Spring 2021 News

Jan 20: Weekly Update from President Nowaczyk

Jan 20, 2021 3:25 PM

Good afternoon,

On this Inauguration Day, I encourage all of us to look forward, offer our best to the new administration and join in the work of moving our country forward.

Here are some updates as we prepare to begin the semester:

COVID Testing This Spring

Universal testing for the beginning of the semester is under way. Testing today has been going very well. The lines are short, and the results are being processed quickly.

We are using antigen tests, which provide these quick results. Results are uploaded to your FSU COVID CHeckin Portal within about 20 minutes of the test's completion. Look in the menu under "My COVID 19 Tests" If you receive a positive result, a healthcare provider will call you.

UPDATED JAN. 21, 2021: After this initial testing, starting Jan. 28, we will be testing approximately 50 percent of our eligible population (all students and employees regularly on campus) twice every week for two weeks, with the other half tested in the following two-week cycle. The two-week cycle is based on health guidelines and recommendations regarding antigen testing. Note that since there is universal testing Jan. 20-24, the students and employees testing the first week of classes will test only one additional time that week —Thursday/Friday Jan. 28/29. From Monday, Feb. 1, the standard twice a week testing protocol will occur. These test results will also be uploaded to the check-in portal.

If you believe you should be exempted from testing, either because you are not coming to campus regularly or had COVID within the last 90 days, request an exemption at the Check-in portal in the menu under “My Testing Exemptions.” If you did not receive a registration email and believe you should be tested, email COVIDtesting@frostburg.edu.

Test results will be reported to campus every Tuesday, starting on Jan. 26.

REMINDER About Online Schedules

Students who want an online schedule to opt out of coming to campus MUST choose classes designated as “online” in PAWS or use inter-institutional enrollment to choose classes from the USM online university, University of Maryland Global Campus. The deadline to do so is Jan. 25. Details about inter-institutional enrollment are available at this link, and UMGC’s spring 2021 course offerings are available at this link. (Using inter-institutional enrollment protects a student’s full-time status for financial aid, veterans, athletes, etc.) Please contact your academic advisor or department chair for assistance.

Students who live in the residence halls who opt for a fully online schedule using the method above can be released from their housing contract.

Federal Financial Assistance

I am happy to announce that there will be federal funding available for spring similar to the CARES Act funds approved last year. These include funds for direct support to students as well as funding to cover some of our COVID-19 related costs. We are getting clarification from the Department of Education on rules for distributing the funds, and the University is working on the structure to apply for and provide funds to students again this spring. We anticipate sharing more information before the start of classes.

Food on Campus

Chesapeake Dining Hall is open today as an eat-in facility operating at reduced capacity. Grab-and-go and advance ordering options are available. Starbucks is open with limited hours through the weekend. Other food locations will open Monday with more grab-and-go options.

Through the semester, students who have concerns or issues with food service can connect via text with management staff through Chatback:

Chesapeake: text 301-215-3886
Lane Center (Appalachian Station, Starbucks and Moe's): text 301-215-3747.

Masks are required at all times except when eating. Do not share food. Visit Frostburg Dining for more information.

Other reminders

Review and acknowledge the updated Social Compact.
Monitor your symptoms every weekday using the Check-in portal.
Visit the FSU COVID web site for regular updates, including updated FAQ, links to the recorded Virtual Coffees with the President, academic support and resource links and much more.
Email spring2021@frostburg.edu to be directed to resources for specific issues you may have.
Wear your mask. Keep your distance. Wash your hands.