For the fall 2020 semester, beginning August 17, ECU will offer a mixture of face-to-face, blended (online/virtual and in-person mix of instruction) as well as online/virtual instruction.
Students should utilize their own devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. with headphones if necessary) using ECU Wi-Fi to access their online classes (e.g. Blackboard or Zoom) from grassy areas and benches near plazas, parking lots, dorm rooms or open (non-scheduled) classrooms. Students may also go the library or one of many computer labs on campus. If a student does not have a personal device or is not able to utilize one of the computer labs, they may contact their advisor and a liaison librarian to inquire about checking out a laptop from the library.
Yes. ECU will maintain a fall academic calendar consistent with past years which includes scheduled holidays for Labor Day, Fall Break and Thanksgiving.
ECU is working to ensure its plans are consistent with prevailing health guidance and local, state, and national government requirements. As long as these entities feel it is safe to reopen while following safety guidelines, ECU will move forward with its plans. You will be informed as soon as we become aware of any changes.
ECU is taking steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections as well as the spread of any disease. Every member of our community - including you - must do their parts. This means adhering to national, state, and local health guidelines and requirements as well as specific measures ECU is taking. ECU is closely monitoring these guidelines.
ECU is creating a safe, in-person learning environment for its students and employees. This includes the following:
Yes. Each campus building will have disposable masks available for you to use. Find the room number where you can pick up a disposable mask here.
In addition to following the social distancing guidelines set forth above, you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:
East Central University has worked hard preparing for the return of students to campus this fall, with the goal of providing an exceptional experience. ECU is excited to host traditional Welcome Orientation Week (WOW) festivities for incoming freshmen, while taking every precaution to minimize risk. Face coverings and social distancing protocols are required, and most events are outdoors. Hand sanitizer and CDC-approved cleaning supplies will also be available.
Yes. ECU will continue to require masks on campus until further notice, both indoors and outdoors. Please note the City of Ada also has a mask mandate in place until at least September 8. Here is the most recent City of Ada ordinance.
Yes, ECU will provide each student and employee with a reusable cloth mask at the beginning of the fall 2020 semester. Disposable masks will also be available throughout the campus at the following locations:
Students who are unable to wear face coverings should contact the Student Development Office at 580-559-5208 or by email to cbuchanan@ecok.edu. Employees who are unable to wear face coverings should contact the Employment Services Office at 580-559-5217.
The university’s Health Center will have COVID-19 tests on hand for those students who are symptomatic. We are working with the Pontotoc County Health Department on this. They are in charge of the tests and test results. Testing on campus occurs between 8-10 a.m., Monday-Friday. Employees are encouraged to visit their own health care providers, the Pontotoc County Health Department, or the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center. Each agency has its own protocol for testing. You will need to contact them directly for more information.
Yes, Taff Cafeteria will be open for the fall 2020 semester, serving a full menu with limited seating. There will be some changes as outlined by the new guidelines below:
We will be conducting town hall meetings to answer your questions about how the university is preparing for the fall semester. Please submit your questions to us in advance so that we are prepared to answer them. Please submit your questions by Wednesday, July 29, using this link. The town hall meetings will be held via Zoom. An email will be sent to you at least 48 hours before the event with the Zoom link. Because of the size of the event, only the Q & A function of the platform will be enabled. Should the audience exceed the maximum capabilities of Zoom (500 people), we will look at additional sessions. The event will be recorded and made available for those who are unable to attend. We plan to host several town hall meetings throughout the semester to help the campus stay informed. Those dates are posted on the University’s main calendar. The video for the initial Town Hall meeting is posted above.