Spring 2022 semester COVID-19 protocols

Chancellor Sheri Everts and the university’s COVID-19 response team continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and remain in regular contact with state and local public health agencies as well as UNC System leadership.

In Chancellor Everts’ Jan. 3 update to campus, she outlined the COVID-19 protocols that will be in place for the spring semester, and emphasized the importance of vaccines and boosters. Everyone who is eligible should submit proof of their booster or additional dose by Jan. 10.

• Classes will resume for the spring semester on Jan. 10. There are no current plans to move in-person classes online.
  
  
• All students, faculty and staff should get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, including boosters or additional doses as recommended by their health care providers. Vaccination and booster shots are the most important tool to reduce case surges and CDC indicates they are expected to be effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. App State’s Student Health Service clinic offers all three primary vaccines and boosters by appointment. Layer your protections and get a flu vaccine.
  
  
• Face coverings are required in all indoor campus locations for students, faculty, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.
  
  
• Students moving into residence halls must submit proof of vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test prior to moving in. Read full instructions here.
  
  
• Students and employees who are not fully vaccinated are required to submit weekly COVID-19 test results if they are on campus at any time.
  
  
• If you are feeling unwell and exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 infection:
• Stay home.
• Monitor your symptoms.
• Get a COVID-19 test.
• Students should communicate with their faculty and employees should communicate with their supervisors to arrange for short-term remote options.
• If you become concerned about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

New guidance for 2022

• CDC has updated isolation and quarantine recommendations:
  • For people who are unvaccinated or eligible but not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.
  • Fully vaccinated and boosted individuals do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.
  • For all those exposed, CDC recommends getting a COVID-19 test 5 days after exposure.
  • If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
    
    
  Read CDC’s updated isolation and quarantine recommendations.

• As noted by Chancellor Everts, the next COVID-19 dashboard update will be on Jan. 18, 2022, and will include metrics recommended by local public health to better measure the impact of new COVID-19 variants on our campus and community.
  
  
• Chancellor Everts also shared that new guidance for Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) is expected soon from CDC. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will review CDC guidance and issue its updated IHE guidance.
  
  
• NCDHHS updated its guidance for K-12 schools on Dec. 30, 2021. App State is ensuring compliance with this guidance in the university’s K-12 classrooms.

Spring 2022 COVID-19 testing

• On-campus testing clinics will resume on Jan. 4.
  
  
• All unvaccinated students and employees will continue to be required to submit COVID-19 test results each week. When you become fully vaccinated, upload proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status to be removed from the required testing pool.
  
  
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you exhibit symptoms, even if you are fully vaccinated.
  
  
• If you test positive, self report your positive result to the university and seek treatment early. Treatment is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19.

Key upcoming dates

• Jan. 7: Move-in to residence halls begins at 8 a.m.
  University Housing has shared spring move-in instructions with students living in residence halls.
  
  
• Jan. 10: First day of classes for the spring 2022 semester.
  There are no current plans to move in-person classes online.
  
  
• Jan. 17: MLK State holiday — no classes, university closed.

Campus operations reminders

• The Student Health Service clinic re-opens with regular hours Jan. 3. The after-hours nurse line remains available —  call 828-262-3100.
  
  
• The Counseling Center re-opens with regular hours Jan. 3. Emergency services are always available — call 828-262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on-call.
  
  
• Campus Dining reopens some venues Jan. 5. All dining venues will return to regular operating hours after Monday, Jan. 10. View the Spring 2022 Opening Schedule for more information.
  
  
• University Recreation will re-open Jan. 7. View facility hours for more information.  

For additional information, check department websites for adjusted winter break hours of operation.

Additional information & resources

• The university adjusts COVID-19 safety protocols, procedure and policy according to the latest federal, state, local and UNC System guidance. Read the latest updates.
  
  
• Following CDC guidance, App State uses county-based community spread data to determine when requirements, such as wearing face coverings on campus, can be lessened or lifted.  

Resources: 
COVID-19 Vaccines • Get your COVID-19 vaccination record • COVID-19 Testing

Additional resources:
Read the latest updates • Face Coverings •  Reporting COVID-19 Cases • North Carolina’s COVID-19 Information Hub • Flu vaccine finder