Stephen F. Austin State University

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Welcome back to campus after the storm, and I hope you and your families are all well.

I am sharing with you a letter from the City of Nacogdoches and SFA that is being distributed today to SFA students and business owners.

This letter emphasizes guidelines and initiatives to help keep our communities well and safe as we continue to do everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our university and local businesses open.

Thank you for everything you do for our students and for your dedication to our community.

Scott Gordon
President

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To the Businesses and SFASU Students of Nacogdoches,

The SFA student body returning to Nacogdoches is a return of the energy and enthusiasm that students bring, and our city appreciates the renewed hustle and bustle. We are relieved that the university has been able to find a path to reopening. Students returning to campus is a heartening experience in any year, but it is particularly reassuring during this difficult time, and we want students, faculty and staff, as well as residents, to enjoy this return to some normalcy.

It has come to the attention of City and University officials that some establishments are promoting large indoor events or gatherings within the City limits. Such gatherings are prohibited by the Governor’s Executive Order GA-28. We request that all organizations keep visitors, patrons, and employees safe by adhering to guidance from the CDC and the State of Texas. Please visit open.texas.gov for additional guidelines.

• Retailers and Other Businesses: May operate at 50% capacity.
• Restaurants: May operate at 50% capacity. No more than 10 people may be seated at a table.
• Bars: Must remain closed.
• Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcasting, & Skating Rinks: May operate at 50% capacity while following six feet social distancing.

We must work together to keep the spread of COVID-19 under control. It will require diligence and some sacrifice to result in a successful and sustained reopening of our local economy. Conversely, a cluster of infections could result in a return to restrictions or even closures as have occurred in other parts of the country.

Organizations, student groups, and businesses are encouraged to conduct business and participate in an active student life, but in a way that limits the spread of COVID-19. No organization or group wants to become known or suspected as the source of an outbreak. Businesses with operational questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the City’s helpline at 936-559-2510 or info@nactx.us, and student organizations are encouraged to contact SFA’s Student Engagement office at 936-468-1102 for assistance.

It is everyone’s responsibility to help prevent the outbreak of COVID-19 clusters in our community. Wear a face covering in public, avoid large social gatherings, maintain “social distance”, and wash and sanitize your hands frequently.

We are firmly committed to the successful and safe rebuilding of our local economy. We all want to see our university students and local residents thrive. Our solidarity now will result in favorable outcomes for all of us. Please do not hesitate to direct your questions to the COVID Call Center at 936-468-4787.

Very seriously and united,

Shelley Brophy Mayor City of Nacogdoches	Scott Gordon President Stephen F. Austin State University
Mario Canizares City Manager City of Nacogdoches	Adam Peck Dean of Student Affairs Stephen F. Austin State University
Jim Sevey Police Chief City of Nacogdoches	John Fields Police Chief Stephen F. Austin State University
Keith Kiplinger Fire Chief City of Nacogdoches