Coronavirus (COVID-19)

UPDATED: Thursday, April 2, 2020

Find the latest information on the virus and confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

UWA to cancel on-campus class meetings prior to Spring Break

In light of rapidly changing conditions statewide, the University of West Alabama has canceled on-campus class meetings for the week of March 16-20 in its continuing efforts to help minimize the impact and risks of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the University community. Students who do not need tutorial support in online learning are not required to be on campus and may begin early checkout with UWA Housing. Faculty and students prepared to convert to online instruction and/or learning earlier than required are encouraged and empowered to do so beginning March 16.

UWA to transition to online instruction beginning March 16

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the entire university community, and in response to the latest guidance and recommendations from CDC and other public health agencies, the university will transition all on-campus classes to online instruction beginning March 16.

• March 16 & 17  UWA offices will be open, but on-campus classes will not meet.
• March 18-27  UWA will be closed for extended Spring Break.
• March 16-April 3 On-campus classes will be suspended to allow additional time for UWA to transition as efficiently and completely as possible to online instruction.
• April 6 All on-campus classes will have fully transitioned to online instruction.
• Students currently enrolled in UWA Online courses will continue as originally scheduled. 
•  March 30 University offices re-open, with employees returning from Spring Break.

UWA Housing

• Students are not required to return to campus beginning March 16 and can continue their course work via online instruction.
• Housing and dining services will remain open for students who already reside on campus and/or have meal plans. Students, particularly international or other students who do not have alternative accommodations, students from areas without high-speed internet or other means of receiving remote instruction, and students with exceptional hardships, or academic, employment, or clinical requirements, may need to return to their university housing.
• Arrangements will be made to ensure any students who need to remain on campus have access to essential services.
• Early checkout is available through UWA Housing.

For more information on travel, business operations, assistance with online instruction/learning, see the full announcement. 

Spring Break Advisory | March 18-27

As UWA's Spring Break approaches, please stay tuned to and follow all guidance set forth by CDC and the U.S. State Department, avoiding any travel or interactions that may lead to the spread of COVID-19. CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has advised that anyone returning from a region where there is active transmission of COVID-19 is to contact ADPH and must complete a 14-day quarantine period before returning to their campus, which could affect a student's ability to finish the semester or graduate in May. Should the spread of COVID-19 increase the UWA community's exposure or risk, additional measures may become necessary, including such quarantine efforts.

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

• Cover your mouth when coughing.

• Use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol or above.

• Avoid contact with sick people.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid unnecessary travel.