Health Alerts

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Alvernia University health and safety officials continue monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19) that the World Health Organization Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has defined as a pandemic.

Alvernia has enacted these measures to protect the health and well-being of the Alvernia community. These measures were made after careful review and consultation with local officials and experts in public health and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How do I use the tabs below?

Please see the Updates tabs for a running list of announcements. Information in previous updates may be outdated as time passes. Please use the FAQs for the most up-to-date information. 

Have questions?

Don't see the answer to your question in the FAQs below? Please voice additional questions or concerns by emailing Campus.Update@alvernia.edu. The messages will be sent to the Alvernia University Emergency Management Committee and will be answered in groups and added to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) posted on this page.

Important Links

• Alvernia University COVID-19 Dashboard
• Report It

Latest Updates

February 18, 2022 | COVID-19 and Masking Policy Update

Dear Alvernia University Community,

After five full weeks together, we are happy to report that we have seen a significant decline in the number of active cases on our campuses. Your continued diligence in following the COVID-19 guidelines has helped us slow the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses and allow us to return to a more normal campus experience as we move past the cold winter days and into the spring.

Effective today, Friday, February 18, the university will return to the masking protocols enforced during the fall semester:

Up-To-Date Vaccinated Individuals: Face masks will not be required indoors or outdoors for those who are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccine and booster (who have received all recommended vaccine doses, including a booster, if eligible, OR have received all recommended vaccine doses but are not yet eligible for a booster). There will be exceptions when/where face masks must be worn, including when entering the Health and Wellness Center, Athletic Training rooms, other healthcare settings, and university buses and shuttles. Faculty and event coordinators may also require wearing masks in their classes or events at their discretion. Those who are up to date on their vaccines but have symptoms of COVID-19 should wear a mask and consult their primary care provider and the Health and Wellness Center. The locations/situations requiring a mask to enter/attend will be clearly marked and/or communicated with the community. Everyone is expected to continue to carry masks in case they are required.

NOT Up-To-Date Vaccinated Individuals: Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or up to date on their vaccines (includes those eligible for a booster who have not received it or have not received any COVID-19 vaccinations) are required to wear a face mask indoors (may remove when in own personal living space). Consistent with state guidance, enforcement of vaccine compliance is a personal responsibility.

A few other reminders:

Noncompliance Registration Holds: Students who are not complaint with health and safety protocols (haven’tprovided documentation [medical records or vaccine certification card] of booster vaccination via an upload to the Student Health Portal and/or haven’t complied with weekly COVID-19 testing) will not be able to register for classes beyond the Spring 2022 semester. If you are noncompliant, contact the Health and Wellness Center immediately to complete these requirements.

Schedule Your Vaccine/Booster: Alvernia will continue to offer at least one vaccine/booster clinic a month. You are eligible to receive your booster five months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series for those with the Pfizer, Moderna, or two months after completing a Johnson and Johnson vaccination shot. The next on-campus clinic will be a walk-in clinic held on Feb. 24, 10 am-12pm in the Shander Room inside the PEC. Pre-registration is not required. You can also find a local provider for your vaccine booster here.

Submit to COVID-19 Testing: If you are identified by the Health and Wellness Center or Human Resources as needing to submit to weekly testing, please be sure to check your email for instructions on the Aura app if you have not previously tested weekly.

We will answer questions about the spring semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

Stay safe,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

January 28, 2022 | COVID-19 Update

Dear Alvernia University Community,

As we end the second week of the spring semester, we want to thank our students, faculty and staff for their adherence to our operations guidelines as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses. Our dedicated team continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation on campus and we are happy to announce the following updates to our campus operations:

• Effectively immediately, spectators are allowed to attend home athletic events with the following guidelines in place:
  • To ensure the continued safety of our campus community, capacity will be limited to 50%. These capacity restrictions include all participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, and support staff, so please visit the schedule page of the respective sport for any additional restrictions on spectators.
  • All spectators will be required to wear a well-fitting surgical, N95 or KN95 mask at indoor events at all times. Failure to comply with masking and/or any other policies will result in spectators being asked to leave and/or the suspension of the competition.
  • Spectators will not be permitted at Alvernia Indoor Track and Field Events at the Tom and Helen Flynn Complex due to the large number of participating student-athletes, the lack of space designated for spectators, and the proximity of spectators to student-athletes, coaches, officials.
  • There are currently no spectator restrictions for any of Alvernia's outdoor facilities.
• Effective Monday, January 31, the dining hall located in the Student Center will be open for in-seat dining with the following guidelines:
  • Face masks are to be worn at all times other than when actively eating or drinking. This includes when in line, accessing the drink stations, and sitting at tables without food or beverages. 
  • Please follow the signage to remain properly socially distanced.
  • Tables and chairs must remain in their allotted locations. Moving of tables or chairs is prohibited. 
  • Resident students should do their best to dine within their “Wolf Family” cohorts (roommates, teammates, students living in their residence hall wings).

We will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses, in our region and nationally and make the necessary campus operation adjustments to keep our community healthy and safe. So please do your part by following these five simple steps so that we can continue our path towards a normal campus experience:

1. Schedule Your Vaccine/Booster: Alvernia will offer at least one vaccine/booster clinic a month. The next on-campus clinic will be a walk-in clinic held on Feb. 24, 10 am - 12 pm, in the Shander Room inside the PEC. Pre-registration is not required. You can also find a local provider for your vaccine booster here.
2. Wear Your Mask: Please follow the current masking policy, which requires everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face mask indoors at all times while on campus outside of individual residence hall rooms or individual offices. The CDC and ACHA recommend wearing three-ply surgical or N95 or KN95 masks. Disposable three-ply surgical masks are available across all three campuses.
3. Submit to COVID-19 Testing: If you are identified by the Health and Wellness Center or Human Resources as needing to submit to weekly testing, please be sure to check your email for instructions on the Aura app if you have not previously tested weekly.
4. Monitor Your Symptoms: Regardless of vaccination status, everyone should monitor their symptoms daily. COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle or body aches. Click here to see a complete list of COVID-19 symptoms and a self-checker.
5. Update Your Records with Health and Wellness and Human Resources: The submission of your vaccination/booster records and any positive tests are essential in providing us with the actionable data we need to keep our community safe. Students provide documentation (medical records or vaccine certification card) of booster vaccination via an upload to the Student Health Portal. Employees should refer to the instructions provided via email by human resources to update your vaccine/booster status and should contact Allyson Mullin (Allyson.Mullin@alvernia.edu) with any questions or concerns.

We will answer questions about the spring semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

Stay safe,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

 

January 21, 2022 | COVID-19 Update

Dear Alvernia University Community,

Welcome back to campus! Now more than ever, seeing students and faculty in our hallways brings us great joy, knowing that this simple act of getting you back to campus safely cannot be taken for granted. 

Thank you all for your diligence in complying with the vaccination booster requirement. In our two booster clinics this week alone, we provided 137 boosters to students, faculty and staff. We know many more of you already have the booster; now, you need to be sure to share that information with us following the procedures below.

Our necessary campus operations changes have helped us to return to campus during a time of high COVID-19 transmission. The Health and Wellness staff are working tirelessly to administer tests and provide guidance and support to those entering isolation and quarantine. We applaud their continued efforts to keep our campus safe and healthy!

We must also recognize that each of us has a part to play in helping to minimize the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses. If we take the necessary steps now, we can make the necessary campus operation changes that will allow us to return to a more normal campus experience that we enjoyed in the fall. So please, do your part by taking the following simple steps:

• Schedule Your Vaccine/Booster: Data shows that boosted immunity is the best defense against the Omicron variant spread. The Health and Wellness Center will continue to update the campus on vaccine and booster clinics held on or near our campuses. You can also find a local provider for your vaccine booster here.
• Update Your Records with Health and Wellness and Human Resources: As we continue to monitor COVID-19 transmission levels on campus, the submission of your vaccination/booster records and any positive tests are essential in providing us the actionable data we need to keep our community safe.
  • Students’ Proof: Students enrolled at all campuses for the spring 2022 semester must: 
    • Complete the Return to Campus form on the Student Health Portal. If you haven’t completed this to date, please do so ASAP.
    • Provide documentation (medical records or vaccine certification card) of booster vaccination via an upload to the Student Health Portal through the above form or as a separate upload. Any questions about this should be directed to the Health and Wellness Center at HealthWellness@alvernia.edu or by calling 610.568.1467.
  • Employees’ Proof: Employee instructions for providing proof of COVID-19 booster was sent to employees via Human Resources last week. If your vaccination status has changed since the fall, by receiving a vaccine or booster, please complete the survey provided in the “Post Booster Clinic Update” email sent earlier today. Any questions/concerns should be directed to Allyson.Mullin@alvernia.edu.
• Wear Your Mask: Please follow the current masking policy, which requires everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face mask indoors at all times while on campus outside of individual residence hall rooms or individual offices. The CDC and ACHA recommend wearing three-ply surgical or N95 or KN95 masks. Disposable three-ply surgical masks are available across all three campuses. 
  • Francis Hall: Welcome Desk & Office 215
  • Bernardine Hall: Office Suite 106 (Lobby Area) & Office 218
  • PLEX: Desk on the Mezzanine
  • Student Center: Admissions Office Front Desk
  • Upland Center: HR Office Suite
  • Library: Public Safety Office
  • Veronica Hall: Office of Residence Life Information Desk
  • 951 Morgantown Road: Campus Operations Front Desk
  • CollegeTowne @ 401 Penn St.: Lobby Welcome Desk
  • Philadelphia Campus: Downstairs security guard desk, upstairs security guard desk, all employees have a box to hand out to students in need
  • Schuylkill Campus: Table in foyer and table in student lounge
• Submit to COVID-19 Testing: If you are identified by the Health and Wellness Center or Human Resources as needing to submit to weekly testing, please be sure to check your email for instructions on the Aura app if you have not previously tested weekly. Weekly testing will start next week on 1/26/22 and will be weekly on Wednesdays for the foreseeable future. This is a vital component of our current mitigation strategy. Those who are required to submit to weekly testing include:
  • Those who have COVID vaccine exemptions
  • Those who are eligible for the COVID booster vaccine but have not yet received it. **if you are in the 90 days post COVID infection you do not need to test until those 90 days pass**
• Monitor Your Symptoms: Regardless of vaccination status, everyone should monitor their symptoms daily. COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle or body aches. Click here to see a complete list of COVID-19 symptoms and a self-checker. Students experiencing symptoms should remain home and contact the Health and Wellness Center for necessary testing and counsel for any COVID-19 related illness. Employees with COVID-19 like symptoms should stay home, consult their physician for medical guidance, and report any positive COVID-19 test to Human Resources.

We will answer questions about the spring semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

Stay safe,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

 

January 9, 2022 | Return to Campus 2022

Dear Alvernia University Community,
 

Happy New Year! We are looking forward to welcoming you back for the spring 2022 semester. As you know, we do so in a time of heightened transmission of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. As we’ve done several times during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are instituting some changes to our current campus operations to begin the spring semester. These changes in guidelines will help protect the health and safety of our entire community as we start our in-person semester.

• Campus Masking Policy: To begin the spring 2022 semester, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face mask indoors at all times while on campus outside of individual residence hall rooms or individual offices. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing face masks while around others indoors is a critical component in helping to support the health and safety of the entire campus community. Students, employees, and any approved visitors must wear face masks in classrooms, labs, offices, dining and retail facilities, public spaces, and while traveling by car with others on Alvernia campuses. 
• COVID-19 Booster Requirement for Spring 2022: As an extension of Alvernia’s existing COVID-19 vaccination requirement, we require the entire Alvernia community, including students, faculty, and staff, to receive and provide proof of a COVID-19 booster by Jan. 21 or within thirty days of becoming eligible per CDC guidelines, whichever is later. Data shows that boosted immunity is the best defense against the Omicron variant spread.
  • COVID Vaccinations Up to Date vs. Not Up to Date: The CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health recently changed the definition of “fully vaccinated.” Alvernia will follow these recommendations.
    • Up to Date includes those who have received all recommended vaccine doses, including a booster, if eligible, OR have received all recommended vaccine doses but are not yet eligible for a booster. 
    • Not Up to Date includes those eligible for a booster who have not received it or have not received any COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • Booster Clinics and Scheduling a Booster: Alvernia will host an on-campus clinic on January 16th from 3 pm to 5 pm in the Shander Room (make an appointment here) and January 20th from 10 am to 12 pm for walk-in COVID boosters and Flu vaccines. Stay tuned for more information to come. You can also find a local provider for your vaccine booster here.
  • Students’ Proof: Students enrolled at all campuses for the Spring 2022 Semester must provide documentation (medical records or vaccine certification card) of booster vaccination via an upload to the Student Health Portal.
  • Employees’ Proof: Employee instructions for providing proof of COVID-19 booster will come directly to employees via Human Resources. Any questions/concerns should be directed to Allyson.Mullin@alvernia.edu.
  • Exemptions: Those individuals who currently have COVID-19 vaccine exemptions do NOT need to reapply.
• Return to Campus Instructions: Please read the following information on returning to campus for the spring 2022 semester:
  • Return to Campus Form: All students will be required to complete the Return to Campus form on the Student Health Portal before Friday 1/14/22 at Noon or risk delaying their arrival process.
  • Return to Campus Testing:
    • Residential Students: All residential students who are not up to date (see definition above) with their COVID-19 vaccination will be tested with a rapid COVID test on arrival for move-in on Sunday, January 16, 2021, from 10 am-4 pm. 
      • Resident students who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days will not need to test upon their return to campus. Proof of a positive COVID-19 test can be uploaded to the Student Health Portal.
      • Resident students should check their Alvernia email for a message from Residence Life to schedule their move-in time.
    • Commuter Students: All commuter students who are not up to date (see definition above) will be required to attend PCR COVID testing on January 18 and 19 in the President’s Box at the Football Stadium.
    • Philadelphia and Schuylkill Students: The Health and Wellness Center will be providing testing supplies for students attending classes at the Philadelphia and Schuylkill campuses. More details will follow shortly.
  • All students at all locations are encouraged to complete a rapid COVID-19 test before returning to campus to avoid exposing others.
• Updated Isolation and Quarantine Policy: We are following the new CDC guidelines.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be required to isolate, ideally at home, for a minimum of five days and wear a mask around others for an additional five days. Health and Wellness will determine the time frame of isolation. 
  • If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and You are Up to Date on COVID vaccinations, OR you had a positive COVID-19 test within the past 90 days, you do not need to quarantine but should wear a mask for ten days and test, if possible, on day five 
  • You are NOT Up to Date on COVID vaccination; you will need to quarantine, ideally at home, for five days, test on day five if possible, and continue to mask for five more days. 
• Dining Operation Changes: All university dining locations have been moved to take-out only to start the semester. No seating will be available in the dining hall.
• No Spectators at Events: No spectators will be allowed at Alvernia University athletics or other events to begin the spring semester. 

As we’ve done since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will answer questions about the spring semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

With very best wishes for a healthy start to the spring semester,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

December 21, 2021 | Spring 2022 COVID-19 Booster Requirement and Updates

Dear Alvernia University Community,

As we conclude our fall semester, we now look ahead to preparing for the spring 2022 semester. With the ongoing Omicron COVID-19 variant adjusting health and safety regulations, we wanted to share some important updates regarding our plans for the spring semester. Please know these are just the beginning of our plans. As shifts in community spread and changes in federal or state recommendations begin to occur, we are prepared to adjust our guidance to protect the health and safety of our entire community. We plan on returning to an in-person learning experience.

• COVID-19 Booster Requirement for Spring 2022: As an extension of Alvernia’s existing COVID-19 vaccination requirement, we require the entire Alvernia community, including students, faculty, and staff, to receive and provide proof of a COVID-19 booster by Jan. 21 or within thirty days of becoming eligible per CDC guidelines, whichever is later. The data shows that boosted immunity is the best defense against COVID-19 variant development and spread.
  • Booster Clinics and Scheduling a Booster: Alvernia will host a walk-in clinic on Jan. 20 from 10 am to 12 pm for COVID boosters and Flu vaccines. Stay tuned for more information to come. Find a local provider for your vaccine booster here.
  • Students’ Proof: Students enrolled at all campuses for the Spring 2022 Semester must provide documentation (medical records or vaccine certification card) of booster vaccination via an upload to the Student Health Portal.
  • Employees’ Proof: As in the Fall, all employees will be required to upload their COVID vaccination cards with booster dose listed or other provider documentation of booster vaccination to the ADP system. Employees with questions/concerns on this process should be directed to Human Resources (Allyson.Mullin@alvernia.edu).
  • Exemptions: Those individuals who currently have COVID-19 vaccine exemptions do NOT need to reapply. Students who did not previously have an exemption but wish to request an exemption from the booster vaccine requirement should send a secure message ("health requirement question") through the Student Health Portal to request the exemption form. Faculty and staff should contact Human Resources (Allyson.Mullin@alvernia.edu) for the exemption form.
• Campus Arrival Spring 2022: Please read the following information on returning to campus for the spring 2022 semester:
  • Residential Students: All residential students (vaccinated and unvaccinated) will be tested with a rapid COVID test on arrival for move-in on 1/16/21. Additional testing with PCR may be required at that time.
  • Commuter Students: All commuter students (vaccinated and unvaccinated) will be required to attend PCR COVID testing during the first week of classes.
• COVID-19 Testing During Winter Break: During the winter break, the university will continue to conduct COVID-19 testing for the following:
  • Employees: The university has secured take-home PCR Testing kits through the established relationship with Genetworx. All faculty, staff, and contracted employees who are unvaccinated for COVID-19 must participate in weekly testing. Please contact Human Resources (Allyson.Mullin@alvernia.edu) with any questions or concerns. Failure to comply with this protocol violates university guidelines and is subject to the progressive disciplinary process.
  • Student-Athletes: The university will continue to follow NCAA testing procedures for in-season student-athletes. Testing times and methods will be shared directly with student-athletes via the Athletic Department, Sports Medicine, and the Health and Wellness Staff.
  • All Other Campus Community Members: Alvernia will continue to provide COVID-19 testing for exposures happening on campus. Those seeking a test for exposure outside of campus should contact their Primary Care Physician and seek a COVID-19 test. Everyone should continue to report COVID-19 positive tests to Health and Wellness (students) and Human Resources (faculty and staff).

As we’ve done since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will answer questions about the spring semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.
 

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.
 

With very best wishes for a healthy start to 2022,
 

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

October 15, 2021 | COVID-19 Update

Dear Alvernia University Community,

We write you today with a few updates and reminders:

• Update on Vaccination Rates
  • 93% of full-time faculty and staff members are now vaccinated, with the final 7% undergoing regular COVID-19 testing.
  • 90% of our resident student population is fully vaccinated, with the other 10% currently undergoing regular testing.
  • 86% of day commuter students are compliant (vaccinated or will be receiving regular testing)
• Day Commuter Students Testing begins next week: At this point, all Alvernia students, including adult, graduate and commuter students, are expected to be compliant with the Health and Wellness Requirements of the university, including providing proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or proper submission of a COVID-19 exemption. Regular testing of unvaccinated day commuter students will begin next week. The Health and Wellness Center will contact students that fall into this category via email. Any questions about this process should be directed to Alvernia’s Health and Wellness Center (healthwellness@alvernia.edu or 610-568-1467).
• Unvaccinated employees must submit to COVID-19 testing protocol Procedure Requirement: All faculty, staff and contracted employees who are unvaccinated for COVID-19 must participate in weekly testing. Please contact Human Resources (Mullin@alvernia.edu) with any questions or concerns. Failure to comply with this protocol is a violation of university guidelines and is subject to the employee progressive disciplinary process.

These guidelines and requirements are subject to change with changes in community spread and if federal or state recommendations change.

As we’ve done since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will answer questions about the fall semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

September 24, 2021 | COVID-19 Update

Dear Alvernia University Community,

As we close out our first month together, we have some exciting data to share with you.

• 85% of our resident student population is fully vaccinated, with the other 15% now undergoing regular testing.
• 88% of all traditional day students are compliant.
• 88% of full-time staff and 95% of full-time faculty are fully vaccinated 
• The current case count sits at 3 and has been steadily declining since the start of the semester.

Thank you to all those who are taking the necessary steps to keep themselves and their fellow Alvernians safe. Here are some additional announcements and reminders:

• ATTENTION GRADUATE, ADULT AND COMMUTER STUDENTS: All Alvernia students at all campuses, including adult, graduate and commuter students, are expected to complete the COVID-19 health and wellness requirement, including providing proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or the proper submission of a COVID-19 exemption:
  • Submitting Proof of Vaccination: Students enrolled at all campuses for the Fall 2021 Semester or any 2021/22 mods must provide documentation (medical records or vaccine certification card) of vaccination ASAP, via an upload to the Student Health Portal. If you have only received one vaccine, please upload that proof now and upload the 2nd dose when you receive it.
  • Requesting an Exemption: Students requesting an exemption should send a secure message ("health requirement question") through the Student Health Portal to request the exemption form. This form must be completed in the Student Health Portal. If the reason is medical, a medical form will be emailed to the student and must be completed by a health care provider. This form must then be uploaded to the Student Health Portal.
  • Consequences for Noncompliance: Those who have not completed the requirement through the student health portal are now in noncompliance. Failure to meet these requirements is considered a policy violation and can result in progressive disciplinary action through the Office of Community Standards, leading to holds on accounts and technology and up to potential dismissal from the university.
• Employee Vaccination Procedure Requirement Reminder: If you have not done so already, please participate in the COVID survey via the ADP Mobile App. If you are having difficulty with this, please see any member of the HR Team for assistance. If you do not participate, you will be required to follow the process for unvaccinated employees, including masking while on campus and testing weekly. The weekly testing schedule and instructions will be out to those affected in the coming days. Testing will begin Wednesday, September 29th.
• Vaccinated or Unvaccinated, Monitor Your Symptoms: Regardless of vaccination status, everyone should monitor their symptoms daily throughout the fall. Given the rapid spread of the Delta Variant, we see a national trend of fully vaccinated people who are testing positive for COVID-19. COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle or body aches. Click here to see a complete list of COVID-19 symptoms and a self-checklist. Students experiencing symptoms should remain home and contact the Health and Wellness Center for necessary testing and counsel for any COVID-19 related illness. Employees with COVID-19 like symptoms should stay home, consult their physician for medical guidance, and report any positive COVID-19 test to Human Resources.
• Get Vaccinated: The case for the vaccine is clear. A new CDC study shows a person is 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die if unvaccinated. In PA, 97% of COVID Deaths, 95% of Hospitalizations and 94% of Cases are among the unvaccinated, and those numbers are consistent nationally. COVID infections are 7.1 times higher among the unvaccinated and deaths 7.9 times higher. We are striving to be a completely vaccinated campus and encourage all students, faculty and staff to make plans to receive the vaccination as soon as possible. Have questions about the Vaccine and want to find out more information? Send an email to the Health and Wellness Center at HealthWellness@alvernia.edu. You are encouraged to view the Vaccine Finder to find a local provider.

These guidelines and requirements are subject to change with changes in community spread and if federal or state recommendations change.

As we’ve done since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will answer questions about the fall semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

 

September 17, 2021 | COVID-19 Update

Dear Alvernia University Community,

As we close our third week of the semester, we wanted to share a few important announcements for your health and safety.

• Employee Vaccination Procedure Requirement Reminder: If you have not done so already, please participate in the COVID survey via the ADP Mobile App. If you are having difficulty with this, please see any member of the HR Team for assistance. If you do not participate, you will be required to follow the process for unvaccinated employees, including masking while on campus and testing weekly. The weekly testing schedule and instructions will be out to those affected in the coming days. Testing will begin Wednesday, September 29th.
• Vaccinated or Unvaccinated, Monitor Your Symptoms: Regardless of vaccination status, everyone should monitor their symptoms daily throughout the fall. Given the rapid spread of the Delta Variant, we see a national trend of fully vaccinated people who are testing positive for COVID-19. COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle or body aches. Click here to see a complete list of COVID-19 symptoms and a self-checklist. Students experiencing symptoms should remain home and contact the Health and Wellness Center for necessary testing and counsel for any COVID-19 related illness. Employees with COVID-19 like symptoms should stay home, consult their physician for medical guidance, and report any positive COVID-19 test to Human Resources.
• Get Vaccinated: The case for the vaccine is clear. A new CDC study shows a person is 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die if unvaccinated. In PA, 97% of COVID Deaths, 95% of Hospitalizations and 94% of Cases are among the unvaccinated, and those numbers are consistent nationally. COVID infections are 7.1 times higher among the unvaccinated and deaths 7.9 times higher. We are striving to be a completely vaccinated campus and encourage all students, faculty and staff to make plans to receive the vaccination as soon as possible. Have questions about the Vaccine and want to find out more information? Send an email to the Health and Wellness Center at HealthWellness@alvernia.edu. You are encouraged to view the Vaccine Finder to find a local provider.

These guidelines and requirements are subject to change with changes in community spread and if federal or state recommendations change.

As we’ve done since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will answer questions about the fall semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

September 11, 2021 | COVID-19 Update

Dear Alvernia University Community,

As we close our second week of the semester, we wanted to share a few important announcements for your health and safety.

• No Mask, No Ride: Please remember that masks are required when you get on an Alvernia shuttle or bus. You are expected to bring your own masks. Masks must be worn appropriately, covering the nose and mouth the entire time you are on the shuttle. Please be prepared and have a mask when getting on the shuttle. Beginning on Monday, September 13, if you do not have a mask, you will not be able to get on the shuttle. Friends, we have used over 1,000 masks on shuttles since the beginning of the semester. Please do your part to eliminate this problem.
• Employee Vaccination Requirement Deadline Approaching: Please reference the emails on August 26 and September 4 from Executive Director of Human Resources, Allyson Mullin, for information regarding the vaccination process and procedures for Alvernia employees. Please submit your vaccination cards ASAP. Compliance with this process is expected by next Wednesday, September 15.
• Vaccinated or Unvaccinated, Monitor Your Symptoms:Regardless of vaccination status, everyone should monitor their symptoms daily throughout the fall. COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle or body aches. Click here to see a complete list ofCOVID-19 symptoms and a self-checklist. Students experiencing symptoms should remain home and contact the Health and Wellness Center for necessary testing and counsel for any COVID-19 related illness. Employees with COVID-19 like symptoms should stay home, consult their physician for medical guidance, and report any positive COVID-19 test to Human Resources.
• Submit Your COVID-19 Health Requirement ASAP: All Alvernia students at all campuses are expected to complete the COVID-19 health and wellness requirement, including providing proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or the proper submission of a COVID-19 exemption. Those who have not completed the requirement through the student health portal are now in noncompliance and are being contacted by our Health and Wellness Center staff. Failure to meet these requirements is considered a policy violation and can result in progressive disciplinary action through the Office of Community Standards.
• Get Vaccinated: On August 23, the FDA fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for anyone over 16. Alvernia strongly encourages all students, faculty and staff to make plans to receive the vaccination as soon as possible. Have questions about the Vaccine and want to find out more information? Send an email to the Health and Wellness Center at HealthWellness@alvernia.edu. You are encouraged to view the Vaccine Finder to find a local provider.

These guidelines and requirements are subject to change with changes in community spread and if federal or state recommendations change.

As we’ve done since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will answer questions about the fall semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

 

September 3, 2021 | COVID-19 Update

Dear Alvernia University Community,

We hope you enjoyed a wonderful first week on our campuses for the fall 2021 semester. Nothing is better than seeing you all together on our campuses. Here are a few reminders to help keep yourself and your fellow Alvernians safe and healthy throughout our semester together.

• Get Vaccinated: We are happy to share that 86% of our full-time undergraduate students who have completed the COVID-19 requirement have been fully vaccinated. 13% of the full-time undergraduate students have not yet completed the requirement so we will continue to update you on the vaccination rate of the campus. Now is the time to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines in the United States are now available to anyone over 12, and many pharmacies and providers offer walk-in appointments for COVID-19 vaccines. On August 23, the FDA fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for anyone over 16. Alvernia strongly encourages all students, faculty and staff to make plans to receive the vaccination as soon as possible. Have questions about the Vaccine and want to find out more information? Send an email to the Health and Wellness Center at HealthWellness@alvernia.edu. You are encouraged to view the Vaccine Finder to find a local provider.
• Are you compliant?: All Alvernia students at all campuses are expected to complete the COVID-19 health and wellness requirement, including providing proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or the proper submission of a COVID-19 exemption. Those who have not completed the requirement through the student health portal are now in noncompliance. Failure to meet these requirements is considered a policy violation and can result in progressive disciplinary action through the Office of Community Standards.
• Continue to monitor your symptoms:Regardless of vaccination status, everyone should monitor their symptoms daily throughout the fall. COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle or body aches. Click here to see a complete list of COVID-19 symptoms and a self-checker. Students experiencing symptoms should remain home and contact the Health and Wellness Center for necessary testing and counsel for any COVID-19 related illness. Employees with COVID-19 like symptoms should stay home, consult their physician for medical guidance, and report any positive COVID-19 test to Human Resources.
• Employee Vaccination Reminder: Please reference the email on August 26 from Executive Director of Human Resources, Allyson Mullin, for information regarding the vaccination process and procedures for Alvernia employees. Please submit your vaccination cards ASAP. Compliance with this process is expected by September 15.
• COVID-19 Dashboard: The COVID-19 dashboard will be updated weekly. You can find the dashboard here.

These guidelines and requirements are subject to change with changes in community spread and if federal or state recommendations change.

As we’ve done since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will answer questions about the fall semester by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost
John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

 

August 16, 2021 | Return to Campus Fall 2021 and COVID-19 FAQs

Dear Alvernia University Community,
 

We are pleased to welcome our community back to a safe and active campus environment this fall. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of the entire Alvernia community has been at the forefront of our decision-making process related to safety protocols. The university and the Pandemic Response Team has worked continuously to consult with government (local, state and national) and industry-specific (American College Health Association) health and education organizations to develop policies, procedures and guidelines that protect the health of students, faculty, staff and the communities in which we reside.
 

As we prepare for the fall semester, here are a few important updates and reminders:
 

Updated Mask Guidance

The following guidance on masking could change throughout the semester due to changing campus, local, regional and national conditions.

Fully vaccinated individuals: For fully vaccinated individuals, face masks are not required for outdoor activities. Face masks are recommended (but not required) for indoor classes and other activities. However, there are exceptions to this recommendation:

Masks will be required for certain situations including, but not limited to: when entering the Health and Wellness Center, Athletic Training rooms, other healthcare settings, in large indoor events, or when utilizing university buses and shuttles.

The locations/situations where a mask will be required to enter/attend will be clearly marked and communicated.

In addition, faculty, coaches and meeting/event leaders may require masks at their discretion in their classroom or event/meeting

Everyone is expected to continue to carry masks in case they are needed.

Unvaccinated individuals: Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a face mask at all times while on campus outside of individual residence hall rooms. Consistent with state guidance, enforcement of vaccine compliance is a personal responsibility.

Student Vaccine Requirement and Exemption Information

Alvernia expects to be a vaccinated campus by the start of the Fall 2021 semester. Students enrolled at all campuses for the Fall 2021 Semester must provide documentation (medical records or vaccine certification card) of vaccination ASAP, via an upload to the Student Health Portal. We will continue to accept documents via the portal, but please submit ASAP. If you have only received one vaccine, please upload that proof now and upload the 2nd dose when you receive it.
 

As with all required vaccinations, Alvernia allows requests for medical, religious, or philosophical exemptions. Students requesting an exemption should send a secure message ("health requirement question") through the Student Health Portal to request the exemption form. This form must be completed in the Student Health Portal. If the reason is medical, a medical form will be emailed to the student and must be completed by a health care provider. This form must then be uploaded to the student Health Portal.

New FAQS now available below

The Pandemic Response Team has updated and added a number of new FAQs for the upcoming semester. These FAQs are very important to the health and safety of the community, so please take the time to read them.

We will continue to rely on the expertise and guidance of our public health officials to ensure a safe Fall 2021 semester and deliver the experience our students desire and deserve.
 

We will answer questions about the fall semester and COVID-19 vaccine requirement by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.
 

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.
 

On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

FAQs

Will students be required to be vaccinated for the Spring 2022 semester?

As in the fall, Alvernia expects to be a vaccinated campus during the Spring 2022 semester.

Students enrolled at all campuses for the Spring 2022 semester must provide documentation (medical records or vaccine certification card) of vaccination via an upload to the Student Health Portal. If you have only received one vaccine, please upload that proof now and upload the second dose when you receive it.

This requirement strengthens the university's ability to protect the health and safety of our campus and neighboring communities. Universal COVID-19 vaccination for all our students will contribute to greater immunity, reduce the risk of clusters of COVID-19 on campus, and help protect members of our community who are at the highest risk of developing serious disease from the virus.

All vaccines authorized by the FDA or WHO will be considered suitable to fulfill the university's requirement.

Students, faculty and staff who haven't received their vaccines are encouraged to do so via their local providers, which can be found here.

Will COVID-19 boosters be required for the Spring 2022 semester?

As an extension of Alvernia’s existing COVID-19 vaccination requirement, we require the entire Alvernia community, including students, faculty, and staff, to receive and provide proof of a COVID-19 booster by Jan. 21 or within thirty days of becoming eligible per CDC guidelines, whichever is later. Data shows that boosted immunity is the best defense against the Omicron variant spread.

What will the return to campus for students look like for the Spring 2022 semester?

• Return to Campus Form: All students will be required to complete the Return to Campus form on the Student Health Portal before Friday 1/14/22 at Noon or risk delaying their arrival process.
• Return to Campus Testing:
  • Residential Students: All residential students who are not up to date (see definition above) with their COVID-19 vaccination will be tested with a rapid COVID test on arrival for move-in on Sunday, January 16, 2021, from 10 am-4 pm. 
    • Resident students who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days will not need to test upon their return to campus. Proof of a positive COVID-19 test can be uploaded to the Student Health Portal.
    • Resident students should check their Alvernia email for a message from Residence Life to schedule their move-in time.
  • Commuter Students: All commuter students who are not up to date (see definition above) will be required to attend PCR COVID testing on January 18 and 19 in the President’s Box at the Football Stadium.
  • Philadelphia and Schuylkill Students: The Health and Wellness Center will be providing testing supplies for students attending classes at the Philadelphia and Schuylkill campuses. More details will follow shortly.
  • All students at all locations are encouraged to complete a rapid COVID-19 test before returning to campus to avoid exposing others.

How do students, faculty and staff submit proof of their booster?

• Students’ Proof: Students enrolled at all campuses for the Spring 2022 Semester must provide documentation (medical records or vaccine certification card) of booster vaccination via an upload to the Student Health Portal.
• Employees’ Proof: Employee instructions for providing proof of COVID-19 booster will come directly to employees via Human Resources. Any questions/concerns should be directed to Allyson.Mullin@alvernia.edu.
• Exemptions: Those individuals who currently have COVID-19 vaccine exemptions do NOT need to reapply.

How do I sign up for a vaccine or booster? Will Alvernia host any vaccine or booster clinics during the Spring 2022 semester?

As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters in the United States are now available to anyone over 5, and many pharmacies and providers offer walk-in appointments. Alvernia strongly encourages all students, faculty and staff to make plans to receive the vaccination as soon as possible. Have questions about the Vaccine? Check out the latest FAQs from the CDC. You are encouraged to view the Vaccine Finder to find a local provider.

Alvernia will host an on-campus clinic on January 16th from 2 pm to 4 pm (make an appointment here) and January 20th from 10 am to 12 pm for walk-in COVID boosters and Flu vaccines. Stay tuned for more information to come. You can also find a local provider for your vaccine booster here.

What is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of January 2022?

The CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health recently changed the definition of “fully vaccinated.” Alvernia will follow these recommendations.

• Up to Date includes those who have received all recommended vaccine doses, including a booster, if eligible, OR have received all recommended vaccine doses but are not yet eligible for a booster. 
• Not Up to Date includes those eligible for a booster who have not received it or have not received any COVID-19 vaccinations.

Can I request an exemption from the vaccine and booster requirement?

As with all required vaccinations, Alvernia allows requests for medical, religious, or philosophical exemptions. Students requesting an exemption should send a secure message ("health requirement question") through the Student Health Portal to request the exemption form. This form must be completed in the Student Health Portal. If the reason is medical, a medical form will be emailed to the student and must be completed by a health care provider. This form must then be uploaded to the Student Health Portal.

Those individuals who currently have COVID-19 vaccine exemptions do NOT need to reapply for the new booster requirement.

What will the semester look like for vaccinated students?

Full vaccinated individuals will have as close to a normal college experience as is possible given current community spread levels.

Masking is not required when outdoors, however it is required that vaccinated students wear a mask indoors at this time. For the most up-to-date masking information, please see the masking FAQ below.

What will the semester look like for students who are not considered to be fully vaccinated?

Students requesting an exemption from the COVID vaccine or booster requirement will have an experience similar to last semester regarding restrictions, quarantine and testing.

• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a face mask at all times while on campus outside of individual residence hall rooms. Consistent with state guidance, enforcement of vaccine compliance is a personal responsibility.
• During their season (traditional & non-traditional), student-athletes will be subject to weekly PCR and/or antigen testing to be eligible for training & competition. Athletes who miss weekly testing will not be able to participate until the result of the next week's test comes back negative. 
• Unvaccinated students are encouraged to self-quarantine at home for two weeks prior to arrival.
• If exposed to a person with COVID, the unvaccinated student will be required to quarantine for at least 5 days.
• Serial testing of unvaccinated individuals is planned throughout the semester, with frequency determined by the level of community spread and public health recommendations.
• Since healthcare and other worksites may require COVID vaccination, the educational experience of unvaccinated students may be impacted.

Are face masks required on campus?

The following guidance on masking could change throughout the semester due to changing campus, local, regional and national conditions:

To begin the spring 2022 semester, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face mask indoors at all times while on campus outside of individual residence hall rooms or individual offices. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing face masks while around others indoors is a critical component in helping to support the health and safety of the entire campus community. Students, employees, and any approved visitors must wear face masks in classrooms, labs, offices, dining and retail facilities, public spaces, and while traveling by car with others on Alvernia campuses.

Will there be an option to be fully remote for the spring for students who aren't vaccinated?

Alvernia students will have the ability to work with their advisors to coordinate a virtual schedule based on the spring 2022 existing online offerings.

Please note that most classes will not be available in an online format.

In-person classes will resume, for all students, in classrooms that follow CDC and the PA Department of Health guidelines for higher education settings.

Do I have to submit my COVID vaccine or meet the requirement if I am an online student who is never on campus?

Students who will not ever be attending classes on campus in person (or at an internship or clinical site) or using campus resources in person do not have to submit record of a COVID vaccination.

Has Alvernia established a COVID-19 Dashboard for tracking COVID-19 cases in the campus community?

The university has established a COVID-19 Dashboard, which outlines testing and isolation of all students, faculty and staff studying or working at any of Alvernia's campuses (Reading, Philadelphia, or Schuylkill). The dashboard will be updated weekly during the semester.

What is Alvernia's COVID-19 testing plan for the spring 2022 semester?

Alvernia will be utilizing two types of testing methods this year. The first, the Abbott Binax Now, is an antigen test. This type of method only tests for COVID. The university has separate tests for flu. The second method is the Abbott ID Now molecular PCR. Both testing methods are not on the FDA's list for recalls.

As in the Fall 2021 semester, Alvernia is again partnering with GENETWORx to help conduct COVID-19 testing.

Here are the new testing guidelines for the spring 2022 semester: 

• Resident Students: 
  • Pre-Arrival Testing: Pre-arrival testing will take place as shared in the return of campus FAQ above.
• Student-Athletes: The university will continue to follow NCAA guidelines regarding COVID-19 testing protocols. . 
• In-Semester Surveillance Testing:  Alvernia University will conduct asymptomatic testing of a sampling of the unvaccinated Alvernia student population. 
• Philadelphia and Schuylkill Campuses: The university will offer optional testing to students taking classes at the Philadelphia and Schuylkill Campuses. 
• As during the 2020-21 academic year, Alvernia has secured rapid point of care, on-campus testing capabilities and is also partnering with local hospitals to test symptomatic students and those identified through contact tracing for COVID-19, as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.   

Are tutoring and study groups still available for students in isolation due to a positive COVID-19 test? 

Yes. Students can select free, online tutoring appointments via our scheduling system WCOnline (https://alvernia.my wconline.com). 

If a student wants to virtually join a Study Group or SI, they simply email a request to academic.support@alvernia.edu or call 610-568-1494. 

In addition, students can select eTutoring for asynchronous writing support. They will receive a tutor’s comments directly on their draft Word .doc file within 24 hours of the appt time. 

What is the difference between quarantine and isolation, and how does it apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated community members?

Isolation and quarantine are intended to limit the spread of disease, but they have different meanings and time requirements.  

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others and helps prevent the spread of the disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. 

Isolation is reserved for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are showing symptoms. 

Based on the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, time requirements for quarantine and isolation depend on a variety of factors, including whether an individual has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, is showing symptoms of COVID-19, has tested positive for COVID-19, and more. 

The following provides a summary of quarantine and isolation time requirements for students and employees. 

Quarantine: 

• Unvaccinated individuals:  All unvaccinated students, faculty and staff who believe they have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 and/or been identified during the University's contact tracing process must quarantine for 5 days from their last contact with the individual, in accordance with the CDC guidelines. The CDC provides guidance on when to start and end quarantine based on various scenarios.
  • Faculty and staff should quarantine at home and may work remotely if well enough to do so. 
  • Students living on campus may quarantine in spaces identified by the University or may go home if safe to do so. 
  • Students who live off-campus or at home should plan to quarantine in their current residence. County contact tracers will evaluate additional quarantine needs for students living off-campus as part of the contact tracing process.  
  • During quarantine, symptoms of COVID-19 may or may not develop. 
  • For those in quarantine who begin developing symptoms, they should do the following: 
    • Residential students experiencing symptoms should contact the Health and Wellness Center. 
    • Commuter students experiencing symptoms should contact their primary care provider and the Health and Wellness Center. 
    • Employees should contact their primary care provider, their supervisor and Allyson Mullin (Mullin@alvernia.edu). 
• Vaccinated individuals: Fully vaccinated individuals will not need to quarantine following an exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 unless they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Exposed vaccinated individuals should get COVID-19 tested 5 days after the exposure, if possible. Individuals are expected to monitor their symptoms for 5 days after exposure and should wear a mask indoors for 5 after an exposure. If unsure, students should contact the Health and Wellness Center for guidance and employees should consult their primary care provider and alert Human Resources (Mullin@alvernia.edu).

Isolation: 

• Unvaccinated individuals: Unvaccinated students, faculty and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate for at least 5 days and wear a mask for an additional five days. Students and employees who are experiencing symptoms and awaiting test results will need to isolate immediately. If the test result is negative, they need to discuss next steps with the Health and Wellness Center or the primary care provider before clearance to return to classes/activities/work is given.
  • Faculty and staff should isolate themselves at home. Students living on campus will stay in a campus-provided isolation space. Individuals cannot return to on-campus work or classes until cleared by a medical professional in accordance with CDC guidelines. 
  • According to CDC isolation guidance, individuals who tested positive and experience symptoms can be cleared by a physician to be with others at least 5 days after their symptoms first appeared, as long as the individual is without a fever for at least 24 hours with no fever-reducing medication, and symptoms have improved. Individuals who tested positive but did not experience symptoms can be cleared by a physician to be with others after 5 days have passed since the date of the positive test. For those who experienced severe illness, a healthcare provider may recommend that they stay in isolation for longer than 5 days after symptoms first appeared (possibly up to 10 days). 
  • During the semester, students who test positive or are exhibiting symptoms should immediately contact the Health and Wellness Center. Faculty and staff who test positive will need to self-isolate at home, and report their positive status to their supervisor and Allyson Mullin (Allyson.Mullin@alvernia.edu), so their unit can begin the contact tracing process. 
• Vaccinated Individuals: Vaccinated individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should follow the same steps as unvaccinated individuals to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Are there penalties for students, faculty and staff who do not follow the health guidance related to working, leaving and being on campus?

All students are expected to follow all guidelines and recommendations established by Alvernia University. Non-compliance will be considered a policy violation and referred to the Office of Community Standards for follow up.

All Alvernia University employees are expected to follow all guidelines and recommendations to support a safe and respectful workplace. Non-compliance will be subject to the employee progressive disciplinary processes as necessary. As a Franciscan community, the university's expectation is full cooperation from all faculty and staff members.

What if there is a virus flare on campus during the semester? Will Alvernia change campus operations?

The Alvernia Pandemic Response Team has created guidance, which has been informed by evidence-based science and/or expert opinions. This guidance covers most situations and will be revised as the understanding of COVID-19 and situational awareness changes. 

The university regularly monitors and determines the level of operations for classes, housing, research and other events and activities using an established framework. Levels of operations range from a closed campus to fully open. Levels within this range include various combinations of online and in-person classes, class size densities, on-campus housing availability, and expanded or reduced research activities.  

A combination of community and campus criteria might lead to further campus restrictions, partial closure or full closure. 

During the 2020-21 academic year, Alvernia was able to successfully complete two in-person semesters thanks to the community's adherence of campus operation changes during times of increased COVID-19 cases on campus. The university is prepared to take these necessary steps again to ensure the health of the entire community.

Has Alvernia placed any restrictions on travel for the upcoming academic year?

Alvernia has started to allow some university-sponsored travel for the Spring 2022 semester. The Pandemic Response Team works will continue to advise campus groups who seek to organize university-sponsored travel.

Those considering personal international travel should review the CDC's updated travel health notices and research the restrictions imposed by the countries they plan on visiting. 

Are there any restrictions for internship or clinical sites for the 2021-22 academic year?

Departments requiring community-based placements (i.e., nursing clinical, student teaching, internships) will ensure that sites adhere to safety, health and physical distancing protocols and that students receive appropriate orientation and training before placement. Students should verify the availability of opportunities with their internship or clinical site supervisors. If students do not know their internship or clinical site supervisors, they should contact their Dean's Office.

It is important to note that since healthcare and other worksites may require COVID vaccination, the educational experience of unvaccinated students may be impacted.

What is Alvernia doing regarding residential dining options for students, faculty and staff? (UPDATED 1.28.22)

Effective Monday, January 31, the dining hall located in the Student Center will be open for in-seat dining with the following guidelines:

• Face masks are to be worn at all times other than when actively eating or drinking. This includes when in line, accessing the drink stations, and sitting at tables without food or beverages. 
• Please follow the signage to remain properly socially distanced.
• Tables and chairs must remain in their allotted locations. Moving of tables or chairs is prohibited. 
• Resident students should do their best to dine within their “Wolf Family” cohorts (roommates, teammates, students living in their residence hall wings).

To-go options are available at Freshens (PLEX), Courtside Café (PEC) and Kestrel Café (Bernardine Hall).

In addition, students may purchase a reusable to-go container from the dining hall to use for to-go meals.

 

Will there be a way for students to anonymously report non-compliance of health and safety guidelines?

All students are expected to follow all guidelines and recommendations established by Alvernia University. Non-compliance will be considered a policy violation and referred to the Office of Community Standards for follow up. Students can report non-compliant behaviors by their peers, through the already-existing notification system, Report It.

What will residence life and student activities look like this year?

Alvernia looks forward to student residency during the 2021-2022 academic year. With the vaccine requirement in place and surveillance testing of unvaccinated students, we anticipate the residential experience to be similar to those of previous years. However, to continue protecting our residential community the visitation policy will be amended to the following:

• Non-Alvernia visitors are NOT permitted in the residence halls.
• Alvernia students may visit each other in their respective residence halls and rooms, as stated in the visitation policy in the residence life section of the student handbook. Reminder: the right to privacy and safety supersedes the right to have visitors. Roommates should discuss their expectations regarding visitors in their room while completing a roommate agreement form.

What will athletics look like during the spring 2022 semester?

The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) and Alvernia University have consistently endeavored to provide a path forward towards competition in all sports. To begin the semester, no spectators will be allowed at Alvernia athletic events. If student athletes have questions about their specific sport, including testing requirements, they should contact their coach.

What are the expectations for campus visitors?

Alvernia has established expectations for all campus visitors (including guest speakers) as well as for employees who invite visitors to campus.  

Visitor Expectations 

• All visitors (including guest speakers) should complete self-monitoring of symptoms, which includes taking their temperature with a thermometerand screening other symptoms through the Alvernia Visitor COVID-19 Daily Self Checklist on a computer or mobile device by visiting or by filling out this paper form with a campus contact before entering any campus facility. This is expected of visitors each time they come to campus. 
• Visitors must follow the university's current masking guidelines.
• Visitors should remain home if feeling ill or after having been exposed to someone who is sick or tested positive for COVID-19 and reschedule their visit for a later time.

Employee Expectations 

Prior To Arrival

• Employees should send a copy of the Visitor Expectations (listed above) to their guests before their arrival on campus. 
• Employees should encourage their visitors to complete the Alvernia Visitor COVID-19 Daily Self Checklist before their arrival on campus. 

Upon Arrival

• Employees should ask visitors if they have properly completed the Alvernia Visitor COVID-19 Daily Self Checklist.  
• If visitors cannot access the Alvernia Visitor COVID-19 Daily Self Checklist via their mobile device, employees should provide a paper form for the visitor to complete.  
• Employees are responsible for entering the information supplied by the visitor on the paper form, into the Alvernia Visitor COVID-19 Daily Self Checklist as well as sending the paper to the Health and Wellness Center via interoffice mail for proper record keeping. 

Will the university operate its usual shuttle services and how can I know where the shuttle is?

For the Spring 2022 semester, campus shuttles shall operate. All riders must wear masks while on shuttles.

Students, faculty and staff can check on the current location of Alvernia shuttles by downloading the Buswhere app on their mobile device by doing the following: 

• Navigate to BusWhere.com/Alvernia and register with an Alvernia email address. 
• Check the email for a registration link and click it.
• Enter a name, choose a password and enter a phone number.
• Enter the times they want to receive notifications (students should pick the times they use the shuttle most).
• Complete the registration and explore the site.
• Download the BusWhere for Alvernia app by searching "BusWhere for Alvernia University" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Are outside groups able to utilize campus spaces for public events (conferences, lectures, etc.) while students are on campus?

Requests will be individually reviewed and considered continuously. Outside groups may submit their requests by emailing Jessica Miller at Jessica.Miller2@alvernia.edu.  In-person events may be cancelled due to conditions either on campus or in the larger community. 

How will students, parents and community members learn about university updates regarding COVID-19?

All relevant information, including updates, FAQs and further resources, will remain available on this page. The university recommends bookmarking this pages and revisiting often.  

As with last year, the university plans to update reguarly.

The university will continue to provide updates via the university's email system. Parents are encouraged to sign up for Alvernia's new Parent communication platform, Campus ESP.

The university will share information via its social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

The Provost holds Q&A meetings for faculty as needed. 

For any emergency communication, Alvernia will utilize the Omnilert email and text message system. The Alvernia community can register for that system here.

What is the best way to inquire for more information or clarification?

The university understands that many have questions about the return to campus and the university's plans. The best method to voice those questions is by sending an email to Campus.Update@Alvernia.edu.

Due to the ongoing large number of inquiries, most questions will be answered in the form of new and updated FAQs and updated letters that can be found on this page.

Previous Updates

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Dear Alvernia Community, 

We hope you all are enjoying a wonderful, safe and healthy summer. As we prepare for the return of our students and the Fall 2021 semester, we have a few important details to share regarding campus operations for Alvernia’s students, faculty and staff: 

Alvernia University Vaccine Requirement for 2021-22 Academic Year 

As we stated in our last message on May 24, Alvernia expects to be a vaccinated campus by the start of the Fall 2021 semester. Thanks to all who have let us know that they have been vaccinated. Vaccinated individuals will have as close to a normal college experience as is possible. Face masks and physical distancing will not be required indoors or outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals except for certain situations including when entering the Health and Wellness Center, Athletic Training rooms, other healthcare settings and university buses and shuttles. The locations/situations where a mask will be required to enter/attend will be clearly marked and communicated with the community. Everyone is expected to continue to carry masks in case they are needed. 

ACTION REQUIRED: Students enrolled at all campuses for the Fall 2021 Semester must provide documentation (medical records or vaccine certification card) of vaccination by August 1, 2021, via an upload to the Student Health Portal. 

This requirement will strengthen the University’s ability to protect the health and safety of our campus and neighboring communities. Universal COVID-19 vaccination for all our students will contribute to greater immunity, reduce the risk of clusters of COVID-19 on campus, and help protect members of our community who are at the highest risk of developing serious disease from the virus. 

All vaccines authorized by the FDA or WHO will be considered suitable to fulfill the University’s requirement. 

Students, faculty and staff who haven’t received their vaccines are encouraged to do so via their local providers, which can be found here.

Exemptions: As with all required vaccinations, Alvernia allows requests for medical, religious, or philosophical exemptions. Students requesting an exemption should send a secure message (“health requirement question”) through the Student Health Portal to request the exemption form. This form must be completed in the Student Health Portal. If the reason is medical, a medical form will be emailed to the student and must be completed by a health care provider. This form must then be uploaded to the Student Health Portal. 

• Students requesting an exemption from the COVID vaccine will have an experience similar to last year regarding restrictions, quarantine and testing. 
• Unvaccinated students are expected to wear masks when indoors (may remove when in own personal living space (residence hall room). Consistent with state guidance, enforcement of vaccine compliance is a personal responsibility. 
• A pre-arrival negative test for residential students and student-athletes (within three days before arrival on campus) must be uploaded to the Student Health Portal in order to receive keys and/or participate in practices. Encouraged to self-quarantine at home for two weeks prior to arrival. 
• If exposed to a person with COVID, the student will be required to quarantine for 10 days.
• Serial testing of unvaccinated individuals is planned throughout the semester, with frequency to be determined by the level of community spread and public health recommendations. 
• Since healthcare and other worksites may require COVID vaccination, the educational experience of unvaccinated students may be impacted. 

It is important to note that these guidelines and requirements are subject to change with changes in community spread and if federal or state recommendations change. More information on the fall semester, including updated Return to the Vern Fall 2021 FAQs, will be communicated in the near future. 

As we’ve done since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will answer questions about the fall semester and COVID-19 vaccine requirement by posting announcements and updating FAQs on our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu. 

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack. 

On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team, 

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost 

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff 

Monday, May 24, 2021 | Updated Masking Policy and Vaccination Requirement for Fall 2021

Dear Alvernia University Community,

First, we’d like to thank you all for your continued diligence in following the university’s COVID-19 guidelines. Your efforts ensured the safety of our campus and the local community and made celebrating the numerous accomplishments of our 2020 and 2021 graduating students possible. As a campus community, we continue to follow CDC guidelines for the safety of our students faculty and staff. We also write to update you regarding the masking requirements on our campuses and also the addition of a COVID-19 vaccine to the required vaccinations for our students. 

Updated Masking Guidelines

The Alvernia University mask guidance has been updated effective today, May 24, 2021, following the announcements by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and CDC guidance for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The new guidelines are as follows:

• Fully Vaccinated Individuals: Face masks and physical distancing will not be required indoors or outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals (An individual is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and 14 days after the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine). There will be exceptions when/where face masks must be worn, including when entering the Health and Wellness Center, other healthcare settings and university shuttles. Those who are fully vaccinated but have symptoms of COVID-19 should wear a mask and consult their primary care provider. The locations/situations where a mask will be required to enter/attend will be clearly marked and communicated with the community. Everyone is expected to continue to carry masks in case they are needed.
• NOT Fully Vaccinated Individuals: Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a face mask both indoors and outdoors. Consistent with state guidance, enforcement of vaccine compliance is a personal responsibility. The university is not requiring proof of vaccination status for mask compliance. Supervisors and employees should not ask their employees and coworkers whether they have been vaccinated. As students will be required to be vaccinated for the Fall 2021 semester, Alvernia recommends students upload their COVID-19 vaccination record to Student Health Portal.

Vaccine Requirement 

Recent reports of the effectiveness of vaccines, along with the increased availability, promise a brightening forecast in the upcoming weeks. With that being said, we expect Alvernia to be a vaccinated campus by the start of the Fall 2021 semester.

Students enrolled at all campuses for the Fall 2021 Semester should provide documentation of an FDA-authorized vaccination by August 1, 2021.

 
This requirement will strengthen the University’s ability to protect the health and safety of our campus and neighboring communities. Universal COVID-19 vaccination for all our students will contribute to greater immunity, reduce the risk of clusters of COVID-19 on campus, and help protect members of our community who are at the highest risk of developing serious disease from the virus.

All vaccines authorized by the FDA or WHO will be considered suitable to fulfill the University’s requirement. Proof of vaccination through medical records (or vaccine certification card) will be required.

Students, faculty and staff who haven’t received their vaccines are encouraged to do so via their local providers which can be found here. As with all required vaccinations, Alvernia will allow requests for medical, religious or philosophical exemptions. 

We encourage students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Students are required to upload the proper verification documentation to the Student Health Portal. 

As we’ve done since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will answer questions about the fall semester and COVID-19 vaccine requirement by posting FAQs to our Health Alerts page. If you have any questions, be sure to send them to Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Thank you for continuing to do your part and help us all #StayWithThePack.

On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff

UPDATED FAQs

Will there be an option to be fully remote for the fall for students who aren’t vaccinated? 

Alvernia students will have the ability to work with their advisors to coordinate a virtual schedule based on the Fall 2021 existing online offerings.

Please note that most classes will not be available in an online format.

In-person classes will resume, for all students, in classrooms that follow CDC and the PA Department of Health guidelines for higher education settings.

Zoom options will only be available to students who placed in quarantine or isolation by the Health and Wellness Center for a COVID-19 related reason. Students who are fully vaccinated are not required to quarantine after coming into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID, unless they develop symptoms, in which case they must be tested for COVID by our Health and Wellness Center or other healthcare provider and upload their results to the Student Health Portal.

Friday, May 14, 2021 | COVID-19 Update

Dear Alvernia Community,

Our message today is simple... Thank you! Thank you all for helping us end our on-campus academic year by following the campus guidelines that helped our campus stay safe and healthy during this challenging year. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best in Alvernia. We would like to thank each of you who have shown compassion and empathy and offered a helping hand to others during this extraordinary time. 

As we wrap up finals, assignments and presentations, and prepare for our in-person commencement ceremonies tomorrow, here are a final few important notes as we head into the summer: 

• #CampusClear, Daily Dashboard and Weekly Updates suspended during summer: Effective Monday, May 17, we will suspend using the campus clear daily reporting app for the summer for all students, faculty and staff members, daily updates of the COVID-19 dashboard and weekly COVID-19 update emails. Whether at home or continuing to come to campus, everyone should continue to monitor their symptoms daily throughout the summer. Students remaining on campus will have access to the Health and Wellness Center for necessary testing and counsel for any COVID-19 related illness. Employees should report any positive COVID-19 test to Human Resources or confirmed close contact exposure and consult their physician for medical guidance. The Pandemic Response Team will continue to work diligently over the summer months to prepare for returning to campus in the fall. Important updates, including campus guidelines, will continue to be sent periodically, so please monitor your university email accounts throughout the summer. 
• Masks required for commencement ceremonies: For tomorrow’s commencement ceremonies, all participants and guests must wear face masks at all times, including in parking lots, while moving towards the ballpark, and inside the ballpark other than while actively eating or drinking. Face masks must cover the nose and mouth.
• Vaccines are readily available. Sign up today: As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccines in Pennsylvania are now available to anyone over 12. Alvernia is strongly encouraging all students, faculty and staff to make plans to receive the vaccination as soon as possible. Have questions about the Vaccine? Check out the latest FAQs from the CDC. We will continue to update you on clinics available on campus, but you are also encouraged to view the Vaccine Finder to find a local provider. 

If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 guidelines, please contact the Pandemic Response Team via email at Campus.Update@alvernia.edu.

Congratulations to all our graduating students, we can’t wait to celebrate commencement with you tomorrow! If you have any final questions about commencement, please visit the website at Alvernia.edu/Commencement-2021 for more FAQs and important links. 

Have a wonderful summer! 

On behalf of the Pandemic Response Team,

Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & Provost

John McCloskey, D.B.A., Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff