Help Desk

Spring 2021 FAQs

New FAQs are being added regularly, so check back soon. If you have a question that is not addressed here or if you would like to provide feedback, please email communications@pennwest.edu.

Quick Links

Academics
Campus Access, Events and Operations
Costs and Aid
Dining
Health and Safety
Housing
Technology
Testing, Quarantine and Isolation 
Information for Employees

Academics

Classes, internships, clinicals, course delivery, academic calendar and attendance

Spring 2021 classes will begin on Monday, Jan. 25, and end on Friday, April 30. Final exams will be held Tuesday, May 4, through Friday, May 7.

For the safety of the campus community, there will be no spring break. Reading Day is scheduled for Monday, May 3.

Courses are being offered through a blend of in-person and online modalities. The number of in-person courses has increased to 30%, and a greater number of remote courses are utilizing synchronous delivery methods. A number of asynchronous classes are also being offered for those who find them more convenient.

The list of course offerings for the spring and their delivery modalities is available on S.C.O.T.S. When searching for courses in S.C.O.T.S., the course delivery method is listed at the far right of the course entry. The course delivery methods are numbered 1 through 4 with abbreviated descriptions.

Classes will utilize one of four methods:

  • 100% online asynchronous
  • In-person component required
  • 100% online synchronous
  • 100% online blend of synchronous/asynchronous

Full descriptions are available on the Course Delivery Methods page.

Courses taught through synchronous delivery are those in which the professors host online Zoom lectures live in real time at the same time and same frequency as originally scheduled.

Professors who develop courses for asynchronous delivery create prerecorded video lessons, reading or research assignments or game-based learning tasks that students complete on their own schedule. Asynchronous learning may also encompass a wide variety of instructional interactions, including email exchanges, online discussion boards, breakout rooms and other instructional materials and correspondence, among many other possible variations. Employing a wide range of tools to share content can deepen students’ understanding in this remote learning environment.

A blended learning approach often utilizes regular online Zoom sessions to deliver lectures and then directs students to online resources that the professors have prepared.

Active learning practices such as question and answer, writing-revision, problem-solving, group work, or authentic exploration may look different in an online classroom where students are not physically with the professor and their classmates. Faculty members embrace principles of quality instructional design and active learning in their daily lessons whether they are teaching in a face-to-face or remote learning environment.

Edinboro University professors will utilize asynchronous and synchronous learning methods based on what is best for their individual courses.

Faculty were consulted on their individual courses about whether an online or face-to-face experience would be optimal based on the course content, their individual discipline and their teaching style. Faculty who have the expertise to effectively deliver the course learning objectives online have indicated that this would be the optimal delivery in this setting, while those that felt that a face-to-face experience would be more meaningful based on their teaching style will be delivering their courses face-to-face. Therefore, we believe that the learning outcomes that students receive, whether face-to-face or online, will be valuable moving toward graduation and their career.

Professors embrace principles of quality instructional design and active learning in their daily lessons whether they are teaching in a face-to-face or remote learning environment. Faculty and staff continue to be accessible and are highly committed to student success. Our faculty strive to balance the needs of all students and to help them succeed in each course.

No. You will not be required to engage in face-to-face learning during the spring 2021 semester if you are not comfortable doing so.

If you would like to explore virtual course options and need help with scheduling, please contact their faculty advisor or the Academic Success Center at 814-732-2218.

There may be some courses in which the University is required to have students engage in person to meet state licensure requirements. If a student is scheduled to take one of these courses and is not comfortable engaging in person during the spring 2021 semester, the University will work with the student to reschedule the course for a future term.

Students with health issues should work with the Office for Accessibility Services (OAS) to arrange for accommodations. OAS will refer all eligible students to the appropriate dean's office to discuss any schedule changes that may be necessary.

If you are registered for a synchronous online course, you are expected to attend each class, just as you would if the class was in person. The University’s attendance policy would still apply to these classes.

Space is available in Baron-Forness Library and in the third floor lounge of Frank G. Pogue Student Center for students who need a quiet place to relax between in-person courses or to take an online course. Headphones are recommended.

Private study rooms, desktop computers and laptops are also available for student use in Baron-Forness Library. Additional information about Library operations and resources is available on the Library's COVID-19 page.

All classrooms were methodically evaluated and assigned a reduced occupancy limit based on social distancing guidelines. Furniture has been rearranged, and seating rotation markings are in place.

Please contact your faculty advisor or the Academic Success Center at 814-732-2218.

Student teaching assignments will proceed as usual as long as the placement site is able to accommodate student teachers.

If you have questions regarding student teaching assignments, please email Dr. Stephanie Williams at swilliams@pennwest.edu.

Clinical experiences and internships will continue as planned unless the host site or organization is no longer able to accommodate the student. In many cases, the availability of these experiences is dependent upon the host organizations’ COVID-19 policies. Students should contact their internship site directly or their internship supervisor with any questions.

Courses will offer flexibility to students who face health challenges during the semester. Students will be responsible for notifying faculty members if they become ill or are unable to attend in-person classes due to quarantine or isolation.

Campus Access, Events and Operations

Building hours, parking and events

No. Parking permits will not be required for students or employees during the spring semester.

The $75 parking fee will not be charged to student accounts, even if they have already completed the online vehicle registration through the Parking Permits icon in myEdinboro.

The campus community will receive information at a later time about obtaining parking permits for the fall 2021 semester.

All students, including students who do not live on campus or have in-person classes, may access Baron-Forness Library. Many of the library’s resources are also available online.

Frank G. Pogue Student Center Building Hours
Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Bookstore
Saturday, Jan. 23, and Sunday, Jan. 24: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Normal hours will resume Wednesday, Jan. 27.
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Residence Life and Housing Office
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Division of Student Engagement Office
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Fitness Center
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Noon - 8 p.m.
Students must reserve an appointment through the IMleagues icon in the myEdinboro portal. 

John Christman, Ph.D., veterans success coordinator, is available to assist military veterans, current service members and their dependents with access an affordable, high-quality education and comprehensive support services to meet their individualized and diverse needs. Contact the Veterans Success Center at 814-732-1568 or veterans@pennwest.edu
Yes. The PSECU office will be open Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. To set up a virtual meeting, email Katie Krasa, community business development manager, at kkrasa@psecu.com. Katie is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Yes. Community members are permitted to walk on campus as long as social distancing and mask-wearing measures are followed.

Edinboro Athletics is resuming competition in winter sports including Division I MAC wrestling and DII PSAC men’s and women’s swimming. In addition, the Fighting Scots plan to compete in all spring PSAC sports including men’s and women’s outdoor track, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s lacrosse and softball.

Although they won’t be competing, all other fall and winter sports will return to campus and resume strength, conditioning and practices with limited opportunities to scrimmage on a case by case basis.

All student-athletes are being tested for COVID-19 upon return to campus and are quarantining until results are confirmed. Edinboro is adhering closely to all testing requirements and safe return to sport protocols as outlined by the NCAA, PSAC and MAC. Additionally, student-athletes and staff are adhering to all university, state and CDC policies regarding COVID-19 risk mitigation.

Low risk in-person events, activities, specific club sports and recreational sports (e.g. snow shoeing, table tennis, billiards, etc.) will be held on campus for all students in spring 2021. Events planned on campus by external organizations will continue to be suspended at this time

All in-person events, activities, specific club sports, and recreational sports will be required to adhere to strict mitigation requirements (i.e. COVID self-assessment screenings, attendance tracking, no food service, compliance with updated room capacities, social distancing, mask wearing, reduced exchange of shared items, frequent cleaning/disinfection, proper hygiene) and with the organization’s advisor or a University representative present to oversee the health and safety of the event, activity, or recreational sport for the entire duration.

Spring 2021 Commencement is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 8.

No decision has been made regarding the modality of the Spring 2021 commencement ceremony.

Costs and Aid

Financial matters for students and HEERF Reporting

Due to the current pandemic, each student will have their own bedroom and bathroom. Suite Singles and Suite Doubles can accommodate up to two students per suite. Semi-Suite Doubles and Semi-Suite Singles, which have one bathroom, can accommodate only one student per suite.

  • Semi-Suite Double: $3,000
  • Semi-Suite Single: $3,650
  • Suite Double: $3,800
  • Suite Single: $4,000
  • Single Studio: $4,500

Questions regarding housing costs can be directed to Residence Life and Housing at boroliving@pennwest.edu.

Fees are used to enhance the student learning experience, to sustain the operation of University facilities and to fund student activities and critical support services – which are available to students both on and off campus. Below is a brief outline of each fee:

University Center Fee

The University Center Fee funds personnel for the fitness desk, Campus Recreation and University Programming Board as well as operational costs of Frank G. Pogue Student Center. It is also a fee mandated by Pennsylvania legislation to provide for repayment of financing for construction. Students will be charged a reduced University Center Fee of $160 for the spring 2021 semester. Students who are not charged but who would like to use the fitness center may opt in by paying the $160 fee on marketplace.

Student Activity Fee

The Student Activity Fee funds student initiatives through Edinboro University’s Student Government Association, as well as clubs, organizations and athletics. A series of virtual events, activities and fitness classes will be offered throughout the semester, and students near and far will continue to participate in student clubs and organizations.

Health Center Fee

Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services in Ghering Health and Wellness Center will continue to serve students through teletherapy, teletalk, remote consultations, referrals and limited in-person visits. Healthcare professionals remain committed to keeping our students, faculty and staff safe and healthy.

No. Parking decals will not be required for the spring 2021 semester. The $75 parking fee will not be charged to your student account, even if you have already completed the online vehicle registration through the Parking Permits icon in myEdinboro.

Edinboro University Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Reporting

Request for Emergency Funds

CARES Act Emergency Student Aid and Institutional Portion use of Funds

Dining

On-campus dining options, hours and meal-delivery protocols

Celtic Court in Frank G. Pogue Student Center will be open during the following hours:

Absurd Bird

  • Monday through Friday: 7 - 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Boro Burrito

  • Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Homestyle

  • Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 4 - 7 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 4 - 7 p.m.

Residential students in quarantine or isolation should complete the meal delivery order form.

Your meals will be delivered to your room.

If requested, Student Health Services may be able to work with Highmark to arrange food delivery to students living off campus. Contact Student Health Services at 814-732-2743 for more information.

Health and Safety

COVID-19 and campus safety protocols

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and usually cause mild to moderate symptoms. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

The virus that causes COVID-19 most commonly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet, or 2 arm lengths). It spreads through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes. Indoor environments without good ventilation increase this risk.

  • These particles can be inhaled into the nose, mouth, airways, and lungs and cause infection. This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
  • Droplets can also land on surfaces and objects and be transferred by touch. A person may get COVID-19 by touching the surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Spread from touching surfaces is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include, but are not limited to, fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms range from minor illness to severe pneumonia and can appear two to 14 days after initial exposure. The CDC's Self-Checker can help you make decisions and seek appropriate medical care.

The CDC recommends taking basic precautionary steps to prevent the spread of germs and respiratory viruses.

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
  • Stay 6 feet away from others.
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, especially after using the restroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and discard used tissues immediately.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your home.
  • Don’t share food or drink.
  • Monitor your health daily, and stay home when you are sick.

Yes. Until further notice, students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus must wear a face covering with two or more layers to enter campus buildings and in hallways, meeting rooms, common spaces, elevators and all other areas where social distancing is not possible.

Individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a documented health condition or disability must request an exception through the Office for Accessibility Services.

Yes. Faculty, staff and students are required to take their temperature and complete the COVID Self-Assessment daily in the EU Shield App prior to reporting to campus.

How to Shield Up with EU Shield:

  1. Download the EU Shield safety app through the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Complete the self-assessment. A green shield means you are good to go! If your screen is red, follow the next steps provided on the app.

Individuals who do not have a smartphone can take the daily self-assessment here prior to arriving on campus. Those who do not have computer or Internet access at home must stop at the University Police Station upon arrival to campus to complete the self-assessment.

Ghering Health and Wellness Center will be open by appointment only to all students, including those living off campus.

Appointments will be conducted through telehealth, Zoom health and limited in-person visits. For the safety of students and staff, walk-in appointments will not be accepted. Students must call ahead to schedule an appointment at 814-732-2743.

Prescreening of all face-to-face visits will be completed in advance, and individuals with respiratory concerns will be separated from those requesting well visits such as tuberculosis tests and physicals.

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 3-10 p.m.

If you are sick, stay home and practice good hygiene. Monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical advice by calling (rather than visiting) your primary health care provider or Student Health Services at 814-732-2743.

Healthcare providers will work with local and state health organizations to determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19.

If you are experiencing emergency warning signs such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face, seek emergency medical care immediately. Call 911 or call ahead to you local emergency facility.

There are a couple of things that you can do to keep your glasses from fogging while wearing a mask.

  • Make sure that your mask fits securely over your nose. A mask with a nose bridge will keep warm air from exiting up to your glasses. You can buy masks with a nose bridge or masks that can be shaped to fit the face.
  • Simply wash your lenses with soapy water and shake off the excess liquid. You can allow your lenses to air dry or gently wipe them off with a soft cloth before wearing your glasses again. If you have a special coating on your lenses, check with your optician before washing them with soap and water.
  • Use your glasses to seal the top of your mask and shape it to your face.

Learn more about keeping your glasses from fogging up while wearing a mask on the Cleveland Clinic website.

Housing

Move-in, visitation and residence hall mitigation efforts

About 425 students are residing on campus during the spring semester, compared with 275 in the fall. As with the fall, all students living on campus have their own bedroom and bathroom.

The housing requirement was waived for the 2020-21 academic year. Students who did not live on campus in the fall were not required to live on campus during the spring 2021 semester.

Students who fulfilled one year of the housing requirement prior to the 2020-21 academic year will not be required to live on campus during the 2021-22 academic year.

First-year students who do not qualify for a housing exemption will need to live on campus during the 2021-22 year to fulfill the second year of the housing requirement (dependent upon the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 at that time).

Yes. Students living on campus were required to undergo a health screening, a temperature check and a COVID-19 test prior to moving into their residence hall.

As part of the University's COVID-19 mitigation measures, all students were assigned their own bedroom and bathroom. Because our traditional housing option offers shared bathroom spaces, neither traditional housing nor pet-friendly housing will be available during the spring semester.

No. With the exception of move-in and move-out, visitors to campus are not permitted to enter residence halls during the spring 2021 semester. Access to residence halls will be restricted to residential students and essential University personnel.

At this time, students living on campus are not permitted to visit residence halls other than their own.

Technology

Internet access, tech support and online learning assistance

Wi-Fi is available in Baron-Forness Library and the Frank G. Pogue Student Center, near the Boro Pit and in the parking lot next to Mallory Lake. You can log in using your Edinboro username and password.

If visiting campus is not possible or practical, check in with your local internet provider. Some companies are providing internet access free or at a reduced rate for students during the pandemic.

The Technology Help Center in Ross Hall is a great resource for students who are having technological difficulties. The Help Desk offers walk-in and virtual help with student PC issues - regardless of whether you live on campus or off. For more information, call 814-732-2111 or log in to my.edinboro.edu and click on the "Tech Help" icon.

Desktop computers and laptops are also available for student use in Baron-Forness Library.

Information Technology Services (ITS) maintains an extensive list of self-help solutions and technology guides.

The ITS Zoom Guide contains information about setting up your Edinboro Zoom account as well as links to live training webinars. You can also access Brightspace by D2L & Bongo Tutorials and Solutions or contact the Technology Help Center for more information.

Testing, Quarantine and Isolation

Surveillance testing, confirmed cases, vaccine information and travel protocols

Yes. Student Health Services will continue to provide testing for students who are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19. Student Health Services can be contacted at 814-732-2743.

Employees who are symptomatic or are considered a close contact should reach out to their healthcare provider.

Surveillance testing, which is used to monitor for increasing or decreasing prevalence of COVID-19 within a population, is regular testing of individuals who are not experiencing symptoms and have not been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. Edinboro University will conduct surveillance testing throughout the spring semester as an added safeguard to minimize the spread of COVID-19 within the campus community.

The University has established required test groups and voluntary test groups, identified below. If you are part of multiple test groups, the most restrictive testing protocols will apply.

Required Test Groups

  • Students residing in on-campus housing (tested upon arrival during regular move-in and 10% of the population tested weekly)
  • Nursing clinical students (tested at the start of clinical and 10% of the population tested weekly)
  • Student teachers (tested at the start of the semester and 10% of the population tested weekly)
  • ROTC cadets (tested at the start of the semester and 10% of the population tested weekly)
  • Athletes (tested at the start of the semester and tested in accordance with NCAA and PSAC guidelines)

Voluntary Test Groups

  • Students registered for an on-campus course (10% of the population tested weekly, 1 test per student)
  • Employees (including student employees) (10% of the population tested weekly, 1 test per employee)

All surveillance testing will be administered in Ghering Health and Wellness Center. Students and employees will receive an email with a registration link and additional information when they have been selected for testing. The University is providing this service free of charge to students and employees.

Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should contact Student Health Services at 814-732-2743 to arrange testing. Employees who are symptomatic or are considered a close contact should reach out to their healthcare provider.

Yes. Students and employees in the voluntary test groups who ARE NOT experiencing symptoms and ARE NOT a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 may request one test by contacting Jim Dahle, director of Safety and Risk Management, at jdahle@pennwest.edu.

Who is considered a member of the voluntary test group?

  • Students who live off campus and are registered for at least one on-campus course. Please note: Nursing clinical students, student teachers, ROTC cadets and athletes are members of the required test groups, regardless of whether they live on campus or off.
  • Employees (including student employees)

Upon receiving notification that you have tested positive for COVID-19, stay calm and immediately return to your residence to begin the isolation period.

If you received the positive COVID-19 test result from an off-campus provider or testing site, call Ghering Health and Wellness Center immediately to inform Student Health Services at 814-732-2743. If you were tested on campus, Student Health Services will contact you.

Notify your instructors that you will not be attending class. Your instructors will work with you to develop a plan for completing missed work, if necessary.

Residential Students

Students living on campus who test positive will be isolated in a single residence hall room. Student Health Services will contact you to determine possible close contacts, provide additional information regarding isolation, food delivery and laundry services and monitor you while you recover.

Students in quarantine or isolation should complete the meal delivery order form.

If you have questions or concerns during the isolation period, contact Student Health Services at 814-732-2743 or Jim Dahle, director of Safety and Risk Management at 814-732-1709.

If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), call 911. Please let them know that you are in isolation for COVID-19 and make sure to wear a mask/face covering if emergency medical services attend to you in any way.

Commuter Students

Commuter students who test positive will be asked to isolate at home and not report to campus until they have recovered. Student Health Services will contact you to determine possible close contacts, provide additional information regarding isolation and monitor you while you recover. If requested, Student Health Services can work with Highmark to arrange food delivery.

If you have questions or concerns during the quarantine period, contact Student Health Services at 814-732-2743 or Jim Dahle, director of Safety and Risk Management at 814-732-1709.

If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), call 911. Please let them know that you are in isolation for COVID-19 and make sure to wear a mask/face covering if emergency medical services attend to you in any way.

Isolation

All students who test positive with symptoms will remain in isolation until they meet CDC guidelines.

Currently, this guidance calls for isolating until:

  • Ten (10) days have passed since symptoms appeared; and
  • At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
  • Other symptoms have improved.

All students who test positive with no symptoms will remain in isolation until:

  • Ten (10) days have passed since the positive test and no symptoms have appeared.

If you have been identified as a "close contact" of someone who tested positive, you must quarantine for 10 days, even if you receive a negative test result.  

If you were identified as a close contact by an off-campus provider, call Ghering Health and Wellness Center immediately to inform Student Health Services at 814-732-2743.

Notify your instructors that you will not be attending class. Your instructors will work with you to develop a plan for completing missed work, if necessary.

Residential Students

Students living on campus who have been identified as a close contact will be quarantined in a single residence hall room. Student Health Services will contact you to provide additional information regarding quarantine, food delivery and laundry services.

Students in quarantine or isolation should complete the meal delivery order form.

If you have questions or concerns during the quarantine period, contact Student Health Services at 814-732-2743 or Jim Dahle, director of Safety and Risk Management at 814-732-1709.

Commuter Students

Commuter students who have been classified as a close contact will be asked to quarantine at home and not report to campus. Student Health Services will contact you to provide additional information regarding quarantine. If requested, Student Health Services can work with Highmark to arrange food delivery.

If you have questions or concerns during the quarantine period, contact Student Health Services at 814-732-2743 or Jim Dahle, director of Safety and Risk Management at 814-732-1709.

Quarantine

All students who are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 will remain in quarantine until 10 days have passed since your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.

According to the CDC website, when you can be around others (end home isolation) depends on different factors.

If you think or know you had COVID-19, and you had symptoms, you can end isolation after:

  • At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
  • At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
  • Symptoms have improved

If you had severe illness from COVID-19 (you were admitted to a hospital and needed oxygen), your healthcare provider may recommend that you stay in isolation for longer than 10 days after your symptoms first appeared (possibly up to 20 days) and you may need to finish your period of isolation at home. If testing is available in your community, your healthcare provider may recommend that you undergo repeat testing for COVID-19 to end your isolation earlier than would be done according to the criteria above. If so, you can be around others after you receive two negative tests results in a row, from tests done at least 24 hours apart.

If you tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms, you can be with others once 10 days have passed since the date you had your positive test.

If you tested positive for COVID-19 and have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medication, you might need to isolate longer than 10 days. Your healthcare provider may recommend you undergo repeat testing for COVID-19. If your healthcare provider recommends testing, you can be with others after you receive two negative test results in a row, at least 24 hours apart.

All students and employees who are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 will remain in quarantine until 10 days have passed since your last contact with a person who has COVID-19, even if you received a negative test result

You may return to class or work after the conclusion of your 10-day isolation period. 

After your quarantine period ends, you should:

  • Continue to monitor your symptoms until 14 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, immediately self-isolate and contact Student Health Services (students) or your healthcare provider (employees).
  • Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We have created a COVID-19 Tracker webpage to keep you informed of the number of confirmed positive cases involving a student or employee who has been living, working or taking an in-person class on campus or who may have presented an exposure risk to other members of the University community.

You are encouraged to visit the web page and review its content so that you are aware of the communications protocols and other procedures that have been put in place to address confirmed positive COVID cases.

The University is currently listed as a closed POD (Point of Distribution) with the PA Department of Health, which means that the University will only vaccinate members of the campus community. The University has not received a tentative date from the PA Department of Health on when to expect to receive the vaccine for distribution. Further information will be shared with the campus community once updated information is received from the PA Department of Health.

By Order issued Nov. 17, 2020, the Wolf administration is requiring that travelers entering Pennsylvania from other countries and states, as well as Pennsylvanians who are returning home from other countries or states, have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the Commonwealth or quarantine for 10 days upon entry into Pennsylvania. If a traveler chooses to get tested upon entering the Commonwealth, or is waiting for test results, the traveler must quarantine for 10 days or until receipt of a negative test result, whichever comes first.

Students residing on campus will be tested upon arrival during move-in. Students who are not residing on campus should plan to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the Commonwealth or contact Jim Dahle, director of Safety & Risk Management, at jdahle@pennwest.edu, to obtain a test through the University’s surveillance testing program.

Information for Employees

COVID-19 employee protocols
Student employees (graduate assistants and undergraduate student workers) will be permitted to work at the discretion of their supervisor, even if they are not living on campus.

Everyone must wear a face covering when indoors, irrespective of physical distance, however, if a person is working alone, and has no expectation of being around other persons, they do not need to do so.

"Working alone" means when a person is separated from interaction with other people with little or no expectation of in-person interruption. Examples include:

  • A lone worker inside the enclosed cab of a crane of construction equipment.
  • A lone worker inside an office with four walls and a door.
  • A lone worker inside a cubicle with 3 walls and a door or entryway, where walls are high enough to block the breathing zone of all people walking by, and the worker's activity will not require anyone to come inside that person's workspace.
  • A person who is alone in an agricultural field or other open area with no expected contact with others.

Contact Us

Office of Safety and Risk Management
1st Floor Lawrence Towers
150 Perry Lane
Edinboro, PA 16444
Phone: 814-732-2709
Fax: 814-732-2228

Jim Dahle
Director of Safety and Risk Management
Email: jdahle@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-2709
Fax: 
814-732-2228