Letter to Students
Update to Students About COVID-19 - March 16, 2020
The situation with COVID-19, the coronavirus, is changing, it seems, almost by the hour. In this uncertain atmosphere, I am touching base with two important messages. I ask you to please take time to read the remainder of this email.
First and foremost, Auburn leadership is solely focused on the safety and well-being of you and the rest of the campus community. No one likes being away from the university we love and our friends. Everything is being done to help ensure that your academic progress is uninterrupted and that university operations can return to normal as quickly as it is safe to do so. With this in mind, we ask that no students come to campus during this time, including congregating on Samford Lawn and other green spaces on campus.
Second, to help stop the spread of the virus, it is essential that we all practice good hygiene (hand-washing, disinfecting our phones and more), avoid large crowds and keep our distance. Whether back home, in your Auburn apartment or somewhere else during this period of remote instruction, a 6-foot distance from those around you is a good rule of thumb. I realize "social distancing" is a major departure for most of us, but health and medical officials are unanimous on its effectiveness in stopping its spread.
The university has an online site with safety tips and the latest information. There is also an option to sign up for regular email updates, and I encourage you to do so.
Thank you all for what you’re doing to help stop the spread of this virus. If we all do our part, it will help us – and you -- stay safe.
Bobby R. Woodard, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs