A message from the COVID Office: Fall 2021 vaccination and testing update

Dear Campus Community,

As we approach the end of July, we begin the countdown to our Fall 2021 semester on campus. In just a few short weeks, we will begin the academic year, and your SU COVID-office continues to adjust as the pandemic evolves. We offer here a few updates and reminders.

VACCINATION

Science has shown that vaccinations are our greatest tool in stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants. Numbers of positive COVID tests are rising, especially in the 18-29 age group. All members of the SHIP community are encouraged to get vaccinated before Fall 2021 activities begin on campus in August. getting vaccinated, you help our community minimize the number of positive cases, so important to our community’s well-being and a comprehensive in-person college experience! We look forward to full classrooms, athletic events, social activities and all of the in-person opportunities that make the SHIP experience great.

If you cannot get vaccinated before you come on campus, Shippensburg University will be offering vaccination clinics on campus. You can schedule your first dose of the vaccine on August 21^st or August 23^rd by clicking here: https://calendly.com/shipr3testing/covid-19-vaccination-first-shot. August 15^th is a vaccination date available for early arrivals.

If you are vaccinated, you do not need to wear masks at this time. If you are not vaccinated, you are asked to wear a mask for your well-being and for the well-being of others. Non-vaccinated visitors are asked to wear a mask when indoors and when in close proximity to others, except while actively eating or drinking.

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS

All non-vaccinated students who reside on-campus will be required to participate in our COVID-19 testing regiment by signing up at https://calendly.com/shipr3testing/covid-19-testing-1 . Testing is to occur within 48 hours of move-in. Proof of vaccination eliminates the testing requirements for residential students. Present proof of vaccination to the Etter Health Center upon arrival or can submit it via this link: https://apply.ship.edu/register/covid19-vaccine. Residential students who have completed the two week wait after their second vaccination dose and have provided proof will not be required to test during the Fall semester. Failure to comply with testing and/or vaccination verification requirements are violations of the Housing Contract and may result in removal from the residence hall and forfeiture of housing fees. Testing of asymptomatic students is conducted at our testing center in the CUB Union building, Room 121. Symptomatic students should contact the Etter Health Center (ext. 1458) and schedule a testing appointment.

After campus move-in, a percentage of non-vaccinated residential students will be required to test weekly as part of a surveillance testing program. Students will be notified and provided instructions when they are randomly selected.

We look forward to a great semester and celebrating our 150^th anniversary. Please do your part in the fight against COVID and we’ll see you soon.