University of Alabama to Nix Events, Lock Down On-Campus Housing

New, temporary restrictions are coming to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa just two days after classes resumed on campus, administrators announced Friday afternoon.

The news was distributed in a series of emails Friday, including a message from President Stuart Bell to all students, faculty and staff, another from Vice President of Student Life Myron Pope to just students and a third from Assitant Director of Communications Shane Dorril to media outlets.

The restrictions break into five basic components and are copied verbatim below.

1. Greek Houses – Access Restricted and Gatherings Prohibited

• All common gathering areas of Greek housing facilities are hereby closed.
• Residents may reside in their rooms.
• Meal service will be grab-n-go for residents and members.
• No one other than residents, advisors, and staff may enter a house.
• Social distancing is essential.
• Gatherings are prohibited in the house, on campus, and off campus.
• Escalated consequences will be imposed.

2. Housing and Residential Communities Facilities - Access Restricted and Gatherings Prohibited

• Common areas of our Housing and Residential Communities will remain closed.
• Visitors are prohibited.
• Social distancing is essential and gatherings are prohibited in the rooms, on campus, and off campus.
• Escalated consequences will be imposed.

3. Off-campus Houses - Gatherings Prohibited

• Off-campus residents are required to comply fully with the social activity, mask, and social distancing restrictions put in place by the Governor and the City.
• Off-campus gatherings are prohibited by law and University rule.
• Escalated consequences will be imposed for anyone who hosts or attends a social gathering in violation of these ordinances.

4. Escalated Consequences

• Hosts of gatherings will receive heightened consequences, even for a first offense.
• Serious and repeated violations will result in suspension.

5. Moratorium on Student Events

• The University is entering a 14-day moratorium on all in-person student events outside of classroom instruction, social or otherwise.

"The expected rules and behaviors of all students and student organizations have been clearly defined," Bell said in his message to the entire UA community. "While we are appreciative to those who have taken these expectations seriously, I am deeply disappointed that those guidelines are not being followed by each and every member of our student body."

Bell pointed to other institutions around the country that have been forced to cancel all in-person instruction following COVID-19 outbreaks on their campuses shortly after classes resumed.

"Tide Together now more than ever, we are seeing the harsh consequences at other universities which have been forced to close abruptly because safety protocols were not followed," Bell wrote. "The eyes of the nation are following us closely and I am confident we will meet and exceed our status as frontrunners."

Bell also said the rate of positive COVID-19 cases among the student body remains around 1 percent, and that beginning Monday, System-wide data including figures from UAB and UAH will be publicly available at www.uasystem.edu.

He said 450 on-campus beds have been dedicated to the isolation of infected students and that number can be expanded if necessary.

"As an institution, we are 45,000 strong, representing every county in Alabama, every state in the nation, and most countries around the world. It is a privilege to lead you," Bell said. "Please know that I am counting on each of you not only to do your part to keep our campus safe, but to report any activities that you believe might compromise the overall health and safety of our University community."