News and Updates

Spring Sports Cancelled

On March 15, the Lone Star Conference, of which Cameron University is a member, suspended all spring sports competition for the remainder of the Spring 2020 season.

Aggie indoor sports have already concluded their seasons.

Remote instruction implemented

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of Cameron University’s students and employees, Spring 2020 academic instruction converted from face-to-face instruction to alternative or hybrid learning environments on March 23.

What does this mean?

Students: Each of your instructors or professors will communicate with you about the means of instruction that will begin on Monday, March 23. Alternative formats may be online instruction, Zoom sessions, interactive television sessions, or recorded podcasts.

For students about to graduate, we will make every effort to assure the opportunity to graduate in a timely manner while meeting all of your required academic objectives.

For students who are employed on campus as student workers or assistants, additional information will be provided by email. Our intent is to maintain your employment through the end of the spring semester.

Faculty: The Vice President for Academic Affairs will provide chairs and deans with additional information regarding the development and reporting of alternative learning arrangements. Each member of the instructional faculty has communicated the modified means of instruction with students in their assigned classes. In the event that you are unable to provide an alternative format or environment, then you may assign a grade of Incomplete and the student will be permitted to re-enroll in the same course the next time it is offered without additional tuition and mandatory fees.

Staff: The university will do everything possible to maintain employment and payroll through this situation. Cameron students and employees should continue to check this website, as well as their campus email accounts, for updates.

Instructions for students who live on campus

While Cameron University encourages students who live on campus to remain at home for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, those students are allowed to return to their Cameron Village apartments or Shepler dormitory rooms. Any student who is dependent upon university housing and services will continue to be supported. Modified food service will be available to resident students with meal plans.

Effective on Monday, March 23, and until further notice, Cameron Village apartment blocks and residential floors in the Shepler Towers are restricted to occupants and support staff only. Guests and visitors should call Student Housing at 580.581.2392 or visit the Cameron Village McMahon Living and Learning Center Room 111 during posted service hours for assistance.

Travel restrictions implemented

All university-sponsored travel, out-of-state or international, is suspended until further notice unless such travel is mission critical to the university or is a public safety obligation.

All university-sponsored in-state travel requests will be reviewed using the same process as normally used for out-of-state travel requests. Employees should allow additional time to process requests. Where applicable, meeting by telephone or other virtually-enhanced environment is strongly encouraged.

The university advises all individuals to exercise caution during personal travel of any kind and to stay informed by regularly checking the CDC website. Please be aware that countries, states, or counties may impose restrictions that limit your movement at any time and with little notice.

Campus events cancelled

As a continued precaution for the health and safety of our campus community, Cameron University has cancelled all events on our Lawton and Duncan campuses through Sunday, May 10, 2020, whether it applies to CU-sponsored events or those hosted by external groups. This restriction does not apply to events or meetings that provide food or wellness services to our students. Some of these events could be rescheduled if future circumstances permit.

In addition, CU has cancelled its Commencement, Graduate Hooding and ROTC Commissioning planned for May 1, 2020. The university is actively exploring ways to honor those graduates and award recipients at an appropriate time in the future.

CU Library closed

As Cameron University cooperates with a City of Lawton emergency declaration addressing COVID-19 concerns, the CU Library has been closed. This restriction will remain in effect until further notice. Librarians continue to provide support for current students and employees by electronic mail and telephone.

University staffing and operations (updated)

Cameron University’s classroom instruction transitioned to alternative methods of instruction because of COVID-19 concerns, and campus offices closed on Thursday, March 26. Even so, the university’s efforts are focused on effectively addressing work to accomplish CU’s educational mission. This status will be in effect at least through April 15.

Depending on their roles at the university, CU employees could be doing a significant amount of work off-site. Generally speaking, continuation of the university’s educational mission has taken precedence over normal duties and work hours. If you contact the university, please anticipate the possibility that your call may not be immediately answered.

Responding to tornado threats

Local community spread of COVID-19 has made choosing a place of refuge much more difficult when severe weather threatens. During tornado threats, Cameron University will take as many precautions as possible to provide refuge for the reduced number of students, faculty and staff remaining on the Lawton campus and the reduced number of essential personnel on the Duncan campus while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 exposure or transmission to the campus community.

The Cameron University Office of Physical Facilities has identified suitable protective areas within each university building. To protect persons using these spaces against airborne debris, all doors should be closed while in use. A list of facilities and recommended spaces may be found on the Tornado Safety webpage at https://www.cameron.edu/ops/tornadosafety. Exercise social distancing and use appropriate personal hygiene measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Important Weather Terminology:

Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm WATCH Issued by the National Weather Service as a precautionary alert when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes or severe thunderstorms in the specific area.

Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm WARNING Issued when a tornado or severe thunderstorm has been sighted visually or detected by radar. The location and direction of movement, if known, are given and residents of the specific WARNING area should take immediate safety precautions. If a warning is issued, do not leave the building you are in. Proceed immediately to the appropriate severe weather refuge area in your location.

If you have not done so recently, please confirm that your correct contact information is listed in the campus Emergency Communication System.

If You Are On Campus During a Tornado Event:

If a Tornado Warning is issued while you are on campus, all remaining on-campus students, staff and faculty should take refuge using the designated severe weather refuge areas in your building. Students in on-campus housing when the tornado warning is issued should use their appropriate dormitory or apartment refuge areas. Exercise social distancing and use appropriate personal hygiene measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Cameron University Buildings Are Closed:

Cameron University buildings will remain closed to the public to reduce the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus. If a tornado threat occurs and you have historically used a Cameron structure as your primary tornado refuge, prepare now to seek safe refuge at home. Use the guidance provided in the next section, “If You Are Working from Home.”

If You Are Working from Home:

For students and employees working from home, it is critical that you plan or review your plans to shelter in your home environment as we prepare for Oklahoma severe weather. Use the “get in - get down - cover up” strategy. Specifically, select an interior room away from doors and windows on the lowest level of your residence and prepare to use a bicycle helmet, pillows, or blankets to protect yourself from possible debris. The refuge-in-home option for tornadoes will also assist in reducing the risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus. Add masks, tissues, gloves, hand sanitizer and even a plastic bag to your personal or family’s tornado refuge area supply list. Make sure any cough or sneeze is into a tissue or clothed sleeve. Use the gloves to dispose of used tissues into the plastic bag.

This policy will be in place for the remainder of the Spring Semester 2020, and is subject to change.

Summer and fall enrollment underway (updated)

The Fall 2020 semester is as-yet unaffected by COVID-19 considerations and enrollment is open. No in-person enrollment is being conducted, and students are encouraged to visit virtually with an advisor before enrolling online. Current students should contact their advisor via phone or email. Advisor information can be found in students’ AggieAccess portal. Newly admitted students should start the enrollment process by calling the Academic Advising Center at 580.581.6741 or CU-Duncan at 580.581.5950. Cameron University’s Summer 2020 enrollment cycle will begin March 31. Seniors, graduate students and honors program students can enroll on Tuesday, March 31, followed by juniors on April 1, sophomores on April 2 and freshmen on April 3. Open enrollment will begin on April 6. A revised schedule is now available.

Student hotline established

Cameron University has established a telephone hotline and an email account to support students through their adjustment to the social impacts of COVID-19. The phone number, 580.581.2676, will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The email address, coronavirus_hotline@cameron.edu, will be monitored daily. Emails received after 5 p.m. and on weekends may receive a delayed response, however, it is the university’s goal to provide prompt and accurate information concerning university services.

State of Emergency declaration (updated)

On March 16, the City of Lawton declared a state of emergency because of COVID-19 concerns. This declaration has been modified several times since its issuance.

In an effort to minimize public confusion over restrictions and in a spirit of community cooperation, Cameron University has closed its Lawton and Duncan campuses to students, employees and visitors effective Thursday, March 26, with the exception of students who are dependent upon campus housing, and personnel needed to support those students and maintain a safe campus. This closure includes such facilities as the CU Library, campus computer labs, the University Theatre and Aggie Rec Center, and all athletic facilities such as Aggie Gym, the Terry Bell Golf Center and all exterior venues. Most campus buildings are locked.

Cameron University continues to focus its efforts on enabling students to complete the Spring 2020 semester. To that end, student instruction continues, although in a virtual format. Small-group academic sessions have been discontinued.

Cameron University is voluntarily supporting the City of Lawton’s access restrictions at all of its instructional sites. Currently, university buildings and facilities are closed to the public through April 30, 2020. This date is subject to review and change.

University’s operational status extended

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve locally and statewide, Cameron University is following the lead of the City of Lawton and City of Duncan in the operation of its campuses in those communities. Based on additional information and the actions of those two municipal governments, as well as others in Cameron’s service area, the university will remain in its current operational status through Friday, May 1, 2020.

Cameron will continue with the virtual delivery of courses through the remainder of the semester.

Cameron University’s Summer 2020 term will take place as scheduled, and enrollment is in progress. At this time, the university is planning for primarily technology-enabled, virtual instruction, although there remains the possibility of limited face-to-face, traditional instruction.

Enrollment is also open for the Fall 2020 semester, which starts August 17. The normal selection of courses is expected to be offered, and in their traditional modes, although the schedule is subject to modification as CU adjusts to shifting student demographics, student preferences, and changes in the status of the pandemic.

Access to all campus sites remains restricted until May 1. Essential personnel on the Lawton campus should monitor the City of Lawton’s continuing discussion about requirements for nose and mouth coverings in some circumstances and locations. As of today, masks are not required.

The most current information about new guidance, new requirements, the virus and Cameron University responses will be on this website. Students and employees should also regularly check their campus email account for updates.

Emergency assistance to students

Cameron University has been designated to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education to provide emergency assistance to students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CU students should be aware that this funding comes with significant restrictions on eligibility, so not every student will receive assistance. Additional information will be provided to students when the university is completely briefed on the parameters of grant restrictions.

If a student is found to be eligible to receive assistance, funds will be distributed via the university’s financial partner, BankMobile. Students may select a disbursement preference by logging into their BankMobile account at www.refundselection.com. They should also continue to closely monitor their CU student email account for updates on this situation.

Campus operations modified through May 31

The conclusion of the spring semester at Cameron University has prompted the following adjustments in university operations for the month of May:

University offices will reopen on Monday, May 4, but in most cases, campus facilities will remain closed to the public. Exceptions are detailed later in this announcement.

Some departments may continue to have staggered work schedules for employees in order to comply with COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

Access to communal spaces such as conference rooms, meeting rooms, classrooms, and break rooms will continue to observe increased social distancing. Groups of five or more individuals are encouraged to meet by virtual means if possible.

Every effort will be made to assist prospective and continuing students to successfully complete the application, advising, and enrollment processes for the summer and fall terms.

CU employees with specific questions about personal health risk factors and dependent care responsibilities should direct them to the Office of Human Resources.

There are three exceptions to the exclusion of the public from campus buildings. These are:

The McMahon Centennial Complex: The InAsMuch Gallery, OneStop, and the university bookstore will be open and accessible from the east building entry.

The Shepler Center: The Welcome Center, computer lab, Wichita Room, and office suite on the first floor will remain open and accessible from the east building entry. There is no public access to North Shepler or South Shepler towers via elevators or stairwells.

CU-Duncan: The north hallway, including the Student Center and classrooms 124 and 127, will remain open and accessible through the north entry. There is no public access to the lobby area, offices, or classrooms beyond the second set of entry doors.

Cameron University is committed to offering instruction during the Summer 2020 term. Enrollment is now open. CU is offering technology-enabled, asynchronous instruction (online,) although there remains the possibility of limited face-to-face, traditional instruction for courses that cannot be delivered by virtual means. For those few courses offered through face-to-face instruction, additional guidance will be provided through Academic Affairs using social distancing and other best practices to protect the health and safety of students and employees.

Operational plans for the Fall 2020 semester scheduled to begin on Aug. 17 will be announced once they are determined. Students and faculty should continue to check this website and campus email accounts for updates.

(This announcement updates the information in the April 15 post, “University’s Operational Status Extended.”)

Student Relief Funds Available

Cameron University has received access to $1,749,140 through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as part of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. The funds will be distributed to eligible CU students to offset unanticipated financial costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualified full-time students will receive $650 each, and qualified part-time students will receive $325 each. Students will receive further information about the application and eligibility process through their Cameron University email accounts.

For more information on eligibility requirements, click here.

To see how Cameron University is distributing CARES relief funds, click here.

Summer and Fall 2020 classes

As communicated previously, the summer term at Cameron University will look much like the conclusion of the Spring 2020 semester. The majority of courses will be offered in a virtual format so that the university can practice social distancing and minimize the further spread of COVID-19.

An up-to-date schedule of courses, including locations and course formats, may be found here. Students should check this site regularly for course enrollment updates.

The Fall 2020 semester should more closely resemble the past with opportunities for face-to-face instruction or technology-mediated instruction (ITV, online, and hybrid) but there will be significant changes on campus to assure a safe and healthy learning environment in CU classrooms, laboratories, visual and performing arts spaces, residential facilities, and athletics and recreational areas. The university will also be prepared to rapidly return to virtual learning environments if circumstances warrant. Student learning is Cameron’s top priority but that cannot be accomplished well if students and employees are not safe and healthy, too.

Students may anticipate that the university will increase the frequency and the types of cleaning in all campus locations. Cameron University class sizes have typically been small and that will continue. However, students should expect those classes to be scheduled in larger rooms to respect social distancing. Access to communal spaces, restrooms, stairwells and elevators will be modified. Furniture types and furniture arrangements will be different. For campus residents, there will be modifications to policy and practice, including additional restrictions to visitor access.

The university will continue to exercise caution and modify campus operations in Duncan and in Lawton as necessary based upon new guidance from healthcare authorities and changing community circumstances. As those circumstances change, CU will adjust operational plans for summer and fall. In any event, Cameron will provide outstanding student learning opportunities with highly qualified faculty and staff at an exceptional value.

As students consider enrolling for the summer and fall terms, they should be aware that the university has limited the number of campus buildings that will be open to provide services during May, in case they are unable to work through telephone, email, or social media with advisors and counselors for enrollment, placement testing, advising, and financial assistance. The McMahon Centennial Complex OneStop and the university bookstore will remain open and accessible from the east building entry through the Inasmuch Gallery. The Shepler Center, including the Welcome Center, computer lab (for placement and testing use only), Wichita Room, and office suite on the first floor will remain open and accessible from the east building entry. At CU-Duncan, the building’s north hallway, including the Student Center, will remain open and accessible through the north entry.

It cannot be emphasized enough how proud the university is of its students and employees. Collectively, the entire Aggie family has stepped up and stepped forward to address this situation. Obviously, as long as this pandemic lasts, it will be impossible to eliminate every risk. But Cameron University will do everything within its power to provide its students a safe learning environment. We want to be part of your plan to fulfill educational and career goals and accomplish your dreams.

For the most current information about other aspects of operations and activities at Cameron University and responses to the impacts of the pandemic, please continue visit this web page regularly.

Community Garden Added to Open Facilities List

Cameron University has added its community garden to the list of outdoor facilities open to public use. The site along Ole Kim Lane off 38th Street has been tilled, and the garden plots are marked.

The garden features plots for the Summer 2020 growing season in 20’x20’, 13’x20’ and 10’x20’ sizes. The university has installed a water system that is available for gardeners’ use, although they must supply their own hoses.

Plots are available one per individual/family. Gardeners should maintain appropriate social distancing when working in the community garden, and respect the plots of other gardeners. Those interested should email slarsen@cameron.edu.

The Lawton Farmers Market has extended its winter session through the end of May 2020 in the CU Animal Science Complex. The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Social distancing in facility occupancy restrictions are in effect in accordance with the City of Lawton’s COVID-19 emergency declaration.

As previously announced, Cameron University’s disc golf course and the Aggie Mile walking course are open to the public, although group size restrictions, proper sanitation, and social distancing protocols are in effect for both.

All other Cameron University outdoor and sports facilities – the Aggie Rec Center, Aggie Gym, the Terry Bell Golf Center, Cameron Stadium, McCord Field, McMahon Field and Athletics Center, and the McMahon Tennis Courts – remain closed to public use.

Eligibility Criteria for Student Relief Funding

Cameron University has received federal funds to support students through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

These funds are available to be disbursed as grants to eligible students who meet certain criteria. The grants, which do not have to be repaid, are intended to provide funds for students to cover unforeseen expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19, including (but not limited to) food, housing, healthcare, and course-related materials or services, such as technology.

For CU students to be eligible, they must meet the following criteria:

Be a US citizen or an eligible noncitizen, and have a valid Social Security number

Be registered with Selective Service, if required

Been enrolled in at least one Cameron University course on March 13, 2020

Concurrently enrolled high school students, Cameron University employee tuition waiver program participants, and students with a declared major in a 100-percent online program and only enrolled in online classes are not eligible to receive grants under this program.

Grant amounts for students meeting this criteria are $650 for full-time status and $325 for part-time status based upon enrolled hours on March 13, 2020. Full-time status is at least 12 hours for undergraduate students and at least 9 credit hours for graduate students. Courses withdrawn from or completed prior to this date and audited courses will not be used in the calculation. For example, a student who was enrolled in 12 credit hours for spring and completed 3 credit hours in the first 8 weeks would be considered part-time on March 13.

To receive grants, students must submit an application certifying they meet all eligibility requirements. The application may be found by logging into AggieAccess and clicking on “CU CARES Application” under the “My Info” tab.

Beginning May 14, 2020, grants will be disbursed via the university’s partner, BankMobile, on a weekly basis to eligible students who have completed the application. Students who have not already done so should select a disbursement preference by logging into their BankMobile accounts at www.refundselection.com.

Cameron students who have questions about the application or need assistance accessing their BankMobile accounts should contact the One Stop at 580.581.2393 or 580.581.2219.

To learn more about how Cameron University is distributing CARES Act funds to students, please click here.

CU Events and Facility Use Through July 5

All Cameron University classes, events, and activities are expected to support social distancing of at least six feet between individual participants unless appropriate screens, masks, or other personal protective equipment are utilized. Specific guidance for room occupancy and the conduct of instruction in classrooms and laboratories for the summer term is available through the Office of Academic Affairs.

The Office of Events Management is not accepting rentals for campus facilities before July 5, and apologizes for any inconvenience to event hosts as the university continues to work to maintain the safety and high standard of quality of its rental spaces. Specific questions may be directed to Carey Monroe, Director of Events Management at cmonroe@cameron.edu.

As a continued precaution for the health and safety of our campus community, CU non-instructional events and activities inside buildings on the Lawton and Duncan campuses are cancelled or postponed through Sunday, July 5, 2020. Specifically:

This restriction applies to events hosted by university personnel as well as events hosted by external groups.

This restriction does not apply to internally scheduled meetings that require fewer than five participants as long as sufficient social distancing can be assured.

This restriction does not apply to events or meetings that provide access to food or wellness services to students, employees, or community members.

This restriction does not apply to the three building locations open for services to prospective and continuing students – the student center on the CU-Duncan campus; and the Shepler Center (which houses the Welcome Center and temporary admissions/enrollment/advisement functions) and McMahon Centennial Complex (specifically the OneStop and university bookstore) on the Lawton campus.

Cameron University will not host face-to-face residential or day camps during the months of May, June or July.

At a later date, some events may be rescheduled.

Campus Operations Update for June 2020

Cameron University’s intercession is rapidly drawing to a close. Employees have been working diligently to modify facilities and processes to allow the university an opportunity to provide an effective learning opportunity for students while maintaining a safe workplace. As a result, Cameron will modify campus operations for June 2020.

The health and safety of the campus community continues to be a very high priority. CU is modifying campus operations and the conditions of facility access and availability. Efforts to implement social distancing and other safety protocols to meet recommended guidelines for a safe learning and working environment will continue. Examples include providing front-line staff with access to appropriate PPE, installing additional sanitation stations in high traffic buildings, and utilizing Plexiglas shields in areas that require face-to-face interaction.

Faculty offices will reopen on May 28, 2020, for those involved with summer instruction. Availability and access to individual buildings or portions of buildings on campus can be found here.

Staggered work schedules will end and employees will return to assigned workplace locations for their regularly scheduled hours of work on June 1, 2020. Individual employee circumstances could vary according to personal health risk factors and dependent care responsibilities. Employees should be familiar with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and contact the CU Office of Human Resources if they have specific questions.

Everyone is responsible for the health of the campus community. Those who are sick should stay home. Those who have been exposed or potentially exposed to the coronavirus should stay home and contact CU Human Resources. Employees are strongly encouraged to observe social distancing at all times. Meetings of five or more should be conducted by virtual means if possible. Employees are strongly encouraged to utilize screens or to wear masks when in campus locations where engagement with students, prospective students, or visitors is likely.

Cameron University has adopted and endorses guidance from the Centers for Disease Control for travel. The criteria listed for essential travel are being used during administrative consideration of university travel requests. Employees are strongly encouraged to follow the same guidance when making decisions about personal travel, since individual choices can potentially impact the larger campus community in new and unforeseen ways.

Cameron University will continue to monitor local conditions and lessons learned to make adjustments as necessary. The most current information about new guidance, new requirements, the virus and CU responses can be found here. Please continue to check this website, as well as campus email accounts, for updates.

Aggie Rec Center reopens, with restrictions

Effective Monday, June 8, 2020, the Aggie Rec Center has reopened for limited use by students, faculty and staff. Students must be enrolled in summer or fall classes, and all users must have valid Cameron IDs.

In order to keep patrons safe and the facility clean, the ARC is taking extra precautions. Staff will clean and disinfect all hard surfaces every 15 minutes.

For health and safety, only certain areas of the facility are open to patrons. Open areas of the facility are the pool for lap swimming only, cardio machines, strength training/weight machines, and the walking track. All other exercise areas are closed, including the basketball courts, spin room, racquetball courts, and open cardio areas. No fitness classes are being held in the facility during the summer session.

Social distancing will be in effect for all areas inside the ARC. Other temporary changes include:

Showers are not available

Lockers are not available for overnight use

No equipment can be checked out

Fountains may only be used to fill water bottles

Patrons are encouraged to wear a mask while in the facility.

Operating hours for the Aggie Rec Center through July 31:

Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Fridays from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

Additional questions can be directed to ARC manager Otis Gentry at 580.581.5555, or by email at ogentry@cameron.edu.

CU Events and Facility Use Through June 2021

All Cameron University classes, events, and activities are expected to support social distancing of at least six feet between individual participants unless appropriate screens, masks, or other personal protective equipment are utilized. Specific guidance for room occupancy and the conduct of instruction in classrooms and laboratories for the summer term is available through the Office of Academic Affairs.

Room and facility reservations for Cameron University prospective student events and activities will resume on July 6, 2020. Reservations for other CU non-instructional events, as well as events and activities inside buildings by external groups may be submitted to the Office of Events Management for dates after the conclusion of the summer instructional term that ends on July 23, 2020. Specific questions may be directed to Carey Monroe, Director of Events Management at cmonroe@cameron.edu.

Because of the potential need to use certain areas for classroom instruction, the following areas will not be available for rental/reservation for the foreseeable future:

The CETES Conference Center

McMahon Centennial Complex rooms 211 and 212

Cameron University will not host face-to-face residential or day camps during July. At a later date, some events may be rescheduled.

Any campus guests will be requested to meet these Campus Health Expectations:

Expectation 1: Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Expectation 2: Monitor your personal health daily and take your temperature before you leave home.

Expectation 3: If you are sick, stay home.

Expectation 4: Respect personal space – social distancing; allow six feet between individuals if at all possible.

Expectation 5: Cover your nose and mouth. We are all expected to wear masks when social distancing is not possible or guaranteed. When in doubt, wear a mask.

This announcement supersedes event restriction guidance provided in the May 14, 2020 announcement.

Masks Mandated on the CU Campus

In preparation for a successful start to the Fall 2020 semester at Cameron University, President John McArthur announced an operational change that will begin on Monday, August 3, 2020.

Properly worn masks, face coverings or face shields will be required of everyone within all Cameron University facilities and on all university properties when and where social distancing of six or more feet is not assured. Face coverings will be provided to employees and will be made available to students as soon as received from the manufacturer to supplement existing supplies. Further information about where and how to pick up items will be provided to students and employees by the appropriate campus offices.

Students and employees should regularly monitor their official campus email accounts for instructions and more information about facility availability, including computer labs and study spaces. Students who are unable to wear face coverings should contact the Office of Student Development at 580.581.2209 or send an email to student_development@cameron.edu. Employees who are unable to wear face coverings should contact the Office of Human Resources.

Student learning continues to be the university's top priority; however, safety and the management of health risks for our students and employees must be considered. Everyone is responsible for the health of the Cameron University community and that includes behavior on and off-campus. The following are the university’s communally held behavioral expectations at all times and in all locations outside the home:

Expectation 1: Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Expectation 2: Monitor your personal health daily. Take your temperature each day before you leave home.

Expectation 3: If you are sick, stay home. If you contract the coronavirus or if you have significant exposure to the virus and you are a student, please notify the student coronavirus hotline at 580.581.2676 or by email at coronavirus_hotline@cameron.edu. If you are an employee, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Expectation 4: Respect personal space and practice social distancing; allow six feet between others if at all possible.

Expectation 5: Cover your nose and mouth. We are all expected to wear a face-covering when social distancing is not possible or guaranteed. When in doubt, wear a cloth mask or other face covering. Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control website for instructions on the wear and care of face coverings.

Additionally, please plan your routes to and from locations. Pay particular attention to signs and messages – some building and room entrances will be designated as one-way except for emergencies, and many office and classroom procedures may have changed since last spring.

As with everything associated with the pandemic and our response, the situation is fluid and guidance may change on short notice. CU will continue to monitor local conditions and lessons learned to make adjustments as necessary. The most current information about new guidance, new requirements, the virus, and our responses may be found on Cameron University’s COVID-19 page. For your reference, you may also review previous campus operational messages sent on April 13, 2020, April 29, 2020, May 20, 2020, and June 25, 2020.

Please continue to check this website, as well as campus email accounts for updates.

The original message of July 15 was updated on July 22 with this information geared specifically to CU employees:

The variety of types of spaces and uses of those spaces on campus vary by time of day and day of the week and, unfortunately, prevents a more specific policy. However, in all instances where social distancing of six feet or more cannot be assured, face coverings are required. This requirement may not be undermined or softened, but departments may have more restrictive requirements in certain locations when it is communicated effectively and with appropriate signage. It is up to each faculty member to clarify and communicate expectations for each class and classroom, so they should use their syllabus effectively. It also remains up to each employee or department to clarify and communicate expectations for visitors to each office or workspace.

Almost all of campus facilities will be open and operational for the return of students. Please anticipate significant changes to traffic patterns and service usage patterns as the university welcomes new and returning students in person and through other means of communication.

Cameron University continues to monitor local conditions and lessons learned and will make adjustments as necessary. The most current information about new guidance, new requirements, the virus and our responses may be found on this website. Please continue to check this site regularly for updates, as well as monitor campus email accounts.

Campus Operations Update for Fall 2020

Very little about facility access at Cameron University has changed because of the effectiveness of current arrangements in place. The current list of facilities open to the public can be found here. The next significant review of facility access will occur prior to mid-October as the university considers the needs of its students and prospective students for academic advising and enrollment services leading to the Spring 2021 semester.

Cameron University continues to adhere to state executive orders and local ordinances while it monitors local conditions and lessons learned within Oklahoma, the region, and Lawton. As more and more higher education institutions have returned for the fall semester, CU also has access to significant sources of information about the effectiveness of different operational strategies. University administrators will make operational adjustments as necessary. The most current information about new guidance, new requirements, the virus and our responses may be found on CU’s COVID-19 page, which also includes copies of past correspondence and campus actions associated with our pandemic response. Please continue to check this website as well as your campus email account for updates.

Deadline approaching to apply for CARES Act Funding

As of September 2, Cameron University has disbursed more than $1.2 million to approximately 2,300 students through CARES Act. Students who were enrolled in classes at Cameron in March 2020, should take a moment to apply for these funds if they have not already done so. To apply for a grant, students need only to complete and submit the simple application found at https://aggieaccess.cameron.edu/web/home-community/my-info/cares-app.

The deadline to apply for funding is Sept. 15, 2020. Students who have already applied do not need to submit another application. Those who need assistance accessing the application or setting up a refund preference at BankMobile should call 580.581.2393 or 580.581.2219, or visit the One Stop on the first floor of the McMahon Centennial Complex.

More information on the CARES Act and how Cameron University is assisting students can be found here.

Distribution of remaining CARES Act Funding

Cameron University will distribute funds remaining from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that were unclaimed from the initial application period. The remaining funds will be proportionally disbursed to students who initially applied and qualified for the grant. Full-time status students as of March 13, 2020, will receive a supplemental grant of $222; whereas, other students will receive a supplemental grant of $111.

Students do not need to do anything to receive this supplemental grant. Grants will be processed through BankMobile on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, with distribution starting on Thursday, Sept. 24.

Questions about the supplemental grant should be directed to the Cameron University One Stop at 580.581.2393 or 580.581.2219.

Campus Operations Update for Fall 2020

Thanks to the efforts of faculty, staff and students, Cameron University remains operational and functional through the first nine weeks of the fall semester. As of today, the Cameron service area has been spared the outbreaks, spikes, and hospitalization rates faced by many other regions of Oklahoma and the nation. CU administrators do not wish to take health and safety for granted, nor do they wish to reduce vigilance.

Until superseded, the university will continue its current operational status and facility access policies, and plans to adhere to its published academic calendar and holiday schedule through the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year.

Cameron University appreciates faculty and staff who may be planning and executing extracurricular and co-curricular events for CU students and community while minimizing health and safety risks, because structured activities are more likely to lead to positive outcomes than other alternatives. Creative intramural options, outdoor concerts and shows, physically distant theatre productions, virtual speakers and panel discussions and more have allowed a collegiate experience for all Aggies, even in the midst of a pandemic.

Cameron will continue to adhere to state executive orders and local ordinances as it monitors local conditions and lessons learned within Oklahoma, the region, and Lawton. As more and more higher education institutions have returned to school, the university has also gained access to significant sources of information about the effectiveness of different operational strategies. CU will make operational adjustments as necessary.

The most current information about new guidance, new requirements, the virus and our responses may be found on Cameron University’s COVID-19 page. The site includes copies of past correspondence and campus actions associated with the university’s pandemic response. Students and employees should continue to check this website, as well as their campus email accounts, for updates.

Modified CDC Protocols for COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued new COVID-19 guidelines that went into effect on Dec. 2, 2020. Cameron University will follow the updated guidance for all quarantine cases. There has been no update concerning isolation cases (for individuals who test positive for COVID).

For individuals who are currently under quarantine, the university will make contact as their new release date approaches.

Under the new guidelines, those quarantined can be released after 10 days post-contact if no symptoms are present; however, individuals must continue to monitor their health and follow the CDC safety guidelines.

Those under quarantine can be released after 7 days post-contact if:

A diagnostic test (Rapid Test or PCR) performed no earlier than the fifth day past exposure is negative (documentation required), and

No symptoms are present; and

Wellness must be monitored daily and CDC safety guidelines are followed.

The quarantine for households with a known case will follow the new protocol. A close contact’s quarantine will begin after the positive case isolation (10 days) ends unless a last exposure date can be established. The quarantine will be for 10 days, but can be released early under the new guidance.

The new guidelines require that individuals must be free of fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.

A comprehensive campus update will be provided in January 2021 to address any emerging pandemic topics, such as vaccine approval. Cameron University employees who are impacted by COVID-19 should call the university’s Office of Human Resources 580.581.2245. Students should email coronavirus_hotline@cameron.edu or call 580.581.2676.

Campus Operations Update for Summer 2021

Thanks to the efforts of faculty, staff and students, Cameron University was able to operate safely through the Spring 2021 semester. Their encouragement, guidance, and setting good examples for campus guests and each other have made all the difference in allowing CU to remain operational and functional throughout the ongoing pandemic.

The availability and efficacy of the different vaccines can be seen in the media in in daily health reports, and this provides justification to loosen some, but by no means all, campus precautions.

Until superseded, Cameron University will continue with its current campus health and safety behavior expectations:

Expectation 1: Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Expectation 2: Monitor your personal health daily and take your temperature before you leave home.

Expectation 3: If you are sick, stay home.

Expectation 4: Respect personal space – social distancing; allow six feet between individuals if at all possible.

Expectation 5: Cover your nose and mouth. We are all expected to wear masks when social distancing is not possible or guaranteed. When in doubt, wear a mask.

The list of available facilities has been modified. Non-campus-residential summer camps and programs are now permitted. Cameron has begun welcoming the broader community back to campus this summer, including its hosting the Lawton Farmers Market in the stadium parking lot.

While Cameron University understands that it is lifting its precautions at a slower rate than the state and the communities surrounding its campuses, it is moving slowly to minimize the risk of increasing behavior expectations in coming semesters. This slower pace also provides a longer time period for CU students and employees to seek vaccinations and to allow the vaccines to take maximum effect. University administrators will continue to monitor campus and community behavior and outcomes and make operational adjustments as necessary.

The most current information about new guidance, new requirements, the virus and our responses are found on Cameron University’s COVID-19 page. The site also includes copies of past correspondence and campus actions associated with the university’s pandemic response. Please continue to check this website for updates.

Health Expectations for Fall 2021

The health and safety of the campus is a responsibility held collectively as the Cameron University community. The university continues to adapt to changing state and local guidance, including Executive Order 2021-16 that impacts how it treats masks and vaccination. As members of that community, these are the updated Cameron University Expectations for students, employees, and campus guests effective July 1, 2021.

Expectation 1: Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Expectation 2: Monitor your personal health daily.

Expectation 3: If you are sick, stay home.

Expectation 4: Respect personal space. The pandemic has affected each of us differently so please consider your proximity to others.

Expectation 5: Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. If you are more comfortable wearing a mask, then you are welcome to do so.

Cameron University’s commitment to students for class format or delivery method can be found in the current Course Schedule. Whether it is traditional face-to-face instruction, online instruction, or the newer flex, blended, or hybrid formats, university administrators are confident that students will find a delivery method for that meets their schedules and learning preferences.

For students who haven’t yet enrolled for Fall 2021, the university still has room in many classes and in several class formats. Students should contact their advisors for assistance.

Cameron has been fortunate to receive additional federal support for students and the institution through the American Rescue Plan Act. Further communication will be provided later this summer but please anticipate three supplemental aid awards based on course enrollment status during Summer 2021, Fall 2021, and Spring 2022.

Updated Health Expectations for Fall 2021

The health of the campus is a responsibility that the Cameron University community holds collectively. As members of that community, these are the university’s health expectations for students, employees, and campus visitors this semester:

Expectation 1: Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Expectation 2: Monitor your personal health daily.

Expectation 3: If you are sick, stay home. If you contract the coronavirus or if you have significant exposure to the virus and you are a student, please notify the student hotline by submitting the online form, emailing coronavirus_hotline@cameron.edu, or calling 580.581.2676. If you are an employee, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 580.581.2245.

Expectation 4: Respect personal space. The pandemic has affected each of us differently so please consider your proximity to others.

Expectation 5: Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Proper wearing of masks indoors is strongly encouraged.

Cameron University continues to adapt to changing state and local guidance, including how we treat masks and vaccination in light of increasing cases of the Delta and Lambda variants of COVID-19. For the latest information about what CU is doing to combat the pandemic, please visit our COVID-19 page.

Vaccination Incentive Announced

As part of Cameron University’s ongoing efforts to support the local healthcare community and to do its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the university has announced that it will offer a $100 incentive for eligible, fully vaccinated individuals.

Update of CU COVID-19 Policies for Employees

As Cameron University looks forward to the start of the Spring 2022 semester, an update on the university’s COVID-19 policies is in order. The Centers for Disease Control recently released new guidelines that shorten quarantine and isolation periods. This is an overview of these changes:

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:

At least five days have passed since symptom onset (or since date of positive test for asymptomatic cases); AND

At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever reducing medication; AND

Other symptoms have improved.

Employees who were in close-contact to someone who tests positive for COVID-19 may return to campus under the following conditions:

Fully vaccinated employees that have received boosters shot OR completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last six months OR completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last two months do not need to quarantine as long as symptoms are not present (those who are fully vaccinated but do not meet this criteria should follow the guidance for unvaccinated employees listed below). Testing is recommended five days after last exposure to the infected individual. It is strongly encouraged that exposed employees wear masks in public indoor settings for 10 days after exposure or until they receive a negative test result. In the event that a fully vaccinated employee tests positive for COVID-19, they should follow the protocol for positive COVID-19 employees listed above.

Unvaccinated employees and employees who do not meet the above criteria are required to quarantine and may return after five days have passed since last exposure. Testing is recommended five days after last exposure to the infected individual. It is strongly recommended to wear a mask around others for an additional five days. Those who develop symptoms should remain at home and seek testing.

If an employee tests positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed to COVID-19, they should contact Human Resources at 580.581.2245 as soon as possible. They may also complete a Notification of COVID-19 case form. Students who are impacted by COVID-19 should fill out an online case notification form online, email coronavirus_hotline@cameron.edu, or call 580.581.2676. More information on the protocol for students will be shared with all students in the near future.

All of this information, including information on testing and vaccine sites in the community, an educational video series on COVID-19 and the vaccine, and information about CU’s employee assistance program can be found at this link: COVID-19 Employee Guidance.

Operational Changes at Cameron for January 2022

Due to the rapid and significant spread of the coronavirus within the Cameron University community, all face-to-face classes will convert to virtual instruction when classes resume on Jan. 18, 2022, following the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Virtual instruction will continue until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2022, when regular course instruction will resume. Individual course instructors will provide specific information for each course.

University offices and services will remain open and available to employees, students, and visitors. However, masks are required by everyone in indoor, public spaces on both campuses through January 30, 2022. Following recent CDC guidance, the university encourages the use of N95 or KN95 grade masks.

As always, the health of the campus is a responsibility that the Cameron University community holds collectively. As members of that community, these are the university’s health expectations for students, employees, and campus visitors:

Expectation 1: Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Expectation 2: Monitor your personal health daily.

Expectation 3: If you are sick, STAY HOME. If you contract the coronavirus or if you have significant exposure to the virus and you are a student, please notify the student hotline by submitting the online form, emailing coronavirus_hotline@cameron.edu, or calling 580.581.2676. If you are an employee, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 580.581.2245.

Expectation 4: Respect personal space. The pandemic has affected each of us differently so please consider your proximity to others.

Expectation 5: Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Proper wearing of masks indoors is strongly encouraged.

Cameron University continues to adapt to changing state and local guidance, including how we treat masks and vaccination in light of increasing cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

For the latest information about what CU is doing to combat the pandemic, please visit our COVID-19 page.

Cameron Health Procedures Updated

YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY

Commitment To Campus Community Health

The health of the campus community is a responsibility for each of us. As members of that community, whether student, employee, or campus visitor, we commit to:

l} Monitor personal health daily. If we show symptoms or consider ourselves at risk of being contagious with any potentially communicable illness, we will stay away from campus until it is safe to return.

2} Respect others and their individual choices for facial coverings, physical contact, and personal space.

3} Make informed personal choices about vaccines and medications. (The university administration supports CDC recommendations with respect to vaccination against Covid-19 as well as up-to-date booster immunizations.)

Hotline was closed and pandemic processed ended.