Spring 2021 Planning

As a health and safety precaution, the University will continue to limit the number of students on campus for the spring 2021 semester. The number of in-person classes will be increased slightly, and the housing capacity for residential students will be expanded. 

Classes offered in-person will be taught using multi-modal delivery, and there will be a limit on the number of students in the classroom at a given time. Classes with an experiential component (e.g., labs) may be offered through a combination of in-person and online instruction. In-person classes will be scheduled in larger rooms, when possible, to ensure physical distancing. Students enrolled in face-to-face classes will be assigned a seat, and attendance will be taken regularly. All students will be required to monitor their own health daily, using the EU Shield App and may be required to show the results of their self-assessment as they enter in-person classroom spaces.

Information Technology Services will provide technical support and guidance for students, faculty and staff throughout the semester. 

Clinical Experiences and Internships

Clinical experiences and internships will continue as usual and follow guidance provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Education and CDC.

Final Exams

The administration of final exams will be dependent on the modality of the course offering. Courses that are offered in-person will have an in-person final and courses offered online will have an online final. 

Back to top

Our academic calendar will align with those of Clarion and California universities. 

• Classes begin on Monday, Jan. 25.
• No spring break.
• Classes will end on Friday, April 30.
• Monday, May 3, is a Reading Day.
• Final exams will be administered Tuesday, May 4, through Friday, May 7.
• The semester will end on Friday, May 7.
•  Information regarding commencement will be shared at a later date.

 

Back to top

This page will serve as a hub for official information regarding plans for the spring semester, including campus announcements, FAQs and social distancing guidance.

Mitigation signage that addresses symptoms, face coverings and social distancing has been installed across campus.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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. Off-campus club and organization events are not permitted.

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. 

The Fitness Center in Frank G. Pogue Student Center will be open to all students. Reservations will be required for students wishing to utilize the Fitness Center.

Back to top

Due to health and safety concerns, on-campus housing will remain at a reduced capacity. However, we will be opening more residence halls to increase the capacity to approximately 550.

All students will still be provided their own room and bathroom.

Priority for on-campus housing was given to students in the following order:

• Students who resided on campus in the fall 2020 semester and have an in-person class in spring 2021 semester with a permanent address >50 miles away.
• International students and student-athletes (preference will be given to first-year students and seniors)
• Students with an in-person class in spring 2021 semester with a permanent address >50 miles away (preference will be given to first-year students and seniors)
• All other students (preference will be given to first-year students and seniors)

Students who will be living on campus will be subject to a health screening, temperature check and COVID-19 test prior to moving into their residence hall.

Modifications have been made to the residence halls to promote physical distancing as well as other health and safety measures in each building.

• Campus residence halls have been de-densified to limit crowding and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
• All students living on campus will be assigned their own bedroom and bathroom.
• Lounge furniture has been rearranged and/or reduced to limit gatherings.
• Elevator occupancy has been reduced to allow for social distancing, and signage has been installed to advise students of updated elevator capacities.
• Students are to maintain social distance while using the community kitchens and laundry rooms.
• Plexiglas barriers have been installed at lobby counters.
• Face coverings must be worn outside the student’s room at all times, including in restrooms, laundry rooms and hallways.

Move-in

The move-in process will maximize social distancing by staggering the arrival of students and their families to campus. The Office of Residence Life and Housing has provided move-in time slots, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 20, for families so that they can choose a time that works with their schedules. Students will be limited to two guests to assist them with move-in. Face coverings must be worn outside the student’s room at all times.

The University requests that all students who are returning to campus reduce contact with others outside of their family and follow CDC guidelines, such as wearing face coverings outside of their home, reducing non-essential travel and increasing handwashing two weeks prior to move-in.

Upon arrival to campus for move-in, students and visitors will be subject to a health screening and temperature check. Students will also receive a COVID-19 test.

Visitors

With the exception of designated move-in and move-out times, there will be no visitors permitted in the residence halls.

Back to top

The Celtic Court in Frank G. Pogue Student Center will operate in the spring 2021 semester in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Health requirements. The Marketplace in Van Houten Dining Hall will remain closed during the spring 2021 semester in an effort to streamline operations and bolster mitigation efforts.

Additional mitigation measures include:

• Tables and chairs have been rearranged for effective social distancing.
• Cash payments have been suspended and replaced with contactless card readers.
• Social distancing floor markers and signage have been installed.
• Physical barriers (e.g. Plexiglas) have been installed between workers and students where it is difficult to maintain social distancing.
• Entrance and exit areas have been designated for all food service areas.
• Increased cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces will continue.
• Utensils and dishes will be distributed.

Back to top

When using any type of transportation, follow these general principles:

• Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
  • Before you leave, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Once you reach your destination, wash your hands again with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as soon as possible upon arrival.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Practice social distancing.
  • During travel, try to keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) from people who are from outside your household — for example, when you are waiting at a bus station or selecting seats on a train.

• Wear face coverings.
  • Face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected but does not have symptoms. Face coverings should have two or more layers.

• Stay home when appropriate.
  • People who are sick or have recently had close contact (closer than 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period) to a person with COVID-19 should not share rides or use public transportation.

• Have adequate supplies.
  • Before traveling, pack sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Bring your face covering.

Public transit

Follow the general principles listed above, plus the following:

• Stay up-to-date.
  • Check with local transit authorities for the latest information on changes to services and procedures, especially if you might need additional assistance.

• Avoid touching surfaces.
  • Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces such as kiosks, digital interfaces such as touchscreens and fingerprint scanners, ticket machines, turnstiles, handrails, restroom surfaces, elevator buttons and benches as much as possible.
  • If you must touch these surfaces, wash your hands as soon as you can for 20 seconds with soap and water or rub your hands with sanitizer containing 60% alcohol.
  • Use touchless payment and no-touch trash cans and doors whenever possible. Exchange cash or credit cards by placing them in a receipt tray or on the counter, rather than by hand, if possible.

• Practice social distancing.
  • When possible, consider traveling during non-peak hours when there are likely to be fewer people.
  • Follow social distancing guidelines by staying at least 6 feet from people who are not from your household.

• Practice hand hygiene.
  • After you leave the transit station or stop, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • When you arrive at your destination, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Personal Vehicles

Follow the general principles listed above, plus the following.

• If possible, avoid sharing rides with people outside of your household.
• If you must share a vehicle, limit the number of passengers and wear a face covering.
  • Face coverings with two or more layers should be worn when two or more employees are riding together in a vehicle for work-related travel.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly (for example, the steering wheel, gear shift, door frame/handles, windows, radio/temperature dials, and seat belt buckles).
  • When using parking meters and pay stations, consider using alcohol wipes to disinfect surfaces or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol after use. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as it is possible.
• Improve ventilation.
  • Improve the ventilation in the vehicle if possible (for example, open the windows or set the air ventilation/air conditioning on non-recirculation mode).

Back to top

Academic support services will be available during the spring semester. Virtual methods will be utilized when possible.

In addition, peer tutoring and fully online tutoring, through Smarthinking, will be available throughout the semester.

Back to top

The Baron-Forness Library will be open again to visitors for the spring semester.

In order to minimize use of elevators and reduce foot traffic in the stairwells and stacks, we are strongly encouraging library users to take advantage of the “Request” feature in the library catalog. This will allow library staff to retrieve requested items and prepare them for pickup at the circulation desk or at curbside.

Librarians will be available through Zoom, email, chat and telephone to provide research assistance.

Study rooms remain available (four on the first floor, two on the second) but are currently limited to single-person occupancy.

Computers remain available for general use in the lab, but numbers have been reduced to create social distancing.

Library patrons/visitors are required to wear a face covering with two or more layers at all times while in the library, unless in a private office or study room.

Other mitigation measures include:

• Tables, chairs, seating rearranged for effective social distancing.
• Social distancing floor markers installed at points of service.
• Reduced number of private study carrels on floors 4-6.
• Cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces.
• Physical barriers installed at points of service.
• Reduced elevator capacity.
• Access to building limited to current Edinboro students, faculty and staff.

Additional information is available on the Library’s COVID-19 help guide at: libguides.edinboro.edu/covid19

Back to top

Know how it spreads

According to the CDC, COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Research has suggested that the virus may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. The risk of contracting the virus increases the more closely a person interacts with others and the longer that interaction.

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Hand sanitizer stations are located at various locations throughout University buildings. Facilities will continue to evaluate hand sanitizer locations.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid Close Contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home or residence hall. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household or suite members.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home or residence hall.
  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
  • Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering when around others

• It is possible to spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a face cover with two or more layers when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
  • Face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Facemasks meant for a healthcare worker should not be used.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Do not spit.
• Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
• Routine cleaning and disinfection have been increased across campus, focusing on touch points.

Monitor Your Health

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19.
• Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
  • Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.

Back to top

When used in conjunction with other preventative measures—including social distancing and proper hygiene—cloth face coverings can be an effective method of source control. Emerging evidence from clinical studies shows that cloth face coverings reduce the spray of respiratory droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. Face coverings help to protect those around you, including those who are at higher risk of severe illness.

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. Changes regarding face covering requirements will be made by the University’s Emergency Response Team based on guidance from local, state and national health experts.

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. Employees must request an exception through Human Resources and Faculty Relations.

Face Covering Considerations

• Face coverings should have two or more layers to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Masks should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, covering the nose and mouth. The mask shall not have an exhalation valve or vent.
• Face coverings should be laundered after each use in a washing machine or by hand using a bleach solution and must be completely dry before use.
• Disposable masks should be discarded after each use.
• Face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Types of Face Coverings

• Cloth face mask (with two or more layers of protection)
• Disposable face mask (with two or more layers of protection)
• Neck gaiter (with two or more layers of protection)
• Bandana (with two or more layers of protection)
• Face shield (only as an approved accommodation)
• Surgical mask (reserved for medical professionals)
• N95 respirator (reserved for first responders and medical professionals)

Students

Students are required to wear a face covering in all public spaces on campus, including classrooms, dining areas and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

Residential students are not required to wear a face covering in their personal room; however, face coverings are mandatory while in community spaces such as shared living rooms, hallways, stairways, elevators and laundry rooms.

Students are permitted to wear their own face covering as long as it meets CDC guidelines.

Employees

All employees working on campus (regardless of frequency) are required to wear a mask while working, except when the employee is eating or drinking, driving alone in a vehicle or working alone in an office. Employees are not to ride together unless it is absolutely necessary and it is for a duration of less than 15 minutes. Face coverings are required to be worn for the entire duration of the trip.

Employees who do not have a face covering should contact Safety & Risk Management to receive one at no cost to them.

Employees are permitted to wear their own face covering, subject to approval by their supervisor, as long as it meets CDC guidelines.

Visitors

Contractors, vendors and other visitors to campus must wear a face covering at all times while on University property. Face coverings will be supplied by the visitor or service provider.

Back to top

• All employees, students and visitors are required to practice social distancing while on campus.
• Occupants are to stay to the right while navigating all stairs, hallways and entrances/exits.
• Students should avoid arriving at their class too early to reduce congestion in the hallways. Classroom occupancies have also been lowered to help reduce this congestion and to maintain social distancing.
• Elevators capacities have been reduced to one or two passengers based on social distancing.
• Social distancing floor markers have been installed where appropriate.
• Physical barriers (e.g. plexiglass) will be installed at counters in areas where it is difficult to maintain 6-ft. social distancing, as deemed appropriate by Safety & Risk Management.
• All meetings should occur virtually when possible. If a meeting is to be conducted in-person the host must take attendance to assist with contact tracing.

Occupants are expected to maintain social distancing when in a lounge/lobby/study room/conference room. The furniture will be reduced where possible or pre-distanced seating markers may be installed.Back to top

Guidelines such as those published by the Pennsylvania Department of Education will be used as a basis for classroom design and capacity on physical distancing. Students and faculty should not enter a classroom until the room is completely vacant. Students and faculty should not arrive at the classroom early and should wait at a reasonable distance away from the doors.

Buildings

• Occupancy has been reduced in elevators.
• Acrylic guards and partitions were installed in high-traffic, student-service areas where social distancing is not possible.
• Hand sanitizer is available throughout the buildings.

Ventilation

There are many types of HVAC systems located on the Edinboro campus. While these systems are numerous and varied, they were professionally designed to the standards in place at the time. Because of the variance in the systems and their modes of operation, the adjustments that can be made to the systems in response to COVID-19 will vary as well.

This operations plan was developed based upon the current guidance and recommendations available and will be adjusted as new information becomes available. Sources and guidance used in developing this plan:

• CDC “Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education”; updated May 30, 2020
• Pennsylvania Department of Education “Preliminary Guidance for Resuming In- Person Instruction at Postsecondary Education Institutions and Adult Education Programs”; June 3, 2020, Version 1
• OSHA “Guidance on Preparing workplaces for COVID-19” (OSHA 3990-03 2020)
• ASHRAE “Environmental Health Committee (EHC) Emerging Issue Brief: Pandemic COVID-19 and Airborne Transmission”

Edinboro University’s Facilities Department will take the following actions per the current guidance to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19:

• All HVAC systems will be adjusted to remove any occupied/unoccupied programming features and systems will run 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. This will provide continuous ventilation of buildings.
• Where possible, minimum outside air ventilation rates will be increased to allow the introduction of the maximum amount of outside air without compromising building temperature and humidity conditions.
• Where possible, filtration efficiency will be increased without compromising system design parameters or disrupting design air flows.

Facilities does not recommend opening windows, doors or other openings to the outside. Doing so could:

• Adversely affect indoor air conditions and pose a health risk to employees in the building.
• Promote mold growth inside the building.
• Allow pests and insects to enter the building.

Classrooms

• Tables, chairs and desks in classrooms are set up to comply with the recommended physical distancing guidelines.
• Student seating will be rotated by class to reduce the number of student contacts. Most seats will be equipped with colored dots to identify the seat corresponding to their class.
• Shared items should be reduced and users should frequently wash their hands or use hand sanitizer after using shared items.
• Classes will be scheduled in larger rooms, when possible, to ensure physical distancing.
• Whenever possible, faculty members are strongly encouraged to have all student assignments submitted, evaluated and returned electronically in order to minimize the handling of materials by multiple individuals.
• Labs/studios will be adapted as necessary to implement hazard controls.

Residence Halls

• Campus residence halls have been de-densified to limit crowding and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
• All students living on campus will be assigned their own bedroom and bathroom.
• Lounge furniture has been rearranged and/or reduced to limit gatherings.
• Elevator occupancy has been reduced to allow for social distancing, and signage was installed to advise students of updated elevator capacities.
• Students are to maintain social distance while using the community kitchens and laundry rooms.
• Plexiglass barriers have been installed at lobby counters.
• Face coverings must be worn outside the student’s room at all times, including in restrooms, laundry rooms and hallways.

Baron-Forness Library

• The 24-hour computer lab will remain closed due to social distancing concerns.
• Study rooms occupancy has been reduced to one person.
• Furniture has been reduced/rearranged in the library to allow for social distancing.
• Computers have been spaced apart based on social distancing guidelines.

Bookstore

The Campus Bookstore has partnered with Barnes and Noble to supply textbooks to Edinboro University students. Textbooks can ONLY be ordered online. At checkout, you will be offered the choice to have your textbooks shipped (off-campus) or to be picked up in the bookstore (during limited hours). No direct sales of textbooks will occur in the bookstore. All orders must be placed online. Please check the bookstore website for store hours.

The sales of art supplies will be done by appointment only. Please check the bookstore website for store hours.

Back to top

Student Health Services will conduct appointments through telehealth, Zoom health, and limited in-person visits. For the safety of our students and staff, walk-in appointments will not be accepted. Students should call ahead to schedule an appointment at (814) 732-2743. Any medical concerns that cannot be addressed through a virtual visit will be scheduled for a face-to-face visit at Ghering Health Center.

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 TB tests and physicals.

Back to top

• Only essential professional travel will be permitted during the 2020-2021 academic year.
• Essential travel must be (a) kept to a minimum, (b) be conducted in a way to protect traveler health and safety per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considerations and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines, and (c) occur only when remote participation/engagement is not possible. Following are examples of essential travel:
  • Travel for clinical or practicum supervisions, where remote supervision is not possible
  • Travel to supervise student teaching and field experiences
  • Travel to teach University courses at off-campus locations (e.g., RCI)
  • Travel for student recruitment
  • Travel for fundraising
  • Travel for PASSHE administrative meetings where in-person attendance is required
  • Travel for varsity athletic competitions
• Travel that is not permitted (non-essential) includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  • Faculty supervision of student internships; these supervisions should be done remotely
  • Faculty and student travel for University and department-affiliated organizations and units (e.g., Honors College, Mock Trial, Model NATO, Spring Urban Seminar) as well as all SGA/University recognized clubs and organizations 
  • Study abroad travel experiences (to be reassessed in Late October 2020 for trips planned for May 2021 or later)
  • Participation at professional conferences or training workshops; remote participation is encouraged where possible

• Per the State System’s University Operational Framework, all university-sponsored international or out-of-state travel for students, faculty, or staff should be curtailed unless approved by the university president (or designee).
• The State System's Operational Framework recommends against all unnecessary travel. Employees who have traveled to an area with high numbers of COVID-19 cases should plan to telecommute for 10 days upon their return. Anyone traveling abroad -- employees or students -- should quarantine for 10 days upon their return.

Back to top

Employees will be encouraged to continue to telework where appropriate. Directors should consider staggering employees or alternating daily schedules to limit interactions.

As noted in the System framework, faculty and staff who do not have a disability as defined under the ADA may seek a flexible work arrangement if the employee is at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 as defined by CDC guidelines.

Back to top

As a proactive measure to keep our campus community as healthy as possible, we are asking for your help to ensure the good health of all students and employees.

Please self-report for any one of the following situations:

Quarantine

• You have been asked to quarantine due to exposure to a person who is positive for COVID-19.

Diagnosis

• You have been diagnosed with or tested positive for COVID-19.

How to Self-Report

Students:

• Contact Student Health Services at (814) 732-2743. If a student-athlete is participating in restricted CARA, or otherwise participating in team sports, they should contact their Athletic Trainer, who will contact Student Health Services.
• This information will be confidentially managed ensuring only those with a need to know are informed.
• This notification will allow the University to assist with valuable resources including, food delivery for on-campus housing residents, COVID-19 testing (when applicable) and course accommodations.
  
  

Employees:

• Contact your supervisor/dean. The supervisor/dean will be responsible for notifying Student Health Services at (814) 732-2743.
• This information will be confidentially managed, ensuring that only those with a need to know are informed.
• You can help by not engaging others who do not have a need to know and by refraining from open dialogue or discussion about individual employee medical status.
• For employees, generally those with a need to know are an employee’s supervisor, certain members of the administration and Human Resources.
• The University will take reasonable precautions to protect health information, pursuant to all applicable laws and statutes, including, but not limited to, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Monitoring Student Health and Class Absenteeism

The University and all of its employees play an important role in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Their observations and reporting of student attendance and symptoms, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) will be key. Everyone will be asked to:

• Observe student behavior and refer a student who appears symptomatic to Student Health Services.
• Monitor student absenteeism in both online and face-to-face classes.

Back to top

All testing will be conducted at no cost to students. Testing will be funded by the University, the student’s insurance, or CARES Act funding.

Entry Screening

All students living in on-campus housing will be tested upon return to campus during the check-in process. ROTC cadets as well as students with clinical or student teaching assignments will also be tested.

Surveillance Testing

Surveillance testing will begin the second week of the semester. Weekly surveillance testing will be conducted as follows:

• 10% of the on-campus housing population
• 10% of students with an on-campus component in clinical or student teaching assignments
• Up to 10% of employees on a voluntary basis
• Up to 10% of students registered for on-campus courses on a voluntary basis

Athletic Testing

Student-athletes and coaches will be tested in accordance with NCAA and PSAC recommendations.

Symptomatic and Exposure Testing

Testing will still be available from Student Health Services for any student who is symptomatic or has been identified as a close contact to someone that has tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of whether they live on or off campus. Students must contact Student Health Services at 814-732-2743 to schedule an appointment for testing.

If you had close contact, meaning you were within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, or if you are experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste/smell, headache, muscle or body aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose, please call SHS at (814) 732-2743 to speak with a medical staff member.

Asymptomatic and Non-Exposure Testing

Students and employees who are not experiencing symptoms and have not been identified as a close contact may request only one test. The tests will be included in the 10% surveillance testing total.

Back to top

Edinboro University is partnering with members of the Erie County Department of Health to establish contact tracing procedures for our campus. Contact tracing will be utilized to identify and inform members of the Edinboro community who may have had close contact with someone on campus who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. University personnel have undergone contact tracing training to prepare them to assist the DOH with contract tracing if needed.

The State System is also working with both the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the issue of contact tracing. We will adapt contact tracing protocols as necessary.

Back to top

The Erie County Department of Health has protocols for confirmed cases. Information will be shared in accordance with the Erie County Department of Health’s guidance. Each situation will be unique and will be evaluated on what notifications will be necessary based on the current situation to ensure the confidentiality of the student or employee.

Back to top

Quarantine and isolation measures are critical to mitigating further spread of the virus on our campus. Individuals who are feeling unwell or are experiencing the following symptoms should stay home and seek medical attention.

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Quarantine

Quarantine is used to keep an individual who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.

Based on CDC guidance, individuals who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 will be directed to stay home for 10 days after their last exposure, separate themselves from others, monitor their health and follow directions from their state or local health department. If you live with someone that has been diagnosed with COVID-19, you will be required, by the Erie County Department of Health, to quarantine for the duration of their recovery and additionally 10 days after they are symptom free.

What counts as close contact?

• You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period
• You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
• You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged or kissed them)
• You shared eating or drinking utensils
• They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you

Residential students should remain in their residence hall room and separate themselves from others. Students in quarantine should contact Student Health Services to arrange meal delivery, receive academic accommodations and to be monitored.

Isolation

Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (with or without symptoms) from people who are not infected.

Residential students will isolate in their residence hall room, be monitored, have meals delivered and receive academic accommodations.

Non-residential students should isolate themselves in their current housing location, separate themselves from others, monitor their symptoms and follow directions from the Erie County Department of Health.

Back to top

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania utilizes a three-color scheme (red, yellow and green) that corresponds to specific mitigation actions.

In the event that Erie County returns to the yellow or red phase of Gov. Wolf’s COVID-19 reopening plan, Edinboro University will follow guidance outlined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.

Back to top

• The spring 2021 planning page on the University website will serve as a hub for official information regarding reopening plans for the spring semester, including campus announcements, FAQs and social distancing guidance.
• Campus-wide email will serve as the primary mode of communication to students, parents and employees. There will be some redundancy between information shared via email and that shared on the spring planning webpage, but repetition is important to ensure our campus community “hears” our messages.
• Throughout the spring semester, reminders about proper hygiene and updates to campus protocols will be disseminated via internal channels (Boro Weekly, myEdinboro, campus televisions, emergency text messages via EU Shield) and external channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, alumni communications).

Employee/Student Return to Campus

Communications with students, employees and parents will be ongoing and clear to ensure that these key stakeholders understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from the University as they return to campus. In addition to email, we will post all relevant information to the spring planning webpage. Questions posed directly to the President’s Office, Marketing and Communications and other University offices will be answered as soon as possible. We will emphasize the fluidity of the situation as we work to manage expectations.

Back to top

Communications to the campus community regarding COVID-19 cases will be done in accordance with Erie County Department of Health’s protocols, as the authority having jurisdiction. We also will ensure compliance with FERPA, while at the same time ensuring that we are as transparent as possible with the campus and broader communities.

The Clery Act and its implementing regulations require institutions to notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or staff occurring on campus. The DOE does not interpret the statutory language as requiring institutions to give regular, on-going updates on COVID-19 or to proactively identify positive COVID-19 cases within the campus community. The department also does not interpret the statutory language to apply to positive COVID-19 cases among individuals who are not attending classes, working or residing on campus or to require notifications to such individuals.

An institution may satisfy the emergency notification requirements of the Clery Act as follows: (1) provide students and employees a single notification through the regular means of communicating emergency notifications informing them about COVID-19 and necessary health and safety precautions, as well as encouraging them to obtain information from health care providers, state health authorities, and the CDC’s COVID-19 website; or (2) create a banner at the top of the institution’s homepage containing that same information, including a statement about the global pandemic and a link to the CDC’s website.

Back to top

All media inquiries will be managed by the Marketing and Communications division, which will ensure a timely and clear response. Where possible, we will engage in proactive media relations to ensure information is shared up front clearly and concisely.

Back to top

In addition to following guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC, Edinboro University has worked closely with the Erie County Department of Health since the spring of 2020. We have a well-established, positive relationship with these agencies, and we will continue to coordinate with them through the life of the pandemic.

Back to top

Edinboro University will follow Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education's University Operational Framework closely as we implement plans for spring 2021. The document outlines expectations for employees, students and visitors to campus.

Back to top