This information is current as of 9 a.m. on Aug. 2, 2022.
COVID-19 Interim Policies for Students—Advent Semester 2022
Living in community means that we are committed to the well-being of all community members, and we agree to make choices with integrity that benefit community safety over individual desires. This requires commitment. The University believes that Sewanee students will rise to the occasion and follow these and other guidelines to be together and in community on the Domain.
As outlined in the EQB Guide for Living in Community, students are expected to follow University policies, procedures, and directives. The University has issued policies for all members of the Sewanee community to begin the Advent term 2022. These policies may change. Please check them often. Any updates or modifications will be posted to this website, and notifications will be sent to your Sewanee email address.
The health and safety of our campus and community involves each of us. We must all commit to doing our part to help prevent an outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 virus. This is most clearly stated in a set of Community Health Commitments every member of the Sewanee community is expected to support:
COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMITMENTS
- I will adhere to the University's masking policy, including rules for specific events or facilities.
- I will maintain six feet of distancing from others, if requested.
- I will practice safe hygiene (washing my hands frequently, covering my mouth when I cough or sneeze).
- I will get tested for COVID-19 if I am symptomatic.
- If I am a student who tests positive, I will isolate in place. I will also inform my professors, coach, and work supervisor.
- If I am a student, I will order my meals online from McClurg Dining Hall for one of my peers to pick up on my behalf. I will seek support as needed for my mental health and well-being and be mindful of the mental health needs of others. I will kindly encourage compliance in my community.
- If I am a student, I will call the University Wellness Center immediately if I have a fever, have shortness of breath, lose taste or sense of smell, or otherwise feel ill. I will encourage my peers who seem ill to call the University Wellness Center for assistance.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
This section includes policies and procedures developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and students are expected to follow each item as written. Students are responsible for knowing these policies and directing questions to the Dean of Students Office when they arise. These policies may change. Please check them often. Any updates or modifications will be posted to this website, and notifications will be sent to your Sewanee email address.
Vaccination Policy
As previously announced, all students who are eligible, are required to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, which currently includes the primary series and one booster shot, by Aug. 1, 2022.
Updated Masking Policy
The University recommends that individuals wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk. Individuals with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. As was the case last year, the following remain in effect:
- All visitors to University Health Services (UHS) must wear a mask, according to stated policies.
- Faculty may choose to require masks be worn in their classes, laboratories, studios, or offices.
- Staff members may require masks to be worn in their personal workspace.
Isolation/Quarantine
Students who are diagnosed with COVID-19 need to remain isolated in place, following CDC guidelines as well as the advice of their healthcare provider.
Emergency Contact
Students MUST update their Banner record no later than the date of arrival on campus, to include a current emergency contact with phone number and to include the student’s current cell phone number. Ongoing updates should be made as needed to maintain accurate records.
RESOLUTION OF POLICY VIOLATIONS
Any reported violations of these interim health policies may result in a warning (written or verbal) or swift resolution by the Dean of Students or her designee to protect the campus community and reduce the likelihood of an outbreak. There will be no opportunity for appeal. A reported violation of these interim health policies, without an associated Code of Conduct violation, will not be resolved through the process outlined in the Code of Conduct.
Some violations of these health policies may result in a warning without the need to meet with the Dean of Students office. For instance, a student might receive a written warning for not properly wearing a mask when requested. Other violations may be reported to the Office of Community Standards for a violation of the Code of Conduct. Extreme and repeated violations may result in the student being suspended for the semester as determined through the resolution process outlined in the Code of Conduct. Any reported conduct issues jointly occurring with violations of these health policies may be resolved through the process outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. The Office of Community Standards will manage student conduct resolution procedures. Hearings may be amended to limit contact and exercise distancing to protect those involved. Students should follow the procedures communicated by the Dean of Students Office.
QUESTIONS
Please use the links provided in the EQB Guide for Living in Community to find details on processes and protocols unique to events and departments. Students should direct questions about community standards and student conduct violations to the Dean of Students Office at dstudent@sewanee.edu.
REPORT
Please use the avenues already available on campus to report any violations of these policies to the Dean of Students office. We encourage community members to kindly encourage compliance by drawing a student’s attention to issues when they arise, using the LiveSafe app and via the online Reporting webpage within the Dean of Students Office.
