University of Georgia

A Message From UGA Student Affairs 

Labor Day 2020 Travel Guidance

Thank you for your continuing efforts to keep the University and local communities safe and healthy this semester. As we head into the Labor Day holiday weekend, in addition to the basic steps that help us prevent illness (hand hygiene, distancing, face-coverings, etc.), we also encourage you to consider approaches for safe activity and travel. The CDC offers specific guidelines and FAQs on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, as does the Georgia Department of Public Health. The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to stay home. If traveling, the same good health practices apply, but additional items to consider might be:

  • Opt for less risky destinations and activities (avoid crowded locations and activities).
  • Be aware of local restrictions.
  • Do not travel with anyone exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, or if you are sick.
  • Minimize contact with people not in your immediate group.
  • Ask to dine outside.

Of course, these guidelines apply whether you are traveling for vacation, going home for a few days, or staying in Athens or on campus. Each of us has an important part to play in keeping our families and home communities safe, as well as our campus and University community when we return. Continue to use DawgCheck each day, and be vigilant about your symptoms following the holiday weekend.

 

Have a restful and safe holiday!

Georgia Strong. Dawg Strong.

In this Issue:

  • Surveillance testing still available to asymptomatic faculty, staff and students 
  • Academic event scheduling guidelines 
  • Essential travel information 
  • Savannah Room updates 
  • 101 things for students to do in Athens 

Jump to Content

Campus Operations

 

Outreach: PS&O and Extension

 

Resources for Students

 

References and Links

Campus Operations

Voluntary Surveillance Testing 

UGA is committed to volunteerism for surveillance testing for the university community. As we learn more about the efficiency and success of the randomization process, we will steadily increase the numbers of invitations to the community just as we have steadily increased capacity. Supply chain constraints continue to be a challenge in working toward a concrete numerical goal that is sustained over time. Faculty, staff and students who are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are eligible to sign up for a slot for surveillance testing, even if not invited through the randomization protocol. 

Register for a Test Time

Academic Event Scheduling Update  

Campus Reservations, Events & Technical Services will be accepting reservations for both Departmental and Student Organizations meetings/events in academic/classroom spaces starting Monday, Aug. 31 for reservations between Sept. 8 and Dec. 10. New guidelines have been established for accommodating reservation requests for this time period. Read more at the following link.

Info for Scheduling Academic Events

Essential Travel Information

During the pandemic timeframe, UGA faculty and staff are limited to essential business travel only, as deemed appropriate by their supervisor, which requires the completion of a Travel Authority (TA) as a pre-approval for all essential travel (in-state and out-of-state) regardless of cost, level of reimbursement or funding source. Blanket authorizations (for up to one fiscal year) are available for employees with frequent and reoccurring in-state essential travel. For additional information, please reference the FAQ page.

Dining Services Updates and Improvements 

The talented chefs at Dining Services are cooking up new menu items to feature special home-cooked favorites such as roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, and more on our rotating selection of menu choices available to meal plan customers at several of our locations. Items such as our lite-and-luscious smoothie, chicken fingers and entrée salads will be available at select dining locations. A third Quick Stop location has been added near Creswell and Boggs Halls to provide meal plan customers with convenient grab-and-go options. 

Read All Dining Notifications

Helpful Resources for Navigating Campus

Learn more about navigating campus by familiarizing yourself with the following resources:

  • Bulldog Bike Share allows you to rent electric pedal-assisted bikes to ride on campus. Download the Gotcha app to unlock the bikes from hubs across campus. Gotcha also offers monthly and yearly subscription plans for the Bulldog Bike Share.  
  • Live track the UGA and Athens Transit buses on the UGA app. You can access route information, bus stop locations and arrival times of the UGA buses on campus. Remember to familiarize yourself with UGA’s new bus routes.
  • See how many parking spaces are available in select parking decks before heading to campus with Deck Check, a feature on the UGA app.  
  • Conveniently pay for daily or hourly parking at select parking decks and lots with ParkMobile. Download the ParkMobile app to pay or utilize one of the pay kiosks across campus. 
Visit Our Website for More Information

Outreach: PS&O and Extension

Savannah Room Temporarily Closed, Some Menu Items Available Through Bistro  

The Savannah Room restaurant in the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel is closed through November, and the staff is focused on preparing and serving “grab and go” meal options in the Bulldog Bistro. Some Savannah Room favorites are available as “grab and go” through the Bulldog Bistro, which remains open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Hotline breakfast and lunch is available in the bistro from 7 to 10 a.m., and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All food is served for carry out only. Place a to-go order by calling 706-338-8781. The Savannah Room dining area may be reserved for campus groups by contacting the Georgia Center directly. 

UGA Extension Virtual Events Calendar  

This week, UGA Cooperative Extension is offering virtual learning opportunities on topics including personal finance, childcare, STEAM, wellness and energy efficiency. To register for local and virtual events, visit extension.uga.edu/calendar. 

Resources for Students

101 Things for Students to do in Athens 
We’ve compiled a list of 101 things for students to do in Athens—all of which can be done while observing social distancing guidelines. Even during a pandemic, it isn't hard to find a ton of things to do in town and on campus, from virtual fitness classes to do-it-at-home art projects and exploring the outdoors. 

Check Out the Full List of Things to Do

References and Links

  • Plans for Phased Return to Full Operations 
  • Return to Campus Guidelines for Faculty and Staff
  • Research Resumption Resources
  • Communication Resources (Signage and Graphics)
  • UGA COVID-19 Website

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