COVID-19 Protocols for Spring Semester 2022

New Booster Requirement for Residential Students

 

January 7, 2022

As Bulldogs return for Spring 2022, all returning staff and faculty members, regardless of vaccination status, must complete a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before reporting for in-person duty on Jan. 10 or later. Additionally, in compliance with information announced by the University System of Maryland, residential students will be required to get the vaccine booster before returning to campus. Students living in congregate housing are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 infection. These precautions will provide an extra layer of protection on campus against the aggressive spread of the Omicron variant occurring across the region.

Testing Protocol for Staff and Faculty

  • The Wellness Center offers PCR tests daily, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., except Fridays when PCR testing will end at 12 noon through January. Appointments should be made through the Wellness Portal.
  • Tests may be taken through an external provider, but results must be uploaded to the portal before reporting to work on campus.
  • Staff and faculty should not come to campus for work until a negative PCR test result is reported. Please speak with your supervisor for guidance on extended telework to complete testing in light of unavailability of the Wellness Center testing site during the inclement weather.

Testing Protocol for Students

  • Residential students will be tested for COVID-19 at the time of move-in. Those who test positive will have to reschedule the move-in date. Appointments to move in will be set on Jan. 18 for new students and Jan. 19 – 21 for returning students. Scheduling information will be provided from Residence Life.
  • Commuter students must be tested Jan. 18 – 26 within 72 hours before your first day of class. PCR tests can be scheduled through the Wellness Center or an external testing site. Results of any off campus testing must be uploaded to the Wellness Portal.

Vaccination and Mask Requirement

All students, staff and faculty must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious exemption to access campus and attend classes. Face masks must be worn in all indoor spaces at all times.

  • Residential students must bring your vaccination card or proof of the booster when you return to campus. Students who are eligible, should seek boosters from your physician, community clinics or the Wellness Center before move-in.
  • The booster requirement also applies to residential students with 12-month contracts currently residing on campus over winter break.
  • Students with approved exemptions are not impacted by this requirement and no action is needed.
  • The booster requirement will follow CDC guidance on eligibility for shots after the last vaccine dose:  six months for Moderna; five months for Phizer, 2 months for Johnson & Johnson.
  • The Moderna vaccine and booster is available on campus Monday and Wednesday 9 – 11:45 a.m.  Schedule an appointment at the Wellness Portal.
  • Booster shots are strongly encouraged for all members of the campus community who are eligible for the best protection against the Omicron variant.
  • New students may request a vaccination exemption through Jan. 21. Residential students must be vaccinated with a booster or have an approved exemption to move in.
  • Vaccinated persons must do a COVID-19 test once every 30 days. Persons with approved exemptions must test twice per week.

Safety Protocols for Academic and Office Spaces

BSU will offer mostly in-person classes for the spring semester. To register for spring courses, all students must be vaccine compliant. The last day to register or adjust class schedules is Feb. 4.

  • Classroom capacity will be set for three feet social distancing
  • Ventilation systems are equipped with sanitizing UV light
  • HEPA air filters in each classroom
  • Hand sanitizer and wipes in each classroom and across campus
  • Enhanced cleaning of high touch surfaces
  • Plexiglas barrier between students and teaching station
  • KN95 masks available for everyone

Safety Protocols for Athletics and Campus Events

The Athletic Department has suspended spectator attendance for all winter sports until further notice to protect the health of student athletes.

  • Athletes must test for COVID-19 once each week.
  • Non-campus attendees of other events must show proof of vaccination
  • Capacity limits for events will be set with three feet of social distancing.

We want to thank the entire BSU campus community for your continued support in doing your part to protect the health of everyone on campus. As we weather the current surge, please remain diligent in wearing your mask and reporting any COVID-19 related symptoms.

Please monitor your email and the COVID-19 Updates webpage for additional information as it becomes available. If you have questions you may also email covid19@bowiestate.edu. Questions about academic issues should be sent to covid19academics@bowiestate.edu