BSU Return to Campus – Your Questions Answered
August 11, 2021
There is a great sense of anticipation across the Bowie State community as the beginning of the fall semester approaches, but many persons still have questions about what to expect. To help address some of the concerns, this message will provide answers to some of the frequently asked questions being submitted to the COVID-19 email.
Q: Do I have to have a vaccine to move into housing?
A: All students must be fully vaccinated to move into any university housing. This means two weeks have passed since your last vaccine dose.
Q: I am a commuter student. Do I have to take the vaccine to take classes on campus?
A: All students, faculty and staff returning to the BSU campus for Fall 2021 semester must be fully vaccinated. To be considered fully vaccinated, it takes two weeks after your last dose for your system to build up immunity.
Q: My second dose of the vaccine is scheduled for Aug. 23. Will I be able to start school on time?
A: You will not be able to come to campus until two weeks after your last vaccine dose. You should contact your professors for possible arrangements to complete coursework for the first week of class.
Q: If I am granted an exemption, do I still have to take classes on campus?
A: Some BSU classes are offered in hybrid or fully online modes and these are open to any student as they fit into your schedule.
Q: Is the two-week hold after vaccination a BSU requirement?
A: BSU is following the CDC guidance that it takes two weeks for your body to develop the antibodies to protect against the virus. We require the two-week wait to assure that members of our community are fully protected.
Q: Why is my badge still yellow after I submit my vaccination record?
A: To get and maintain a green badge in the Wellness Patient Portal requires three actions: 1) submit proof of vaccination or receive an exemption, 2) complete the daily symptom survey and 3) complete a COVID-19 test. Testing is offered on campus Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. BSU requires vaccinated persons to take the COVID-19 test once every 30 days. Persons with exemptions must test twice per week.
Q: Many persons have come into my office without masks. Can I tell them to put one on and get some to have on hand to give out?
A: The university guidelines require that masks be worn by everyone when indoors, unless they are eating, so we all have responsibility to remind persons of the rules to protect the community. The university has a substantial supply of masks and hand sanitizer available at designated locations across campus to have on hand in your office. You can pick them up from 1) Thurgood Marshall Library, Student Center – ticket window, Haley Hall, Campus Safety – McKeldin Gym, and Campus Safety – Robinson Hall.
Q: I am concerned about being safe in a classroom with other people. What is BSU doing to protect us?
A: BSU has put in place a multi-layered approach to protect against spread of the virus. 1) most people on campus will be vaccinated, 2) masks are required at all times in classroom and all other indoor spaces, 3) building ventilation systems use UV light to sanitize air coming into and circulating in buildings, 4) HEPA air filters are in every classroom to provide additional cleansing of circulated air; 5) desks are placed three feet apart, and 6) plexiglas barriers are placed between the teaching station and student seats.
We look forward to reigniting the a vibrant campus life, but safety remains our top priority. If you have questions about the return-to-campus transition, please email covid19@bowiestate.edu and monitor the COVID-19 Updates web section for the latest information.