Sewanee’s geographic location requires that the University and the Sewanee community work together to reach out to all who live and work here and who provide services to the community.
In spring 2020, Vice-Chancellor John McCardell appointed a COVID-19 Emergency Management Team at the University to oversee our preparation for and response to the coronavirus pandemic. A subgroup of this team, paying particular attention to the needs of the local community, is composed of community members representing organizations such as Rotary and the Sewanee Business Alliance as well as members of the University staff. This group continues to meet, as of January 2021. The Sewanee Community Council supports this collaborative community effort.
Masking directive: Consistent with Executive Order No. 50 issued by Gov. Lee and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vice-Chancellor Brigety instituted a mandatory mask directive for all persons on the Domain—to include residents, visitors, students, faculty, and staff. It went into effect at 8 a.m. on July 3, 2020, and remains in force until further notice.
Learn more about the University's approach to health and safety.
See all the University’s updates.
The health and well-being of the University’s students, faculty, staff, and neighbors are our primary concerns. University decisions have been made as necessary to safeguard the health of our community and the many other communities to which we are connected.
The Sewanee Police Department remains ready to serve the community. As always, residents should call 911 immediately if there is an emergency. If you suspect you or someone else is having a COVID-19-related medical emergency, please tell the emergency communications dispatcher so that the responders will be prepared to help.
Wellness Checks
During the COVID-19 pandemic, residents of Sewanee may receive wellness checks via phone, text, or email from SPD officers and/or department members as well as from organized volunteers. Under this free service, participants may determine the frequency of the contact. If the police dispatcher does not hear from the community member or is unable to contact the community member to check on their welfare, the dispatcher will reach the emergency contacts on file to check on the welfare of the participants. Residents may use this form to request a wellness check.
A list of state and federal resources for consumers and businesses: avoid scams and rumors, and protect your finances.
