Spring 2021 COVID-19 Information & FAQs

As we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, EKU is taking every possible measure to safely offer an on-campus experience while protecting the health and well-being of the EKU community. Eastern Kentucky University’s leadership is in active, daily discussions about what next steps the University will take to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

• COVID-19 Overview
• Student Testing Location
• COVID-19 Exposure at EKU
• Academic Information
• Important Dates
• Class Formats
• Regional Campuses
• Campus Offices & Services
• FAQs
• Employee Travel
• CARES Fund Information
• SAFE Fund Information

COVID-19 Overview

How can I help prevent illness?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information from the CDC see this page: Protect Yourself and Prevent Illness.

Student Testing Location

EKU has partnered with Wild Health to offer free COVID-19 testing for students at our Richmond campus. Testing will take place at the old Fitness and Wellness Center located at 902 Paul Van Hoose Drive (next to Roy Kidd Stadium). For more information, including a link to schedule an appointment, visit the COVID-19 Student Testing page. 

COVID-19 Exposure at EKU

Information about cases in Kentucky may be found at https://govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19. Information about cases in the United States may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.

The EKU COVID-19 Dashboard is updated regularly with data related to confirmed COVID-19 cases among the EKU community. 

Additional information specific to EKU will be posted at staywell.eku.edu.

Academic Information

Important Dates

Instead of a traditional week off for Spring Break, a few days of no classes are scattered throughout the semester. These days are intended to allow you time to catch up or rest while limiting travel, thereby minimizing the spread of COVID-19.  

More details about Spring semester dates are included in the University Calendar. 

Class Formats

Spring classes are planned for the same format as Fall 2020 classes and outlined in the Colonels Comeback plan. 

• On-campus classes will be offered with social distancing and mask wearing required.

• Some courses will take a hybrid approach, combining in-person and online learning. 

• Fully online courses are available, too. 

By now, we all know adaptation is critical for getting through this pandemic. Although not anticipated, a temporary shift to remote learning may be necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the campus community, as has been in previous semesters. If a change in course delivery is implemented, those affected will be notified. Regardless of class format, EKU remains committed to providing a high-quality education for all students.

Regional Campuses

EKU Regional Campuses in Corbin and Manchester are now open to walk-in student support Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm thru January 14.  Regional Campus Spring 2021 Semester begins January 19, with our campus open to students Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 9 pm and Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm. We also continue to support students remotely when possible. You may reach EKU Corbin by phone at 606-528-0551 or by email at corbin@eku.edu. Contact EKU Manchester by phone at 606-598-8122 or by email at manchester@eku.edu.  Visit regionalcmapuses.eku.edu for additional updates on our schedule and program offerings as well as our services offered at EKU Hazard, EKU Lancaster and our School of Justice Studies at Regional Campuses & Sites (SJS at RC&S).

Campus Offices & Services

• Admissions: The EKU Welcome Center is open for scheduled visits and the Office of Admissions is open during University operating hours.
  Schedule a visit at: https://admissions.eku.edu/visit

• Advising: Meetings will be conducted in alternative formats. Check your EKU email for information or email your assigned advisor for instructions.

• Campus Recreation: Open, for hours and information about modifications to services, please visit https://campusrec.eku.edu.

• Colonels Cupboard: Open and operating with one-on-one appointments. More information at https://communityservice.eku.edu/Cupboard.

• Financial Aid & Scholarships: Available by phone Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm by calling 859-622-2361. We can also be reached via email at finaid@eku.edu.

• Library: Open to students, faculty and staff 8 am-11 pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-4:30 Friday. Must have EKU ID to enter the facility. Use the Little Entrance located nearest the Combs Building. Other hours are listed https://libguides.eku.edu/hours  Print items can be checked out by requesting them online. Online help is available https://libanswers.eku.edu/Visit the library website for more information at https://library.eku.edu/

• Mail Services: Fully operational. Call (859) 622-1905 for more information.

• Model Laboratory School information is available at https://staywell.eku.edu/model-laboratory-school-spring-2021-information.

• Noel Studio: Consultations are available Sunday-Friday for the Spring 2021 semester; the space will be available 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Thursday. Students can schedule consultations atstudio.eku.eduand learn more about the process at studio.eku.edu/online-consultations. Updated spring consultation hours are available at https://studio.eku.edu/hours-and-location. Please contact noelstudio@eku.eduwith questions or concerns, or for assistance.

• Parking and Transportation: Normal Hours.

• Powell Student Center: First floor only open to students and employees 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• Public Safety: Normal Hours

• Student Life: Available during normal operation hours (on our website) by phone, email, or in Powell 152. Call (859) 622-3855 or email studentlife@eku.edu.  Visit our website for additional information - https://studentlife.eku.edu

• Student Outreach & Transition Office (SOTO): Office is closed, is open with limited in person staffing. On campus transfer tours will begin in March.  All staff are available to answer calls, emails or return messages from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Virtual appointments can be made at: https://soto.eku.edu/transfer-advising

• Student Success Center: Tutoring and mentoring services are available online and in person. To make an appointment for online tutoring, visit https://successcenter.eku.edu/appointments. Students will make appointments in Slate and sessions will be delivered through Zoom. For general questions, students may drop in on our server on Discord at https://discord.gg/gtxKrnk. The Student Success Center’s location in Crabbe Library 106D is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Gurus are available there for in-person tutoring and mentoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will classes be offered in Spring 2021?

Spring 2021 classes will be offered on campus and online.  Students can choose from fully in-person classes, hybrid classes, as well as synchronous or asynchronous online classes. 

When can I register for classes?

Registration for the Spring 2021 semester is open now through January 25 for full semester classes. Check your EKU email or contact your assigned advisor for registration instructions. Advising and registration resources and information can be found here. 

When can I move into my residence hall? 

Students should plan to return to their Residence Halls between January 16 and January 18. To follow state-mandated COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, you are required to select a return time for your return to campus. Select your check-in time by logging into the housing portal and selecting Spring 2021 Return after logging in.

What is EKU doing to protect the campus community?

An increased cleaning routine for campus facilities is in place, and campus spaces have been adjusted to accommodate for social distancing. When on campus, masks or face coverings and social distancing are required. EKU continues to comply with all local, state and federal guidelines. 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, you should get a COVID-19 test and complete EKU’s self-reporting form. Locations offering COVID-19 testing can be found here. Covid-19 testing is also available through EKU’s Student Health Services for students who are experiencing symptoms.

Employee Travel

Guidance pertaining to employee travel may be found at https://staywell.eku.edu/planning-task-force.

CARES Fund Information

Information about CARES Fund distribution at EKU may be found at https://finaid.eku.edu/cares-fund-distribution-student-plan.

Student SAFE Fund Information

The Student Assistance Fund for Eastern (SAFE) is your opportunity to provide financial support for EKU students in need. Learn how you can help at http://development.eku.edu/SAFE.