State of Oregon: About - COVID-19 Resources for Oregon Higher Education Partners

COVID-19 Resources for Oregon Postsecondary Education Partners

This page contains information and guidance related to the 2019 novel coronavirus and COVID-19 for postsecondary institutions and stakeholders in Oregon. Since this is an evolving situation, we are updating this page as frequently as possible. For the current Oregon public health status on COVID-19, see the Oregon Health Authority.

Recent Guidance Issued:

Executive Order 20-28 Operation of Higher Education Institutions during Coronavirus Pandemic
HECC OHA Public Health Guidelines for the Conduct of In-person Instructional, Residential, and Research Activities at Oregon Colleges and Universities, first issued June 12, 2020, updated July 22, 2020 (see an edit-tracked version here to review changes)
UPDATED! HECC Clarifications on Public Health Guidelines, updated July 30, 2020
Governor's Equity Framework in COVID-19 Response and Recovery

Below you will find state and federal guidance related to postsecondary education and key links. All information on this page and more is detailed in the following FAQ web page which is updated and expanded regularly.

Key COVID-19 Information by Topic (FAQ) for Oregon College and University Partners

HECC and partners have offered a few interim guiding principles which have emerged from the development of a statewide strategic roadmap for the future of higher education in Oregon. We are asking all stakeholders to keep these guiding principles in mind as they take steps towards navigating the current crisis.

Postsecondary education and training are central to Oregon’s return to strength and prosperity
Affordability and access to postsecondary education and training require investments of the state funding
Equity must be central to all we do
To achieve our shared goals, we must all commit to collaborate and work together in new ways

See the Governor's Office COVID-19 web page here for recent statewide guidance on Building a Safe & Strong Oregon: A Science-Driven Framework for Reopening Oregon.

Also see Oregon College and University Update Webpages for links to Oregon postsecondary institution-hosted webpages on COVID-19. See Resources for Individuals and Businesses Experiencing Layoffs for workforce-related information.

Statewide Messages to Current and Future Students

Joint Message of Assurance to Current and Future Students, from Oregon's Colleges and Universities, , April 27, 2020.

Students can also find updates on Financial Aid, Admissions, and more under Key COVID-19 Information by Topic (FAQ).

State Guidance and Orders Related to Postsecondary Education

See Governor's Office COVID-19 website including the Governor's Executive Orders here. See the Governor's Equity Framework in COVID-19 Response and Recovery here. See the most recent Oregon Health Authority guidance here. Find guidance by topic under Key COVID-19 Information by Topic (FAQ).

State Guidance and Announcements Related to Postsecondary Education

State Guidance Related to Postsecondary Education

Please pay attention to the date last updated and to the dates effective with each resource posted here.

In addition to the guidance below, see the Governor's Office COVID-19 web page for recent statewide information on Building a Safe & Strong Oregon: A Science-Driven Framework for Reopening Oregon. See the Oregon Health Authority for recent public guidelines related to Oregon public health and prevention.

HECC Clarifications on Public Health Guidelines

Executive Order 20-28 Operation of Higher Education Institutions during Coronavirus Pandemic

HECC OHA Public Health Guidelines for the Conduct of In-person Instructional, Residential, and Research Activities at Oregon Colleges and Universities, first issued June 12, 2020, last updated July 22, 2020

State of Oregon Equity Framework in COVID-19 Response and Recovery, Office of Governor Kate Brown, June, 2020.

Executive Order 20-27: A Safe and Strong Oregon (Phase II): Maintaining Essential Health Directives in Response to COVID-19, and Continuing to Implement a Phased Approach for Reopening Oregon's Economy

HECC Guidance for Private Career Schools Located in Counties Approved for Phase I Reopening, May 21, 2020

Governor's Press Release: Governor Kate Brown Extends Coronavirus School Closures Through End of School Year, April 8, 2020

Executive Order 20-17: Extending Governor's Order 20-09 , April 17, 2020.

HECC Guidance Regarding Oregon High School Based College Courses during COVID-19 , April 10, 2020

HECC Statement on Status of GED Testing and Preparation in Oregon, April 22, 2020

COVID-19 Unemployment and other Economic Relief Sources for Private Career Schools and Private Colleges and Universities, April 6, 2020

Governor's Press Release: Governor Kate Brown Tightens Social Distancing Measures, Tells Oregonians to “Stay Home, Save Lives”, March 23, 2020

Executive Order 20-12: Stay Home, Save Lives,, March 23, 2020

HECC Guidance to Private Career Schools, March 20, 2020

HECC Guidance to Private Oregon-based Degree-granting Colleges Authorized by ODA, March 20, 2020

HECC Guidance on In-person Program Offerings at Colleges and Universities during COVID-19 Outbreak, Updated April 30, 2020, first issued March 20, 2020

Governor's Press Release; Governor Kate Brown Announces New Executive Order For Higher Education Institutions, March 18, 2020

Executive Order 20-09: Suspension of In-person instructional Activities at Higher Education Institutions in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Governor's Press Release: Governor Kate Brown Announces New Statewide Actions on COVID-19, March 16, 2020

HECC COVID-19 Guidance to Private Oregon-based Degree-granting Colleges Authorized by HECC, March 16, 2020

HECC COVID-19 Guidance to Private Career Schools, March 13, 2020

Governor Kate Brown Issues Orders on COVID-19, March 12, 2020

Updated Mitigation Measures on Coronavirus Response, March 12, 2020
Executive Order 20-05: Prohibiting Large Gatherings Due to Coronavirus Outbreak in Oregon

Federal Guidance Related to Postsecondary Education

Please pay attention to the date last updated with each resource posted here.

In addition to the information below, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for recent federal public health guidance about COVID-19 in the U.S.