Updated Apr. 16, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University Athletic Department has put the following action plan in place for the foreseeable future to mitigate risk associated with COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of student-athletes, coaches, staff and the community. Senior leaders throughout the University are continually monitoring the situation. All of the following is subject to change as the situation evolves.

Out of Season Sports: All out-of-season competitions have been canceled. Student-athletes have the option of returning to campus or staying home. If a student-athlete feels uncomfortable returning, they will not be required to do so. If a student-athlete is returning to campus, they must register with Student Affairs.

In-Season Spring Sports: Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Softball, Rowing

• Athletic Related Activity: Effective immediately, Jacksonville Athletics will take the following approach: 
  • All organized athletic related activity for all sports for the remainder of the spring semester have been canceled.
  • The weight room and training rooms are closed.
    • The only activity in the training room will be post-operative rehab for those whom remain.
  • The locker rooms are closed.
  • If a student-athlete remains on-campus and wants to workout/run on their own outside, they absolutely may do so, but should practice "social-distancing".
  • If students would like to go home, that is encouraged.
  • All academic meetings with the student-athletes services staff will take place virtually.
  • If a coach and/or student-athlete has questions about voluntary workouts for students who remain on campus, communication with sport administrators will take place. There will be one-off decisions to make at times, communication with direct supervisors will be the best way to handle.
• Eligibility: The NCAA Council Coordination committee agree that it will be appropriate to grant relief for the use of a season of competition for student-athletes who have participated in spring sports. Jacksonville University has agreed to grant that relief. 
• Team Travel or Away competitions: All team travel has been canceled.
• Practice: All athletic-related activity has been canceled. 
• Ticketed Events: Will be refunded for all canceled events.

Recruiting:

• The NCAA has issued a Division-wide recruiting ban through April 15. 

Large Gathering Meetings/Special Events – including banquets and facility rentals:

• Any in-person event with anticipated external attendance of greater than 10 are being evaluated.
• All athletic-related activity has been canceled. 

General:

• Aramark, Sports Medicine and Strength and Conditioning are increasing the frequency of disinfecting equipment and other furniture. Additional hand sanitizing stations have been installed.
• The University has instituted a "work-from-home" policy through at least May 31, 2020.
• Supervisors are asked to provide flexibility.
• Essential facility and dining personnel as well as cross-campus student services personnel will continue to work to ensure our students are provided for and taken care of. 

Additional Campus-Wide Information:

REMOTE TEACHING AND LEARNING: All teaching and learning will be conducted online using available tools and resources. Faculty are welcome to conduct remote teaching from their homes or within their offices. No classes will be conducted in person. The Provost has worked with the Academic Technology team to assemble tutorials, tips and other resources for those who are less familiar with Blackboard. For troubleshooting or questions, please contact helpdesk@ju.edu.

APPLIED LEARNING: Academic Affairs is working closely with deans, program directors and external partners to assess applied learning requirements and evaluate the needs on a case by case basis. For questions, email careteam@ju.edu.

BUSINESS TRAVEL: The University is suspending all non-essential domestic and international travel associated with University responsibilities until May 1st.

REMINDERS: Regardless of whether you have traveled recently -- if you have a fever and feel sick, stay home and call your healthcare provider. Remember, one of the best ways to help reduce your risk is to frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and practice social distancing.

All questions and concerns related to these preventive measures should be directed to careteam@ju.edu. Jacksonville University appreciates the public's flexibility, attention and vigilance as it works to prioritize the safety of campus during this rapidly changing situation.