University's Coronavirus Update Site: Questions Welcome, Answers Available

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – You have questions, we have answers.

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to impact the spring semester, the University of Arkansas continues to answer any questions the campus community may have during this difficult time.

The U of A's Coronavirus update site is continuously being updated with new information, resources and answers to frequently asked questions. Students, faculty and staff, as well as parents, should consider the site as the primary resource for university-related information pertaining to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The campus community is encouraged to send any feedback or questions that may not yet be answered on the site. Those wishing to do so can fill out the appropriate information in the response section at the bottom of the site's homepage. Responses to all the feedback received will be provided as soon as possible. 

Some of the latest updates are listed below. The best source for additional information and the latest news and updates regarding COVID-19's impact to campus is the university's Coronavirus Update site.

2020 SPRING COMMENCEMENT POSTPONED 

The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees voted to postpone all spring commencement ceremonies until after June 1. This postponement only affects commencement ceremonies. U of A graduation processes and the conferring of degrees will proceed as normal.

While the university remains committed to honoring the 2020 graduates, the university understands this postponement is extremely disappointing. The university will continue to assess the situation and provide an update regarding commencement ceremonies later this spring.

ARKANSAS UNION/POST OFFICE PARTIALLY OPEN

The Arkansas Union will remain partially open for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. Starting March 21, the Union Living Room and International Connections Lounge will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, except on university holidays. The west side of the building (meeting rooms, the Exercise Center, Food Court, etc.) will remain closed during this time. 

The only exception to the west side closure is the first floor post office. Any individuals seeking passports, or any departments wanting to pick up mail may come to the first floor south door (near the parking garage) and will be allowed access through that door 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The Union is remaining partially open to aid students needing support in the form of campus WiFi access, a change of scenery, or simply a quiet place to study. The Information Desk will remain staffed during these hours, and a custodian will always be present to help continue sanitization, clean restrooms, and perform other building functions. 

MULLINS LIBRARY CLOSED, REMOTE ACCESS AVAILABLE 

The library on campus is closed until further notice, however remote access to library resources and other online research resources is available. Students can also use a 24/7 chat service through the library website as well.

Additionally, the libraries are suspending overdue fees and extending all regular 16-week loans to be due in September.

For the remainder of the semester, the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS+) will provide tutoring, writing support and academic coaching through online chat and by appointment via the CLASS+ website. CLASS+ will also provide supplemental instruction through Blackboard Collaborate.

ON-CAMPUS DINING OPTIONS

Dining halls are not open during spring break. Beginning March 30, dining services will only be available at Fulbright Dining Hall and carryout service only. Club Red and Hill Coffee Co. will continue operations at this time. You can check current schedules for dining facilities and other on-campus dining options at the Dine on Campus website.

BUILDING ACCESS 

Access to buildings with cards/fobs remains unchanged moving forward. Essential employees with building keys will be able to access their buildings as well. 

Employees without building keys will likely be locked out of most buildings on campus until further notice. Please consult your supervisor if you need building access and do not have a key. 

CAMPUS PARKING

Parking enforcement will continue on a limited basis.

For students moving off campus between now and April 3, Transit and Parking will allow students during this time to park in any green or red zone near residence halls. Students should not park in designated blue zones, accessible spaces or any fire zones. Parking passes will be available at the zone front desk of your residence hall for check-out.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3 percent of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.