Message from the President

Message from the President

Update to Faculty and Staff About COVID-19 - March 4, 2020

As we continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak closely, we remain aligned with public health officials to ensure Auburn is as prepared as possible to safeguard the health of our campus. In our efforts to coordinate with federal, state and local health and emergency preparedness organizations, we remain committed to providing regular updates to the campus community. 

Although experts suggest that the risk for transmission remains low for the general public, this week’s decision to recall our students studying abroad and suspend all official international travel was not unique among higher education institutions following input from the Centers for Disease Control. 

Ensuring the safety of our students, faculty and staff remains our top priority. Despite our collective uncertainties, we must continue to foster a safe, supportive and inclusive campus environment. This is especially true for our international students, faculty and staff here from regions or countries that have been affected by COVID-19 and for those students who will return to campus from abroad trips. 

Our international community is an essential part of the Auburn Family, and we remain committed to maintaining a positive campus environment free of discrimination and bias. We ask that you continue to demonstrate the values personified in The Auburn Creed and offer kindness and support to those who have family and friends in areas affected by COVID-19 and those who have recently returned from international trips. 

As we have done in the past, we encourage you to develop appropriate contingency plans and prepare for the possibility of potential disruptions to normal university operations. Several campus units, such as the Biggio Center, offer resources to help faculty, staff and students with delivering instruction and hosting meetings. 

As additional developments arise, we will continue to provide you with information and resources. We encourage you to regularly check the university’s COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date information and monitor Auburn’s official social media accounts and campus digests for regular updates. 

Thank you for continuing to take all necessary precautions as we work with officials to promote the health and safety of our campus. 

With thanks,

 

Jay Gogue
President

Bill Hardgrave
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Last updated: 03/11/2020