As we prepare for the spring semester, please note these important reminders:
VACCINE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Students who submit proof of vaccination will be entered into a final drawing for prizes, including a $5000 scholarship; three $2500 scholarships; and ten $500 scholarships, courtesy of the Shippensburg University Foundation. Deadline to participate is Friday, January 14, 2022. Find more information at raiderrespect.ship.edu.
VACCINE INFORMATION
Shippensburg University strongly encourages all students and employees to be fully vaccinated and, if eligible, receive the booster before classes start. Vaccines and boosters lower the risk of infection, protect against serious illness, lessen the probability of spreading the virus, and reduce the risk of long COVID-19 symptoms. Natural immunity from a prior COVID-19 infection is not an adequate substitute and researchers have found that the risk of reinfection with Omicron is approximately five times greater than that for other variants[1].
Vaccine status determines mitigation requirements if you are identified as a close contact. Vaccinated individuals may return to class reducing or eliminating quarantine when testing negative (see quarantine/isolation below).
TESTING REQUIREMENTS for the Spring Semester
Residential students: All residential students, regardless of vaccination status, must show proof of a negative test taken three (3) days within prior to moving into the residence halls. Required testing will be available on campus for students who do not provide proof of a negative test prior to moving into the residence halls.
Information from the Office of Housing and Residence Life will be sent outlining testing requirements for Move-In. For further questions please contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life at 717-477-1701 or by e-mailing housing@ship.edu.
Symptomatic testing: Testing will be available for all students that experience symptoms of COVID-19. Testing for symptomatic students will be available at the Etter Student Health Center. To schedule an appointment, please call 717-477-1458.
Students Identified as a Close Contact: Testing will be available for all students identified as a close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Vaccinated individuals may return to campus upon receipt of a negative test while masking. Testing for Close Contacts to return to campus can be arranged with the Etter Student Health Center. To schedule an appointment, please call 717-477-1458.
Surveillance testing: Periodic surveillance testing may occur at the beginning of the semester to determine if outbreaks might require additional restrictions on campus gatherings and activities. Ongoing surveillance testing may occur throughout the semester depending upon campus, local, and/or regional conditions.
Asymptomatic testing: Testing for asymptomatic individuals will be available on a limited basis. Starting January 18 there will be testing available on Tuesdays and Thursday in CUB 105 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Student athletes: Student-athletes will undergo testing based on PSAC guidance. Masking during competitive play will follow PSAC and NCAA guidelines. For more information on testing or to schedule a test please visit raiderrespect.ship.edu.
QUARANTINE/ISOLATION
Vaccinated individuals will be required to show proof of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Mitigation strategies will continue to be informed by CDC, PA Department of Health guidance, and best practices for testing, mitigation, and quarantine/isolation of individuals exposed to or diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.
Fully vaccinated individuals who have had close contact with a positive COVID-19 case may return to campus upon proof of a negative test.
Unvaccinated individuals who have had close contact with a positive COVID-19 case must quarantine for five (5) days from the contact notification and may return to campus activities upon proof of a negative test only after following quarantine.
Students who are advised to quarantine or isolate due to a confirmed exposure or confirmed positive test result must follow the isolation guidelines. Students, faculty, and staff will have restricted campus access while in quarantine or isolation. Students should consult with their faculty member(s) regarding the best way to stay current with assigned course work while completing any required quarantine/isolation period.
Employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or exposure should contact their medical provider for diagnosis. Employees who are advised to quarantine or isolate should notify their supervisor and not report to the workplace.
Monitoring and Reporting
Employees and students should self-report any symptoms or exposures at covid19@ship.edu or by calling 717-477-1007.
Staff and Faculty Reminders
Academic departments that need additional PPE supplies, including face shields, sanitizer, masks, and other items may contact COVID Office at 717-477-1007 or covid19@ship.edu to request supplies.
Rapid Antigen tests are currently available for Faculty and Staff members. Those requesting tests can stop by the Office of Human Resources or the COVID Office on the first floor of Old Main to pick up a test.
