Ready. Set. Spring 2022!

At Marywood University, we are committed to ensuring that our campus community can:

» Work safely » Live safely » Learn safely » Play safely

The following practices and infrastructure will continue to support these health and well-being measures, in accordance with CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines:

• Vaccine is the best frontline protection; students, faculty, and staff are highly encouraged to get vaccinated, while not required to do so.
• Covid re-entry testing will be required for unvaccinated students. Tests are to be performed no more than 1-3 days prior to arrival on campus. On-site testing will be available to those who become exposed or symptomatic throughout the semester.
• We will continue to follow current, operational public health guidance on masking/distancing.
• Meetings among students, faculty, and staff can be held in person or virtually.
• The University will continue to comply with all mandated employee safety training requirements.
• Air filtration system ionization stations, installed in Spring 2020, are changed/monitored on a regular basis.
• A modern HVAC system, in place since Spring 2020, will continue to introduce fresh air into large spaces.
• Sanitizing stations, plexiglass barriers, and distancing stickers are installed throughout the campus to maintain health and safety practices in high-traffic, public spaces.

Please Note: Marywood University does not currently mandate the Covid-19 vaccination for students, however, there are many workplaces that are mandating the vaccine, including various healthcare organizations, K-12 school systems, and businesses. Some of our degree programs require students to complete field experiences, practicums, clinicals, and other types of off-site coursework in order to graduate. You should be aware that Marywood’s formal, legally binding agreements with these workplaces to provide our students hands-on experiences include the requirement that students must comply with their mandates and protocols, including any vaccination requirements, as a condition of participating in such placements.

Admissions Visitors

Masks are strongly recommended to be worn in spaces that do not allow for physical/social distancing.

Transportation and Travel

University Travel

University-sponsored travel will continue. Admissions counselors' travel will be determined by the schools/areas to which they are traveling, in keeping with the prevailing visitation policies at each school and the health and safety guidance in those destinations. Admissions counselors will adhere to Marywood's indoor masking policy regardless of the mask policy of the school they are visiting.

Study Abroad Program

Marywood University will continue study abroad activities for the Spring 2022 Semester. The University will continue to monitor international and national travel advisories and will communicate changes as warranted. If you are interested in studying abroad, or if you have questions about Marywood’s Study Abroad Program, please contact the Coordinator of Global and Multicultural Education.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Please be aware that countries around the world are currently considering the issue of whether or not to require that travelers provide official proof of vaccination upon entry. As a campus community, we are responsible for others, as well as ourselves, so by practicing safety measures and behaving responsibly in public spaces, we will each do our respective part to ensure the well-being of the entire campus and the surrounding community.

For students, especially those who reside on campus, and for staff members, we encourage you to exercise caution and adhere to the prevailing health and safety measures of areas you visit. All students, faculty, and staff are expected to adhere to local, state, and federal travel advisories as they relate to COVID-19 testing and quarantine. Be sure to monitor COVID-19 information for Pennsylvania travelers prior to making any travel plans. It is important to be aware of where you go and how you interact with others, and, when possible, to keep track of persons with whom you’ve interacted, or places you have been for the purpose of contact tracing. (See Section IX Monitoring Campus, Part B - “Contact Tracing”)

Housing

All residence halls have returned to full-capacity status. 

Students who previously submitted proof of vaccination to the Student Health Portal do not have to resubmit or repeat the process. If you receive a booster, please update your records accordingly.

Proof of COVID-19 entry/re-entry testing and/or completion of the COVID-19 vaccine must be uploaded electronically to the Student Health Portal. All documents must be legible and in English. To complete your Health Information Requirements please log into your Student Health Portal using your MU username and password and upload your required documents.

We will operate at full capacity in academic and residence spaces. Whenever on campus, all students, guests, and staff will be expected to comply with current CDC/PA Dept. of Health guidelines. 

Quarantine & Isolation Protocols for Residential Students

Rooms have been set aside in the event that students are required to isolate. Students who are able to safely travel home are encouraged to do so. Students who need to isolate on campus will move to a designated location for the duration of the isolation period, and services, such as meal delivery, will be provided during this period. Students required to quarantine due to a suspected exposure to COVID-19 will remain in their assigned room for the duration of the quarantine period. Refer to the section on Testing, Contact Tracing, and Quarantine in this document for more detailed information.

Students who previously submitted proof of vaccination to the  Student Health Portal do not have to resubmit or repeat the process. If you receive a booster, please update your records accordingly. Proof of COVID-19 entry/re-entry testing and/or completion of the COVID-19 vaccine must be uploaded electronically to the Student Health Portal. All documents must be legible and in English. To complete your Health Information Requirements please log into your Student Health Portal using your MU username and password and upload your required documents. 

We will operate at full capacity in academic spaces.

The most current health and safety protocols include:

• Effective Monday, March 7, 2022 Marywood’s mask mandate will be lifted. 

• Masks are strongly recommended to be worn in spaces that do not allow for physical/social distancing, such as classrooms, labs, etc. 
• Faculty will have the final authority to determine if masks need to be worn in their classrooms. This provision is not up for debate.
• Students can request that masks be worn in their classrooms through their faculty. 
• Employees and students have the right to ask all individuals to wear masks in their personal workspaces or residence hall rooms, respectively.
• Any outside visitors to campus (visitors/guests) will be strongly recommended to wear a mask during large-scale events that do not allow for physical/social distancing.  
• Please note that if future circumstances related to COVID were to change, we may have to revisit the masking mandate in light of any medical guidance from the CDC/PADOH.
• Vaccinations and booster shots continue to be strongly recommended as the best method of protection

If you do not feel well, do not report to campus; instead seek medical consultation and follow provider recommendations prior to coming to campus.

Academic Calendar

The Spring Academic Calendar features a regular schedule. The spring semester begins on Monday, January 10, 2022, and ends on Saturday, May 7, 2022.

In the event of snow days, classes will either be held online or on a compressed schedule, depending on conditions.

• Mon., Jan. 17: Martin Luther King Day
• Sun., Mar. 6 – Sun., Mar. 13:  Spring Break [Administrative Offices Open.]
• Thur., Apr. 14 – Mon., Apr. 18: Easter Break [NOTE: Administrative Offices will be open on Thur., Apr. 14.)
  
  Break begins after the student’s last class meeting in the first week of May; Semester officially ends on Sat., May 7. Final grades are due by Noon on Tues., May 10.]

Classes and Attendance Policy

Faculty will detail their requirements and expectations on their course syllabi, available on Brightspace, and, as always, students can contact instructors by email to ask questions.

Students are expected to attend in-person classes. If a student must be absent for illness, a death in the family, or another serious reason, then procedures for absences, as detailed by the instructor, should be followed. 

If a student is going to miss multiple classes for reasons that are significant, the student must take the responsibility to inform the faculty member(s) offering the course(s). If a student must miss classes because of being required to quarantine, Marywood's faculty will determine an alternate means for the student to remain current in the coursework. In addition, a student should contact advisors and staff in the Office of Student Success for a situation that requires multiple absences, which could be disruptive to making progress in the class(es).

Vaccine Policies at External Partner Organizations 

Please Note: Marywood University does not currently mandate the Covid-19 vaccination for students, however, there are many workplaces that are mandating the vaccine, including various healthcare organizations, K-12 school systems, and businesses. Some of our degree programs require students to complete field experiences, practicums, clinicals, and other types of off-site coursework in order to graduate. You should be aware that Marywood’s formal, legally binding agreements with these workplaces to provide our students hands-on experiences include the requirement that students must comply with their mandates and protocols, including any vaccination requirements, as a condition of participating in such placements. 

Music and Theatre Classes/Performances

Music and Theatre classes and performances will continue at full-capacity, in-person status. Classes and performances will operate at full capacity.

Technology

View Technology Info

Academic Support Services

Academic Support Services have returned to normal, in-person status, but there are online resources and virtual options that may be helpful. Contact individual areas/services for more information. 

Commencement Weekend will be held on Friday, May 13-Saturday, May 14, 2022. Hooding and Honors ceremonies and the Commencement Liturgy will take place on Friday, May 13, at various times/locations on campus. The Commencement ceremony is set for Saturday, May 14, 1 p.m., at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre.  All university health and safety protocols will be followed at both on-campus locations and at the arena. More details about Commencement Weekend will be listed on the Commencement website beginning in mid-January.

Campus Services have returned to normal. We will continue safety/sanitation practices to maintain a healthy environment. 

Dining

All dining facilities are open. The PA Department of Health approved self-serve options without any restrictions and limits (since June 28, 2021). Dining will continue to offer a diverse menu and meet all student dietary needs. Refrigerated grab and go items will also be available in the Main Dining Room and Study Grounds Café. Hand sanitizing stations are available for use in dining locations. For updates on Dining Hours and daily meal specials please visit the Dining Service website the Dining Services Website.

To better serve our students, the Boost Mobile Food Ordering app will allow students various dining options for to-go ordering. This option will be available in each location with a menu specific option per location.  

Protective shielding at all cashier and food transaction locations and self-scan card readers will allow students to process their payment individually. To ensure the well-being of our students, Marywood Dining will continue to administer daily associate wellness checks to include a self-reported illness system and a contactless temperature check. Appropriate PPE is being utilized at all times by dining associates as required by the PA Department of Health. The sanitizing of the dining facilities, with special attention to high traffic areas and touch points, continues.

Marywood Gear Shop/eCampus

Marywood Gear Shop hours are posted and updated online. Students will now use eCampus online services for ordering/renting books and other course-required materials.

Safety shielding will remain in place at all transaction counters and sanitization procedures will continue in high traffic areas and point of contact locations.

In alignment with recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DOE), Marywood University will require either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result (from a test taken no more than 1-3 days before arrival on campus) to prevent and reduce COVID-19 transmission. Testing must occur under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a clinical setting - i.e. doctor’s office, laboratory, pharmacy, etc. This requirement is for all students who will attend campus in person during the Spring 2022 semester. (Students enrolled in online-only programs, such as online graduate programs, are exempt from this requirement.)

In place of vaccination/testing, we will accept proof of a positive COVID-19 test result obtained within 90 days prior to arrival. (See Section Monitoring Campus, “Testing, Contact Tracing, and Quarantine”) 

Students will not be permitted to return to campus or attend in-person courses until this requirement is met.  Residential students must submit documentation by Saturday, January 8, 2022, in order to return to rooms on Sunday, January 9, 2022. 

Proof of COVID-19 entry/re-entry testing and/or completion of the COVID-19 vaccine must be uploaded electronically to the Student Health Portal. All documents must be legible and in English. To complete your Health Information Requirements please log into your Student Health Portal using your MU username and password and upload your required documents.

Students, faculty, and staff should not report to campus, clinical sites, internships, athletic practice/competitions, or University-sponsored events if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or if they have had a known or suspected exposure to someone with COVID-19. Instead, please isolate, seek medical consultation, and follow provider recommendations prior to coming to campus.

Student Health Center

Marywood University’s Student Health Center has partnered with local healthcare organizations and other regional facilities to assure that COVID-19 testing is available for students who report to the campus Health Center with symptoms consistent with coronavirus infection and to those with a known exposure to COVID-19. The Student Health Center responds to students’ health and wellness needs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students should call ahead (570-348-6249) before visiting the Health Center, unless they are experiencing an emergency such as respiratory distress or an injury with profuse bleeding. (For all after hour medical emergencies call 911.)

Health Center staff will determine whether telemedicine services can be utilized, or if an in-person visit is warranted. Special arrangements will be made for students showing symptoms of an infectious nature. Students who are advised to report to the Health Center in person will be instructed on which entrance to use. Patients with general medical issues will use the front entrance; those with COVID-19 symptoms will use the back entrance. Health Center workers will use respiratory protection when encountering patients showing signs of infectious disease. 

Isolation areas have been identified for residential students who have tested positive for the virus. After hours and on weekends, students should utilize the Geisinger COVID-19 hotline at 570-284-3657 for answers about care recommendations and more. In addition to this option, students can seek guidance from Medicus Urgent Care by calling ahead to 570-207-2612. Other local care options can be found on the Student Health Resource Page. 

**It is important to note that you must call ahead when seeking evaluation and/or treatment for COVID-19 symptoms from any health care provider**

Testing, Contact Tracing, and Quarantine 

Proof of COVID-19 entry/re-entry testing and/or completion of the COVID-19 vaccine must be uploaded electronically to the Student Health Portal. All documents must be legible and in English. To complete your Health Information Requirements please log into your Student Health Portal using your MU username and password and upload your required documents. 

< p>Students who visit the Health Center with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be referred for testing. Employees will be sent home and referred to their medical providers.

 Students diagnosed with probable or lab-confirmed COVID-19:

• If the student is residential, unless the student chooses to return home, s/he will be instructed to self-isolate in a designated area on campus and the Health Center will monitor their condition (preferably by phone or video conference).

• Students living off-campus will self-isolate in a designated area of their residence.  Self–isolation in this context means isolating from others living in the same residence. If space limitations or limited facilities – i.e. bathrooms, kitchens – make some interaction unavoidable, the individual self-isolating should avoid usage when others are occupying these spaces, whenever possible, and maintain a minimum of six feet of social distance, wear face covering, and practice hand washing at all other times. Student Health Services will monitor their condition (preferably by phone or video conference).

• While a residential student is in isolation, University staff will arrange for food delivery and address other needs.

• The CDC recommends time for isolation to be a minimum of 5 days for everyone and quarantine to be a minimum of five full days for those who are not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines. People who are severely ill with COVID-19 and people with compromised immune systems might need to isolate at home for a longer period.

• Shared housing (for example, residence halls) in institutions of higher education is considered a lower risk congregate setting due to the lower risk of severe health outcomes (such as hospitalizations and death) associated with young adults. Therefore, the CDC recommends shared housing in IHE settings follow the general public guidance for quarantine and isolation. To better align with this updated guidance, Marywood University will decrease the requirement for isolation to a minimum of 5 days from test date or symptom onset for all students, faculty, and staff. This protocol will go into effect immediately.

• A minimum of five full days of quarantine will be required of all those who are not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines following a known exposure. As long as an individual remains without symptoms and has a negative COVID test performed on day 5 post exposure, they may return to normal campus activities on day 6. Watch for symptoms until 10 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and wear a well-fitted mask for 10 full days any time you are around others.

Who does not need to quarantine? If you have had close contact with someone who is COVID positive and you are in one of the following groups, you do not need to quarantine.

• You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
• You had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (meaning you tested positive using a viral test).

Students who: completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted OR are unvaccinated and come in close contact with an infected individual, must quarantine in their residence as directed by Student Health Services (for residential students quarantine takes place in their residence hall rooms). This may include roommates/suitemates/floormates (if sharing a bathroom)/housemates. These students should refrain from entering public areas outside of their residence while the quarantine is in place. Residential students will not be permitted to remain in student housing if they refuse to quarantine under these circumstances.

Contact Tracing

If a member of the Marywood community is diagnosed with COVID-19, contact tracing can help to keep our campus safer by identifying others who may be at risk and directing them to quarantine or obtain medical care. Confidentiality laws prohibit the university from disclosing any identifying information about affected individuals.

Any individual who has tested positive will be isolated, and anyone unvaccinated or believed to be at increased risk for exposure will be contacted and asked to self-quarantine.

People who have been boosted OR completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months OR completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19, unless they have symptoms. However, everyone should get tested 5-7 days after an exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.

Several Marywood staff members have been trained and certified in contact tracing. All communication related to contact tracing is private and confidential. To prevent the further spread of disease, unvaccinated COVID-19 contacts are encouraged to stay home and maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from others until 14 days after their last exposure to a person with COVID-19. Contacts should monitor themselves by checking their temperature twice daily and watching for symptoms of COVID-19. Learn more about the Contact Tracing Process or read the Contact Tracing Frequently Asked Questions on the PA Department of Health website. Also, view the PA Department of Health video, “What to know about contact tracing.” Questions? Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).

Students, faculty, and staff who are positive for COVID-19 must comply with requests for information related to the contact tracing process. In most cases, The Pennsylvania Department of Health will take the lead in contact tracing off-campus exposures. Student Health Services will take the lead in contact tracing for those exposed on campus. In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19, the university will follow contact tracinsg and notification protocols as directed by local and state health authorities. Identified contacts will receive guidance about monitoring and testing.

Coordination with Local Public Health Officials 

Marywood University’s Director of Student Health Services (or designee) will communicate any identified cases of COVID-19 to the Pennsylvania Department of Health as per protocol. The Director or designee will also activate plans for isolation/quarantine as deemed appropriate. Visit the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard, which provides information on statewide and county COVID-19 prevalence to track increases in disease in the community on a weekly basis.

Marywood University Student Life experiences have returned to full in-person status. Depending on the nature and location of certain events, additional safety guidelines or limited virtual options may be observed. We will operate at full capacity in indoor campus spaces. 

Athletics/Athletics Facilities

Marywood University Athletics have returned to full in-person practices and competition. COVID antigen testing may be required before participation and throughout the season if required. We will follow all public health recommendations in accordance with federal, state, NCAA, CDC, and institutional guidelines. 

The Athletic Training Room will continue to remain open by appointment only. The fitness and aquatics centers will have scheduled hours that they are open. Zumba class will continue to require a sign in. Please refer to the Athletics website to get more details on specific hours and occupancy limits, as well as specific health/safety protocols for various athletic facilities.

Student Engagement

In accordance with state, local, and University guidelines, the Office of Student Engagement will continue in-person activities, while balancing students’ safety with their need for socialization, entertainment, connection, and leadership development. Students not adhering to guidelines will not be permitted to attend or participate in events. Additional requirements will be determined on a case-by-case basis, dependent upon the nature of the event.

We will operate at full capacity in indoor campus spaces. 

Off-campus trips may be offered, depending on the status of our state and county at the time of the trip, as well as the status of the state and county to which we are travelling. Trip destinations will only be considered if they are permitted to be in operation by the appropriate authority, with preference given to outdoor attractions (zoos, state parks, etc.). Additional restrictions, such as reserved seating, reduced capacity on buses, and temperature declaration/health screenings may be required in order to make trips possible and safe.

Orientation

It is anticipated that face masks will continue to be required in all indoor locations regardless of vaccination status.

New Student Orientation will take place on campus in July 2022. Attendance is mandatory for new incoming first year students, but staying on campus overnight will be optional for students. Students will be permitted to bring a maximum of two guests. Additional information will be sent to new students via email, so students should continuously monitor their Marywood email address that will be assigned to them after enrolling for the Fall 2022 semester.

Campus Ministry

Sunday Mass will be celebrated in person in the Marian Chapel according to the guidelines of the CDC and the Diocese of Scranton.

Faith and spirituality programs, such as Bible Study, Delight, Philia, Agape Latte, and similar groups will meet in person or virtually in accordance with current CDC and campus guidelines.

Office of Community Service and Social Justice

Marywood continues to identify and address needs within our local community and beyond. Service activities allow students to connect with each other, build relationships, and make an impact with community leaders and organizations. All students are invited to participate and must follow campus guidelines set forth by Marywood University for the health, safety, and well-being of our students, employees and those who are served. 

The Office of Community Service and Social Justice will continue to share information with students about how to engage in community service safely and how to support community partners, both in-person and remote/virtual. Students must observe all campus protocols related to face coverings and social distancing when serving in the community. Students who are at risk of complications of COVID-19 are advised to seek on-campus, remote, or virtual service opportunities instead. 

All group service projects will follow current guidelines from the CDC and PA Department of Education for group size, social distancing, and the use of face coverings. The Office of Community Service and Social Justice will provide support to assist student groups in identifying appropriate and meaningful group service projects. Groups must utilize the Community Service Approval process and follow Marywood procedures for transportation to off-campus service sites and care of vehicles.

Allocations: Marywood University received $2,727,021 from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) III under Section 314(a)(1), (a)(4) of the American Rescue Plan, 2021 (ARP) for distribution to students for Emergency Financial Grants.  

These funds were received on May 16, 2021.  A majority of funds received have already been allocated; all funds received under HEERF III were allocated by December 15, 2021.  

Eligibility of Students/Disbursement of Funds:  Undergraduate and Graduate students who were enrolled in at least one credit as of September 22, 2021, may be eligible for awards. 

Methods of Determination/Guidance to Students: To determine which students received allocations of Emergency Financial Aid Grants, as well as how much they received, under Section 1314(a)(1), (a)(4) of ARP, Marywood University will use block grants using a matrix based on the Federal EFC (Expected Family Contribution) and Fall 2021 enrollment, prioritizing students with exceptional need, such as students who receive PELL grants. Students were told that the funds from the Emergency Financial Aid Grants can be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care.  Students were also asked to indicate how they generally intended to use their allocation to offset those expenses.

View CARES Act/HEERF II Reports »