Dear Students,
Due to the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant, positive cases in Allegheny County have risen to the substantial risk category, placing additional concern. Details may be found by clicking here. The University continues to monitor the situation and will be implementing appropriate policy application to maintain overall health and safety.
Given the recent surge in positive cases, the University deems the following important for you:
New This Week:
Masking Now Required Indoors on Campus
Carlow University will now require all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear properly fitting masks indoors at all times, effective Friday, August 6, 2021. However, individuals are not required to wear a mask while outdoors on campus or inside campus buildings where they are alone in a self-contained space, such as an office or study room. This policy extends to all indoor spaces, including dining areas except when eating or drinking, owned or operated by the University. This preventative measure will remain in place until further notice.
The University continues to regard vaccination as the best prevention against contraction and spread of the COVID-19 virus and strongly recommends that all students be vaccinated prior to returning to campus and classes. In the coming weeks, to further assist us in keeping our faculty, staff, and students safe, we will be asking the community to upload their COVID-19 vaccination information to a centralized site. Please continue to read all University Communications for this important forthcoming information.
Please continue to frequently visit the University’s COVID-19 webpage for all updates. All COVID-19 related information can be found on this webpage.
Negative Test Result Prior to Return for Unvaccinated Students
The University will implement a formal testing strategy for those unvaccinated. All students who are not fully vaccinated are expected to have a negative COVID-19 test outcome within three days prior to returning from any University semester, holiday, or extended break period.
The University will implement weekly surveillance testing of any residential or athletic student who has a medical or religious vaccination waiver, in compliance with good practice standard. A student with a known exposure or testing positive is expected to quarantine and/or isolate per University guidelines.
If you are uncertain where you may be tested, please consult the Allegheny County Health Department website.
Daily Communications Next Week
There is a great deal of information that you need to be aware of as we approach the new semester. Therefore, we will be sending daily communications next week regarding important information about the fall semester and the University’s approach to mitigating the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. Please continue to check your email daily for these vital updates.
Your Participation in Carlow’s COVID-19 Vaccination Survey is Critical!
To assist with fall planning and policy decision efforts, we are asking students to voluntarily complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Survey. The purpose is to help Carlow understand, in aggregate form, what percentage of our overall community has chosen to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Some of the reasoning behind the mask mandate beginning Friday, August 6, 2021 is the fact that the University has only received responses from 10% of students enrolled in the fall semester.
This survey will not ask you to provide your name and is completely anonymous. Employees have also been asked to complete a similar survey. Information from this survey will be used to assess the need for health safety materials and services through the 2021-22 academic year. Thank you in advance for your response!
Reminders:
Welcome Week Fall 2021
Fall Welcome Week will be August 18-22. The full schedule is now posted here and we look forward to welcoming you back! We are excited to have all new and returning students back for the fall semester. Go Celtics!
COVID-19 Information Updates
We continue to update and revise COVID-19 Response information on the Carlow website. You can find all the latest by visiting Carlow’s COVID-19 & You webpage.
Help Needed? Submit a Care Report
We all need assistance sometimes. 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 throughout the year, including the summer session, and will make contact with you to help. You may also contact the Student Affairs office at 412-578-6293 or studentaffairs@carlow.edu.
Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your week!
Sincerely,
Timothy P. Phillips, PhD
Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students
