Edinboro University’s Emergency Response Team continues to monitor the latest national data related to the COVID-19 pandemic while working tirelessly to minimize the spread of the virus and foster a safe living, learning and working environment on campus.
The following plan addresses all aspects of the Edinboro experience – from academics to housing and dining – and outlines necessary modifications to campus operations. University planning efforts were guided by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Adjustments may be necessary as circumstances evolve. Please review the plan and frequently asked questions and provide us with your feedback and questions.
Adherence to CDC recommendations and University protocols remains critical to ensuring our semester can proceed without interruption. Each of us plays a vital role in safeguarding the campus community. Whether you are learning on campus or at home, thank you for doing your part.
We are in this together, Fighting Scots!
Classes will be scheduled and classroom occupancy determined following pre-pandemic practices. Social distancing is encouraged, and everyone regardless of vaccination status will be required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth when they are indoors on campus.
In the event of a COVID resurgence requiring that in-person classes be suspended for a period of time, the administration will request temporary approval of all courses for online delivery to get through the crisis.
In-person student advising will continue following pre-pandemic practices. However, faculty may schedule fully synchronous online office hours or a combination of online and in-person office hours this fall due to health concerns or to better serve students.
Clinical Experiences and Internships
Clinical experiences and internships will continue as usual. Clinical and internship sites may implement their own COVID-19 mitigation requirements.
Our academic calendar will align with those of Clarion and California universities.
Full semester details, including drop/add and withdrawal deadlines, are available on the Fall 2021 Detailed Academic Calendar.
This page will serve as a hub for official information regarding plans for the fall semester, including campus announcements, FAQs and mitigation guidance.
Athletics will resume within the parameters set by the NCAA and PSAC. Spectators will be permitted to attend athletic competitions, indoors and outdoors.
In-person events, activities, club sports and recreational sports will resume normal operation and capacities. Although attendance tracking will no longer be required, it is recommended when possible. In accordance with the CDC’s guidance, social distancing is recommended and mask wearing is required by everyone regardless of vaccination status when indoors on campus.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Plans will no longer be required for events, but event organizers will still be required to follow the University’s event-approval process within the Event Management System (EMS).
Food service will be authorized at events. There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through food, but sharing utensils and congregating around food-service areas may present risks. If food is offered at an event, individual meals should be served or dispensed via pre-packaged boxes or bags rather than a potluck, buffet or family-style meal.
The Fitness Center in Frank G. Pogue Student Center will also be open at full capacity for all students.
Residence hall occupancies will be returned to pre-pandemic, full occupancy status with no restrictions. However, roommates and suitemates of individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19 may be required to quarantine unless they are fully vaccinated. Therefore, the University encourages all students to become fully vaccinated.
Move-in
COVID-19 entry screening will continue at move-in, and one of the following will be required for each resident:
The Celtic Court and the Cyber Café in the Frank G. Pogue Student Center and the Marketplace in Van Houten will operate in the fall 2021 semester.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets produced by individuals infected with COVID-19. Currently, there is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through handling or eating food. However, respiratory droplets can land on surfaces and objects. It is possible for someone to contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes (similar to the spread of other viruses and bacteria). The spread from touching surfaces (such as utensils) is not believed to be the common way that COVID-19 spreads.
In accordance with the CDC, the University encourages all students and employees to follow these mitigation strategies in food service areas:
Academic support services will resume normal operations for the fall semester. In-person support will be available in Ross Hall.
The Baron-Forness Library will be closed for renovations. However, a study area has been established in Van Houten South Dining Hall. Computers will be available, but the numbers have been reduced.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will provide a range of services to eligible students on a short-term basis. Services will continue to be provided through a hybrid approach, utilizing in-person visits, teletherapy and remote consultations. Evening appointments will be available Monday through Thursday.
Currently enrolled students who have paid the Health Center fee may receive CAPS services without additional charges. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 814-732-2252.
Know how it spreads
According to the CDC, COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Research has suggested that the virus may spread by people who are not showing symptoms. The risk of contracting the virus increases the more closely a person interacts with others and the longer that interaction. While current vaccines have demonstrated effectiveness against COVID-19 variants, even those vaccinated should remain diligent in their hygiene practices.
Wash your hands often
Avoid sick individuals
Wear a mask
You may remove your mask when you are inside your own residence hall room, actively eating or drinking in Van Houten Dining Hall or other dining area, or alone in a private office.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect
Monitor your health
Face masks are required to be worn inside all campus buildings due to the increased transmission of the Delta variant currently circulating in the United States, regardless of vaccination status. Based on the current data and guidance provided by the CDC, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in outdoor settings is minimal. In general, fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask outdoors. However, the CDC does encourage individuals to consider wearing a mask when outdoors in a crowded setting or participating in activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated, particularly in areas with high numbers of cases.
Information regarding the masking requirements are subject to change based on guidance from local, state and federal health officials.
Individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a documented health condition or disability must request an exception through the Office for Accessibility Services. Employees must request an exception through Human Resources and Faculty Relations.
Exceptions
Additional face mask requirements:
Physical distancing requirements have ended following changes by Pennsylvania Acting Secretary of Health. However, physical distancing is encouraged when possible.
In-person meetings will be permitted, but the University encourages virtual meetings whenever possible. While social distancing will not be required at meetings, it is encouraged. Virtual meetings can also improve efficiency and provide flexibility for employees working in multiple locations.
Food is authorized at meetings. There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through food, but sharing utensils and congregating around food-service areas may present risks. If food is offered at a meeting, it is encouraged that food is individually plated or pre-packaged, such as in boxes or bags. It is recommended that you avoid having potlucks or buffet-style meals. Individuals attending the meeting should sanitize or wash their hands prior to handling any food or shared items. Hand sanitizing or washing stations are to be located near the food area. If someone is feeling ill, they should stay home.
Building ventilation
There are many types of HVAC systems located on the Edinboro campus. While these systems are numerous and varied, they were professionally designed to the standards in place at the time. Because of the variance in the systems and their modes of operation, the adjustments that can be made to the systems in response to COVID-19 will vary as well.
This operations plan was developed based upon the current guidance and recommendations available and will be adjusted as new information becomes available. Sources and guidance used in developing this plan:
Edinboro University’s Facilities Department will take the following actions per the current guidance to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19:
Facilities does not recommend opening windows, doors or other openings to the outside. Doing so could:
The Campus Bookstore has partnered with Barnes and Noble to supply textbooks to Edinboro University students. Textbooks can ONLY be ordered online. At checkout, you will be offered the choice to have your textbooks shipped (off-campus) or to be picked up in the bookstore (during limited hours). No direct sales of textbooks will occur in the bookstore. All orders must be placed online. Please check the bookstore website for store hours.
Student Health Services will conduct appointments through in-person visits and telehealth. Students should call ahead to schedule a visit. But urgent, walk-in appointments will be accommodated.
Prescreening of all face-to-face visits will be completed in advance, and individuals with respiratory concerns will be separated from those requesting well visits such as TB tests and physicals. All individuals are required to wear a mask while at the Health Center. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you.
University-Related Domestic Travel
University-Related International Travel
Students and employees planning to participate in University-related international travel are required to complete the following:
The requirement for remote work ended on May 31, 2021, but remote work may be permitted pending your supervisor’s approval and based on the needs of students, colleagues and visitors to campus.
Additional information will follow in the near term regarding the University’s official remote work policy. Please contact your supervisor with any questions.
As a proactive measure to keep our campus community as healthy as possible, we are asking for your help to ensure the good health of all students and employees.
Please self-report for any one of the following situations:
Quarantine
Diagnosis
How to Self-Report
Students:
Employees:
The University and all of its employees play an important role in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Their observations and reporting of student attendance and symptoms, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) will be key. Everyone will be asked to:
COVID-19 testing will still be available from Student Health Services for any student requiring a test (diagnostic or surveillance), regardless of whether they live on or off campus. Students must contact Student Health Services at 814-732-2743 to schedule an appointment for testing.
The University will conduct COVID-19 entry testing for all students living in on-campus housing, ROTC cadets and University athletes. In the event that the County or campus community begin to identify indicators of moderate COVID-19 transmission, surveillance testing may be required for all students living in on-campus housing, ROTC cadets and University athletes.
Note: Students that have been fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status will not be required to participate in entry or surveillance testing.
The University is strongly encouraging all students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as they are able to do so. Vaccines are widely available at this time, and many locations do not require an appointment, making it easy and convenient to get a shot.
The University has partnered with Walmart to offer a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus on Thursday, Sept. 2, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Frank G. Pogue Student Center, Room 143. Second doses will be administered on Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Registration
Edinboro University has partnered with the Erie County Department of Health to establish contact tracing procedures for our campus. Contact tracing will be utilized to identify and inform members of the Edinboro community who may have had close contact with someone on campus who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. University personnel have undergone contact tracing training to prepare them to assist the health officials with contract tracing if needed.
The Erie County Department of Health has protocols for confirmed cases. Information will be shared in accordance with the Erie County Department of Health’s guidance. Each situation will be unique and will be evaluated on what notifications will be necessary based on the current situation to ensure the confidentiality of the student or employee.
Quarantine and isolation measures are critical to mitigating further spread of the virus on our campus. Individuals who are feeling unwell or are experiencing the following symptoms should stay home and seek medical attention.
Quarantine
Quarantine is used to keep an individual who might have been exposed by close contact to someone with COVID-19 away from others. This individual may or may not develop illness.
What counts as close contact?
The most protective recommended quarantine period remains at 14 days after the date of last exposure (Day 0) to a person who is infectious with COVID-19. CDC has provided options for reduced quarantine which balances the reduced burden to the individual under quarantine against a small possibility of increasing the spread of the virus. These options are provided below based on the requirements established by the Department of Health.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated (residing off campus)
Individuals that have not been fully vaccinated residing off campus and have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, have the following options to reduce their 14-day quarantine:
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated (residing in on-campus housing)
Individuals that have not been fully vaccinated residing off campus and have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, have the following options to reduce their 14-day quarantine:
Note: If you are a contact of a positive suitemate, you may request to be moved to a separate suite to reduce your quarantine period.
Individuals that have been fully vaccinated (on or off campus) and without symptoms
Fully vaccinated individuals that do not have symptoms living on or off-campus do not need to quarantine after exposure to a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, provided they meet the following criteria:
Note: Fully vaccinated individuals living in on-campus housing should be tested but are NOT required to quarantine after an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Individuals that do not meet both above criteria should continue to follow guidance for individuals who are not vaccinated after exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Isolation
Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (with or without symptoms) from people who are not infected.
Residential students will isolate in their residence hall room and will be monitored. The University offers concierge services for those individuals that are in quarantine or isolation. These services include meal delivery, laundry services (if needed), and mail collection. To request these services please contact Student Health Services.
Non-residential students should isolate themselves in their current housing location, separate themselves from others, monitor their symptoms and follow directions from the Department of Health.
Communications with students, employees and parents will be ongoing and clear to ensure that these key stakeholders understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from the University as they return to campus. In addition to email, we will post all relevant information to the fall planning webpage. Questions posed directly to the President’s Office, Marketing and Communications and other University offices will be answered as soon as possible. We will emphasize the fluidity of the situation as we work to manage expectations.
Communications to the campus community regarding COVID-19 cases will be done in accordance with Erie County Department of Health’s protocols, as the authority having jurisdiction. We also will ensure compliance with FERPA, while at the same time ensuring that we are as transparent as possible with the campus and broader communities.
The Clery Act and its implementing regulations require institutions to notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or staff occurring on campus. The DOE does not interpret the statutory language as requiring institutions to give regular, on-going updates on COVID-19 or to proactively identify positive COVID-19 cases within the campus community. The department also does not interpret the statutory language to apply to positive COVID-19 cases among individuals who are not attending classes, working or residing on campus or to require notifications to such individuals.
An institution may satisfy the emergency notification requirements of the Clery Act as follows: (1) provide students and employees a single notification through the regular means of communicating emergency notifications informing them about COVID-19 and necessary health and safety precautions, as well as encouraging them to obtain information from health care providers, state health authorities, and the CDC’s COVID-19 website; or (2) create a banner at the top of the institution’s homepage containing that same information, including a statement about the global pandemic and a link to the CDC’s website.
All media inquiries will be managed by the Marketing and Communications division, which will ensure a timely and clear response. Where possible, we will engage in proactive media relations to ensure information is shared up front clearly and concisely.
In addition to following guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC, Edinboro University has worked closely with the Erie County Department of Health since the spring of 2020. We have a well-established, positive relationship with these agencies, and we will continue to coordinate with them through the life of the pandemic.
Frequently asked questions about Western Integration
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Office of Safety and Risk Management
1st Floor Lawrence Towers
150 Perry Lane
Edinboro, PA 16444
Phone: 814-732-2709
Fax: 814-732-2228
Jim Dahle
Director of Safety and Risk Management
Email: jdahle@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-2709
Fax: 814-732-2228
