COVID-19 Update: October 29, 2020

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, 
​
It's hard to believe that we are halfway through the historic Fall 2020 semester and that it is already time to plan for spring. I am proud of how hard you have worked to make this semester a success. The following information is intended to assist students as they work to complete their studies this semester and begin planning for Spring 2021.
 
As you know, midterm grades were due on Oct. 15. Only students who currently have a grade of “D,” “F,” or “NC” in any class received a midterm grade. This grade may be accessed for a limited time in MyJSU. 

As you review where you are academically at midterm, you may realize you need some help. Free tutoring and academic support are available to all students through the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) and The Writing Center. ACE provides in-person individualized tutoring, online tutoring via Microsoft Teams, and Peer Assisted Study Sessions. Online tutoring is also available 24/7 through Tutor.com, which is accessible for free through MyJSU. The Writing Center is providing one-on-one writing support online this semester through Teams. 

Academic Calendar and Important Dates

The only alteration to the Spring 2021 academic calendar is the removal of the short break previously scheduled for Feb. 15-16. Classes will begin Jan. 12, and the payment deadline is Jan. 20. 

Registration

The Interactive Class Schedule for Spring 2021 is now available online.
Departments are now adding more information within the registration system to help students better understand how their courses will be delivered. Instructions for how to view this information are available online. Priority Registration for current students will take place Nov. 9-13 as follows: 

  • Nov. 9: Graduate Students
  • Nov. 10: Seniors with 96+ hours earned
  • Nov. 11: Juniors with 64+ hours earned 
  • Nov. 12: Sophomores with 32+ hours earned
  • Nov. 13: First-Year Students 

Open Registration will begin Nov. 14, and the last day to register or add a class is Jan. 19. 

Advising

To be cleared to register for spring, students must first meet with their academic advisor. Advisors will meet with students in person, through Microsoft Teams, and by phone. Connect with your advisor in one of the three following ways: 

1. Find Your Advisor Through JSU Navigate

There are two ways to access Navigate: through MyJSU and on the Navigate app. 

  • MyJSU: Log into MyJSU. Click on the "JSU Navigate" link under "Student Links." From the student profile page, your advisor appears under "Student Success Team" on the bottom right. Click on the "Email" tab to send a message to your advisor. 
  • Navigate App: If you haven't already done so, download the Navigate app. Then, click on the "Resources" tab. Click on the "People" tab. Click on the "Academic Advisor" tab. Email your advisor.

2. Contact Your School's Academic Advising Center

3. Contact the Student Success Center

Still unsure how to seek academic advising? Message the JSU Student Success Center at navigate@jsu.edu for assistance. 

Financial Aid

If awarded financial aid for spring, your financial aid will be applied to your account once you register for spring courses. Be sure to check your MyJSU account for your aid amounts. If you have questions about Financial Aid, contact finaid@jsu.edu or 256-782-5006. The federal government recently released the 2021-2022 FAFSA. While students are encouraged to go ahead and complete next year’s FAFSA, aid awarded from the 2020-2021 FAFSA applies through the end of Summer 2021. 

COVID-19 Precautions

We expect the university to operate under the same health and safety protocols in the spring that were administered on campus this fall. Adjustments will be made as necessary to keep the campus safe. Re-entry testing will NOT be required prior to the start of the spring semester. The university will continue to use the HealthCheck app to monitor symptoms, as well as provide access to rapid testing for COVID-19 at the RMC/JSU Health Center. Free testing is available to all employees and students who present signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. 

More details about Spring 2021 will be shared when available, and a FAQ List will be organized soon. Congratulations on all your hard work so far and good luck with the second half of the semester!

Thank you, 
​
Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. 
President 

COVID-19 Website