Prepare for a Total Eclipse at ATU
Countdown to April 8, 2024
We’re Gearing Up For A Historic Event
It will be more than 20 years until the next total solar eclipse in the United States,
so Arkansas Tech University is going big for the April 8, 2024, event. Our campus
in Russellville will be in the path of totality, and we’ve created a plan for guests
who want to join us for the big day!
Image courtesy of NationalEclipse.com
Come Watch With Us
Guests on campus can text "ATUEclipse" (no spaces) to 67283 to register to receive
all emergency alerts that ATU sends out through Wednesday, April 10.
Order Your Eclipse Merch
Are you ready for the upcoming eclipse? The ATU Bookstore has you covered with their
custom eclipse merchandise. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get your hands on
unique eclipse gear. Pre-order now to secure your order and be prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime
event.
Please submit our form for media inquiries.
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
The Arkansas Tech University eclipse committee reports the following information as
part of a collective effort to prepare the ATU community for the Great American Eclipse
on Monday, April 8.
- ATU in Russellville and Ozark will be open until noon on Friday, April 5.
- Classes and operations will move to virtual for the afternoon on Friday, April 5,
and all day on Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9.
- Identified essential personnel as determined by ATU division leaders will report to
campus during the April 5-9 time frame to help the university accommodate on-campus
students and visitors. Staff with questions regarding their status should ask their
supervisor.
- One of the primary goals of ATU’s eclipse preparations and response is to protect
campus property so we may efficiently return to normal operations on Wednesday, April
10. For that reason, checkpoints will be established at all entrances to the Russellville
campus beginning the afternoon of Friday, April 5, and continuing through the afternoon
hours on Tuesday, April 9. Only ATU faculty, staff and students with a valid parking
hangtag and registered guests will be allowed to drive on campus during this time.
Individuals who meet that criteria are welcome on campus throughout the eclipse event.
- Individuals with a valid ATU parking hangtag are not required to pay anything additional
to access campus and park on campus during the eclipse event.
- It is against ATU Department of Residence Life procedures and in violation of the
housing contract for ATU students to sub-let their on-campus residence hall room or
apartment to a guest at any time, including during the eclipse event.
- ATU registered student organizations Kappa Sigma fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity,
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the ATU robotics club, the ATU Esports club, the ATU RIDE
(Resilience In Disasters and Emergencies) club, the ATU fishing club, ATU Society
of Professional Journalists, the ATU dance team and the ATU MANRRS (Minorities in
Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences) club have completed an application
and interview process and have been selected to assist with ATU's eclipse preparation
and response. Proceeds from the short-term rental of parking spaces on the ATU campus
to guests during the eclipse event will be used to compensate these organizations
for their time and efforts.
- Representatives from NASA will be at Arkansas Tech in Russellville beginning Thursday,
April 4, to offer a variety of educational programs related to the eclipse for ATU
students, faculty and staff. More details about these events will be communicated
in the weeks to come.
-
All persons are prohibited from selling or distributing any food, beverage, ticket,
merchandise or other item on the Arkansas Tech University Campus, without obtaining
the prior written approval from the Business Services Office at Arkansas Tech University.Any
questions concerning the eclipse may be submitted via the media inquiry form above.
