Arkansas State University-Newport continues to plan for a safe and successful return to campus this fall.

ASU-NEWPORT RETURN TO CAMPUS GUIDE
ASU-Newport Return to Campus Frequently Asked Questions

Since turning to remote business operations in March, ASU-Newport administration, faculty, and staff have worked to develop a phased plan for reopening campus locations. Phase 1 allowed for ASUN testing and bookstore services to reopen, a handful of employees to return to campuses to perform essential services that could not be completed remotely, and a limited number of students to return to campus to complete spring coursework.
 
Phase 2 will begin July 13. Most staff and a limited number of students will return to campuses. ASUN-Marked Tree will see the most student activity as technical programs resume. General Education courses will remain online and high-risk employees will continue to work remotely to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.
 
During Phase 2, ASUN will implement new guidelines for returning to ASUN campuses. Guidelines include but are not limited to the following:

• ASU-Newport employees and students will complete a self-assessment daily to verify they are not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Proper wearing (fully covering nose and mouth) of masks will be required for all employees, students and visitors at all times. Employees may only remove masks in their office spaces when alone or when social distancing is possible (such as in larger meeting rooms as well as the dining facilities) but should quickly replace them when social distancing becomes impossible.  ASU-Newport will provide each employee and student with a cloth mask.
• Classrooms and public spaces will be arranged to enforce proper social distancing.
• Additional signage will be placed across all campus locations as reminders to stay 6 feet apart and practice healthy hand washing.
• Plexi glass partitions will be installed in key areas to provide extra protection to employees, students and visitors.
• Food service locations in Newport and Marked Tree will be limited to grab-and-go options. While in The Hub or Delta Grill, patrons must adhere to the physical distancing guidelines and the state requirements applying to restaurants in Arkansas.

Phase 3 will begin on August 3. During Phase 3, ASUN plans for a full return of all employees.  All in-person classes will also resume at this time, although online class options and support services will continue to be prioritized for students not ready to return to campus.
 
As we continue to learn more about COVID-19, we are aware this plan is fluid and could change with further guidelines set forth by the Arkansas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
 
It is important that employees, students and visitors understand that ASU-Newport cannot ensure absolute safety at our three campus locations. But with these measures, along with a dedicated cleaning staff, administrators are confident we are taking every step possible to provide a quality working and learning environment. 
 
You can find more information about ASU-Newport’s COVID-19 response and resources here.