Alabama State University will require masks on campus when it reopens for the fall semester next week, and all returning students will be required to present either a vaccination card or a negative COVID test.
ASU, which has been one of the most proactive universities in the state in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, announced on Monday that in addition to requiring masks for all students, staff, faculty and visitors, it will also maintain sanitizing stations, offer vaccinations on campus and continue its sentinel COVID testing.
“I want to emphasize that Alabama State University remains a mask mandatory campus,” ASU president Quinton Ross said. “As a matter of fact, we are increasing our safety efforts by offering on-campus vaccinations in addition to conducting sentinel (random) testing for COVID-19.
“I encourage all ASU faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated before returning to campus. We also firmly believe that each of us should continue our individual diligence to wash our hands frequently, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and temper our personal behavior even when we are away from campus.”
ASU will not take violations of its policies lightly, either.
The university will continue to impose a 9 p.m.–6 a.m. curfew on students. Students who break curfew will be fined $50 for a first offense, suspended for a second offense and expelled for a third.
A violation of masking or social distancing rules will result in 10 hours of volunteer service at the ASU police department. A second offense will result in suspension, and a third could result in removal from university housing.
Entering the campus will require check-in at the guard stations.
ASU has also altered almost all of its services and events to make them safer for students and staff, and it will offer on-campus testing to all students. In addition, the university is offering counseling services and will help students find doctors and address and safety concerns.
