COVID-19

After careful consideration of the current CDC and state guidelines, the University will be suspending the requirement that students obtain a COVID booster. Students who have been vaccinated but who have not received a booster will not currently experience any consequences. We will continue to monitor the COVID situation and may reinstate the booster requirement in the future.

Several points to keep in mind:

• The requirement for students to be vaccinated (two doses of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or one dose of the J&J/Jansen vaccine) or receive an approved exemption remains in place.
• Students are strongly encouraged to receive a COVID booster.
• Students who have commitments at outside locations must comply with COVID-related requirements at the host site.
• CDC recommends that everyone ages five years and older get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone ages 12 years and older also receive a booster. Some people can receive two boosters.
• Summer session students should continue to report positive results to Student Health Services.

Regards,

Dean Dawson

STUDENT COVID-19 POLICY SHIFT

USJ Faculty, Staff, and Students

As a result of the extremely high level of vaccination against COVID-19 in the USJ community, and consistent with the CDC’s revised guidelines, the USJ campus will be “mask optional” as of 8 a.m. on March 2, 2022, except in the following circumstances:

·  Masks are still required for those whose COVID vaccinations are not up to date.

·  Masks may be required for everyone in some large gatherings. Notice of this requirement will be announced for each event.

·  Faculty members may require that masks be worn by everyone in their classrooms, labs, or offices.

·  Masks may be required in the Gengras Center or School for Young Children. Those facilities will establish their own policies based on what is best for their students.

·  Masks remain required in Student Health Services/The Beekley Center for Student Health and Wellness.

To provide reassurance and comfort to members of our community with special health considerations or who have a medical exemption from vaccination, USJ faculty, staff, and students who are vaccinated should wear an “I am COVID Vaxxed at USJ” bracelet when not wearing a mask. Bracelets are available from Student Health Services and Human Resources. Anyone who is not vaccinated must continue to wear a mask indoors on campus. Because there may be classes, labs, or events where masks are required, all community members should continue to carry masks with them at all times.

USJ has been fortunate that, with high levels of vaccination and compliance with COVID-related policies, there have been few COVID cases on campus. You all deserve tremendous credit for these results—thank you!

Dear Students,

I hope your first days of classes have been going well. As shared in my email last week, USJ monitors current campus and community trends to help inform policy decisions. I am happy to share that our arrival testing for residential students yielded only two positive COVID-19 cases, far fewer than initially anticipated. Based on this data, we are making the following changes effective Friday, January 21, 2022:

1. The residence hall visitation ban has been lifted. Resident students may visit residence halls they do not reside in. Non-resident guests are still not permitted.
2. In-person dining will resume. Students on meal plans will continue to have the option of grab-and-go meals for the remainder of the semester. 

Residential students will participate in surveillance testing over the next two weeks. Should there be a significant increase in cases on campus, we will pivot to make appropriate policy changes.

I hope these changes provide you with opportunities to engage safely with your fellow students in meaningful ways. We have done a fantastic job up to this point, and we must continue to work together to keep our entire campus safe.

Regards,
Dean Dawson

​Rhona C. Free, Ph.D

Message from President Free:

In an effort to promote the continued good health of the USJ community, masks will be required indoors for all individuals—even those who are fully vaccinated—after Thanksgiving (as of Sunday, November 28).

As before, masks are not required while actively eating or drinking or for fully vaccinated individuals when in enclosed private offices. At indoor athletic competitions and practices/training sessions, masks are required for everyone in attendance except for players, the coaches, and on-court officials.

Rhona C. Free, Ph.D.
President

Message from President Free:

Thanks to both the exceptionally high vaccination rate within the USJ community and ongoing compliance with campus COVID policies, there has been only one case of COVID in the USJ community over the last three weeks, and that individual was not on campus during the infectious period. Because of this success, as well as the reduction in the COVID-19 positivity rate in the local area and the discontinuation of the mask mandate in West Hartford, the University’s indoor mask mandate is being lifted for fully vaccinated individuals on the West Hartford campus as of Monday, October 25. The following policies will go into effect as of that date:

• Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals, including those with religious or medical exemptions, must continue to wear masks indoors on campus at all times except when alone in an enclosed private office. This requirement applies to visitors and contractors as well as students, faculty, and staff.
• Masks still may be required—even for fully vaccinated individuals—in the following situations:
  • specific classes, offices, or other areas at the discretion of the faculty member or supervisor, who must also wear a mask;
  • other locations outside of the West Hartford campus, including course and clinical settings; and
  • large gatherings, such as indoor athletic events, Autorino Center events, or at large social events for students. This will be determined by the appropriate event supervisor in consultation with campus medical personnel, Greater Northeast Athletic Conference policy, the Department of Public Health, and local officials.
• Masks continue to be required in the Gengras Center and School for Young Children as well as in Student Health Services.
• Masks continue to be required in the XL Center in Hartford. This requirement will be reviewed when the City of Hartford lifts its mask mandate.
• Fully vaccinated students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to obtain an “I am COVID vaxxed at USJ” bracelet and wear it at all times to provide assurance to individuals who, for medical reasons, cannot be vaccinated and may be at greater risk of complications from contracting COVID. These bracelets can be obtained from Student Health Services and Human Resources.

Except in the cases noted above, fully vaccinated students, faculty, and staff do not need to wear face-coverings either indoors or outdoors on the West Hartford campus.

If campus or regional COVID positivity rates increase, the universal mandate may have to be reimposed. To reduce the chance of this happening, please continue to use caution—avoid large gatherings off-campus and wear a mask when off-campus in areas where there may be unvaccinated individuals. Students with any COVID symptoms should contact Student Health Services and employees should follow guidance at the HR section on MyUSJ.

Rhona C. Free, Ph.D.
President

Dear Students,

As was shared in both President Free’s email on August 25, 2021, and my email on August 31, 2021, “the University extended the COVID-19 vaccination requirement to all students taking in-person classes at any USJ site. Students must submit verification of having received an initial dose of the vaccine or an approved medical or religious exemption by September 15, 2021. Verification of full vaccination must be submitted by October 15, 2021.” I also shared that students who fail to become compliant with the University’s vaccination requirements are subject to administrative action(s), up to and including being administratively withdrawn from the institution.

To the vast majority of our students who have complied with the vaccination requirement, I offer my sincere thanks.  Your cooperation is deeply appreciated and is a tangible demonstration of your concern for the health and well-being of all members of our community.

Consistent with our efforts to maintain a safe campus, students who are non-compliant on September 15, 2021, will lose access to the University WIFI network. Access will not be restored until a student becomes compliant with our vaccination requirements.

Students who are non-compliant with our policy on October 15, 2021, will have the following administrative actions taken:

1.       An administrative notation to your educational record stating you failed to comply with University vaccination requirements. Please understand that this notation will be shared as part of a reference check, dean’s certification, or other formal inquiry about a student’s status.

2.       A registration hold will be placed on your account, prohibiting you from registering for classes.

The resurgence of COVID -19 is of great concern to all of us and has required that we consistently evaluate and adapt our response to changing circumstances. USJ is committed to the health and safety of everyone in our community. We will continue to monitor and adapt in order to keep our campus and community safe.

Together as Blue Jays, we will get past this and soar!

Best,

Dean Dawson

Brandon Dawson, Ed.S.
Dean of Student Life

Dear Students,

If the past year has taught us anything it is how to adjust and pivot our focus to appreciate what is most important. This year while we aim to bring a little more normalcy to the year, we are ever aware of the constant need to be able to shift when it comes to your health and safety. As we begin the start of the academic year, I want to remind students of where they can find the University Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.

On August 25, the University extended the COVID-19 vaccination requirement to all students taking in-person classes at any USJ site. Students must submit verification of having received an initial dose of the vaccine or an approved medical or religious exemption by September 15, 2021. Verification of full vaccination must be submitted by October 15, 2021. To submit verification, click here. Students and employees who receive a medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement will be required to comply with preventative measures and restrictions as deemed necessary by the University. Students can find information on applying for an exemption in MyUSJ. https://my.usj.edu/ICS/Student/Student_Life/Health_Services.jnz

USJ will host a vaccination clinic for students, faculty, and staff on Friday, August 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the O’Connell Center. Appointments are not required.

While we anticipate that students will voluntarily comply with this mandate in the interest of protecting their own health and the health of those around them, students who fail to become compliant with the University’s vaccination requirements are subject to administrative action(s), up to and including being administratively withdrawn from the institution.

With our change in vaccination requirements, residential students will be allowed to have guests (other residential students and vaccinated commuter students) starting the second week of the semester. Non-vaccinated commuter students and unaffiliated guests/visitors are not allowed in residence halls.

I wish you all a healthy and successful start to the fall semester.

Best,

Dean Dawson

USJ Students,

As announced earlier this week, USJ is following CDC guidance regarding COVID vaccinations and lifting mask and distancing requirements on-campus for fully vaccinated students and employees. Human Resources has been providing employees with an “I am COVID Vaxxed at USJ” bracelet to employees who meet the criteria for full vaccination. Beginning Tuesday, June 1, Student Health Services (SHS) will provide this same bracelet to students who provide sufficient proof of full vaccination. The purpose of this procedure is to reassure others, especially those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, that anyone who is not wearing a mask indoors on campus has been fully vaccinated. USJ encourages all students to get the COVID vaccine unless medically unable to do so. Students in nursing, PA, and pharmacy programs without a medical exemption on file will likely be required, in the future, to be fully vaccinated for clinical placement participation.

To obtain a bracelet, students must complete this form and provide proof of vaccination, such as an image of their vaccine card. Students should download Microsoft Power Apps to access this form on mobile devices.

Once SHS verifies the submitted information, students may obtain a bracelet by visiting SHS during office hours in their new office located in The Beekley Center for Student Health and Wellness on the first floor of the O’Connell Athletic Center. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and masks are required for entry. Students enrolled in the School of Pharmacy may obtain their bracelet from the administrative offices on the Hartford campus once SHS has verified their submitted information.

Some temporary additional office hours have been added to accommodate students who have evening or Saturday classes and are listed below. For after-hours appointments, students must submit their documentation at least two days in advance.

Students whom SHS has confirmed as fully vaccinated will no longer have to complete the Daily Attestation form when utilizing USJ Wi-Fi and will not be required to quarantine or be tested if asymptomatic post-exposure.

When on campus, employees and students wearing this bracelet will only be required to wear masks to enter The Gengras Center, the School for Young Children, and Student Health Services. Employees and students who are not wearing this bracelet must continue wearing masks at all times while indoors on campus, unless alone in a private office, and must wear one outdoors when in the vicinity of the Gengras Center or School for Young Children.

Students with questions or those who need to make appointments to obtain a bracelet outside of normal office hours should contact Student Health Services at 860-231-5530 or [email protected].

Update to USJ Vaccination Requirement for Students, Faculty, and Staff as of Aug. 25, 2021

In response to full FDA approval of at least one COVID vaccination (the Pfizer-BioNTech “Comirnaty” COVID-19 vaccine on August 23), the University of Saint Joseph is changing its vaccination requirements. All USJ students, staff, and faculty (including part-time and adjunct) who work or take classes in-person at any USJ site must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. This policy change is intended to promote the health and safety of the USJ community by reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission and to be consistent with federal, state, and local efforts to minimize virus outbreaks.

• Affected employees and students must submit verification of having received an initial dose of the vaccine or an approved medical or religious exemption by September 15, 2021. Verification of full vaccination must be submitted by October 15, 2021. To submit student verification, click here. Faculty and staff should submit verification to the HR office directly or email it to Human Resources at [email protected].
• This mandate expands earlier requirements that applied to residential students, student-athletes, student workers, graduate assistants, and coaching and athletic training staff.
• Remote attendance of classes conducted in-person is not an option for unvaccinated students.
• Students and employees who receive an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement will be required to comply with preventative measures and restrictions as deemed necessary by the University.
• Students can find information on applying for an exemption in MyUSJ. https://my.usj.edu/ICS/Student/Student_Life/Health_Services.jnz
• Employees who wish to apply for a religious or medical exemption should contact Deborah Spencer in Human Resources at [email protected] or 860.231.5390.
• While USJ will continue to encourage participation by providing education regarding vaccination, access to the vaccine, and instruction on receiving an approved exemption, failure to comply with the vaccination or exemption requirement will result in loss of privileges and/or sanctions.
• This policy and any attendant procedures and/or rules may be amended as necessary based on factors such as the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and guidance from governmental authorities.
• USJ will host a vaccination clinic for students, faculty, and staff on Friday, August 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the O’Connell Center. Appointments are not required.

Rhona C. Free, Ph.D.
President

The Town of West Hartford will impose a local universal indoor mask mandate effective at 12:00 noon on August 20, 2021. The order shall remain in effect until further notice. Learn more here.

To USJ Students:

Over the last few weeks, we have begun to welcome back students to campus. Physician Assistant Studies students have been here throughout the summer, the new Pharmacy class arrived in early August, residence hall assistants have moved in, and fall sports teams have started practicing. Once the semester begins, the campus will return to normal with in-person classes and activities, but there are still a few important policies in place to promote safety.

Here are a few reminders and updates.

• UPDATE: All student workers and graduate assistants must provide proof of full vaccination
  by September 30.
• Residential students must have proof of full vaccination to move in.
• Student-athletes must have proof of full vaccination to participate in practice or competition.
• Members of the USJ community who submit proof of full vaccination will receive an “I am COVID Vaxxed at USJ” bracelet after submitting verification.
• UPDATE: Currently, masks must be worn by everyone, regardless of vaccination status, inside USJ buildings. This requirement will be lifted as soon as possible, after which those who have a “I am COVID Vaxxed at USJ” bracelet will be able to remove their masks in almost all campus buildings.
• While USJ has a process for religious or medical exemptions to vaccination requirements (https://my.usj.edu/ICS/Student/Student_Life/Health_Services.jnz), many clinical, internship, field work, or student teaching sites may not allow any exemptions, even if approved by USJ.
• Residential students will be tested for COVID five days after moving in.
• Student-athletes who are practicing will be tested for COVID periodically.
• There will be restrictions on guests in residence halls for a short period.

It is always exciting to begin a new academic year—especially for students who are arriving at USJ for their first semester and those who will be finishing their academic requirements and making their future plans. We are looking forward to working together to ensure that everyone enjoys a great year of academic discovery, events, and activities while staying safe and healthy.

Thank you,

Rhona C. Free, Ph.D.
President

In response to updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a request from the Town of West Hartford, USJ will require both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to wear a face-covering indoors as of Monday, Aug. 9, until further notice. Face coverings are not necessary for vaccinated individuals when alone in a private office, actively eating or drinking, or in private residential spaces. Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear a face-covering at all times in campus buildings except when in a private, fully-enclosed office or when actively eating or drinking. We hope that this requirement can be lifted very soon, but until COVID transmission rates decrease, face coverings will be one way (along with being vaccinated) to protect our community and ensure a healthy beginning of the fall semester.

Student COVID-19 Survey

Dear Students,

We have been working hard this summer to plan an engaged and enjoyable fall semester on campus. As a measure to help keep the USJ community safe and return us to a more flexible and social fall semester, USJ is requesting input from all students regarding their COVID-19 vaccination intention. This survey will help the University make decisions around COVID-19 policies. Rest assured that this information will only be used to help aid in the decision-making process. Currently, USJ is not mandating the COVID-19 vaccine except for residential students and student-athletes. Please understand that internship, clinical, student teaching, and field experience sites off-campus may require vaccination. A student who is not fully-vaccinated by the beginning of the fall semester may have to wait up to six weeks before completing the vaccination process and will not be allowed access to the site until then. Also, the School for Young Children and the Gengras Center may be required to restrict access for USJ students based on vaccination status.

The faculty and staff at USJ are excited to welcome you back and to restart the myriad of experiences, both social and academic, here at USJ that we know you have all come to love. These include in-person athletics, art exhibits, group activities, cultural events, worship gatherings, health and wellness opportunities, academic lectures, and more! Our goal as a community is to continue these offerings in the best way we know how, TOGETHER. Please take a minute to fill out this survey so that we can further our plans to carry forward these events and so much more!

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Brandon Dawson, Ed.S.
Dean of Student Life

JUNE 24, 2022 STUDENT MEMO:

Dear USJ Students,

Since March 2020, when USJ initiated its response to the COVID pandemic, the University community has risen to every challenge presented. The efforts of everyone helped USJ to succeed and flourish in the face of those challenges.

As the pandemic and the global response evolve, so does USJ policy. We are writing to inform you that students are no longer required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or receive an approved exemption as a condition of enrollment. Please understand that certain programs and learning/clinical sites may require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. It is the responsibility of the student to understand how their vaccination status may impact timely completion for programs that require clinical/practicum experiences.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends COVID-19 vaccination as a tool to minimize your chance of developing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. COVID-19 continues to circulate, so masking, frequent hand-washing, and vaccination are still recommended strategies for the prevention of severe disease.

USJ COVID-19 policy may continue to shift and evolve, and students will be promptly notified of any updates.

Testing for COVID-19 continues to be available for current students in our office. Student Health Services is always here to support you during your time at USJ, so please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

In Health,

Brandon Dawson
Dean of Student Life

Janet Flink, MS, APRN, FNP-BC
Director, USJ Student Health Services

JUNE 27, 2022 FACULTY/STAFF MEMO:

Since March 2020, when USJ initiated its response to the COVID pandemic, the University community has risen to every challenge presented. The efforts of everyone helped USJ to succeed and flourish in the face of those challenges. As the pandemic and the global response evolve, so does USJ policy.

Effective immediately, the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for employees is suspended; newly hired employees will not be required to provide proof of vaccination or receive an exemption as a condition of employment. Please note that if employee job responsibilities require presence at non-USJ worksites (e.g., for clinical supervision), the employee must comply with the host site’s COVID-19 policies, including any vaccination requirements. Employees are no longer required to notify Human Resources of a positive COVID-19 test or symptoms but should continue to practice isolation/quarantine as appropriate.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends COVID-19 vaccination as a tool to minimize your chance of developing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. COVID-19 continues to circulate, so masking, frequent hand-washing, and vaccination are still recommended strategies for the prevention of severe disease. Faculty teaching in-person courses may require that students wear masks while in class; it is the responsibility of the individual faculty to ensure this request is communicated to students. Employees are encouraged to be respectful of colleagues or students who opt to wear a mask or who request the use of COVID-19 safety practices such as physical distancing or virtual meetings.

USJ COVID-19 policy may continue to shift and evolve, and employees will be notified of any updates.

COVID-19 Employee Guidelines rev 2022-06-27