2022–2023 COVID Policies

All students must submit a negative PCR test taken within seven days of arrival (printed results should be handed in during the health center screening). While there are fewer public testing options, we know that CVS.com, Walgreens.com, and local Urgent Care Centers are still providing PCR testing. If the fee for the testing is a financial hardship please reach out to Melissa Cassel, Dean of Students, for assistance.

Upon arrival on campus all students will complete a rapid antigen test as part of their health center screening. Once a negative result is returned, students will complete registration. If a student tests positive, they will have to leave campus immediately and quarantine with their family or guardian. 

On arrival days we ask that everyone arriving to campus wear masks. Once a student is tested and cleared (see above), they may remove their masks. This year we will be mask-optional unless circumstances dictate a change. Currently, we are requiring masks at indoor performances.

This year we will not be conducting weekly PCR testing on campus, We will provide on-campus antigen testing for any students who have COVID-19 symptoms. PCR testing, if requested by a medical professional or needed for travel, will be arranged off campus.

• When a student tests positive and is within a four-hour driving distance, the student must be picked up by family or guardians that day.

If the student is not within a four-hour drive:

• If in a single room, they will stay in their room with meal delivery.

• If in a double room, we will move them to a quarantine space in their dorm, another dormitory, or the health center top floors with meal delivery.

• They will use the floor bathroom with designated times to shower, brush teeth, etc. They may use the bathroom with a mask on as needed.

• Quarantine location will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Director of Health Services and the Dean of Students.

• Quarantine will be five days after testing positive, followed by five days of strict mask use, as long as symptoms have been resolved on day five. Students who experience severe symptoms will quarantine for up to 10 days as determined by the Director of Health Services. Students who do not abide by strict mask use will be subject to longer quarantine on or off campus.

This year, we will rely on individuals to make smart, healthy choices as they monitor their own symptoms. Students who have symptoms of COVID-19 must report to the health center prior to missing classes for consultation, testing if warranted, and necessary care. We will not be using any system for a daily health check.

Additionally, as we are only testing symptomatic students, we will not be providing weekly updates about positive cases on campus. Finally, we will not be doing any contact tracing based on positive cases and ask all community members to communicate with those they feel appropriate should a positive test happen.