COVID FAQs
When will classes begin and end? When are final exams?
Fall 2022 classes are scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 22, and end on Friday, Dec. 9 Final exams will be held Monday, Dec. 5, through Friday, Dec. 9.
Will internships, clinical or student teaching be impacted?
Students in clinical, student teaching and other out-of-class assignments should follow the guidance of their placement location.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO MISS CLASS DUE TO COVID?
Contact Student Health Services at 814-393-2121 to let them know you are feeling unwell.
Contact your professor(s) to let them know you won't be in class. Ask for instructions about how to keep up or catch up on any missed material or assignments.
A medical excuse will be required upon return to the course or your absence(s) will be considered unexcused. Documentation provided by Student Health Services or Student Affairs is acceptable, but you are responsible for providing the documentation/excuse to each of your faculty members.
Will Student Health Services notify my professors that I am in quarantine or isolation?
No. Student Health Services will not notify faculty members that students are in isolation due to privacy laws. Students are responsible for notifying faculty members that they will not be in class.
What campus dining options will be available during the fall 2022 semester?
All campus dining locations will be open for the fall semester.
Are masks required on campus?
PennWest will follow CDC recommendations. Currently, masking is recommended indoors in public spaces when county-based community transmission levels are at high levels.
What is considered an approved face covering?
Higher-grade masks (KN95 or KF94) or disposable surgical masks (typically blue, which can be sealed above the nose) are strongly recommended.
Examples of suggested types of masks:
Is the university providing masks to students?
Students are encouraged to maintain their own supply of masks. A limited number of disposable masks are available at the campus information desk for students who have lost or forgotten to bring an approved mask.
Is testing available on campus for students?
The campus health center has a supply of rapid COVID tests. For community-based testing locations, visit https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html
Are in-person events and activities permitted?
When CDC guidance indicates that community spread is high, virtual meetings and events will be strongly encouraged. Meetings and events convened by members of the campus community, including student groups and office hours, may be held in person following masking recommendations.
Meetings and events involving outside groups will be permitted following masking guidelines.
What should I do if I feel sick?
Students: If you experience symptoms, visit MyHealth Clarion Scheduling to make an appointment, or call the Health Center at 814-393-2121 for additional information. Isolate in your room while you await results.
Employees: Seek guidance from your healthcare provider and notify your supervisor.
Am I up to date on my vaccinations?
Ensure you are optimally protected against COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and staying up to date with a booster dose. Vaccine-specific information and booster eligibility details are available on the CDC’s website.
How will campuses be notified about confirmed cases?
Following the procedures of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we will no longer be contact tracing or updating case numbers. For information on the community level of COVID-19, visit the CDC website.
Is university-related travel permitted?
COVID travel restrictions are lifted, but depending on the community levels of COVID-19 at your destination, masking may be required. For questions, contact your adviser or supervisor.
Do I need to wear a mask if alone in my workspace or office?
No. When CDC guidelines indicate community spread is High, masking is strongly recommended in all campus buildings unless you are inside your own residence hall room or alone in a private study room or office.
Am I permitted to ask others about their vaccination status?
With the exception of Health and Wellness staff members, individuals are not permitted to ask any other employee or student about their vaccination status. This does not mean that you cannot discuss vaccination or COVID-related topics more generally. In the classroom, if these topics are relevant to the learning objectives of the course, then you can certainly discuss them.
Are food and drink permitted at campus events?
When community spread of COVID-19 is high:
- Food and drinks will be permitted at indoor events and meetings.
- Food does not need to be pre-packaged, individually wrapped nor served by a food services professional; proper utensils are required to pick up food.
- Food is not permitted in classroom settings.
- Concession stands will be open during sporting events, following local food safety guidelines.
- If shared food (e.g., pizza) is provided for a meeting or event, it is recommended that individual use a previously unused utensil (e.g. fork or spoon) to retrieve the food item.
A close contact tested positive for COVID. Can I still attend class in person?
In accordance with CDC guidance for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19, you can continue to attend classes/work if you wear a high-quality mask the entire time you are in campus buildings (unless you are alone in a private office or residence hall room) for at least 10 days after your last exposure.*
Watch for symptoms. If symptoms develop, isolate immediately and get tested.
Even if you don't develop symptoms, you should get tested at least five full days after your last exposure. If you test negative, continue wearing a mask through day 10. If you test positive, isolate immediately.
*If you live with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, day 1 is the first full day after the individual with COVID-19 has ended the isolation period.