Pandemic Recovery Level Update

May 24, 2021 9:45 AM

Good morning,

Throughout the last 15 months, Frostburg State University has demonstrated our commitment to public health in providing for the safety of students, faculty, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last spring, we transitioned online and developed a comprehensive pandemic recovery plan that allowed us to return to campus for the fall 2020 semester. For the spring 2021 semester, we were able to return to campus after developing an extensive plan to test eligible, on-campus students and employees twice a week and administering over 40,000 tests during the semester.

According to our Pandemic Recovery Levels, we initially spent the summer of 2020 in Level 1 and were able to achieve Level 2 by August. We spent most of the past academic year in Level 2. This enabled us to return to campus and offer blended instruction and modified residential environments for students. After briefly lowering back to Level 1 in November, we were able to move to Level 2 by January based on key indicators. 

As national, state, and local conditions continue to significantly improve, and vaccination numbers have risen, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released recommendations for individuals who have been fully vaccinated. Subsequently, Governor Hogan also provided guidance for Maryland residents to resume many pre-pandemic activities. This guidance includes lifting capacity restrictions and modifying orders regarding face masks. As such, the university will be moving to Pandemic Recovery Level 3 beginning today, May 24. Please make note of the following areas and guidance:

Monitoring Daily Health

Eligible summer session students as well as employees under contract are expected to continue to monitor their health on a daily basis and verify their status each business day through the Check-In Portal. Individuals who are not feeling well or are exhibiting any viral conditions shall not come to campus pending healthcare provider clearance.

Vaccinations

All individuals are encouraged to be fully vaccinated. The Chancellor of the University System of Maryland announced in April that all students, faculty, and staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 virus for the fall semester. We are currently finalizing our vaccination data collection protocol as well as the process for requesting religious or medical exemptions. Watch for emails and more specific information soon about the dates to begin providing that information.

Building Occupancy

As we anticipate and look forward to a full recovery by the fall, we are returning most spaces on campus to pre-pandemic levels in accordance with current Maryland guidelines. Residence halls are providing the option of single- or double-occupancy rooms for the fall semester.  

Mask Wearing

In accordance with guidance from the Governor’s office and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone may wear a mask on campus, inside or outside, as they feel comfortable. Mask wearing on campus is optional for anyone who is fully vaccinated. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are expected to wear masks when social distancing is not possible. Specific areas of campus may continue to require individuals to wear masks, such as the Brady Heath Center.

Social Distancing  

Individuals may choose to avoid crowded locations and should monitor their physical proximity to others when appropriate. Follow any guidance provided for specific areas of campus.  

Visitors and Summer Camps

Visitors to campus should continue to verify their health through the Check-In Portal or through posted COVID-19 health verification questions. In accordance with guidance from the Maryland State Department of Health, a limited summer camp schedule will be held on campus upon recommendation from the Reopening and Recovery Team.  

COVID-19 Testing

Our surveillance testing protocol has been paused for the summer. Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, should contact their healthcare provider. The Reopening and Recovery Team will make recommendations on our fall testing process upon consideration of state and local conditions. Frostburg State University will remain committed to a comprehensive testing protocol if appropriate.

As we move toward further actions, expect more information and updates throughout the summer regarding plans for the fall semester.

Stay safe and be well,

Ronald Nowaczyk, PhD
President
Frostburg State University