As Omicron variant surges, Dean shares health reminders with students to start the Spring semester

Dear Students,

The impact of the COVID-19 Omicron strain has resulted in record case rates for Allegheny County, keeping the county in the high-risk category. Details on the “County View” may be found by clicking here. We ask all to remain diligent with preventative measures in the current climate. Please review additional important information for you to know this week.

New This Week:

Carlow Bookstore is Open

The Carlow University bookstore, located on the first of University Commons, is open* for business as usual. Hours during the start of the semester can be found below:

Date(s) Hours
Monday, Jan. 3 – Friday, Jan 7 3 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 8 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 9 Closed
Monday, Jan. 10 – Thursday, Jan 13 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 14 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 15 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 16 Closed

Please check the website: carlow.bncollege.com as hours may change after the start of the semester.

*You may place your order online at carlow.bncollege.com to have your textbooks shipped.

Carlow Cash (financial aid) may be used at checkout to complete your purchase. A debit/credit card will be required to secure rental textbooks.

Reminders:

Responding to Health Issues

As we navigate the pandemic environment, please practice the following guidelines:

  • If you have any COVID-19-related symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, please do not come to campus. Contact Health Services, 412-578-6474, and/or your Primary Care Physician (PCP) for further guidance.
  • When symptomatic, students are encouraged to communicate directly with faculty regarding course requirements and maintaining progress in a remote status.

Vaccination or Waiver/Weekly Testing Required

On Friday, the University announced that all classes beginning Jan. 10 will be remote until Jan. 24, 2022. By that time, it is our expectation that the Carlow community will be fully vaccinated or following weekly testing protocols if a religious/medical waiver has been approved. Please see the full announcement here: https://www.carlow.edu/carlow-to-offer-classes-virtually-through-jan-24-2022/.

Communication Clarifications

We have received some questions regarding the communication and want to clarify the following information:

  • Offices re-opened on Tuesday, Jan. 4 and will remain open on campus for the duration of the semester as posted.
  • Residence Halls will open as scheduled, as will dining services in a grab-and-go format. Students are able, but not required, to return to the residence halls on Saturday, Jan. 8, and will receive additional information from Residence Life.
  • The bookstore will be open and operating as communicated for the semester beginning.
  • All classes and class experiences will be remote until Jan. 24. Classes will return to their original format (on-ground, in-person) beginning Monday, Jan. 24, 2022.
  • Carlow faculty and students in experiential learning programs with many of our healthcare partners will be required to have a COVID-19 vaccination. Please consult your advisor or clinical supervisor for details if you feel this may pertain to you.

Reminders this Week:

ACTION NEEDED: Spring Registration

Students are encouraged to register for Spring 2022 classes at their earliest convenience, as we are evaluating sections to determine whether consolidation needs to occur. Please contact your faculty advisor if you have any questions about course selection or want to discuss specific program requirements. If you have a hold and are unable to register, you may find details in Self-Service. You may also contact the HUB, 412-578-6389, for assistance.

ACTION NEEDED: COVID-19 Vaccination

On Friday, Dec. 3, the University announced that vaccination will be required as of Jan. 24, 2022, for all students, faculty, and staff who are not fully on-line. Full details may be found here: https://www.carlow.edu/university-requires-all-employees-and-students-to-be-vaccinated/.

Additional related information, including waiver requests, may be found here: https://www.carlow.edu/covid-19/screening-testing-vaccination/

Help Needed? Submit a Care Report

With the beginning of each semester, students occasionally struggle with affordability, academic adjustments and connecting to the community. If you become concerned about yourself or others, please submit a report and let the Care Team know about any needs, questions or concerns. We are active and will contact you, or those you refer, to help. You may also contact the Student Affairs office at 412-578-6293 or .

Have a good weekend and a good start to the spring semester!

Sincerely,

Timothy P. Phillips, PhD
Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students

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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.