Stephen F. Austin State University

The SFA campus will open Monday (2/22) and Tuesday (2/23), but in a modified fashion. After discussions with university leadership representing every area of campus as well as Faculty Senate Leadership, it was decided that normal campus operations should begin Wednesday (2/24).

We are deeply aware of the stress that has been caused by this winter storm, but we also believe that for many people, resuming normal day-to-day activities, even in a gradual manner, may serve to alleviate stress.

We are asking faculty members to reach out to students and discuss how courses will be modified given the loss of instruction time as a result of the storm.

The class time lost last week will not affect Spring Break. The dates for the end of the spring semester and the end of spring 1 eight-week courses will not change.

Faculty:

Faculty members have flexibility in how they deliver and account for material missed during this storm, whether it is through optional lectures, holding Zoom discussion groups, or extended office hours. This will count as contact hours to meet state requirements. Faculty are encouraged to communicate their plans to their students as soon as possible.

Faculty members who need to come to campus to access technology will be allowed to bring dependent children to campus, if necessary.

Since many students may still be without power, student participation on Monday or Tuesday should not be mandated, and no material or assignments should be due prior to Wednesday. Additionally, faculty members must keep in mind the serious adversity many students have endured and should consider delaying upcoming major exams and due dates for assignments.

Note: The Office of Academic Affairs will be communicating additional information in a separate email to faculty later today.

Students:

Faculty will be working with you to return attention to your courses. We urge you to reach out to your faculty if you have not heard from them or if you have additional questions.

Campus buildings will be open for internet access.

Counseling Services will be open Monday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Students, please keep in mind the SFA Way Principle of Responsibility: Lumberjacks do what is right • They persevere in times of adversity • Through self-control and self-discipline, they strive to do their best • Lumberjacks challenge each other to exceed expectations • They are active learners both inside and outside of the classroom • They are reliable; they do what they say they will do • Lumberjacks hold themselves accountable for their decisions.

Staff:

It is essential that all staff members resume their regular work schedules tomorrow. Staff members who are still experiencing utility outages are expected to communicate with their supervisors if unable to report to work. Parents with dependent children at home may work from home, with supervisor approval.

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Campus Resources

Dining halls

The Student Center Dining Hall will resume normal operating hours tomorrow, and the East College Dining Hall will return to normal hours Thursday. Starbucks will not be open, but most other retail outlets will be open. Dining locations are unable to serve fountain beverages, brewed coffee or tea until the City of Nacogdoches boil water directive is rescinded. Please visit http://sfasu.campusdish.com to see what’s open and hours of operation.

Recreation Center and HPE

The Recreation Center is now operating under normal hours.

The shower facilities at the HPE complex and Recreation Center will be open to faculty, staff and students (members and non-members) with an SFA ID card. Please bring your own towels and toiletry items.

Steen Library

Steen Library is open today until midnight. Beginning Monday, normal hours will resume.

Student Health Clinic

Beginning Monday, the Student Health Clinic will be open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Food Pantry

The food pantry will be open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Student Center (while supplies last).

Campus Shuttles

Campus shuttles will resume Wednesday.

Early Childhood Laboratory

The Early Childhood Lab will operate at normally scheduled operating hours.

Charter School

The Charter School will hold face-to-face instruction and asynchronous instruction for families unable to get their children to campus. All on-campus learning is scheduled to resume Wednesday, Feb. 24. Should families have difficulty with asynchronous work completion, please contact the teacher.

Student Center Post Office and Bookstore

Both the Barnes & Noble bookstore and the Post Office will reopen Monday for normal operating hours.

Storm Damage

Storm damage is still present on some areas of campus, and the danger of falling limbs is more significant than normal. Please be careful and observant; report any safety concerns to the University Police Department. Please report any building damage to the Physical Plant at 936.468.3206.

Reminder: We must remember that COVID-19 is still a health risk and is especially dangerous to members of our community with high-risk factors. Please remember to wear face coverings and practice social distancing. Please be as careful as possible and stay strong – Lumberjack Strong!!

Axe ’em!