University Communication to Students
Dear Students,
As we conclude the final week of classes, Allegheny County positive cases and hospitalizations have stabilized, and we are seeing glimmers of a return to a pre-pandemic campus on the horizon. Prevention and vaccination continue to remain important measures for us to embrace as a community. Important information for you this week:
Help Needed? Submit a Care Report
The end of the semester and final week can be very difficult to manage. If you become concerned about yourself or others, please submit a report and let the Care team know about needs, questions, or concerns. We will make contact with you to help.
Registration is Open
Registration for the Summer 21 session and Fall 21 semester remains open. If you have questions or concerns about registration, financial aid, or student accounts, don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate office by calling the HUB at 412-578-6389 or emailing the offices directly: registrar@carlow.edu, finaid@carlow.edu and studentaccounts@carlow.edu. You should also check Self-Service to make sure all requested documents for financial aid have been submitted.
FAFSA and Special Conditions
Did you file the 2021-22 FAFSA? If you are a Pennsylvania resident seeking your first bachelor’s degree, you must file the FAFSA by May 1 for PA State Grant consideration. Go to www.studentaid.gov to file. You can also click here for a link to the Federal Student Aid Information Center that provides options for getting help with your FAFSA.
As you may be aware, the 2021-22 FAFSA asks you to report your income from 2019. If you or your family’s actual 2020 or projected 2021 income is less than your income in 2019, we encourage you to download and complete the Special Conditions Form and return it to the Financial Aid Office at finaid@carlow.edu. While submission of a Special Conditions form does not guarantee additional financial aid, there is no cost to submit the form.
Make sure you continue to check your student email through the summer for announcements about funding from the American Rescue Plan as well as other important information from the HUB.
Masking Requirements Remain in Place
As you may be aware, the CDC relaxed masking guidelines earlier this week for outdoor spaces and for those who have been fully vaccinated. However, not all the University community has confirmed full vaccination at this time. Therefore, given that the University community remains at risk for contraction, exposure, and transmission of the COVID-19 virus, requirements to wear masks on campus and in all buildings will remain in place to provide as safe an environment as possible. We will keep the community appraised of any developments or changes as we continue to evaluate CDC, State of Pennsylvania, and Allegheny County guidelines.
Vaccination Distribution
As we have previously shared, you may receive the vaccine on campus Friday, April 30, 2021. We anticipate this will be the last of the first dose clinics due to limited demand. Those who are scheduled to receive a second dose later in May should have received a confirmation this week. If you are not able to make that appointment, please log into the scheduling system to adjust or cancel your appointment.
Fall Vaccine Requirements Pending
The University has not made a final determination regarding the extent to which, if at all, the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for students in the fall. We are actively evaluating the best decision to ensure the safety and welfare of the Carlow University community. We do believe scientific evidence exists that the vaccines are both safe and effective at combating the COVID-19 virus. Within our highest priorities are keeping residential and student athletes safe, while assuring our ability to safely return to on-ground classroom-based learning. We anticipate having a final decision communicated to campus constituents by June 1.
May you and your families continue to be safe and health as you conclude the academic year!
Sincerely,
Timothy P. Phillips, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students