Dear Students,
The Omicron strain of the COVID-19 virus has kept case rates for Allegheny County above 25%, 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 measures to maintain health and limit spread. Please review additional important information for you to know this week below.
New This Week:
Wear Properly Fitting Masks
All students are asked to wear properly fitting masks when in campus buildings or vehicles. As the semester has begun, masks fitted improperly and loosely have been noted. Please see the latest information on recommended masks by clicking here. Cloth masks, while fashionable, have been found to be less effective than medical masks.
Deadline for Vaccination Confirmation – Jan. 24, 2022
All students must be fully vaccinated or have a confirmed medical or religious waiver on file with Health Services by Jan. 24, 2022. Please click here to submit your vaccination status. Additional related information, including waiver requests, may be found by clicking here. Students who are not in compliance with this policy may face course progress interruptions and be subject to conduct review.
University Closed Monday to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The University will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. No classes will be held. We ask that all act on Monday to honor the legacy of Dr. King and reflect on his impact.
Reminders:
Help Needed? Submit a Care Report
At 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 studentaffairs@carlow.edu.
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. 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.
Vaccination or Waiver/Weekly Testing Required
On Friday, the University announced that all classes beginning Monday, Jan. 10 will be remote until Monday, 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/.
Responding to Health Issues
As we navigate the pandemic environment, please use the following guidelines:
- If you have any COVID-19-related symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, please do not come to campus. Instead, please 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.
I hope the first week of classes ends well and you have a good weekend!
Sincerely,
Timothy P. Phillips, PhD
Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students