October 26, 2020 – Winter term plans

Dear EOU Community, 

All things considered, we have had a fantastic start to the academic year! It was wonderful to welcome students back to campus in September.

Today, I share an update on Eastern Oregon University’s plans for Winter Term 2020, continuing our journey together during this unprecedented academic year. I remain grateful to the EOU community for your commitment, trust, patience, and flexibility as we work together to make this a great year while facing COVID-19.

WINTER TERM CLASSES

EOU’s Winter Term course schedule is updated and available for students. Registration opens for each student group between Oct. 30 and Nov. 2. Your advisor will have details on when you can register and is prepared to assist you in your planning for next term.

The first day of classes for Winter Term is Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. 

Main La Grande campus: EOU plans to hold classes on campus and in flexible formats for Winter Term. Classes are categorized as in-person, hybrid, or remote.

• In-person classes will meet on campus with the instructor at the scheduled time.
• Hybrid courses will include both in-person and remote-access components, largely at the scheduled time. Details will be provided by the course instructor.
• Remote courses will be delivered online, sometimes meeting at the scheduled time. Details will be provided by the course instructor.

Online courses will continue as normal. EOU has decades of experience delivering high-quality education from a distance, and online instructors and advisors are experts at providing support remotely. A wide range of courses and degrees continue to be available fully online.

On-site courses and Regional Centers will continue to follow the plans and guidelines laid out by their host sites or community colleges. 

STUDENT SUPPORT

Access, equity and affordability are at the core of EOU’s mission.

Tutoring, career and internship help, financial aid, and the library are providing resources remotely and in-person with safety measures. Student clubs, cultural events and campus life look different, but they remain present as part of the EOU experience. 

Students should check the Mountie Hub for additional information about housing guidelines and course modalities. Log into Canvas and check out the new shell for learning support. Contact Student Affairs (saffairs@eou.edu) if you have questions or concerns. 

EMPLOYEE SUPPORT

EOU remains committed to providing a safe work environment for employees. As was the case for Fall Term, numerous campus modifications will remain in place during Winter Term to mitigate risk. While risk cannot be eliminated, EOU will endeavor to accommodate needs as they arise. 

Employees and supervisors can update their COVID-19 Job Hazard Analysis (C-JHA) and PPE Assessment forms as needed. 

HEALTHY MOUNTIES 2020

In Winter Term, we are continuing the new social norms implemented for Fall Term that help mitigate the spread of disease.

• Daily self-evaluation: Complete the EOU Daily Self Health Check on the Mountie Hub before you arrive on campus each day. Stay home if you are unwell. Even minor symptoms like a sore throat, a runny nose or a cough are reason enough to stay home from work or school. Employees are required to contact their supervisor and students need to contact Student Affairs if you have any symptoms. 
• Mask-up, Mounties: Wear a required face covering inside all buildings and whenever you cannot maintain six feet of distance outdoors. Both your nose and mouth must be covered at all times. EOU face coverings are available at the sanitizer stations in every building. 
• Physical distance, social solidarity: Stay six feet away from others, whether you’re indoors or outside. Take care of your mental and emotional health, too. If you’re feeling isolated or down, reach out to someone for help. 

These norms will help us maintain a healthy environment on campus. You can also find guidelines for public health at govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19.

COVID-19 TESTING

EOU will again conduct COVID-19 screenings for all students intending to be on campus during Winter Term. These tests are self-administered gentle lower nasal swabs (RT-PCR based tests) and will be used to screen students prior to the start of the term. 

Details about testing will be provided before the end of Fall Term. If you have questions or concerns about testing, please contact Student Affairs at saffairs@eou.edu or 541-962-3635.

RESIDENCE LIFE

Housing and Residence Life will keep residence halls open during Thanksgiving and Winter Break. Students are encouraged to stay on campus between terms if possible. If you plan to stay in your residence hall over Thanksgiving Break, please complete this form.

Students who decide to leave campus between terms must pick up a COVID-19 testing kit to complete at home prior to returning to the residence halls. These kits will be available soon for pick-up. Contact Residence Life at reslife@eou.edu or 541-962-3553 for more information. 

FUTURE UPDATES TO OUR PLANS

EOU’s Resumption Planning website provides up-to-date information. We continue to seek input from all members of the university community. You can submit questions and concerns via this online form. 

I appreciate your understanding and support in recognizing that these preventative measures are made for our collective well-being in both the short- and the long-term. I wish you a successful second half of Fall Term and a restful Winter Break.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Tom Insko, ’94 & ‘95

President