Dec 22: Update from President Nowaczyk

Dec 22, 2021 1:00 PM

Good morning,

As we approach our winter break, I want to thank everyone for their efforts to make the fall semester happen. Our commencement ceremonies were well received by those attending, and I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with many of you in person during our holiday celebration. 

The campus was safe and healthy throughout the fall. Thank you to the recovery team for their recommendations and monitoring of campus operations, as well as Brady Health and ACT Personnel for helping with our testing protocol. But most of all, thank you for your individual efforts to keep everyone safe.  

There are many unknowns at this point in our country with the spread of the Omicron variant. I will be working with our team and USM as we monitor conditions.   

IMPORTANT RE-ENTRY TESTING INFORMATION: 

All members of the campus community are REQUIRED to take a rapid antigen test upon their return to campus in January. This applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.  

  • On January 3: For those returning to work directly after winter break on Jan. 3, the testing center in Lane 113 will be open from 8 a.m. and noon. To prevent overcrowding, employees returning to campus whose last names begin with A through L should report between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., with those from M through Z arriving between 10 a.m. and noon. Administrative leave will be granted to those who must delay their arrival beyond their scheduled start time. (Be aware that the top of the hour tends to be more crowded, so plan accordingly.) 
  • Employees whose schedules do not allow testing during the scheduled period should contact the Office of Human Resources for instructions. 

Through Jan. 20, the testing center in Lane 113 will be open Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to noon. Prior to the start of the spring semester, Friday through Sunday, Jan. 21 to 23, the Lane 113 testing center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

At this point, unvaccinated individuals who have an authorized exemption will continue to have required testing twice a week. Masks will continue to be required indoors in the presence of others. Additional details about testing and protocols can be found at THIS LINK. We will keep the campus community informed of any changes or additional decisions via email.  

The national data appears to indicate the value of getting a booster if you are eligible. I hope you will continue to be healthy and take the necessary steps to remain healthy against this virus. 

I hope everyone has a relaxing, safe and healthy holiday break. I’ll see you in 2022. Go Bobcats! 

Ronald Nowaczyk, PhD
President
Frostburg State University