Spring Semester 2022
Starting January 2022, the University will be updating its testing processes for students and employees.
For Resident Students
Students staying in Shepherd residence halls will be required to take a COVID-19 Rapid Test when checking in at the Wellness Center for Spring 2022, regardless of vaccination status. These tests are free and results will be available within 15 minutes. These tests will provide an additional layer of safety as students return to a shared living situation.
For Commuter Students
Students living off campus will be expected to take a COVID-19 Rapid Test before starting Spring semester classes. Commuter students will be tested at the Wellness Center prior to attending classes, entering buildings, etc. The test must be the first action taken upon arrival to campus!
Additional information about testing days, times, and locations will be available by Monday, January 3, 2022.
For Employees
Due to the limited availability of at-home tests and delays in receiving PCR test results, the University will conduct free testing for all employees.
Upon return to campus after Winter Break, all Shepherd employees will be expected to take a Rapid Test at the Wellness Center before entering their work area, regardless of vaccination status.
Free testing
Additional information about testing days, times, and locations will be available by Sunday, January 2, 2022.
What if I have previously tested positive for COVID?
People who have recovered from COVID-19 can continue to test positive for up to three months after their infection. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days you must bring documentation of that test result to the testing site. You will still be tested. If you do not have documentation of a previous positive test result and you test positive, you will be considered positive.
For the Entire Campus Community
Surveillance Testing
Random surveillance testing will continue weekly and participants will be drawn from the entire University population (students, faculty, staff, adjunct faculty, food service employees) regardless of vaccination status until further notice. If you are contacted to participate in surveillance testing, you must take a PCR test administered by the Shepherd University Health Center. You’ll receive more information about the time and location of surveillance testing when classes resume in January 2022.
Masking Requirements
Shepherd University will continue to require everyone to wear masks properly while inside any University building. The Wellness Center will continue its masking requirement for anyone who is not actively exercising. We will continue to provide masks in University buildings if you have forgotten to bring one.
Dining Services
All dining service areas will be carry out only. Individuals will be allowed to meet and study at tables in these areas, fully masked, but will not be allowed to eat.