General | 3/27/2020 3:29:00 PM

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Due to the unprecedented events unfolding with the global pandemic the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused, Savannah State Athletics has had major shifts in operations during the spring semester.
 
On March 12, following the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Savannah State canceled all spring games and suspended practice.
 
"Our primary concern is always the health and safety of our student-athletes," Opio Mashariki, director of athletics said in the press release. "We also want to follow the lead of the conference office concerning the cancellation of spring sports. At this time, we feel it's important to take every precaution to contain the spread of COVID-19 and canceling our spring sports, both games and practices, is the right decision."
 
The NCAA Division II Committee set new guidelines on March 12, 18 and 25. Those include, initiating a dead period for recruiting until April 15, allowing seniors who would have exhausted their eligibility a wavier, and much more.  
 
All of the new NCAA guidelines can be found by clicking here.
 
Savannah State University suspended instruction on March 16 for two weeks and initiated a telework plan for employees.
 
On March 17, the University took further action, and moved all classes to online instruction beginning March 30. They also postponed the gala on April 4. The University announced its refund plan on March 25 as well, which will grant a 45% refund for housing, dining plans, laundry, post office box and transportation fees.
 
Click here to read more on the policies enacted by Savannah State University during this crisis.
 
The City of Savannah, following the lead of other cities, declared a local emergency and implemented a "Shelter at Home" policy on March 19.
 
Savannah State Athletics strongly encourages everyone to follow guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Health Department that include social distancing, proper and frequent hand washing, as well as cleaning and disinfecting.
 
For more information and to stay updated on the latest news regarding the NCAA, SIAC, and University, visit our COVID-19 Resource Page, which will continually be updated during this time.