Dear Students,
Allegheny County remains in the “substantial risk” category due to the elevated number of positive COVID-19 cases. Details may be found by clicking here. The University continues to monitor the situation and has updated the 2021-22 COVID-19 policy to maintain overall health and safety.
Given the recent surge in positive cases, the University deems the following policy decisions important for you to know:
New this week:
Testing Required for Unvaccinated Individuals
As of today, the Allegheny County Health Department has requested that all unvaccinated University students be tested prior to their return to campus per CDC guidelines. Therefore, Carlow University is requiring that all unvaccinated students planning to attend in-person classes be tested and have a negative test result within 3-days prior to attending class for the semester. Athletic and residential students will be tested on campus weekly going forward. Commuting students will receive further information regarding on-going testing as the semester progresses. If you do not have a clear mechanism for testing, please contact health services.
Test results will need to be provided through electronic submission to Health Services. Details regarding that process will be provided in a separate communication.
If you are uncertain where you may be tested, please consult the Allegheny County Health Department website or call Health Services.
Vaccination Status Disclosure Required
Per CDC guidelines and Allegheny County Health Department recommendations, Carlow University is requiring students to report their vaccination status. Students will report information directly to Health Services who will be sending information regarding reporting this information in a separate communication. Information will be gathered in aggregate form to guide University policy, prevention and mitigation decisions.
COVID-19 Pandemic Policy
The full COVID-19 Pandemic Policy may be found in the 2021-2022 Student Handbook, which will be posted tomorrow. You may also find additional response information including the campus dashboard.
Reminders:
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. 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.
Welcome Week Fall 2021
Fall Welcome Week is 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!
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.
Take care, be safe and enjoy the rest of the week!
Sincerely,
Timothy P. Phillips, PhD
Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students
