Jan 7: Update from President Nowaczyk
Jan 7, 2022 1:35 PM
Good afternoon,
This is an update on our current plans for the spring semester. Please recognize that we will continue to monitor the local and state conditions and make adjustments as appropriate. Our commitment, as it has been at the beginning of each of the previous three semesters, is to provide as much lead time as possible. These guidelines apply for those on the Frostburg campus.
Classes
The spring 2022 semester will be in-person starting on Monday, Jan. 24. We will follow the processes and procedures used in fall 2021. If students have questions regarding any particular classes, they should first consult their instructors.
Universal Testing
All employees and students returning to campus must take a rapid antigen test when they first arrive on campus. Universal testing began on Jan. 3 and will continue through the first week of class. Testing will be available Mondays through Thursdays through Jan. 20 from 8 a.m. to Noon, then Fri, Jan. 21, through Sun. Jan. 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Lane Center 113. After that date it will follow the same schedule as the fall (listed below in item on those with vaccine exemptions).
Vaccinations
The CDC considers individuals who have received the two-dose regimen of Moderna or Pfizer or the one-dose J&J vaccine as “fully vaccinated.” They highly recommend, however, that individuals be “optimally vaccinated” by getting a booster as soon as they are eligible (see here for timing depending on your original vaccine.).
Consistent with USM policy we will require that all students living in on-campus residence halls (including Edgewood) be “optimally vaccinated,” that is, have booster information uploaded into the FSU check-in portal or have an approved exemption (follow instructions in menu at top right under “My Vaccinations”).
We are pursuing the possibility of scheduling booster vaccinations on campus the weekend prior to Jan 24. However, we strongly recommend that everyone who is eligible get a booster vaccine as soon as possible. More information on requirements will be sent next week.
Masking
Masking indoors will be required for all unless an individual is alone in a private office or private space. The University is in the process of purchasing KN95 masks. A mask will be distributed to every campus member. Additional masks will also be available for purchase at the bookstore. Information on distribution will be provided once the masks arrive. These masks are recommended when in class or in group meetings.
Biweekly Testing of Individuals with Medical/Religious Exemptions
Biweekly testing will continue to be required of all campus community members who have an approved exemption. We will continue to follow the established testing dates/times in the Lane Center.
- Monday/Tuesday: 8 a.m. – Noon
- Wednesday/Thursday: Noon – 4 p.m.
Athletics
Student-athletes will continue to follow the protocols established by FSU consistent with the MEC and NCAA guidelines.
Public Events
At this point, we will continue to allow the public on campus with the caveat that individuals must attest that they are symptom free and wear a mask when indoors. The public will be expected to socially distance whenever possible when indoors.
Isolation/Quarantine
We are following the CDC recommendations regarding isolation (if you test positive) or quarantine (based on close contact with someone who has tested positive and depending on your vaccination status). Those guidelines continue to evolve; for our latest requirements, please review the CDC Quarantine and Isolation guidance information.
The Omicron variant, which is now the dominant variant of the virus in this country, is highly transmissible and, fortunately, appears less virulent than previous variants — especially for those who have been vaccinated.
The FSU Response and Recovery Team and the administration are committed to staying current on how the campus should respond to this variant. It is also crucial, and perhaps more important, that each member of the campus community commit to assuming the personal and social responsibility of protecting each other by following the scientific and health recommendations. We want everyone to be safe and have as normal a social and learning environment as possible. To that end, please personally commit to following these expectations so that we can have as safe a campus community as possible. We did well during fall 2021. I hope our actions lead to a safe spring 2022. Go Bobcats!
Ronald Nowaczyk, PhD
President
Frostburg State University