University Communication to Students
Dear Students,
Due to the unknown associated with new COVID-19 strains, health officials with the CDC and Allegheny County Health Department are emphasizing that we need to remain vigilant by maintaining preventative measures to combat COVID-19 while the vaccine rollout continues. For the Carlow campus community, we need to emphasize:
Mask Wearing Required
Over the weekend, and early this week, we received reports of masks not being worn, being worn improperly, or removed for extended time in dining spaces. To be clear, masks are required to be always worn properly when on campus or campus property. Masks must be properly form fitting, covering the nose and mouth. When eating, masks may be removed but should be replaced when food and drink consumption has ended, even if you linger with friends a few moments or are studying. With new strains of the COVID-19 virus creating the potential for a surge, these precautions remain critical.
Social Distance Properly, Wash Hands, and Clean Surfaces
In addition to wearing masks, proper social distancing of 6 feet or more is expected as doing so increases the likelihood spread will not occur. Care should be taken when standing in line waiting for meals and when seated. Also, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and clean common surfaces before and after use. The combination of masks, social distancing, handwashing, and cleaning has been shown through research to effectively reduce the spread of the virus.
CU Greeting
Carlow University draws us together through our outreach to and relationship with each other. While we have barriers that impede our efforts during this pandemic, we are not without options. Please take a moment to view a suggested approach from the Center of Mercy Heritage. CU!
COVID-19 Testing Expectations
All students are expected to produce a negative test result, or meet their program return expectations, within two weeks of their return to campus attendance. Campus testing options are available free of charge and will be expanded to provide access. Students who have been tested since the beginning of the semester or within the next two weeks off-site may provide proof of a negative test result to Health Services as confirmation. Students who have received a positive result in the past 90 days are unlikely to be re-infected and do not in need to have a recent test. However, they must provide their results from the past 90 days to Health Services. Finally, students who have received their second dose of the COVID vaccine at least 2 weeks ago may provide vaccination proof in lieu of test results. Please contact Health Services if you have additional questions at +1 (412) 578-6474.
Care Team Available for Support
The Care Team is comprised of student services support personnel available to assist your academic and student life support needs. If you have concerns and are not sure how to resolve an issue, or become concerned about another student, please submit a report and let the Care Team know about your needs, questions, or concerns. We will contact you to extend help and assistance. You may also contact the Student Affairs office at +1 (412) 578-6293 or studentaffairs@carlow.edu.
Vaccine Distribution Update
We concluded last week by vaccinating an additional 100 individuals, bringing the campus total to 405 students, faculty, and staff who have received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Please understand we are able to receive the vaccine based on the number of students, faculty, and staff who are in the approved categories. At this time, we believe many students, faculty, and staff will be eligible in the 1B group to receive the vaccine. Once confirmed clinics will be scheduled in the Gailliot Center, UC 5th floor, to accommodate students, faculty, and staff who wish to receive the vaccine. Please continue to review these University Communications for information as it becomes available.
Resources:
Self-Screening Required
Our priority remains on identifying those who may have unknowingly contracted the virus and on preventing the spread of COVID-19. All students must complete the daily screening application, whether you will be on campus or not. Please visit the “Screening Schedule” box on our website for complete instructions.
Students attending on-campus classes will be asked to show verification of screening completion and a Low Risk – Green outcome.
Campus Resiliency and Re-entry Information
All COVID-19 information on campus operations, weekly updates, and resources are available from the Carlow University Home Page COVID-19 Alert panel at the top.
Reminders:
Requesting Accommodations for temporary disability related to COVID or for chronic disability
Students requesting accommodation should complete a confidential request form. Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and include an interactive conversation with the student to determine qualification for the accommodation. Approved accommodations will be relayed to faculty electronically.
Thank you for taking time to review this valuable information.
Take care and stay safe,
Timothy P. Phillips, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students