In a message to the campus community, Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson announces new protocols for the start of the spring semester.
To our campus community:
Welcome back and best wishes this new year. The leadership at our three sister campuses – California, Clarion and Edinboro – is continuously monitoring reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Pennsylvania Department of Health concerning the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant.
We want to provide you with a few important updates regarding face coverings and other important updates as we prepare for the start of the spring semester on Jan. 18. We will send a communication each week to ensure that you have the latest information.
The following protocols and procedures are designed to protect the health and safety of students, employees, our communities and to allow us to remain open. They will stay in place at least through Feb. 1, at which time we will reassess the situation and the latest guidance from state and federal healthcare organizations.
Academics
Classes will meet as scheduled, beginning Jan. 18. Students in clinical, student teaching and other out-of-class assignments should follow the guidance of their placement location.
Updated Face Covering Requirements
Disposable surgical masks or higher-grade masks (KN95 or KF94) must be worn at all times while inside university facilities.
Approved face coverings are strongly recommended to be worn outdoors by all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, and are required outside when physical distancing is not possible. It’s on all of us to maintain a safe place to work and study.
Cloth masks, face shields, bandanas, neck gaiters, and masks with valves are no longer permitted.
These requirements apply to all employees, students and visitors.
Dining
Dining service will be open, but all meals will be “grab and go.”
COVID-19 testing
Free COVID-19 testing for students will be offered on each campus throughout the semester.
- At California, if you are symptom free, you can get tested at the Convocation Center from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you experience symptoms, call the Health Center at 724-938-4232 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- At Clarion, if you are symptom free, you can get tested at Eagle Commons 107/108 from noon to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you experience symptoms, visit MyHealth Clarion Scheduling (office365.com) to make an appointment, or call the Health Center at 814-393-2121 for additional information.
- At Edinboro, if you are symptom free, you can get tested at Dearborn Hall from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you experience symptoms, call Health Services in Ghering Health and Wellness Center at 814-732-2743 and make an appointment for testing.
Employees who experience symptoms should seek guidance from their healthcare provider and notify their supervisor.
In-person Events and Meetings
In-person events, gatherings and meetings will transition to virtual formats.
Travel
Only travel that is deemed essential will be permitted. Contact your supervisor for more information.
Athletics
Athletic competitions will follow PSAC and NCAA guidelines.
I urge everyone who can be vaccinated to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment or booster if you are eligible as soon as possible.
Let’s work together to keep our communities as safe and healthy as possible.
Stay well and have a great semester!
Dr. Dale
Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
Interim President, California University of Pennsylvania
President, Clarion University
Interim President, Edinboro University
Pronouns: she/her/hers