August 9: Update from President Nowaczyk

Aug 9, 2021 4:30 PM

Good afternoon,

I hope everyone had a restful summer. With classes set to start in a few weeks, I want to share some information and reminders.

Fall 2021

The spread of the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is affecting plans for fall 2021. I urge you to check your FSU emails and the COVID-19 Information web page regularly for the most up-to-date information, but let me highlight a few items right now. 

As announced in an email earlier today, effective tomorrow, Aug. 10, masks will be required for ALL INDIVIDUALS (VACCINATED AND UNVACCINATED) on campus when inside buildings in the presence of others.

All members of our campus community on campus for fall 2021, including students, faculty and staff, must upload proof of being vaccinated for COVID-19 or have applied for an exemption. The Aug. 1 deadline has passed and those not complying with the USM mandate are being contacted by the appropriate office (Brady Health for students and Human Resources for employees) to provide that information.

Exempted individuals as well as individuals not yet fully vaccinated will be required to receive COVID-19 antigen testing at least weekly beginning Monday, Aug. 30.

Conditions continue to change and more details and updates can be found on the Fall 2021 Guidance page on the COVID website. We will continue to follow CDC and state guidance. The best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated. Find opportunities here if you are not yet vaccinated.

Virtual Coffee with the President

I will be holding Virtual Coffee events this Thursday, Aug. 12, for both students (4 to 5 p.m.) and employees (11 a.m. to noon). It is a chance for university leaders and me to share the most updated information about fall 2021 and for you to ask questions. Watch your email for the invite and link.  

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)

With the most recent HEERF funding distribution this summer, approximately $5 million has been issued through FSU to help students since spring 2020 with tuition, housing, transportation, food and other needs. We anticipate another round of HEERF distributions to enrolled students this fall.  

Be safe and continue to watch for more updates. I will be sending out regular weekly communications moving forward.

Ronald Nowaczyk, PhD
President
Frostburg State University