Feb 24: Weekly Update from President Nowaczyk

Feb 24, 2021 4:55 PM

Good afternoon,

Here are some updates for this week:

“Staycation” Week

“Staycation” from March 15 to 21 — including the non-instructional day of Wednesday, March 17 — now has a website listing activities. Visit it for the most up-to-date information on events and activities for that week as plans come together. Already in the works are a Poetry Night, Mega Bingo Night, a student showcase and a fireworks show.

More Emergency Assistance Funding

Watch for an email later this week about additional CARES Act monies that have become available for our students. It will include the requirements as well as a link to complete an application. Additionally, most spring 2021 housing awards have been issued. If you didn't receive an award, are eligible (you must qualify for federal financial aid) and have not submitted your application, the deadline to submit is March 1. Apply for housing funds at this link. I also recommend all students complete the FAFSA form (FSU code 002072) and the FSU Online Scholarship Application before March 1.

Vaccines

I want to thank our faculty, staff and student employees for responding to the Vaccination Interest Survey last week. The response rate was more 80 percent, with more than 90 percent indicating their interest in being vaccinated. Unfortunately, as we have not yet received vaccines, completing this form DOES NOT create an appointment to be vaccinated, but it will allow us to contact you once vaccinations are available. We do not yet have a timeline for when this might happen.

Again, if you can qualify for a vaccine through another outlet, please take that opportunity. If you haven't already, make sure to fill out the Allegany County Health Department/UPMC Western Maryland Vaccine Interest Form at this link. The state health department website offers contacts with the local health department, Walgreens and Martin's Pharmacy for local vaccination sites. Follow local news reports as other opportunities arise, too.

Stay Vigilant, Test and Check-In

Our campus and regional positivity rates for the coronavirus continue to decline, but please maintain your vigilance regarding our community's health and safety. It's precisely because of healthy and safe actions and behaviors that declines are occurring, yet the vaccine roll-out is still slow. Remember:

  • Wear your mask, and wear it property.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
  • Avoid crowds and any unmasked gatherings with people outside your household.
  • If you are on campus, test twice a week, every week. This applies to all students and employees regularly on campus. (The protocol, instructions and exemptions are described at this link.) Make testing twice each week part of your routine.
  • Every day, monitor your symptoms and use the Check-in Portal.

Stay safe!

Ronald Nowaczyk, PhD
President