Mar 3: Weekly Update from President Nowaczyk
Mar 3, 2021 4:55 PM
Good afternoon,
Here are some updates for this week:
Emergency Assistance Funding
We have extended the time to apply for the additional CARES Act monies that have become available for our students. These funds can be distributed to FSU students to help cover financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. Awards can only be made to students who qualify for federal financial aid. Applications must be submitted by March 12, 2021, at this link. And an update on the $375 housing awards this semester, we have made nearly 1,400 housing awards totaling more than $500,000 to eligible students.
More funding will eventually be coming from later federal legislation. We will share that information as it becomes available
Student Attendance at Football Games
Starting with the football game against Alderson Broaddus next Thursday, March 11, at 7 p.m., 150 tickets will be available to students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students MUST pick up wristbands in advance of the game at the Cordts PE Center ticket booth outside of Bobcat Arena on Wednesday, March 10, or Thursday, March 11, between noon and 2 p.m. each day. Students must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within the past 5 calendar days or proof of testing exemption (your testing and exemption info can be found at the COVID-19 Check-in Portal) to receive a wristband.
For student access for other sports held in Bobcat Stadium, review the policies at this link. Information on admittance for faculty and staff will be announced before March 15.
Staycation Week
“Staycation” events are lining up. Remember: classes are being held all week, except for Wednesday, March 17. Visit the website for a listing of activities. I encourage everyone to make a plan for that week to step away from your studies for at least few hours, especially on Wednesday, for a much-needed break.
Registration for Fall
Registration for fall will begin in a few weeks, so watch for specific information, and students should reach out to your advisors. We plan to be operating as a residential campus in fall. Therefore, the fall schedule will feature most classes moving back to in-person settings and scheduling options. If pandemic conditions do not allow a full return to in-person, we will be able adjust to a more blended instructional format. We will continue to update the university throughout the spring and summer.
Vaccines
The governor yesterday announced that a mass vaccination clinic will open at the Hagerstown Premium Outlets by the end of the month. Unfortunately, we have not yet received vaccines for the university, nor do we have a timeline for when this might happen, but we will continue to work with our local health department and the state.
Again, if you can qualify for a vaccine somewhere else, 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. The state health department website offers contacts with the local health department, Walgreens and Martin's Pharmacy for local vaccination appointments.
Stay Vigilant, Test 2X Every Week and Check-In
Our campus and regional positivity rates for the coronavirus continue to be low, but please maintain your vigilance regarding our community’s health and safety. I’m hearing from a number of community members that they are impressed with our students adhering to masking and social distancing guidelines while out in the community. I heartily applaud your efforts. 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 online.) Make testing twice each week part of your routine.
Every day, monitor your symptoms and use the Check-in Portal.
Ronald Nowaczyk, PhD
President