Frequently Asked Questions


Masks/Campus

What will the masking policy be on campus in the spring? Will those with a vaccine exemption be asked to wear a mask or undergo testing?
Masks are currently optional at FSU. Anyone who feels more comfortable and chooses to continue wearing a mask may do so. Please be respectful and supportive of individual choices and situations.

According to federal OSHA guidelines, masks will still be required at Brady Health Center and the Counseling Center.

With in-person lectures at full room capacity, will the policy for labs be any different? Specifically, will we have restrictions on student group work (i.e., number of people in the group or how closely they can work together; some lab activities put people closer together than you would be normally in conversation)?  
At this time, class/section size expectations are consistent with pre-pandemic levels. Instructors retain the flexibility to determine the size of groups and the learning activities conducted to meet the needs of the course. 

Will performing arts be able to work without masks/social distancing?
We continue to follow the state pandemic orders and guidance. The first two rows of the theater will be roped off. Capacity limits must be observed (there are currently no capacity limits in place). Community and campus audience members may attend performances while adhering to FSU’s current mask policy.

If I’m vaccinated do I have to wear a mask and socially distance in the spring?
As of March 31, 2022 masks are currently optional at FSU. Anyone who feels more comfortable and chooses to continue wearing a mask may do so. Please be respectful and supportive of individual choices and situations.


Vaccinations/Mandate

Is there a vaccination mandate for those on campus?
The University System of Maryland strongly encourages all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated and up to date on all available booster shots when eligible so that our university communities are well positioned to remain safe and healthy.


Testing/Tracking Health/Check-ins

Regardless of masking or vaccination, will symptomatic students be quarantined and tested? Will faculty be able to ask students to leave if they are symptomatic and not masked?
Students who live on campus and test positive and/or are symptomatic, pending test results, will quarantine in a designated campus space. Students should continue to monitor their health daily.

What is the policy for students, faculty and staff who have one or more COVID-19 symptoms? Has the policy changed?
FSU is following CDC guidance, which varies depending on vaccination status. See CDC quarantine guidance.

Students and employees should continue to monitor their health daily for symptoms of a head cold, throat infection, pneumonia, and flu-like illness, or fever and assume personal responsibility for their symptom management and staying home accordingly. Employees who become symptomatic should follow the recommendations of their healthcare provider. Students can seek services through Brady Health. 

What is the policy for close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases? 
FSU is continuing to follow CDC quarantine guidance if you are a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case.

Will faculty be expected to accommodate students who are sick with COVID via online formats?
Faculty should adhere to the guidelines in the catalog regarding how to handle ill students. See Absences for Health Issues, Bereavement and Other Emergencies in UG Catalog.

In light of news relating to the new virus variants, what metrics will be used to make sure that the campus virus rates remain low throughout the semester? And what will be done if infection rates rise?
Multiple COVID indicators are tracked and assessed continually by the COVID Response and Recovery Team. (Examples include incidence and prevalence rate, positivity rate, case clustering from contract tracing, testing capacity, Brady Health capacity, Quarantine/Isolation capacity, Adherence to Public Health Protective Factors, Local conditions, etc.) 

Will on campus testing continue?
Vaccinated constituents who become symptomatic should see their healthcare provider (students can seek services through the Student Health Services).

What should instructors do and will there be a general blanket policy across the board if a student comes to an instructor and says they don’t feel comfortable attending class in person?
Course modality expectations are clear at registration. There will not be a blanket attendance policy beyond the attendance policy in the catalog. Students who do not feel comfortable attending class in person should work with their advisors to select courses from FSU’s available online offerings.


Events and Visitors

KEY POINT: Visitors to campus should continue to verify their health. Visitors should not visit campus if they have symptoms of a head cold, throat infection, pneumonia, and flu-like illness, or fever. FSU welcomes attendees and spectators for events, activities and athletic events.

When will places like the theatres, the Manicur Assembly Hall, etc., be open to the public for live performances and what, if any, restrictions will there be?
We continue to follow the state pandemic orders and guidance. Theatres are currently open. 

Will there be special requirements for community members visiting campus?
Visitors should not visit campus if they have symptoms of a head cold, throat infection, pneumonia, and flu-like illness, or fever. FSU welcomes attendees and spectators for events, activities and athletic events.