In accordance with Phase One of the state reopening plan, Louisiana Tech University will begin to move toward bringing a limited number of essential employees back onto campus, with a plan of having students, faculty, and staff all back on campus beginning in the Fall 2020 quarter. Classes were moved to an online delivery method beginning March 16. The University acted swiftly as the COVID-19 pandemic hit Louisiana, migrating over 1,700 face-to-face courses online in about 72 hours.

“Our priorities for this phase remain the same as the day we first learned about COVID-19,” said Tech President Dr. Les Guice. “We will continue to innovate and lead in our city, state, and region while maintaining health and safety and helping our students progress toward their academic goals.”

Beginning May 18, Louisiana Tech will begin returning select employees to campus. Louisiana Tech will conduct its first-half and full Summer 2020 session classes online. The University plans to conduct the second half of summer classes with face-to-face instruction. This plan may change, however, depending on how quickly the state enters later phases of the re-opening plan.

“Those who will be returning to campus will be notified by their direct supervisor,” said Adam McGuirt, Director of Disaster Recovery and Strategic Initiatives. “Teleworking will remain mandatory for non-essential personnel except as otherwise directed by supervisors.” 

Employees who are considered high-risk or vulnerable to COVID-19 will still be given the opportunity to work from home where possible. While on campus, each employee will be expected to wear a cloth face covering when in public spaces or around others.

“Employees will not have to wear a face covering in a private office, but when they are within six feet of others the covering is strongly encouraged,” McGuirt said.