believe that the personal nature of research and thesis work will not be affected or changed this coming fall semester.

We understand the concern and apprehension the SEVP announcement is causing for the Georgia Tech community. Due to the shifting landscape around Covid-19, updates from the U.S. government, and developing institutional plans, we ask for your patience and sustained attention to current and upcoming guidance. We call upon our community to consider ways in which faculty, staff, students, or offices can provide support and flexibility to international students during this time. As an institution, we are strengthened when we come together as a community to support one another in times of uncertainty. 

Sincerely,

Rafael L. Bras, Provost
Georgia Institute of Technology

P.S.  For further discussion, we invite you to join us for an online information session during which will explain what this proposed guidance means to our international students. 
 
Immigration Information Sessions: Analysis of recent guidance from SEVP

 

International Student Resources

Student Resources

Resources and where to go for help with campus services or academic and financial issues.

Go to the Student Resources Guide

 

Student Guidebook

An electronic guidebook of the information most relevant to students in one, easy-to-access place online. It will be updated regularly.

Go to the Student Guidebook

Town Halls

Institute leaders and experts answer your questions about our road to recovery in this series of virtual town halls. 

Virtual Town Halls

Frequently Asked Questions

[Editor's Note: This page was reviewed and updated on February 9, 2021.]

Table of Contents
Travel Restrictions and Visas Academic and Financial Policy Updates Housing
Classes and Coursework Campus Operations Research and Labs
Health and Safety Campus Events  

FAQ

Travel Restrictions and Visas

What options are available for international students who do not have a visa or who are unable to travel and are currently outside of the United State?

If you are unable to obtain an entry visa or travel to the U.S. for the start of the spring semester, you have some options. 

  • Remote Courses – Under certain conditions, you may be able to enroll and take courses remotely while you are outside of the U.S. The applicability of the remote course option will depend on the availability of courses from a particular academic program and restrictions on Office of Foreign Assets Control-sanctioned countries.
  • International Campuses – Under certain conditions, you may also take courses at one of our two international campuses — Georgia Tech-Lorraine or Georgia Tech-Shenzhen.
    • Georgia Tech-Shenzhen (Shenzhen, China): For the Spring 2021 semester, new or current MS ECE (Electrical and Computer Engineering) students who do not need a visa to enter China can study at GT-Shenzhen. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate other types of students at GT-Shenzhen during Spring 2021. Inquiries can be sent to gtshenzhen@ece.gatech.edu. 
    • Georgia Tech-Lorraine (Metz, France): For the Spring 2021 semester, both the undergraduate and graduate programs will run with a modified calendar (students will arrive several days early to allow students to be tested and receive PCR test results prior to departure). International undergraduate and graduate students who are unable to get a visa for the U.S. may be able to obtain a visa to study in France. Students are advised to review Georgia Tech-Lorraine’s course schedules for Spring 2021. (See  Undergraduate Schedule or Graduate Schedule) If transferring to the Lorraine campus, students may only enroll in those courses listed on the Lorraine course schedule. (Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by contacting the Academic Program Director (Catherine Bass for undergraduate students and Bertrand Boussert for graduate students). All interested students should email GTL-France@gtl.gatech.edu as soon as possible for more information.
  • Late Start to Spring Semester – The current Department of Homeland Security Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s guidance allows F-1 students to arrive in Atlanta up to 30 days after the start of the semester. New students who cannot arrive at the start of the spring semester and are enrolled full-time should complete the iStart "Arrival Confirmation" e-form to request support with the late arrival approval process.
  • Deferral – Graduate students may request a deferral of an admission decision for up to one year. Graduate students who were offered financial support must contact their academic program office to determine if their financial support package can be deferred, as well. To request approval for either of these options, graduate students should contact their academic program coordinator who will make the final determination. 

We understand that the current environment has created a great deal of uncertainty, and we hope that you will be able to join us in Atlanta for Spring semester 2021. 

Need Help?

  • Please reach out to your academic program to discuss your individual situation and to discuss next steps.
  • Please consult the Office of International Education’s list of frequently asked questions for international students on immigration updates for F and J visa holders. The FAQs will continue to be updated as new information is received.
  • You can also attend virtual drop-in advising or a 1:1 appointment with OIE advisor. More information is available at https://oie.gatech.edu/isss/home.

 

Will I be required to quarantine when I arrive in the United States?

Whether you are traveling to Atlanta from an international or domestic location, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends (but does not require) the following:

  • 1-3 days before departure: Get tested for Covid-19.
  • Within 3-5 days of arrival: Get tested for Covid-19 again.
  • Self-isolate for 7 days. Note that the CDC recommends you stay isolated for the full 7 days, even if your test results are negative.
  • Self-isolate for 10 days if you cannot get tested.

Visit the CDC site for recommendations around testing and international travel, as well as considerations before domestic travel. Do be aware that public health guidance is subject to change.

Georgia Tech is encouraging students to get tested for Covid-19 through the free surveillance testing program upon arrival to campus, and then again 5-7 days after arrival. Additionally, there are resources available to you should you develop symptoms of Covid-19 or think you may have been exposed to Covid-19. Please visit the Stamps Health Services site for campus testing hours, locations, and options. Testing information and registration can be found at mytest.gatech.edu.

  • If you develop symptoms of Covid-19 or think you may have been exposed to Covid-19, refer to the Decision Tree for information on next steps.
  • Follow the health and safety Campus Guidelines, including wearing a face covering, social distancing, and washing hands regularly.
  • Download the Daily Self-Checklist. Complete this checklist each morning before leaving your residence.

 

I’m an international student participating in an exchange program. Can I still come to Georgia Tech for Spring 2021?

Georgia Tech will proceed with hosting incoming exchange students for Spring 2021. The relatively small number of incoming exchange students will be required to live in on-campus housing and to purchase student health insurance. 

More information is available from the Office of International Education.

 

I’m a current international student outside of the U.S. Do I have to return to keep my F-1 visa? What if I cannot return? Can I take online courses?

Students who left the U.S. and plan to maintain their F-1 student visa status in the spring should plan to be in residence in Atlanta.

F-1 students unable to return to the U.S. within 30 days of the start of the term need to submit an iStart Intent to Depart e-form to notify OIE of their spring plans to remain outside the U.S. OIE will then review current guidance from SEVP to determine if the student’s SEVIS record can remain Active or will need to be terminated for Authorized Early Withdrawal.

  • During the Spring 2021 semester, the student may still elect to enroll in online or remote courses as no visa or Active SEVIS record is required for the purpose of online enrollment while outside the U.S. The opportunity for remote course options will depend on the availability of courses from a particular academic program and restrictions on Office of Foreign Assets Control-sanctioned countries.
  • If the student is not maintaining an Active SEVIS record, the student will not be automatically enrolled in health insurance coverage or assessed the international student fee for the semester. Nor will the student be required to enroll in a minimum number of credits to maintain their visa status.
  • If not approved by SEVP for the SEVIS record reactivation, the student will receive a new SEVIS record, a new I-20 form, and will be required to re-pay the I-901 fee. If the student still holds a valid F-1 visa, the student will not need to apply for a new visa. If the student’s F-1 visa is expired, they will need to apply for a new F-1 visa with the new SEVIS record before attempting to re-enter the U.S.
  • Additionally, in the scenario where a SEVIS record cannot be reactivated, the F-1 student visa holder’s academic time towards the one-year practical training clock will begin again upon re-entry to the U.S. The student will become eligible for practical training after 30 weeks of full-time instruction inside the U.S.

 

What health documentation is required for international air passengers traveling to the United States?

According to the CDC, and effective Jan. 26, all air passengers traveling to the United States, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents ages 2 years and older, are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs, and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline.

If you have had a positive viral test in the past three months and you have met the criteria to end isolation, you may travel instead with documentation of your positive viral test results and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating you have been cleared for travel.

Airlines must confirm the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before they board. If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger. Passengers must also attest, under penalty of law, to having received a negative qualifying test result or recovery from Covid-19 and medical clearance to travel.

We encourage everyone traveling to the U.S. to review the CDC guidance and consult your airline with any questions in advance of your flight.

 

TRAVEL CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

For questions not addressed in the FAQs, these resources contain a wealth of information on the subject(s):

FAQ

Classes and Coursework

If officials order another shutdown because of a spike in Covid-19 cases, will classes move to a remote delivery approach similar to Spring 2020? How much notice will be given?

Given the uncertainty of Covid-19, we have prepared to move seamlessly from one method of instruction and operations to the other as public health guidance and conditions dictate. We’ve developed plans that respond to multiple scenarios outlined by the University System of Georgia.

We are evaluating multiple contingency measures under the current plan. For example:

  • Residential-spread and hybrid courses will be designed to move to remote delivery if necessary.
  • Supervisors in every department across the Institute will have their own contingency plans in place that align with guidelines from USG, CDC, GDPH, and the Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force.
  • All undergraduate projects that require on-campus resources will have a contingency plan in case on-campus research operations must be suspended.

As always, we will continue to monitor the pandemic situation closely and will make adjustments, if needed.

 

What is the policy if students want to record part of their classes? 

Please check with your faculty member or instructor. They may prohibit students from making their own recordings unless required as an Institute-required accommodation. Faculty/instructors may allow recordings but prohibit sharing.

 

Will Georgia Tech offer digital proctoring options for tests?

Yes. Digital proctoring refers to controlling the test-taking environment and the real-time audio and video surveillance of test-takers to detect unauthorized behavior. Starting in Fall 2020, faculty members had access to Honorlock for digital proctoring at Georgia Tech. However, we strongly recommend that faculty review the decision diagram for assessment approaches and technologies before selecting digital proctoring for assessments.

For information and instructions for using Honorlock, please see the Honorlock Student Guide and the Honorlock FAQs for Students.

 

Will I still be able to meet with my academic advisor?

Advisors are meeting with students virtually. Advisors also are creating online resources for students and posting those resources in Canvas. Incoming students will meet with an advisor during your virtual FASET. For current students, Find Your Advisor.

 

I have been approved by the Office of Disability Services (ODS) for an accommodation and have requested to take my classes remotely. Can I register for a hybrid or residential course and take the class remotely?

If you have been approved by ODS for an accommodation and would like to take a hybrid or residential course in a remote mode, please contact the instructor to discuss the request. If remote mode results in a fundamental alteration of the stated learning outcome of the course, ODS, academic advisors, and the school offering the course will work with you to find a suitable alternative that, as far as possible, preserves your progress toward graduation.

 

Why are we increasing on-campus interactions for the spring?

This fall, we gathered more than 6,000 student survey responses and talked to more than 200 students, faculty, and teaching assistants through listening sessions. The data revealed that on average nine out of 10 student survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their instructors have been empathetic and flexible with them during the pandemic.

Some of the feedback was not as positive. It showed us very clearly that students want more in-person experiences. We also heard various reports of difficulties around the hybrid model, including inconsistent personal engagement that left students feeling isolated, technology challenges associated with both synchronous and asynchronous delivery, and an increase in the amount of time needed to prepare and deliver courses. Read the student survey and focus groups summary report.

With this community feedback in mind, we will approach the spring course modes with the following goals:

  • Continue to be guided by the scientific evidence concerning the transmission and mitigation of the coronavirus, including recommended personal hygiene and physical distancing behaviors, consistent participation in surveillance testing, and appropriate preparedness and responsiveness to any positive cases within the Georgia Tech community.
  • Maximize the number of courses offered in residential and hybrid course modes.
  • For hybrid courses, increase the number of meaningful and regular interactions to provide students greater opportunity for personal engagement with faculty, academic staff, and peers.
  • Maximize synchronous interaction whenever possible, even when combined with asynchronous lecture content, and engage students in high-quality remote instruction when in-person or hybrid instruction is not possible.
  • Be clear and consistent in all our communication about course and attendance expectations.

 

Where can I find additional guidance on course modes?

Please see the Academic Restart FAQs. 

 

Will Spring 2021 final exams be delivered remotely?

For the Spring 2021 semester, final exams and assessment will be delivered in a format that is consistent with the course mode and as selected by the instructor to appropriately assess mastery of the course. This means residential and hybrid courses may have traditional in-person finals, and remote and some hybrid courses may have finals delivered remotely.

 

May faculty/instructors share a recording of class activities with students enrolled in the class?

A recording of class activities may be shared with enrolled students. Students may not share the recording with persons outside of the class.

More information about class recordings are on the Office of the Provost website.

 

Do faculty/instructors need to ask permission from students to record classes?

Faculty/instructors are not required to obtain permission to record a class if the recording will not be shared with persons outside of students enrolled in such class. Faculty, however, should inform students prior to recording.

More information about class recordings are on the Office of the Provost website.

 

Will Spring 2021 classes be delivered in the same modes as fall classes?

As in the fall semester, classes will be offered in one of three modes — residential, hybrid, and remote.

In all modes, instructors are asked to provide clear communication regarding course delivery and expectations. For the spring, however, we will take the opportunity to improve on the hybrid mode by substantially increasing the clarity of the in-person engagement that is expected within each offering.

Hybrid course instructors will clearly outline, in the syllabus and Course Description Tool, the expectations for regular and pre-scheduled in-person engagement and be explicit about details regarding assessments, attendance expectations, and other pertinent course details. Please note: Attendance policies are set by individual instructors.

The primary components of our spring plan include a revised academic calendar and refined course delivery mode expectations that promote meaningful and regular face-to-face interactions for students with faculty, academic staff, and peers.

Visit the Registrar’s Office to learn more about the course mode definitions and for detailed instructions on accessing specific course information in OSCAR.

 

How is the Spring 2021 semester calendar changing?

To minimize the health risk to our community due to travel-related transmission, there will not be a weeklong Spring Break, and the first day of classes has been delayed to Thursday, Jan. 14. To allow students the opportunity for a mid-semester break from instruction, no classes will be held (also no assignments or assessments due) on Tuesday, March 16, and Wednesday, March 24. The dates of final exams have not been changed.

The mid-semester break days from instruction are intended to provide students with a mental break from coursework, and as such, faculty are encouraged to not schedule exams or align major homework due dates for the day or two immediately following the break days.

The key dates of the Spring 2021 academic calendar are: 

  • Thursday, Jan. 14: Classes begin 
  • Monday, Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (national holiday)
  • Tuesday, March 16: No classes, assignments, or assessments
  • Wednesday, March 24: No classes, assignments, or assessments 
  • Monday, April 26 – Tuesday, April 27: Final instructional class days
  • Thursday, April 29 – Thursday, May 6: Final exams

Students will have the same number of instructional days as a typical academic semester and as required by accreditation norms. The Faculty Executive Board, acting on behalf of the Academic Faculty Senate, has approved these changes, as required by the Faculty Handbook.

Other relevant dates for spring include: 

  • Monday, Jan. 11 – Tuesday, Jan. 12: FASET orientation for incoming first-year, transfer, and exchange students.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 13: New spring resident housing move-in.

For a full list of Spring calendar dates, visit the Registrar’s Office.  

 

How will I know which of the delivery modes apply to my classes?

Students can access course mode designations in OSCAR. Course mode definitions are available on the Registrar’s website.

 

CLASSES AND COURSEWORK RESOURCES

For questions not addressed in the FAQs, these resources contain a wealth of information on the subject(s):

FAQ

Academic and Financial Policy Changes

Will my financial aid be affected if I change my enrollment plans for Spring semester?

Financial aid eligibility is always affected by enrollment status. Students should contact OSFA directly via email and consult with an OSFA advisor about their specific situation.  

Because students do need to apply for aid for each academic year, it is important to make sure you have applied for the 2021-22 year so that you will be prepared for returning. 

 

Will the instructional modes appear on student transcripts? How would this affect graduate or medical school admissions?

There is no current plan to record instructional modes of courses on transcripts. Many medical schools have already indicated they are aware of the move to remote learning and are showing flexibility under the current circumstances.

Specific questions about medical and graduate school applications or related issues may be directed to the Office of Pre-Graduate and Pre-Professional Advising.

 

Can I get help with online registration and academic advising?

Advisors are meeting with students virtually. Advisors also are creating online resources for students and posting those resources in Canvas. Incoming students will meet with an advisor during your virtual FASET. For current students, Find Your Advisor.

 

Will the Institute allow flexibility with the receipt of required application documentation including transcripts and standardized test scores?

Please visit the Undergraduate Admission Standardized Testing page for details on documentation submission requirements.

 

Will Georgia Tech provide refunds of housing deposits and payments if students are unable to arrive in the U.S.? Will flexibility be granted with deadlines for international students currently unable to make travel arrangements?

Please visit the Housing and Residence Life FAQs for more information.

For questions not addressed through the Housing FAQs, please email information@housing.gatech.edu or call 404.894.2470.

 

FINANCIAL AND ACADEMIC POLICY CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

For questions not addressed in the FAQs, these resources contain a wealth of information on the subject(s):

ONLINE TEACHING CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

For questions not addressed in the FAQs, these resources contain a wealth of information on the subject(s):

FAQ

Health and Safety

What do I do if I get a notification through the NOVID app that I may have been exposed to Covid-19?

Persons being warned through NOVID of a potential exposure will be encouraged to isolate themselves, monitor for symptoms, and be tested for the virus. The app will provide directions for how to contact relevant campus services when alerting a user that they have potentially been exposed.  

Persons being alerted that Covid-19 is in their network are encouraged to keep a close eye on their NOVID app and take proper precautions to avoid contracting Covid-19, including following all campus protocols. 

 

How are the CARE Center, Counseling Center, and Stamps Health Services operating and offering appointments?

CARE Center: CARE provides services primarily virtually via tele-behavioral health. We follow strict criteria that identifies which students need an in-person appointment and maintain staffing to accommodate those exceptions.  Any in-person appointments will be staggered to reduce the number of students present in the center at one time. Staff and students who are in the suite wear masks and maintain physical distance. Plexiglass is installed around the reception desk.

Counseling Center: Clients are served with our full range of services using tele-behavioral health and other forms of virtual meetings. We maintain in-office rotational staffing to support our remote work processes. In-office emergency appointments for established clients are available on a situation-by-situation basis. Staff and students who are in the suite wear masks and maintain physical distance. Plexiglass is installed around the reception desk.

Stamps Health Services: In-person and virtual appointments will be available to students. We will provide a separate treatment and waiting space for patients having symptoms associated with Covid-19 and use telemedicine when appropriate. Appointment schedules will be adjusted to limit the number of people in waiting areas, and all front-facing service areas will have plexiglass installed to promote social distancing.

 

How will the face covering mandate and social distancing requirements be enforced, and by whom? What about events that violate campus guidelines?

Each member of our community must take responsibility for their actions and adhere to the guidelines of the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as guidelines issued by the University System of Georgia and Georgia Tech, to protect themselves and others while helping to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Adherence to these new measures is vital, so the Institute has established new formal and informal processes and recommendations for incorporating accountability into safety guidelines.

Students and Student Groups
Led by the Division of Student Life and the Office of the Provost, the Georgia Tech Covid-19 Student Educational and Response Team (GT CO-SERT) is a temporary collaborative team charged with reviewing reported questions and concerns related to students or student groups and adherence to Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.

The CO-SERT will review reported concerns or questions regarding students or student groups and Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, communicate with individuals or groups, and determine further response or referrals, as necessary. Its actions may include follow-up with campus community members; clarification of current guidance and campus expectations; additional informational or educational efforts; and if necessary, referral to applicable campus resource or office to consider enforcement processes. CO-SERT does not to alter or supersede any existing campus enforcement processes; the team will be disbanded as circumstances related to Covid-19 dictate.

Note: Georgia Tech’s student code explicitly prohibits behavior that endangers any person(s), including self. Hosting on- or off-campus events of any size that do not allow for social distancing or don’t take precautionary measures, such as additional hand sanitation stations and disinfecting protocols, and required face coverings, will be considered violations of the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy. 

Questions and concerns from faculty, staff, and community members related to students and Covid-19 health and safety guidelines may be submitted to cosert@gatech.edu.  

Faculty and Staff
Equally important to helping to contain the spread of the coronavirus at Georgia Tech is ensuring that faculty and staff adhere to the guidance around preventive practices and cloth face coverings provided by the Institute.

Communicating with your co-workers – Keeping campus safe means recognizing that simple, individual actions affect everyone, and so responsibility also lies with individuals. The key to this guidance is recognizing that feelings and comfort levels vary.

A few recommendations for employee interactions:

  • Be mindful that your colleagues may not feel the same way you do about returning to campus. Some people will be eager to return, while others may be nervous and hesitant.
  • Be respectful of others’ feelings as you return and in your interactions with others.
  • Reinforce and remind other Yellow Jackets and visitors of the requirements and guidelines, where they can access face coverings in buildings, and to follow best practices to the extent you are comfortable.
  • Be mindful of language when addressing social distancing. Using words like “us” or “we” in the request to distance may help keep the situation from escalating. For example, “Let’s put a little more space between us at this table.”
  • Please step away from others or leave any situation if you feel uncomfortable.
  • Building signage should also be clearly displayed to assist other students, faculty, and staff in following expectations in different scenarios.  

If you are not comfortable speaking to any person directly, remove yourself from the situation and contact your supervisor and/or HR Business Partner/HR Director.

If the situation becomes a workplace dispute requiring conflict management, please work with your HR Business Partner/HR Director. You can also visit hr.gatech.edu/employee-relations/workplace-disputes for tips, recommended next steps, and resources.

 

Where can I find information about the Covid-19 vaccine and the Institute's rollout plan?

Learn how the vaccine works; the Institute's rollout plan and current phase; eligibility requirements; appointments; and frequently asked questions here: Covid-19 Vaccines at Georgia Tech.

 

What kind of Covid-19 testing is available on campus?

Georgia Tech is taking an aggressive, multi-pronged approach for limiting the spread of the coronavirus on campus, a strategy that depends heavily on support and participation from members of the campus community.

  • Asymptomatic Surveillance Testing Program
    All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to undergo frequent testing as part of this program. 
    • Relying on saliva to obtain samples used to detect the virus, this program employs a dual pooling approach that combines samples from multiple individuals and tests them as a group in an on-campus lab.
    • Dual pooling dramatically increases the number of community members that can be sampled with a single coronavirus test.
    • Several testing sites are offered for asymptomatic Georgia Tech students, faculty and staff: Covid-19 Testing Locations and Hours.
  • Symptomatic Student Testing
    Testing for currently enrolled students with Covid-19 symptoms is available at the Stamps Health Center.

 

I’ve been exposed to Covid-19 but have no symptoms. What should I do?

Please refer to the Covid-19 Decision Tree to help you plan your next steps.

 

I’ve developed Covid-19 symptoms. Where can I get tested?

  • Students: Make an appointment with Stamps Health Services at health.gatech.edu. Let them know you are experiencing Covid-19-related symptoms when scheduling.
  • Postdoctoral Researchers: Those on the Student Health Insurance Plan will receive free testing at Stamps Health Services.
  • Staff/Faculty: Make an appointment with your primary care provider or refer to the state’s information resource for testing.

 

I have tested positive for Covid-19. What do I do?

If you test positive for Covid-19 or begin to have symptoms, please follow the steps outlined in the Campus Guidelines: If You Get Sick.

Positive cases should be reported to Stamps Health Services. If a person received a test at Stamps or through the CLIA-certified surveillance testing on campus, that will happen automatically. Students and employees who utilize non-Georgia Tech-sponsored testing will be required to notify Stamps Health Services of the positive result through an online portal.

If a student tests positive, the student should isolate at their permanent home if possible. If the student lives in on-campus housing and cannot return home, Georgia Tech will provide a space for the student to isolate until the student meets criteria for ending isolation. If the student lives in off-campus housing, the student will need to isolate in their off-campus residence. Students in isolation and quarantine will be followed up by medical staff on a regular basis to monitor their welfare and progress. They will also have access to meal delivery.  

If a faculty or staff member tests positive, the person should work with their supervisor to identify co-workers or other members of the Georgia Tech community who were close contacts during the infectious period. The contact notification team will work with an employee’s supervisor to provide notification of exposure to close contacts and to provide information to the Georgia Department of Public Health as a part of DPH’s contact tracing efforts. 

 

What will happen if someone gets sick or shows symptoms? Will you notify their classmates/instructors/colleagues?

If a person received a test at Stamps or through the CLIA-certified surveillance testing on campus, positive results will automatically be reported to Stamps Health Services.

Students and employees who utilize non-Georgia Tech-sponsored testing will be required to notify Stamps Health Services of their positive result through an online portal. All test results reporting will be conducted in compliance with HIPAA and other privacy regulations.

Optional Covid-19 Radar App 
Georgia Tech is using NOVID, a pandemic radar app that will help students, staff, and faculty get ahead of the spread of the coronavirus. NOVID is the only app that notifies you before you’ve been exposed to the virus so you can take the necessary precautions to avoid getting sick. Use of the app is voluntary, and it is available at no cost to members of the Georgia Tech community. Information about the app is available on the Covid Central portal. 

First, download the NOVID app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Enter the community code “JACKETS” when prompted, or at the top of the Settings page. 

  • NOVID anonymously detects nearby users to build a web of people connected to you. If any of them reports an exposure or positive test result, you will receive a notification through the NOVID app. 
  • NOVID captures no personally identifiable information from users.  
  • The app exchanges information with other phones also running the app. It records a frequently changing code to other devices so they can be alerted if necessary — but without sharing any personally identifiable information.  
  • Pairs of code interactions are stored on the NOVID server for a limited period of time. 
  • If a student receives a positive Covid-19 test at Stamps Health Services, they will be given a one-time code that they can enter into the app, which will send a notification to other phones the app has recorded as potential exposures. 
  • If a student has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is contacted by a contact tracer, they will be given a one-time code that they can enter into the app, which will send a notification to other phones within their network. 
  • Community members who have received positive tests elsewhere on campus or off campus are required, as part of public health regulations, to report this to Stamps Health Services. They will also receive an app notification code after they have contacted Stamps. 
  • Researchers from the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Software Assurance Branch evaluated NOVID for privacy protections to make sure it doesn’t record personal information that could identify users — and for cybersecurity issues to make sure it protects the device. 
  • More details about the NOVID app are available on the Covid Central portal and at novid.org.

 

Will students be required to wear a face mask or face covering?

Effective July 15, 2020, University System of Georgia (USG) institutions require all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not always be possible. Face covering use is in addition to, and is not a substitute for, social distancing.

Face coverings are not required in one’s own dorm room or suite, when alone in an enclosed office or study room, or in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met. 

Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or must leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff, or students.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons.

 

How can I request an academic or student employment accommodation related to Covid-19?

Students seeking an academic or employment accommodation (including graduate teaching and research assistants) should start by contacting the Office of Disability Services.

Students may request an accommodation due to the presence of a condition as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or  identification as an individual at higher risk for Covid-19, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Registering is a three-step process that includes completing an application, uploading documentation related to the accommodation request, and scheduling an appointment for an intake meeting (either in person or via phone or video conference) with a disability coordinator. 
Students who work as undergraduate or graduate teaching assistants and graduate research assistants seeking an employment accommodation should also complete the  

Georgia Tech Covid-19 Higher Risk Alternative Work Arrangement Request Form. 

 

I have been approved by the Office of Disability Services (ODS) for an accommodation. What are the next steps that I should take in the process?

If you have been approved by ODS for an accommodation, please contact your instructor to discuss the request. Instructors should work closely with you to understand your needs and make a good faith effort to investigate whether or not requested accommodations are possible for the course.

If the accommodation request results in a fundamental alteration of the stated learning outcome of the course, ODS, academic advisors, and the school offering the course will work with you to find a suitable alternative that, as far as possible, preserves your progress toward graduation.

 

If I need to miss class to self-isolate or quarantine due to Covid-19, what will my instructors do?

During the semester, some students may be required to quarantine or self-isolate to avoid the risk of infection to others. Quarantine occurs when a person has been exposed to the risk of contracting the virus but has not tested positive; self-isolation is when they have tested positive. If you are required to quarantine or self-isolate, you may feel completely well during this period, ill but able to work as usual, or you may be too ill to work until you recover. 

  • Remote courses and remote class sessions during hybrid courses
    Unless you are too ill to work, you should be able to complete your remote work while in quarantine or isolation.
  • In-person courses and in-person class sessions during hybrid courses
    When in isolation or quarantine, you will be unable to attend in-person course sessions, but your instructor may require you either to participate in the course remotely, complete some complementary work that parallels what you are missing in class, or make up some classwork when you return.

If you are ill and unable to do coursework while in isolation, you will be treated the same as any other time a student is ill. The Dean of Students will have been contacted when you report your positive test or are told that it is necessary to quarantine and, with your permission, will notify your instructor(s) that you may be unable to attend class events or finish your work as the result of a health issue. Your instructor(s) will not be told the reason. 

We have asked all faculty to be lenient and understanding when setting work deadlines or expecting students to finish work, so you should be able to catch up with any work that you miss while in quarantine or isolation. Your instructor(s) may make available any video recordings of classes or slides that have been used while you were absent and may prepare some complementary, asynchronous assignments that compensate for your inability to participate in class sessions. Ask instructors for details about how they will handle this situation. 

 

What kinds of preventative practices are in place to protect students, faculty, and staff on campus?

Everyone is expected to continue to follow basic guidelines from the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force, including:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use hand sanitizer in the absence of soap and water.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inner elbow.
  • Social distancing (6 feet of separation from others) at work:
    • Be respectful of others’ personal space.
    • Assess and adjust workspaces to maximize social distancing, including spacing furniture with 6 feet of separation.
    • Hold meetings virtually whenever possible.
    • Provide services remotely whenever possible.
    • Do not share phones, desks, offices, computers, or other equipment. In cases where equipment is shared, it should be disinfected before and after each use.
    • Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people when social distancing cannot be maintained.
    • When interacting in open environments (e.g., outdoors, atriums, auditoriums) or in indoor common areas, keep a safe social distance.
    • Limit occupancy in elevators to maintain social distancing.
    • Use care when entering or exiting restrooms to maintain a safe distance.
    • Do not use a restroom when it is being cleaned.
    • Supervisors should allow employees to take meals outside or in separate locations.
    • Cancel or postpone any events or activities (networking happy hours, lunch-and-learns, etc.) or consider hosting them virtually.
    • Avoid all person-to-person contact, including handshaking.

Effective July 15, 2020, University System of Georgia (USG) institutions required all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear appropriate face coverings while inside campus facilities/buildings where 6 feet social distancing may not always be possible. Face covering use is in addition to,  not a substitute for, social distancing.

Signs are posted at building entrances prohibiting anyone with a fever or symptoms of Covid-19 from entering. Contact-less thermometers have been supplied to all buildings.

To mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, Georgia Tech implemented a wellness check protocol designed to help protect the health and safety of our community. This wellness check includes temperature screenings. All employees are strongly encouraged to administer the Covid-19 Daily Self-Checklist before coming to campus.

 

Will Georgia Tech’s student health insurance cover Covid-19-related expenses? Where can I get more information about the plan?

Please visit the Stamps Health Services Student Health Insurance Page for details about the plan.

 

What additional safety measures are in place for classrooms, specifically?

  • Hand sanitizer stands are provided in every building at the entrances and in restrooms and classrooms.
  • Disinfectant and wipes are available in classrooms and for workspaces.
  • Supplies of disposable face coverings for students are available in many buildings across campus. See where you can pick up a face covering if you need one.
  • Classrooms have been configured to maintain 6 feet social distancing. The tables have been numbered to allow for assigned seating.
  • If classrooms have two entrances, they have specific designations for entering and exiting.
  • All classrooms are cleaned by Building Services staff and fogged daily.
  • Facilities Management has upgraded air filters to MERV-13 filters where possible, and ensured all systems are operating optimally.
  • Air purifiers have been installed in classrooms in Skiles and D.M. Smith, where HVAC systems could not be upgraded to MERV-13.
  • Air quality sensors have been installed in various classrooms across campus, and the data is being captured and monitored.

 

Are there designated areas to isolate or quarantine students who live on campus?

Yes. Here is how the quarantine, isolation, and potential exposure process works for our on-campus residents:

If a student is tested and diagnosed with Covid-19, the individual has to isolate.

  • These students are given the option to return home or to take advantage of the isolation housing Georgia Tech Housing and Residence Life provides. The student must remain there until medically cleared to return to campus housing and normal campus activities.
  • Georgia Tech’s isolation housing – for people positive for Covid-19 – is located at an off-campus hotel and overflow is in a student apartment building at 10th and Home streets used only for this purpose. Housing and Residence Life helps with transportation to the off-campus location and provides meal delivery during the isolation period. 

If a student has not tested positive, but is still worried about exposure or illness, that student is directed to get tested through surveillance testing (if asymptomatic) or Stamps Health Center (if symptomatic). 

  • If the student becomes concerned about exposure or illness after hours, the individual should remain in place and away from others until tested. 
  • In these cases, there are two options:
    • They may be allowed to stay in their room if they do not share a bedroom or bathroom.
    • They may be placed in temporary housing as a precaution until they can seek testing the next business day.
      The temporary housing may be an empty, apartment-style space with its own bathroom in on-campus housing. This apartment space may be in a building where other residents may also live.
  • In both cases, meals are delivered to them so they do not have to leave the room until testing reopens or they can be moved to one of the designated isolation/quarantine locations. 

If a student is exposed to a person who has tested positive, the exposed student has three options for the duration of quarantine: 14 days, 10 days, and 7 days. Visit c.gatech.edu/quarantine and follow all testing and quarantine guidance based on the duration option chosen.

 

How often are classrooms cleaned?

All classrooms are cleaned by Building Services staff and fogged daily. More information is available on the Facilities Management website.

 

What accommodations will be made for students who are quarantined on campus?

Georgia Tech will ensure that students who isolate or quarantine on campus receive accommodations from their instructors, any health services they need, and individually boxed meals delivered to their isolation/quarantine location. 

 

How often are high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces cleaned?

Georgia Tech’s staff disinfect door handles, railings, countertops, and other frequently touched surfaces at least once daily. They have also increased restroom cleaning, targeting four cleanings per day.

 

Do international students already in the U.S. need to quarantine before returning to campus?

Whether you are traveling to Atlanta from an international or domestic location, the CDC recommends (but does not require) the following:

  • 1-3 days before departure: Get tested for Covid-19.
  • Within 3-5 days of arrival: Get tested for Covid-19 again. 
  • Quarantine for 7 days. Note that the CDC recommends you stay isolated for the full 7 days, even if your test results are negative. 
  • Quarantine for 10 days if you cannot get tested.

Visit the CDC site for recommendations around testing and international travel, as well as considerations before domestic travel. Remember that public health guidance is subject to change.

Georgia Tech is encouraging students to get tested for Covid-19 through the free surveillance testing program upon arrival to campus, and then again 3-5 days after arrival.

Additionally, there are resources available to you if you develop symptoms of Covid-19 or think you may have been exposed to Covid-19. Please visit the Stamps Health Services site for campus testing hours, locations, and options.

 

How does the NOVID exposure notification app work?

First, download the NOVID app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Enter the community code “JACKETS” when prompted, or at the top of the Settings page. 

  • NOVID anonymously detects nearby users to build a web of people connected to you. If any of them reports an exposure or positive test result, you will receive a notification through the NOVID app. 
  • NOVID captures no personally identifiable information from users.  
  • The app exchanges information with other phones also running the app. It records a frequently changing code to other devices so they can be alerted if necessary — but without sharing any personally identifiable information.  
  • Pairs of code interactions are stored on the NOVID server for a limited period of time. 
  • If a student receives a positive Covid-19 test at Stamps Health Services, they will be given a one-time code that they can enter into the app, which will send a notification to other phones the app has recorded as potential exposures. 
  • If a student has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is contacted by a contact tracer, they will be given a one-time code that they can enter into the app, which will send a notification to other phones within their network. 
  • Community members who have received positive tests elsewhere on campus or off campus are required, as part of public health regulations, to report this to Stamps Health Services. They will also receive an app notification code after they have contacted Stamps. 
  • Researchers from the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Software Assurance Branch evaluated NOVID for privacy protections to make sure it doesn’t record personal information that could identify users — and for cybersecurity issues to make sure it protects the device. 
  • More details about the NOVID app are available on the Covid Central portal and at novid.org. 

 

How have cleaning and disinfecting protocols been stepped up to protect students, faculty, and staff on campus?

Building managers and Facilities Management adhere to the following measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus and promote a safe campus:

  • Buildings and labs first undergo proper cleaning and disinfection protocols before reopening.
  • All uses of indoor common areas must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Some common areas may be closed if social distancing cannot be maintained while in use.
  • Elevators have signs posted indicating their capacity to allow for proper social distancing.
  • Restrooms are disinfected four times a day. Use caution when entering or exiting to maintain social distancing.
  • Restrooms are closed to anyone other than cleaners during cleaning times.
  • Cleaning of labs is performed regularly by research personnel. They are trained in proper cleaning methods prior to resuming lab operations.
  • Instructions are posted for proper hygiene and handwashing, according to guidelines from GDPH, CDC, and the Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force.
  • Campus Guidelines with health information and protocols are available for all faculty, staff, and students at health.gatech.edu/campus-guidelines.

Other precautions include installation of signage to encourage best practices regarding personal hygiene and the movement of people through campus spaces, upgraded air filtration systems (where possible), workspace modifications, and staggered scheduling for on-campus community members. Setup in offices, classrooms, labs, makerspaces, etc. is modified to facilitate social distancing and enable cleaning and disinfection protocols.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

For questions not addressed in the FAQs, these resources contain a wealth of information on the subject(s):

FAQ

Campus Events

What’s happening with the Georgia Tech Arts Series for 2020-21?

Georgia Tech Arts hosted virtual conversations and professional artist engagements during the fall. Planned spring events include a mix of virtual events and live, in-person performances, depending on the directives of the Institute. A robust set of guidelines that align with previously established health and safety guidelines will ensure that the Ferst Center can operate safely.

More information is available on the Georgia Tech Arts website.

 

I’m feeling isolated. Are there safe opportunities to socialize and engage on campus?

Even in our “new normal,” there are plenty of opportunities on campus. Details are included in the Campus Life section of the Student Guidebook.

 

Will the Spring All-Majors Career Fair and recruiting activities continue?

The Spring 2021 All-Majors Virtual Career Fair will be held on Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26,  from  noon to 6 p.m. and will be hosted virtually on the CareerBuzz platform. For more information, visit the Career Fair website.

 

What will be required for on-campus events to take place this spring?

Campus event spaces will operate with reduced occupancy and social distancing practices. All campus visitors and attendees at campus events will be expected to follow Georgia Tech health and safety guidelines.

We highly recommend that events take place in large outdoor spaces or spaces that are pre-approved and have a dedicated event coordinator to ensure that proper health and safety protocols are followed. Please review the Spring Campus Events Guidelines for pre-approved spaces and details on the review and approval process for events.

More information is available on the Special Events and Protocol website.

 

What’s happening with camps and youth programs planned at Georgia Tech this spring?

All Georgia Tech camps and youth programs operating in Spring 2021 will adhere to event guidelines set forth by Special Events and Protocol.

 

Can my student group plan our usual spring activities and events?

Student organizations are encouraged to host hybrid or online events whenever possible. If those activities cannot readily be moved online, events must follow Georgia Tech health and safety guidelines.

The latest guidelines for Registered Student Organizations are available on the Student Life website.

Please also review the Spring Campus Events Guidelines for details on the review and approval process for events. The Center for Student Engagement staff are available for consultation as student organizations revise their plans and event strategies.

 

Are there consequences for student groups who don’t follow event guidelines?

Georgia Tech’s student code explicitly prohibits behavior that endangers any person(s), including self. Hosting on- or off-campus events of any size that do not allow for social distancing or don’t take precautionary measures, such as additional hand sanitation stations and disinfecting protocols, and required face coverings, will be considered violations of the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy. 

 

Will the Ferst Center for the Arts be available for events?

The Ferst Center is open for campus and rental events, with a reduced capacity to account for social distancing, according to current guidelines from the GDPH, CDC, and the Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force.

Digital ticketing will be used for all events to allow for more effective communication with audiences before and (if necessary) after the event. This will also prevent any physical contact between ticketholders and ushers/box office staff.

 

CAMPUS EVENT RESOURCES

For questions not addressed in the FAQs, these resources contain a wealth of information on the subject(s):

FAQ

Campus Operations

Are the makerspaces on campus available for students?

Yes. Makerspaces will use virtual queuing and online scheduling when possible and designate waiting areas for high-volume machines.

Space managers will oversee lab and hand tool cleaning, ensuring that disinfecting processes are in place, that tools are cleaned after every use, and that all common areas are cleaned.

If you have questions about accessing and using a particular makerspace, please contact the individual space manager.

 

Will I still be able to get help with co-ops, internships, and career advising from the Career Center?

Information and answers to questions about co-ops, internships, and career advising from the Career Center (formerly the Center for Career Discovery and Development)in Spring 2021 are available in the Career Center FAQs.

 

Are construction projects on campus continuing?

Construction projects will continue as contracted during this time.

While on campus, all contractors, vendors, and sub-contractors are required to wear face coverings when working inside any lab, office, or classroom facility and to use all precautions to maintain a safe and protected environment. Violation or failure to comply with Georgia Tech Covid-19 requirements may result in cancellation of contract.

We have asked our independent general contractors and architecture/engineering teams to use their best judgment on all safety matters, including current health-related concerns, and to monitor their job sites as per their company policies.

If a member of their team displays any signs of illness, they are to send them home and take necessary precautions to clean/prepare the site to minimize exposure to other employees and to our students and staff, if they are working in an occupied area. The companies also continue to follow the direction of their risk management plans. More information can be found on the Facilities Management website.

 

Will outside vendors or other visitors be allowed on campus?

Yes, but all campus visitors and attendees at campus events will be expected to follow Georgia Tech’s health and safety guidelines.

 

Can I still get teaching assistant training from the Center for Teaching and Learning?

Yes. We will transition teaching assistant (TA) orientation sessions to a combination of synchronous remote or small-group sessions and asynchronous remote delivery using existing modules. The rest of the training programs, workshops, and academic courses for TAs will use a combination of remote delivery when appropriate and small gatherings with social distancing.

 

How are the CARE Center, Counseling Center, and Stamps Health Services operating and offering appointments?

CARE Center: CARE provides services primarily virtually via tele-behavioral health. We follow strict criteria that identifies which students need an in-person appointment and maintain staffing to accommodate those exceptions.  Any in-person appointments will be staggered to reduce the number of students present in the center at one time. Staff and students who are in the suite wear masks and maintain physical distance. Plexiglass is installed around the reception desk.

Counseling Center: Clients are served with our full range of services using tele-behavioral health and other forms of virtual meetings. We maintain in-office rotational staffing to support our remote work processes. In-office emergency appointments for established clients are available on a situation-by-situation basis. Staff and students who are in the suite wear masks and maintain physical distance. Plexiglass is installed around the reception desk.

Stamps Health Services: In-person and virtual appointments will be available to students. We will provide a separate treatment and waiting space for patients having symptoms associated with Covid-19 and use telemedicine when appropriate. Appointment schedules will be adjusted to limit the number of people in waiting areas, and all front-facing service areas will have plexiglass installed to promote social distancing.

 

Will I be able to study, work, or hang out in community spaces around campus?

Georgia Tech has several academic buildings with larger open spaces designated for our community to gather, including:

  • Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons
  • Crosland Tower
  • Price Gilbert Memorial Library
  • The atriums of West Architecture
  • Klaus Computing
  • IBB
  • Scheller

These buildings will be open to the Georgia Tech community following USG guidelines.

Study spaces, reading rooms, collaboration and rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and group study spaces will be reviewed on an individual basis to determine capacity and whether social distancing can be achieved. Most reservable rooms have the revised capacity listed in the Event Management System and can be reserved per the guidelines outlined on that site. Some small rooms or spaces may be limited to individual study.

Effective July 15, 2020, University System of Georgia (USG) institutions will require all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where 6 feet social distancing may not always be possible. Face covering use will be in addition to, and is not a substitute for, social distancing.

 

How will dining locations operate in the spring?

Food at select stations will be packaged in single-serving containers and dining team members will assist with serving unpackaged items. Food carts and food trucks will be increased to encourage social distancing. All staff will wear appropriate PPE for food service and cleanliness, as outlined by CDC guidelines.   

Contactless/tap credit card terminals have been installed at all point-of-sale locations, and card readers will be disinfected frequently. Plexiglass shields have been installed at all point-of-sale locations to ensure social distancing.   

All dining operations will temporarily shut down after meal shifts for more thorough cleaning, and each facility will be disinfected overnight.   

Seating capacity in the North Avenue Dining Hall, West Village, and the food court in the Campus Center Exhibition Hall will be reduced. 

Brittain Dining Hall will provide to-go service only.

More information is available on the Dining Services website. 

 

Will the Stinger, Tech Trolley, and Stingerette run as usual during Spring 2021?

During the spring semester, seating on buses will be adjusted to accommodate social distancing. 

The Gold, Blue, Red, Green, Emory, Tech Square, NARA/TEP, and Grocery routes will operate during spring semester. 

The Midnight Rambler and the Weekend Gold routes will not operate during the spring semester; those resources will be refocused on providing socially distanced transit service across the remaining campus routes.

Detailed routes and schedules for spring semester can be found on the Parking and Transportation Services website.

Stingerette service is limited to a single trip request at a time, with a maximum of two riders, to allow for social distancing. Stingerette service is available every night from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., excluding official campus holidays.

Guidelines for riding campus transit: 

  • Avoid riding  Georgia Tech buses and Stingerette vans if you are sick.
  • Face masks  must be worn by all riders and drivers. Riders without a mask may request a disposable mask from the driver.
  • Boarding and exiting will take place through the back door whenever possible. 
  • Seating guidelines will be in place for social distancing.
  • Standing will not be allowed on buses. If no seats are available, passengers will need to wait for the next bus. 

All transit vehicles are cleaned at the end or beginning of shifts. Frequently touched areas are cleaned throughout the day.

 

How will operations shift to protect students, faculty, and staff when the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) opens in the spring?

  • Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, the CRC’s hours of operation will be 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4 – 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a cleaning closure each day.
  • On Saturdays, the CRC will be open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 to8 p.m., with a cleaning closure midday. On Sundays, the CRC will be open from noon to 8 p.m.  
  • We will have adjusted hours on Monday, Jan. 18 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4 – 10 p.m.).
  • The entire facility will be disinfected each night.
  • A reservation system will be used to help control demand and minimize gathering outside the facility. CRC members and currently enrolled students can visit mycrc.gatech.edu to sign up for reservation slots.
  • Only current CRC members and currently enrolled students may use the CRC. No guest passes will be permitted.
  • Fitness equipment is physically distanced.
  • Increased signage and ground markers will promote social distancing and help manage lines.
  • Plexiglass is installed at all front-facing service areas, and all points of sale will use contactless/tap technology.
  • Temperature checks will be required to enter the facility, and anyone with a temperature over 100.4oF will not be granted access.
  • The number of patrons will be limited in all areas of the CRC.
  • Group workouts will be restricted.
  • Intramural sports will be offered in the spring in a safe manner. For more information visit the Intramural Sports website.
  • Locker rooms and showers are open, but we ask that you come dressed and ready for your workout and shower at home whenever possible.
  • All CRC staff will wear face coverings and eliminate interactions that do not adhere to social distancing practices.
  • Staff are trained to work as extra fitness floor attendants to monitor patrons and help with cleaning efforts.Hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the facility.
  • Face coverings are required at all times in the CRC, unless swimming or showering.
  • Most CRC events will have an online component.
  • A reservation system will be deployed for event attendance to promote social distancing.
  • Touchless temperature checks will be performed at entry.

A full list of FAQs for the CRC is available on the CRC website.
 
Virtual options are available now and encouraged for patrons  who do not wish to visit the CRC in person.

 

Will the Student Center be open as usual in the spring? How will operations and events change?

Services and operations will be modified for the next two years during the renovation of the Student Center. In the temporary spaces:  

  • Every other piece of furniture has been blocked off, distributed to other appropriate facilities on campus, or moved into storage locations to create space for social distancing. 
  • Increased signage and ground markers will promote social distancing and help manage lines. 
  • Plexiglass has been installed at all front-facing service areas, and all points of sale will use contactless/tap technology. 
  • All staff will wear appropriate PPE while in the facility and maintain social distancing. 
  • Staff will be cross-trained as extra attendants to monitor patrons and help with cleaning efforts. We will also implement intermittent cleaning throughout the day, between meetings, and after events.  
  • Facilities will be disinfected each night.  
  • All Student Center-planned events will have an online component. A reservation system will be deployed for event attendance to promote social distancing. 
  • Revised capacities for the event spaces have been developed for all spaces in the Student Center portfolio. 

 

CAMPUS OPERATIONS AND STUDENT SERVICES RESOURCES

For questions not addressed in the FAQs, these resources contain a wealth of information on the subject(s):

FAQ

Housing

Will Georgia Tech provide on-campus residents with face coverings and any other preventative supplies?

All residential students will receive a wellness kit upon move-in that includes a thermometer, a cloth mask, health information, hand sanitizer, and tips for accessing other campus services.

 

How will you handle safety during housing move-in?

Move-in will be spread out over several days to limit the risk of crowding in hallways and elevators. New residents and their moving party must wear a mask or face covering during the move-in process, and all Housing staff will be in proper PPE.  

 

Will Georgia Tech provide refunds of housing deposits and payments if students are unable to arrive in the U.S.? Will flexibility be granted with deadlines for international students currently unable to make travel arrangements?

Please visit the Housing and Residence Life FAQs for more information.

For questions not addressed through the Housing FAQs, please email information@housing.gatech.edu or call 404.894.2470.

 

I am arriving early due to my international travel. What options do I have to access my on-campus housing?

International students may move into spring on-campus housing as early as Jan. 6, 2021, if needed. Please go to Resources under My Housing and complete the Early Arrival form.

 

HOUSING CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

For questions not addressed in the FAQs, these resources contain a wealth of information on the subject(s):

FAQ

Research and Labs

Will the remainder of research activities resume in the spring?

Research-related Frequently Asked Questions and answers can be found on the Research Ramp-Up webpage.

 

If industry sponsors ask for work stoppage and suspension of payment or cancel projects altogether because they can no longer afford to fund research, what should be done about student support, especially for those in the last 12-18 months of their degree

Research-related Frequently Asked Questions and answers can be found on the Research Ramp-Up webpage.

 

What are the guidelines for in-person undergraduate research?

Guidelines for in-person undergraduate research for the Spring 2021 semester are available on the Research website.

 

RESEARCH AND LABS CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

For questions not addressed in the FAQs, these resources contain a wealth of information on the subject(s):