AMSC Coronavirus Update
Recent Updates
ATLANTA METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE FALL 2021 OPERATIONS
(Based on Guidance from the University System of Georgia) June 3, 2021
The following plan of operation is expected for Fall 2021 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC)
based on guidance given to all institutions within the University System of Georgia. Note this plan is
subject to change based on recommendations from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) or
executive orders from the governor’s office. Employees and students should remain flexible in their
planning and be prepared to change course as necessary.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still active. Therefore, AMSC plans to continue to educate and remind our
campus community (employees and students) of the individual responsibility to practice all behaviors
known to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including encouraging vaccination against the disease.
The CDC has determined that those who are fully vaccinated are at very low risk of infection or spreading
the virus. The USG planning guidance and AMSC’s plan for operation in Fall 2021 incorporate this new
CDC guidance as of May 13, 2021.
General
This document is intended to update the previous (Fall 2020) plan for operations at Atlanta Metropolitan
State College. Unless specified, information in this document applies to changes beginning Fall 2021. In
some areas, guidance is provided for a transition over the summer.
Social Distancing
AMSC has planned for a return to full capacity in the classroom for Fall 2021. In line with the April 30,
2021, Executive Order from the governor’s office, AMSC will strongly encourage social distancing on
campus where possible, but classrooms will be at normal occupancy. (Summer 2021 classes are expected
to continue to operate as previously designed and scheduled.)
Alternate Work Arrangements (Employees)
Alternate Work Arrangements (AWA) or accommodations granted to employees for Fall 2020 or Spring
2021 due to increased risk for severe illness with COVID-19 will end no later than June 30, 2021. All
employees are expected to return to their previous work arrangement at that time. (Current summer
teaching assignments are excluded from this transition deadline.) Supervisors may require or allow
employees to return to campus earlier than June 30 as needed. Lack of vaccination is not grounds for an
accommodation.
Alternate Educational Arrangements (Students)
Alternate Educational Arrangement (AEA) or accommodations granted to students for Fall 2020 or Spring
2021 due to increased risk for severe illness with COVID-19 will end beginning in Fall of 2021. All students
are expected to return to their traditional educational arrangement beginning Fall 2021 semester. Lack of
vaccination is not grounds for a request for an accommodation. Online and hybrid delivery of some classes
are among the options in our Fall 2021 course schedule, and these options are available to all students on
a space- available basis.
Telework
Employees with current COVID-19 related telework assignments should begin transitioning back to their
pre-COVID-19 work arrangements, and all such agreements will end no later than June 30, 2021.
Supervisors should communicate the transition expectations for their employees. According to USG policy,
department heads or their designees have the authority to establish teleworking arrangements. In no
circumstance should telework be considered an employee right or entitlement. All telework requests and
designations are based upon approval by the supervisor and administration in consideration of the needs
of AMSC and our students.
Face Coverings
AMSC strongly encourages the continued use of face coverings while inside campus facilities, especially
for those who have not been vaccinated or who have a condition that weakens their immune system. Fully
vaccinated individuals may resume campus classes and other activities without wearing a mask effective
immediately (June 2021). In general, people are considered fully vaccinated when they meet these
conditions:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
People who do not meet these requirements, regardless of age, are NOT fully vaccinated. Those who are
not yet fully vaccinated should continue wearing face coverings and distancing until fully vaccinated.
Vaccines
AMSC will continue to provide information on vaccine availability to faculty, staff and students through
vaccination opportunities provided by local providers and vaccination sites. AMSC will not assess COVID19 vaccination rates for our campus community.
Note: Students, faculty and staff who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are not
required to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated against the disease and show no symptoms.
Student Life
AMSC will resume traditional in-person student life activities beginning Fall 2021. Mitigation practices
(such as regular cleanings and access to hand sanitizer/wipes) recommended by DPH will be practiced and
observed during these activities.
Events and Gatherings
AMSC will follow the most recent executive order from the governor related to events and gatherings. We
will continue to encourage and offer outdoor events/activities when practical. Mitigation practices (such
as regular cleanings and access to hand sanitizer/wipes) recommended by DPH will be practiced and
observed during these activities.
Travel
Atlanta Metropolitan State College will follow the University of System of Georgia’s position on travel.
Unit leaders have full and complete discretion to authorize essential travel, as needed, to carry out their
mission and priorities. No travel will be approved without prior permission from the Executive Cabinet.
All guidance listed here is subject to change based on recommendations from DPH, CDC and the
governor’s office. Atlanta Metropolitan State College students and employees should be prepared to
respond to adjusted plans as necessary.