Spring Semester 2022
Important note: The Campus Health Task Force will continue to monitor COVID risks in Jefferson and surrounding counties to ensure we are taking the steps to keep our campus community safe and healthy.
The CDC website explains community risk levels and features an online tool for checking risk levels by county. For the most current risk data about Jefferson and surrounding counties, visit the CDC website.
March 1, 2022
Masking
Effective March 1, 2022, masks are now optional inside all Shepherd University buildings. You may choose to mask at any time.
If you develop COVID symptoms, learn that you have tested positive for COVID, or learn that you have had prolonged exposure to someone who has COVID while on campus, please put on a mask and leave campus immediately. When you are safely off campus, please complete an incident report detailing the nature of your situation.
This updated policy is aligned with the CDC’s February 25, 2022, masking recommendation update, which suggests that masking decisions be based on county-reported COVID risk levels. As of March 1, Jefferson County is currently at medium risk; for the most current county risk levels, visit the CDC website.
Dining Services
Starting Monday, March 7, all dining services will return to normal service:
- Dining options at Riverside Market will resume in-person dining.
- The Rams Den will return to all-you-care-to-eat service and expand dine-in capacity.
Events
Effective Monday, March 7, clubs and organizations may return to in-person events with food service. Campus event planners only need to submit their events for review in RamPulse if more than 100 people are invited. The Campus Health Task Force will no longer review smaller events unless county COVID risk levels rise.
EPTA
Masks are still required when riding any EPTA bus. Masking requirements for EPTA buses are regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Visit the EPTA website for current masking policies.
COVID Policy Language
Effective Monday, March 7, temporary administrative rules for COVID-19, including the online Staff Handbook Addendum and the Faculty Handbook Addendum, are suspended except as expressly reflected in the FAQs.