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Dean Janaki Alavalapati

As we proceed with Auburn University’s first week of remote instruction due to the COVID-19 virus, I wish to thank the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences faculty for their efforts to transition courses to remote delivery and our staff who continue to support the School’s operations. We recognize this situation presents new and unexpected challenges for many of you, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work diligently to fulfill our academic, research, and outreach missions.

While on-campus classes and events are canceled through April 10, the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences will continue to conduct full operations with the following adjustments:

  • The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences faculty and staff are encouraged to work remotely for their safety and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 within our community. During this time, the SFWS building will operate during normal business hours with minimal staff who will practice safe social-distancing. However, the SFWS computer labs, student lounges, and classrooms will remain closed and students are discouraged from gathering in groups larger than 10 or within campus green spaces such as the Samford Lawn.
  • Research and graduate studies will continue with strict adherence to social distancing standards. Travel is prohibited at this time. However, exceptions will be considered and require advanced approval by the SFWS Associate Dean of Research, Dr. Graeme Lockaby, and the Auburn University Office of the Vice President of Research. Reimbursements will not be provided without prior approval.
  • Auburn University has extended the course drop date to April 24, and decisions regarding SFWS summer activities and classes, including Summer Practicum, will be made by March 30. Decisions regarding commencement and summer academic sessions will be forthcoming. Registration for the fall semester will begin April 8.
  • The SFWS Office of Student Services will continue to provide student advisement via phone and email. Students are encouraged to check their email often to maintain communication with faculty and to remain informed of any changes to AU policy/procedures.
  • Alumni and friends may reach the SFWS Office of Development via phone or email at 334-844-2791 or sfwsdev@auburn.edu. Mail delivery and gift processing will continue as normal.
  • Everyone is asked to follow safety precautions and to monitor Auburn University communications to stay abreast of the latest developments at https://ocm.auburn.edu/news/coronavirus/. We would also encourage you to sign up to receive email updates via the same link.
  • Please contact the following individuals with any concerns/issues pertaining to the following areas: General Administration, Dean Janaki Alavalapati at ajanaki@auburn.edu and Sue Robinson at szf0014@auburn.edu; Graduate Education and Research, Dr. Graeme Lockaby at lockabg@auburn.edu; Academic Affairs, Dr. Scott Enebak at enebasa@auburn.edu; Alabama Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources Extension, Dr. Becky Barlow at rjb0003@auburn.edu; Budget and Facilities, Paula Davis at davisp2@auburn.edu and Michelle Straw at mgs0060@auburn.edu; Development and Alumni Affairs, Heather Crozier at vannhea@auburn.edu; Communication and Marketing, Jamie Anderson at jla0015@auburn.edu; Information and Technology, James Fukai and Andrew Thornton at sfwsitd@auburn.edu for immediate assistance, or to create a support ticket, email fwit@groups.auburn.edu; Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, Michael Buckman at buckmmd@auburn.edu; Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center, Joel Martin at marti12@auburn.edu.
  • To ensure our community is engaged and informed, the SFWS leadership will meet daily to assess operations and programmatic needs. Any modifications will be communicated via mass email and will be posted to the SFWS website and social media channels.

The health and safety of our community continues to be our top priority. During this time of uncertainty, we ask that each of you consider your personal behavior and adjust your activities for the welfare of the common good. Until operations return to normal, we appreciate the flexibility and cooperation of our faculty, staff, and students as we strive to ensure a positive outcome for all concerned.

Wishing you a safe and successful path forward.

Dean Janaki Alavalapati
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
Auburn University

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