Parent and Family Association News
We are excited to welcome new and returning students to campus this fall to their homes in Laker Hall and Laker Village. The Clayton State residential experience is designed to help students achieve academic success while developing intellectually, socially, and with other aspects of holistic wellness. We have been preparing throughout the summer to create conditions that will provide a safe, comfortable environment where learning and discovery are part of the culture and where students can engage with each other about their courses and important issues facing our world.
Of course, these are unusual times. The global COVID pandemic requires changes to our daily lives and impacts how we interact with others. This is true regarding college residential living as well. As you may know, Clayton State housing offers exclusive suite-style accommodations which means that everyone has a private bedroom. The University established numerous committees this summer to carefully plan a reopening process consistent with CDC and University System of Georgia guidance. New protocols and practices have been designed specifically for our campus to promote safety and health during COVID in the classroom and residential setting.
To promote a safe environment, we are asking that all residential students join us in taking steps to reduce the spread of the corona virus by following the CDC guidelines which include regular hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask outside of the suite. The residential visitation policy has been revised to reduce the number of individuals in the halls and prohibit non-students guests after move-in. Some furniture in common areas have been removed to encourage social distancing, and cleaning regimens throughout campus buildings have been revised appropriately to sanitize and disinfect objects and surfaces.
A common observation made by visitors to Clayton State University is about the natural beauty of the campus, its lakes, trees and openness. This fall those features will provide a useful residential setting for students as they begin or continue their academic pursuits during these unconventional times. We look forward to the journey ahead!
Throughout this very different time, The Office of Career Services will continue to assist students in developing the self-awareness, knowledge, and skills that prepare students to identify and manage their careers in a safe environment via virtual workshops and events throughout the Fall 2020 semester. Our first virtual event will be our Part-Time Job Fair which will provide students an opportunity to connect virtually with on-campus departments and off-campus organizations. Students will join this event through our career management system, Laker CareerZone on Tuesday, August 11th between 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Students can request assistance for career and major exploration, job and internship search, resume building, interviewing assistance and more by emailing us at career@clayton.edu.
Details regarding our events and assistance can be found on our website at www.clayton.edu/career.
Bridgette McDonald
Director of Career Services
Clayton State University is committed to keeping our campus community safe. On July 15, University System of Georgia (USG) institutions will require all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not always be possible. Face coverings are not required in one's own dorm room or suite or in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met. All Clayton State University students will receive 2 free face coverings from the University. Additional face coverings can be purchased at the Clayton State University Bookstore, The Loch Shop.
Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or must leave the area or the classroom. For students repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in disciplinary action through the Office of Community Standards. Disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to a warning, a reflective assignment, withdrawal from the course if the incident occurs repeatedly in a classroom.
If your student has a medically documented reason that they are unable to wear a face covering, they can contact the Disability Resource Center at disabilityresourcecenter@clayton.edu.
In addition to face covering, individuals who do not live in the student apartments are temporarily prohibited from visitation. This temporary visitation contingency will be reviewed by Housing and Student Affairs administrators, monthly, with respect to the State of Georgia safety guidelines. Students who are found to be in violation of the visitation policy may face disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to disciplinary probation, reflective assignments, and removal (suspension) from University housing.
These measures have been implemented to keep our students and campus community safe. Encourage your students to follow these new safety measures emphasize the importance of wearing following these and other public health guidance such as handwashing, to keep the community safe, and to remain in good conduct standing with the University.
As the parent of a student with a disability it is understandable that you have worries and concerns as your son or daughter starts their university experience. The Disability Resource Center recognizes that this upcoming fall is a time of great uncertainty and anxiety as COVID19 has permeated every aspect of our lives. The DRC remains committed to partner with you and your student so that they will receive the appropriate services and accommodations to ensure they have equal access to all aspects of their educational experience.
The Disability Resource Center realizes that as parents you have certain expectations about the services your son or daughter should receive and how things are supposed to be done. In an effort to promote a smoother transition to the university, we encourage you and your student to review the information on our website and read the document under the heading of Key Differences between disability accommodations in High School versus College.