Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

• SU's Return-to-Campus Overview (PDF)
• SU's Return-to-Campus Q&A (PDF)
• SU’s Faculty and Staff Guide for Returning to Campus (PDF)
• SU’s Student Guide for Returning to Campus (PDF)

SU will be operating as an "ID Campus" until further notice. All campus community members are expected to display their GullCard through a lanyard, or other means, at all times while in public spaces. Visitors will be expected to display their visitor pass obtained at their location of screening before entering campus buildings.

Events sponsored by SU and its affiliates may permit indoor visitors as long as they adhere to the rooms’ COVID-19 capacities, and SU’s COVID-19 policies regarding visitor check-in, face mask requirements and maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distance between each person in the room. This includes functions in Holloway Hall Auditorium, the Guerrieri Academic Commons Assembly Hall and other large venues on campus.

All visitors to campus attending sponsored events must check in for a COVID-19 screening and visitor pass at the event location.  The event sponsors will provide the screening and pass.  If you need more information on screening requirements, please contact the event sponsor.

Visitors to campus not attending sponsored events, including those on official business, should check in at the following locations to be screened and receive a visitor pass:

• Weekdays – Holloway Hall main entrance, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• All other times – SU Police Department, East Campus Complex, Power Street (walk-up, ring buzzer at door)

As a safety precaution, individuals may be asked to show proof of screening clearance, visitor pass, or proof of event by university officials. Access may be denied for non-compliance.

SU requires all students, faculty and staff to complete a daily screening for COVID-19.  This can be done via the Salisbury University Mobile app (download for Apple or Android devices), a web portal, or in-person (view locations).  For more information, visit SU’s COVID-19 Screening website. 

Masks must be worn indoors at all times, except when in private offices or spaces with a closed door. Those working in shared office spaces should wear masks there, as well, when occupied by more than one person. Masks also must be worn outdoors when appropriate physical distancing (at least 6 feet) is not possible.

Masks must be worn by all when utilizing University transportation, including any shuttle bus, athletics buses, or while in a University vehicle.

This policy extends to all of the University campus and other property owned, leased or controlled by the University, except in cases for which exemptions are made as outlined in the PDF below.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in limitation or denial of access to University facilities and services. Staff and faculty members found not to be complying with the policy risk corrective/disciplinary action at the guidance of the Office of Human Resources.

• Click the link below for  Salisbury University's COVID-19 Masking Protocols Policy - Effective July 20, 2020 - in PDF format:
  
  SU's COVID-19 Masking Protocols Policy (PDF)

SU has instituted an isolation and quarantine policy for students testing positive or sharing common spaces in campus housing with someone testing positive for COVID-19.

Isolation

• Students residing on campus who test positive will be directed by Campus Housing and Residence Life staff to move from their current residence hall location for isolation.
• Many opt to return to the comfort of their homes during the isolation period. Those unable to do so will be assigned an isolation space on campus with others who received positive tests.
• Students moving to isolation space on campus will receive a phone call and instructions sent to their SU email outlining the relocation process.
• Students testing positive will not be allowed to stay in their current residence hall during that time.
• Students who are told to isolate must keep this Isolation Symptom and Temperature Log (PDF) during their isolation period.

Quarantine

• Students residing on campus who share common spaces (living rooms, bathrooms, internal cluster/apartment hallways, etc.) with another student who tests positive for COVID-19 will be notified by the University that they must quarantine.
• During that time, they may choose to return home until cleared to return to their residence hall. Those unable to do so will be assigned a quarantine space on campus with others who have been exposed to individuals testing positive.
• Students moving to quarantine space on campus will receive a phone call and instructions sent to their SU email outlining the relocation process.
• Students assigned to quarantine will not be allowed to stay in their current residence hall during that time.
• Students who are told to quarantine must keep this Quarantine Symptom Log (PDF) during their quarantine period.

Helpful Resources

• CDC: Prevent The Spread If You Are Sick (PDF)
• CDC: Guidance For Living In Close Quarters (PDF)
• CDC: Ways To Manage Symptoms In Your Residence (PDF)

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, students assigned to isolate or quarantine will lose Gull Card access to all buildings on campus except their assigned isolation or quarantine unit. This includes the Commons. Meals will be delivered daily to students isolating or quarantining on campus. Students will be allowed to return to their assigned residence hall once their isolation or quarantine period ends.

Students living off campus who test positive will lose Gull Card access to all campus buildings and will be assigned to isolate in their off-campus housing or at home. Those residing off campus with a student who tests positive are asked to notify Campus Health at 410-677-0006 or campushealth@salisbury.edu and plan to remain in quarantine until cleared to return to campus.

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Salisbury has reinstated restrictions on social gatherings in the city limits. Indoor gatherings are limited to no more than 15 people, and outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people. These restrictions do not apply to religious gatherings, offices, retail stores, restaurants and other businesses.

COVID-19 testing is an important part of SU’s ongoing health and safety measures. Regular weekly testing will be offered by SU throughout the fall semester. To maintain access to SU facilities, all faculty and staff are required to complete an SU-administered COVID-19 test with a negative result every 30 days. For testing data and more information:

• SU COVID-19 Testing website – dashboards about cases and details about regular weekly testing
• Maryland COVID-19 Webpage – current list of testing sites in the state
• Wicomico County Health Department – offers testing locally

SU has developed a mandatory Coronavirus Awareness and Prevention Training, required to be completed by all faculty, staff and students. The module provides information about COVID-19, including symptoms and measures to reduce risks, as well as specific SU policies and guidelines. Students and employees who have not already done so must take this training and sign a Community Health and Safety Responsibility pledge.

Access Training in MyClasses

Salisbury University and the University System of Maryland (USM) are actively monitoring the global outbreak of COVID-19.

Executive Order

On Thursday, December 17, Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order requiring those traveling to Maryland to receive a negative COVID-19 test of self-isolate for 10 days.

Prior to the executive order, SU announced its requirement that all students, faculty and staff must receive a negative result on an SU-administered COVID-19 test within seven days of returning from winter break. SU’s requirement fulfills the Governor’s order; however, it requires individuals to self-quarantine while awaiting the results of their test.

SU employees and commuting students who live in neighboring states (Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well as Washington, D.C.) are exempt from the executive order.

The Governor’s order may be found in full at the link below:

• Amended Directive and Order Regarding Various Healthcare Matters (PDF)

Study Abroad

SU study abroad opportunities remain limited. Students and other SU community members who have traveled to countries with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or U.S. Department of State travel advisories must self-confine at home for 14 days before returning to campus, according to the University System of Maryland Statement on Self Isolation of Students, Faculty & Staff.

International Travel

The CDC discourages any non-essential international travel independent of any CDC or U.S. Department of State (USDOS) advisory levels. SU has suspended authorization for travel using institutional funds to or from any country with a USDOS Travel Advisory Level 3 or Level 4 or a CDC Travel Health Notice of Level 1-3. Exceptions must be approved by the Office of the Provost. Faculty and staff who already have arrangements for university-funded travel to impacted countries should contact their dean or direct supervisor for more details.

Any member of the SU community who travels to a country with a CDC Travel Health Notice of Level 1-3 is required to self-isolate for 14 days prior to returning to campus. Further direction on self-isolation can be found at the  University System of Maryland Statement on Self Isolation of Students, Faculty & Staff. Employees should contact direct supervisors upon completion of domestic or international travel. If members of the University community develop cold- or flu-like symptoms during or after travel, the CDC advises that individuals call ahead and notify their health care providers of symptoms and recent travel history. Contact with others should be avoided until a health care provider has provided an evaluation. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories page for the most up to date information on current warning levels.

Visit the USDOS’s  Travel Advisories page for the most up-to-date information on current warning levels.

Domestic Travel

Currently, SU does not sponsor any out-of-state travel. Any students or employees traveling out of state are encouraged to continue daily symptom monitoring, adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols (social distancing, mask, hand-washing) and get a test upon returning to Maryland.

SU recommends that all members of our campus community reconsider any non-essential domestic travel, including by motor vehicle, plane, train or boat. Members of the University community should contact their deans or direct supervisors for more details if a pre-approved conference or event has been canceled.

While quarantining after out-of-state travel is not required at this time, each situation is unique. Please carefully consider your activities on campus after travel and consult with your direct supervisor and Campus Health regarding on-campus work after traveling out of state.

The University also encourages all members of the community to exercise caution when traveling for essential reasons either internationally or domestically.

• Keep your immunizations up-to-date including an annual flu shot.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water following the CDC’s handwashing guidelines (or use a hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60 percent if soap and water are not available).

These are recent communications issued by Salisbury University:

• February 18: Important COVID-19 Testing Information for SU Employees
• February 18: Important COVID-19 Testing Information for Students 
• February 5: Important Reminder: Report COVID-19 Symptoms and Exposures to Campus Health 
• January 25 - Important Information Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
• January 24 - All Students Required to Have SU-Administered COVID-19 Test by January 29, for Campus Access
• January 14 - Important COVID-19 Testing Update for Residential Students
• January 8 - Important Information Regarding Campus Access and COVID-19 Testing

Previous Campus Communications [+/-]

• December 15 - Important Information Regarding Winter/Spring SU COVID-19 Testing Requirements 
• December 14 - Important Information Regarding One-Day Campus Pass Locations
• December 10 - SU Announces New One-Day Campus Pass for Finals Week
• December 4 - Important Information Regarding COVID-19 Testing
• December 3 - Important Information Regarding COVID-19 Testing Information in GullNet
• November 23 - SU Campus Community Safety Guidance for Thanksgiving Break and Return Information
• November 20 - Thanksgiving Break Reminders Regarding COVID-19 Precautions and Testing 
• November 10 - Important COVID-19 Information from Salisbury University
• September 15 - City Ordinance COVID-19 Regulatory Update
• September 4 - COVID-19 Testing Announced for SU Students, Faculty and Staff September 7-9
• August 29 - COVID-19 Testing Deadline and Next Steps
• August 5 - COVID-19 Testing Information for SU Students, Faculty and Staff
• July 22 - SU COVID-19 Update from Human Resources
• July 20 - Updated Mask Policy, Visitor Screenings, New Campus ID Requirements, and Signage Approval Processes
• July 9: Updated COVID-19 Screening Locations for Salisbury University Employees on Campus
• June 24: Salisbury University Fall Return-to-Campus Planning 
• May 29: Salisbury University Releases Return-to-Campus Overview
• May 28: Return to the Workplace
• May 15: Safer-at-Home Guidance
• May 13: SU Looks Ahead to Fall as Campus Buildings Remain Closed to the Public This Summer
• May 12: CARES Act Emergency Student Grants Available
• May 7 CARES Emergency Student Grant
• April 28: SU, PRMC Partner to Provide Space for Recovering COVID-19 Patients
• March 27: Salisbury University Will Issue Credits For The Spring 2020 Semester
• March 27: SU Announces Refund Plans for Remainder of Spring Semester
• March 24: Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 24
• March 23: SU Community Members Self-Confined Following Possible COVID-19 Exposure
• March 17: Campus Communication
• March 12, 6:20 p.m: All SU Activities Canceled and Buildings Closed to the Public
• March 12, 10:45 a.m: Virtual town hall on coronavirus scheduled March 13
• March 12: Letter To Residential Students
• March 10: Classes canceled Thursday-Friday
• March 6: SU COVID-19 Diversity and Civility Statement
• March 6: SU continues to monitor the spread of novel coronavirus
• March 6: SU Announces COVID-19 Preparations
• March 2: Campus Coronavirus Update
• February 26: SU information on COVID-19 Precautions
• January 26: Tips for Preventing Influenza and Coronavirus (From SHS)

US Department of Education CARES Act Funding
 - Salisbury University Grant # P425E200233 (PDF) - Submitted 11/06/2020

UMGC CARES Act Subaward Funding
 - Direct Aid to Student Cumulative Quarterly Report (PDF) - Submitted 11/17/2020

 

As we adjust to operating during a pandemic, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and sustaining a welcoming, respectful, accessible, equitable and inclusive environment for all members of the Salisbury University community. We stand against xenophobia, incivility, racism, ableism, and all forms of bias, harassment and discrimination.

We acknowledge that COVID-19 has impacted members of the SU community in different ways and created unforeseen challenges (e.g. personally, academically, professionally, as well as physically, mentally and socially). We understand that this will call for a more thoughtful approach as we proceed. We will seek to find strength across difference to uphold the common humanity that binds us together. We will remain committed to working together to demonstrate equity and inclusivity as we embrace our shared values of excellence, student-centeredness, learning, community, civic engagement, and diversity and inclusion.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the novel (new) coronavirus, COVID-19 (formerly known as 2019-nCoV) first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The CDC is working with the World Health Organization (WHO), which has declared the outbreak a global pandemic.

Risk is dependent on exposure. People in contact with those with COVID-19 are likely to be at greater risk of infection and should take the precautions outlined in the CDC’s guidance for preventing spread in homes and communities.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed. Currently, the CDC also recommends avoiding all non-essential domestic and international travel.

What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization has declared the virus a global pandemic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers a serious public health concern in the U.S. and many other countries. For additional information visit the CDC website.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may be similar to the common cold or influenza, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC believes that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or up to 14 days after exposure. Please visit the CDC website for additional information on symptoms.

How is it transmitted?
Coronavirus is spread from animals to humans, as well as from person-to-person.

How is it treated?
There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the virus. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces frequently.

What is the guidance for travel?
The CDC recommends avoiding all non-essential domestic and foreign travel. The governors of Maryland and surrounding states have issued stay-at-home orders and encouraged residents to cease all non-essential travel to help slow the virus’ spread. Only those with “critical employee” designations should report to campus, and only for duties that cannot be completed from home.

Should I wear a mask?
Wearing a mask may assist in preventing the spread of a virus. Until further notice, face masks or similar coverings (bandanas, etc.) must be worn in all stores and on all public transit in Maryland by order of Governor Larry Hogan. All SU employees and contractors must wear masks while working on campus. Please see the SU Face Mask Policy above for more information.

What if I have underlying health conditions? 
It is recommended that you identify yourself as an individual with a chronic illness, and notify your healthcare provider if you are ill and have recently traveled, or have been exposed to someone who has been exposed to COVID 19.  You also should:

• Visit your healthcare provider immediately if you are experiencing a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
• Get your yearly flu shot to prevent complications and make sure your vaccines are up to date.
• Wash your hands often (or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available).
• Limit visits with young children; they frequently have colds or the flu.
• Avoid contact with anyone who has a cold, the flu or another contagious condition (such as measles, etc.)
• For more information please visit the CDC website.

Here are some helpful resources: 

• CDC Guidelines
• Maryland Department of Health
• American College Health Association (ACHA)
• University System of Maryland
• SU Student Health Services
• Guidance Resources - Employee Assistance Program

• USM Coronavirus Preparedness and Resources page
  
  
• February 3, 2021: USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman and System Presidents Join in Effort to Promote COVID-19 Vaccinations Across Maryland 
• January 25, 2021: Guidance for USM Employees Regarding Phases 1B and 1C of Maryland's COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
• December 11, 2020 USM COVID Research & Innovation Task Force Launches Student PSA Public Health Challenge 
• July 30, 2020: University System of Maryland Statement on COVID-19 Testing and Symptom Monitoring for Students and Employees Returning in Fall 2020
• July 22, 2020: Statement by Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Why the USM Is Preparing for a Hybrid Instructional Model This Fall
• May 29, 2020: USM Institutions Plan a Fall Semester of Hybrid In-Person and Remote Instruction

Previous USM Statements [+/-]

• March 30, 2020: Statement by University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Governor Hogan’s Executive Order, USM’s Community Crisis Response, and Emergency Relief for Students
• March 27, 2020: Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman: Partial Refund of Student Fees
• March 19, 2020: Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on the Remainder of the Semester, Commencement, and Other Issues
• March 16, 2020: USM Statement Regarding Staff Remaining on Campus During Current Telework Period
• March 13, 2020, USM Statement on Room and Board Policies for Residential Students
• March 12, 2020: USM Guidance to Presidents
• March 10, 2020: Guidance on USM Spring Break, Distance Learning, and Related COVID-19 Preparations
• March 6, 2020: Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Novel Coronavirus Preparation
• March 6, 2020: USM Prepares for Impending Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in State of Maryland
• March 3, 2020: USM Statement on Self Isolation of Students, Faculty & Staff
• UMB Recommendations for USM Campuses
• January 24, 2020: University System of Maryland Chancellor Letter
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