Langston University sustains significant measures to address the potential impact of COVID-19 to our campuses. Our dedicated faculty, staff, and students embrace the challenge with grace, flexibility, and innovation as we all adapt to a new way of operating. Our collective response affirms the values at the core of our University; that of unwavering loyalty and a mission to serve. Langston University resumed significant portions of traditional operations in the fall semester with a return to traditional and hybrid course offerings and modified on-campus residential housing. Public health authority guidance and the best available data and science will continue to drive the decision making of University leadership. We are committed to the following guiding principles in our efforts to maintain the health and safety on all campuses:

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Maintaining Health & Safety Protocols

Ensuring Healthy Environment

Sustaining Healthy Operations

Creating A Resilient Community

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

Our community is dedicated to adhering to the following healthy behaviors to reduce the spread: Keeping our distance, hand hygiene, & respiratory etiquette. Langston University encourages masks to be worn indoors, in public on campus to reduce the risk of infections. At this time under Oklahoma law (EO 2021-16 and 70 O.S. 1210.189), Langston University is not permitted to mandate the use of masks on any of our campuses; however, we highly encourage and expect their use. Signage has been distributed across each campus to further promote healthy behaviors. Learn more in the Protect the Pride plan.

Maintaining Health & Safety Protocols

We have established and requires the following protocols to live, visit or work on a University campus. Our community is dedicated to wearing face masks or coverings where recommended, monitoring our symptoms, and notifying the ELT of any exposure or symptoms. Learn more about the steps to take if you experience symptoms or have been exposed outlined in the Protect the Pride plan.

Ensuring Healthy Environments

Several strategies have been implemented to maintain a healthy environment in classrooms, laboratories, and offices. We partner with HES Facilities Management to execute all strategies related to cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitization. We have developed and deployed a layered approach to ensuring a healthy environment on all campuses. The University uses the CDC approved cleaning products in the daily cleaning schedule. Disinfectant spray and foam hand sanitizer have been deployed at the cleaning stations. Communal spaces have been closed and dining operations have been modified to maximize physical distancing and support safety precautions. In the event that social distancing is necessary, modified classroom and office layouts and modified staffing arrangements will be implemented to ensure appropriate distance. Learn more in the Protect the Pride plan.

Sustaining Healthy Operations

Several strategies have been implemented to maintain healthy operations, including but not limited to, the following adjustments: various course modalities, limited campus access, and events and meetings have been transitioned to a virtual format where possible or modified to limit capacity. The University has modified the following to mitigate risk: employee leave policies, meeting policies, modified fall session, notification policy, student attendance policy, travel policy and campus guest policy. The ELT continues to monitor federal, state, and local regulations to determine additional operational modifications. Learn more in the Protect the Pride plan.

Creating A Resilient Community

The University has implemented the following strategies to prepare for and respond to members of the community that are directly impacted by COVID-19. ADA accommodations will be available throughout the pandemic for students and employees, including and especially for those in high-risk categories.

Quarantine and Isolation:

Very limited space exists for on-campus isolation. Students at Langston University who need to quarantine or isolate should plan to spend their isolation time at home or at an off-campus alternative. Academic arrangements will be handled by Academic Affairs. The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs will communicate with instructors directly on student arrangements. Isolation arrangements may be determined on a case-by-case basis with the Office of Residential Life and Housing Services. No refunds or fee adjustments will be made for temporary isolation accommodations. Everyone who tests positive for COVID-19, even if vaccinated against the virus, should isolate. Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine unless they show symptoms of COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn more at www.cdc.gov

The University Counseling Center offers extensive resources and professional counseling for all faculty, staff, and students. For confidential support, please contact us at (405) 466-3210. Learn more in the Protect the Pride plan.

COVID-19 Testing Available

Complimentary COVID-19 testing for students and employees will be made available by appointment at the Langston University Health Clinic. Please contact the Emergency Leadership Team to coordinate an appointment.

Employees with immediate need for testing should coordinate services with an external provider, such as a their primary healthcare provider, a local clinic or pharmacy.

Complimentary COVID-19 Testing for Students

As a component of continued surveillance testing as recommended by public health authorities for monitoring the level of community-spread, Langston University will continue to offer opportunities for on-campus testing and may institute surveillance testing measures at any time. Langston University prioritizes testing for individuals receiving the vaccine where a negative test is required prior to receiving the shot, symptomatic individuals, and individuals identified as close contact exposures through the contact tracing process. Information concerning testing dates and protocols will be shared with the University community via email and through announcements made by our Office of Public Relations.

COVID-19 Vaccinations Available

Langston University continues our partnership with Total Wellness to deliver the Moderna (or mRNA-1273) COVID-19 vaccine to our students, faculty, staff, and community at large. Langston University will not require the COVID-19 vaccine for students; however, the vaccine is highly recommended and encouraged for individuals who are able and willing to receive the vaccine as an additional layer of protection against the spread of disease. Langston University will offer vaccination opportunities periodically throughout the academic year, which will be announced via email and other means. Find a vaccine administration site near you at www.vaccines.gov. Please contact the Langston University Emergency Leadership Team at luelt@langston.edu for more information.

latest developments

Jan. 24, 2022:Spring 2022 Move-in Process + Protocols
Dec. 10, 2021:Federal Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate Stayed Nationwide
Nov. 8, 2021: ELT Webinar - HREF III Grant Opportunity Information
Nov. 1, 2021: ELT Webinar - Federal Mandate Guidance Informational
Oct 29, 2021: Letter from Dr. Smith on the Federal Mandate Guidance
Oct. 18, 2021: ELT Campus Security Update
Sept. 20, 2021: ELT Campus COVID-19 Update
Sept. 7, 2021: Special Seminar on Vaccine Development & Safety with Expert Panelists
Sept. 1, 2021: COVID-19 Protocols & Campus Posture Update
April 12, 2021: Special Presentation on Vaccines Safety & Use with Industry Professional Guests
April 5, 2021: Briefing with Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr.
March 22, 2021: Vaccination Survey & Severe Weather Planning
March 15, 2021: HEERF II: Priority, Application and Deadline
March 8, 2021: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II)
March 1, 2021: Vaccination Survey & Testing Protocols
February 22, 2021: New Student Technology Program
February 15, 2021: Process for Remote Instruction Requests
February 1, 2021: New Student Technology Program
January 25, 2021: Review of the Move-In Process and Instruction for Spring 2021
January 11, 2021: Spring 2021 Operation Updates and Move-In Protocols
December 14, 2020: Spring 2021 Operations and Safety Protocols
December 7, 2020: Spring 2021 Academic Course Modalities & Expanded Testing Protocols
November 30, 2020: Spring 2021 Operational Posture and Planning
November 19, 2020: Spring 2021 Operational Framework Preview
November 9, 2020: COVID-19 Update & Open Forum
November 2, 2020: Residential Life Update & Housing Move-Out Protocols
October 5, 2020: COVID-19 Notification Protocols & the Contact Tracing Process
September 28, 2020: Academic Support Services
September 21, 2020: Campus Dining and Student Life
September 14, 2020: CARES Act HBCU Grant
September 8, 2020: Cleaning Guidance & Strategies
August 24, 2020: COVID-19 Notification Protocols and Leave Procedures
August 17, 2020: Course Delivery Methods, Safety Protocols & Student Conduct
August 16, 2020: A Message from the Vice President of Academic Affairs
August 12, 2020: 2020 State of the University Address from President Smith
July 27, 2020: University Briefing from President Smith
July 3, 2020: 2020 Homecoming and Fall Sports Decision
July 1, 2020: Return to Campus Briefing from President Smith
June 17, 2020: Looking Forward to Fall
May 12, 2020: Teleworking Extended Through May 29, 2020
May 11, 2020: Spring 2020 Textbook Return Protocols
May 4, 2020: Additional Emergency Funding for Langston University Students
May 4, 2020: Spring 2020 Student Move-Out Protocols
April 29, 2020: Spring 2020 Housing, Meal Plan, and Student Fee Credit Adjustments  
April 23, 2020: Teleworking Continued Through May 15, 2020
April 20, 2020: Your Support of Langston University Students Matters!
April 14, 2020: COVID-19 Protocols for Remaining Residents
April 8, 2020: Student and Employee Services COVID-19 FAQ
April 8, 2020: Revised Advanced Health Screening Protocol for Remaining Residents
April 7, 2020: Enhanced Campus Access Restriction
April 7, 2020: Dining Operations for Those Remaining on Campus
April 6, 2020: TMCF Emergency Scholarship Opportunity Available
April 6, 2020: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
April 6, 2020: Caring for the Langston University Pride
March 27, 2020: Enhanced Measures on COVID-19
March 27, 2020: Important Update on COVID-19 from President Kent J. Smith, Jr.
March 26, 2020: Spring 2020 Grading Guidance: Pass/No Pass Option
March 23, 2020: Emergency Leadership Team COVID-19 Webinar Briefing 
March 22, 2020: Strategies for Academic Success with Hybrid Learning
March 22, 2020: Modified Dining Operations
March 20, 2020: Spring 2020 Housing Guidance
March 19, 2020: Classes to Remain Online Throughout the Spring 2020 Semester
March 13, 2020: Langston University COVID-19 Response
March 13, 2020: Spring Break and COVID-19 Guidance
March 10, 2020: COVID-19 Update on University Operations
January 31, 2020: Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Guidance
January 27, 2020: Health News & Prevention Tips