August 11, 2022
Susquehanna University was one of a few colleges to maintain in-person instruction during all four semesters of the past two years. We were successful thanks to students, faculty and staff efforts.
In preparing for the fall semester, we made adjustments that make things easier while maintaining essential health protocols to minimize Covid on campus. Virus prevention and planning still depends on you.
Fall Covid Plan Supports Continued Safety
The Fall 2022 Covid Plan has been updated. Highlights include:
- No campus-wide mask requirements, other than the following exceptions:
- Within a classroom or lab when required by a faculty member,
- Unvaccinated individuals traveling with others on university business, including field trips and athletics travel,
- Anyone entering the Student Health Center, or
- Students remaining on campus under quarantine or isolation protocols.
- At the Clyde H. Jacobs Fitness Center, students continue to use the IM Leagues App to reserve a time. Faculty and staff can use their current Susquehanna ID and refer to the plan for family access.
- New students must show vaccination record cards with proof of fully vaccinated status before arriving to campus. Returning students cards are already on file.
GO Travel Requirements
Students, faculty and staff traveling on GO programs must be fully vaccinated and should be prepared to meet additional requirements, such as boosters, that may vary by host location. Vaccine exemptions from Susquehanna do not apply for international university-sponsored travel and GO Short domestic programs due to the nature of the programs as well as host regulations.
Get Boosters
Everyone should stay current with your Covid boosters. Studies show that staying up to date significantly reduces your risk of severe illness from the latest variants. It also helps others by lessening your ability to transmit the virus to them.
Monkeypox Monitoring and Precautions
Susquehanna is monitoring the world outbreak of monkeypox. The United States has declared an official health emergency to dedicate immediate resources for this emerging infection. The university has health protocols in place and is prepared to enhance them as needed.
Currently, the risk of getting monkeypox for most people is low. However, according to the CDC, cases in the U.S. and Pennsylvania are on the rise and anyone in close, skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact with an infected individual is at risk.
According to the World Health Organization, anyone can be susceptible to monkeypox, which can initially present with a fever (similar to Covid) prior to presenting a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. Here are tips to protect yourself. If you develop a fever, unexplained rash or other symptoms, avoid close contact with anyone and make an appointment to see the Student Health Center or your healthcare provider.
Questions?
If you have questions, contact the Covid-19 Hotline at 570-372-3333.
Best wishes for a great fall semester!