Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

• SU's Return-to-Campus Overview (PDF)
• SU's Return-to-Campus Q&A (PDF)
• SU’s Faculty and Staff Guide for Returning to Campus (PDF)
• SU’s Student Guide for Returning to Campus (PDF)

Salisbury University requires all students and employees to be up-to-date with vaccinations against COVID-19 per Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines as a condition of in-person attendance and employment.

Students who have received SU-issued exemptions from the USM vaccination mandate do not need to reapply for the spring semester.

Students who have lost campus access due to non-compliance may regain access by becoming up to date with their vaccines and submitting their vaccine information through the SU COVID-19 Vaccination Portal. Employees may regain access by becoming up to date with their vaccines and completing the SU COVID-19 Information Consent Form, allowing SU to verify their vaccination information.

Campus access also will be revoked for any student or employee who fails to complete their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within 40 days of the first or who fails to receive a booster shot two weeks after eligibility. Campus access will be restored as soon as a booster shot is received, even if done outside of the booster eligibility window.

Classes and work missed while unable to access campus due to non-compliance are not considered excused. Students will be required to accept any penalties for absences as outlined in course syllabi. Employees will be required to use leave time or forfeit pay for any days missed. Teleworking is not an option for non-compliant employees.

Requests for exemptions from the vaccination requirement for the spring 2022 term should be sent to CampusHealth@latte106fm.com no later than January 24.

Those who receive SU-issued exemptions are required to take an SU-administered COVID-19 test every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the term or who do not will lose access until a  is completed with a negative result.

Testing for spring terms may be scheduled at http://sutesting.timetap.com as those dates approach.

• Effective 3 p.m. Friday, March 4, face masks are no longer required on SU’s campus except in the following:
  • Classrooms, laboratories and other instructional spaces when instruction is taking place
  • University public transportation
  • Student Health Services
  • The SU COVID-19 Testing Center
  • Events at which attendees are informed in advance that face masks are required and/or face masks are provided

• KN95, KF94 or N95 masks remain required for students in classrooms, laboratories and other instructional spaces when instruction is taking place.

• Faculty and presenters are not required to wear masks in classrooms, laboratories or instructional spaces when positioned at least six feet away from other individuals.

• You may choose to wear a mask if you wish to at other times, too, and we ask that all members of the SU community respect everyone who wishes to do so. We also ask that everyone wear a mask when requested and when they’re with others who are wearing masks, as a courtesy.

• More information on proper mask wearing can be found at on the CDC COVID-19 website.

SU’s isolation and quarantine policy for students testing positive and/or sharing common spaces in campus housing with someone testing positive for COVID-19 continues through the fall 2021 semester.

Download SU COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine (PDF)

Isolation

• Unvaccinated (or vaccinated) students residing on campus who test positive will be directed by Campus Health to move from their current residence hall location for isolation and will be contacted by Housing and Residence Life staff.
• Students will need to return home during the isolation period. Those unable to do so will be assigned an isolation space on campus with others who received positive tests, as occupancy allows. (Note: Because isolation and quarantine housing on campus will be limited in the spring, isolating on campus may not be an option for all students.)
• Students moving to isolation space on campus will receive a phone call and instructions sent to their SU email outlining the relocation process.
• Students testing positive will not be allowed to stay in their current residence hall during that time and will be instructed to go home.
• Students who are told to isolate must keep this Isolation Symptom and Temperature Log (PDF) during their isolation period.

Quarantine

• Unvaccinated students residing on campus who share common spaces (living rooms, bathrooms, internal cluster/apartment hallways, etc.) with a student who tests positive for COVID-19 will be notified by the University that they must quarantine.
• During that time, they will need to return home until cleared to return to their residence hall. Those unable to do so will be assigned a quarantine space on campus with others who have been exposed to individuals testing positive, as occupancy allows. (Note: Because quarantine housing on campus will be limited in the spring, quarantining on campus may not be an option for all students.)
• Students moving to quarantine space on campus will receive a phone call and instructions sent to their SU email outlining the relocation process.
• Students assigned to quarantine will not be allowed to stay in their current residence hall during that time and will be instructed to go home.
• Students who are told to quarantine must keep this Quarantine Symptom Log (PDF) during their quarantine period.

Helpful Resources

• CDC: Prevent The Spread If You Are Sick (PDF)
• CDC: Guidance For Living In Close Quarters (PDF)
• CDC: Ways To Manage Symptoms In Your Residence (PDF)

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, students assigned to isolate or quarantine will lose Gull Card access to all buildings on campus except their assigned isolation or quarantine unit. This includes the Commons. Meals will be delivered daily to students isolating or quarantining on campus. Students will be allowed to return to their assigned residence hall once their isolation or quarantine period ends. A negative COVID-19 test will not end their isolation or quarantine period early.

Unvaccinated students living off campus who test positive will lose Gull Card access to all campus buildings and will be assigned to isolate in their off-campus housing or at home. Unvaccinated students residing off campus with a student who tests positive are asked to notify Campus Health at 410-677-0006 or campushealth@latte106fm.com and plan to remain in quarantine until cleared to return to campus.

Vaccinated students residing on or off campus who share common spaces with a student who tests positive will be given the opportunity to take an SU-administered COVID-19 test if they also develop COVID-19 symptoms. (Note: Unvaccinated students living on campus will not be allowed to share rooms with any other students during the fall semester unless they have an approved exemption.) Those testing positive will be asked to follow SU isolation protocols.

Though vaccinated students are not required to take a COVID-19 test if they develop symptoms, they should still follow best practices and stay home if sick to avoid possibly spreading any illness to others on campus, including cold or flu, which can have symptoms similar to COVID-19.

COVID-19 testing is an important part of SU’s ongoing health and safety measures.

Required testing will continue every Tuesday and Thursday in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall for students and employees with SU-issued exemptions to the University System of Maryland’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement, for those who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine but are not yet considered fully vaccinated (both shots of a two-dose vaccine or a single shot of the one-dose vaccine, plus 14 days), and for those who have not received a booster within 90 days of their original Johnson & Johnson vaccine dose or within eight months of their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Pre-registration is required.

(Booster requirements begin in January 2022. For those already beyond the 90-day or eight-month period since their COVID-19 vaccine, campus access without testing will be continued or restored once a booster is received.)

Individuals who are required to test every Tuesday and Thursday but who miss a test will lose the following privileges until a make-up test, with a negative result, is on file:

• Access to SU buildings, offices and residence halls
• Access to GullCard use on and off campus
• Access to SU Wi-Fi on campus
• Access to public computers on campus
• Access to University-sponsored travel (including fleet vehicles)

All students and employees are required to take an SU-administered COVID-19 test on their first day back on campus following winter break to maintain access.

Testing also will remain available on a case-by-case basis for vaccinated students and employees who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. To schedule a symptomatic test, email CampusHealth@latte106fm.com.

For testing data and more information:

• SU COVID-19 Testing website – dashboards about cases and details about regular weekly testing
• Maryland COVID-19 Webpage – current list of testing sites in the state
• Wicomico County Health Department – offers testing locally

These are recent communications issued by Salisbury University:

To Edit - open block: shared-content-campus-communications-wysiwyg

Previous Campus Communications [+/-]

US Department of Education
 - CARES Act Full Student Aid Report -  Submitted 11/06/2020
 - CARES Act Full Institutional Aid Report -  Submitted 06/25/2020

CRRSA (HEERF II)
 - Financial Aid to Students Quarter ending 3/31/2021
 - Institutional Aid Quarter ending 3/31/2021

ARP (HERFF III)
 - Financial Aid to Students Quarter Ending 3/31/2022
 - Financial Aid to Students Quarter Ending 12/31/2021
 - Financial Aid to Students Quarter Ending 9/30/2021
 - Financial Aid to Students Quarter Ending 6/30/2021
 - Institutional Aid Quarter Ending 6/30/2021
 - Institutional Aid Quarter Ending 9/30/2021- 00209100_HEERF_Q32021_100821

UMGC CARES Act Subaward Funding
 -  Direct Aid to Student Cumulative Quarterly Report - 9/30/2020 (PDF) - Submitted 11/17/2020
 - Direct Aid to Student Cumulative Quarterly Report - 12/31/2020 (PDF)
 - Direct Aid to Student Cumulative Quarterly Report - 3/31/2021 (PDF)

As we adjust to operating during a pandemic, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and sustaining a welcoming, respectful, accessible, equitable and inclusive environment for all members of the Salisbury University community. We stand against xenophobia, incivility, racism, ableism, and all forms of bias, harassment and discrimination.

We acknowledge that COVID-19 has impacted members of the SU community in different ways and created unforeseen challenges (e.g. personally, academically, professionally, as well as physically, mentally and socially). We understand that this will call for a more thoughtful approach as we proceed. We will seek to find strength across difference to uphold the common humanity that binds us together. We will remain committed to working together to demonstrate equity and inclusivity as we embrace our shared values of excellence, student-centeredness, learning, community, civic engagement, and diversity and inclusion.

The   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  is closely monitoring the novel (new) coronavirus, COVID-19 (formerly known as 2019-nCoV) first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The CDC is working with the   World Health Organization (WHO), which has declared the outbreak a global pandemic.

Risk is dependent on exposure. People in contact with those with COVID-19 are likely to be at greater risk of infection and should take the precautions outlined in the   CDC’s guidance  for preventing spread in homes and communities.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed. Currently, the CDC also recommends avoiding all non-essential domestic and international travel.

What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization has declared the virus a global pandemic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers a serious public health concern in the U.S. and many other countries. For additional information visit the   CDC website.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may be similar to the common cold or influenza, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC believes that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or up to 14 days after exposure. Please visit the   CDC website  for additional information on symptoms.

How is it transmitted?
Coronavirus is spread from animals to humans, as well as from person-to-person.

How is it treated?
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for the virus. In many cases, vaccines are expected to help lessen the severity of the virus’ symptoms and the potential for contagion. SU community members are encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces frequently.

Should I wear a mask?
Wearing a mask may assist in preventing the spread of a virus. All SU employees and contractors must wear masks while working on campus. Please see the SU Face Mask Policy above for more information.

What if I have underlying health conditions? 
It is recommended that you identify yourself as an individual with a chronic illness, and notify your healthcare provider if you are ill and have recently traveled, or have been exposed to someone who has been exposed to COVID 19.  You also should:

• Visit your healthcare provider immediately if you are experiencing a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
• Get your yearly flu shot to prevent complications and make sure your vaccines are up to date.
• Wash your hands often (or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available).
• Limit visits with young children; they frequently have colds or the flu.
• Avoid contact with anyone who has a cold, the flu or another contagious condition (such as measles, etc.)
• For more information please visit the  CDC website.

Here are some helpful resources: 

• CDC Guidelines
• Maryland Department of Health
• American College Health Association (ACHA)
• University System of Maryland
• SU Student Health Services
• Guidance Resources - Employee Assistance Program

• February 14, 2022: USM Statement on the Adjustment of COVID Mitigation Strategies 
• January 7, 2022: USM Requires COVID Boosters for Residential Students
• December 3, 2021: Update on USM COVID Protocols
• USM Coronavirus Preparedness and Resources page
• USM Mandatory Vaccination FAQ 
• April 23, 2021: USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman Issues COVID Vaccination Mandate for USM Students, Faculty, and Staff 
• February 3, 2021: USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman and System Presidents Join in Effort to Promote COVID-19 Vaccinations Across Maryland 
• January 25, 2021: Guidance for USM Employees Regarding Phases 1B and 1C of Maryland's COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
• December 11, 2020 USM COVID Research & Innovation Task Force Launches Student PSA Public Health Challenge 
• July 30, 2020: University System of Maryland Statement on COVID-19 Testing and Symptom Monitoring for Students and Employees Returning in Fall 2020
• July 22, 2020: Statement by Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Why the USM Is Preparing for a Hybrid Instructional Model This Fall
• May 29, 2020: USM Institutions Plan a Fall Semester of Hybrid In-Person and Remote Instruction

Previous USM Statements [+/-]

• March 30, 2020: Statement by University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Governor Hogan’s Executive Order, USM’s Community Crisis Response, and Emergency Relief for Students
• March 27, 2020: Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman: Partial Refund of Student Fees
• March 19, 2020: Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on the Remainder of the Semester, Commencement, and Other Issues
• March 16, 2020: USM Statement Regarding Staff Remaining on Campus During Current Telework Period
• March 13, 2020, USM Statement on Room and Board Policies for Residential Students
• March 12, 2020: USM Guidance to Presidents
• March 10, 2020: Guidance on USM Spring Break, Distance Learning, and Related COVID-19 Preparations
• March 6, 2020: Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Novel Coronavirus Preparation
• March 6, 2020: USM Prepares for Impending Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in State of Maryland
• March 3, 2020: USM Statement on Self Isolation of Students, Faculty & Staff
• UMB Recommendations for USM Campuses
• January 24, 2020: University System of Maryland Chancellor Letter
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