COVID-19 and Vaccine Resources

3 Key Things

1. Deadlines have been updated for getting your required negative COVID test before returning; take rapid tests within 24 hours of your return; if you choose a PCR test, it must be taken within 72 hours.

2. QU will follow the CDC’s newly updated 5-day isolation protocols.

3. Students are encouraged to purchase extra at-home rapid test kits to have on hand for personal use this semester to augment university-provided testing.

4. Please upload a copy of your booster shot as soon as you receive it; on-campus booster clinics will be held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

Dear QU students and families,

We are eager to welcome you back for another semester together. We also understand the recent increase in COVID cases and prominence of the omicron variant may be causing concern about what the start of the semester may look like. Rest assured, we expect an on-schedule start of the spring semester on Monday, Jan. 24.

We are applying the same level of planning we’ve practiced throughout these past two years, focusing on the latest public health guidelines, safety measures and the best available medical information. The physical and mental health of our community is paramount; in-person, on-campus learning and social interactions are vital ingredients of students’ well-being and academic success.

A successful, on-ground spring semester together requires shared commitment and responsibilities, and we ask you review the following information as you prepare to return to Quinnipiac.

Negative COVID test prior to return

All students (vaccinated and unvaccinated) must receive a negative COVID-19 test before they return, except for online and fully remote students. Both PCR and rapid tests are acceptable. Please note: We have updated the testing deadlines since our December communication.

• Rapid tests, including at-home tests, must be taken within 24 hours of your return.

• If you get a PCR test, it must be taken within 72 hours of your return.

• Please bring a copy of your test result with you – either printed or a photo on your phone – and also upload a copy to the Student Health Services patient portal.

• At-home test results must include the student’s name and date the test was taken printed on the test result card or on a piece of paper alongside the test result card in the photo.

• Antibody tests are NOT acceptable.

If you recently tested positive for COVID-19

If you previously tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days prior to your return to campus date, you do not need to produce this new negative test to return. But you must upload a copy of your positive test result to the Student Health Services patient portal for verification before returning.

Isolation protocols for positive cases

QU will follow the newly updated CDC guidelines that recommend a 5-day isolation period for individuals who test positive for COVID-19.

• After testing positive, a student must isolate for 5 days. Day 0 is the date you test positive; you must then isolate for 5 days afterward.

• A student can return to class on day 6 if they are asymptomatic, or if their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours or fever-reducing medication), but must continue wearing a mask at all times when around others.

• Students may go home to isolate as a limited amount of on-campus isolation housing is available for residential students. If the rate of new cases outpaces available isolation space given omicron’s greater transmissibility but less severe illness, we may consider moving to an isolate-in-place protocol. That means students would isolate in their residence hall room with access to a bathroom designated for COVID-positive students. Additional details are forthcoming on how this plan would be deployed, if needed.

Students in clinical placements may be subject to different testing requirements or isolation protocols and timelines. They should contact their clinical program director to confirm.

Availability of rapid tests

The university is procuring rapid test kits for use in Student Health Services and also hopes to have kits available for distribution to symptomatic students on an as-needed basis. This will make it easier for students to self-test when needed and will reduce the volume of testing through Student Health Services.

• Due to the potential for limits or delays affecting the supply of rapid tests, students also are encouraged to purchase at-home rapid test kits now online or through a local pharmacy/retailer so they can return to campus with several extra tests kits for personal use. See our Dec. 13 communication for details on purchasing and using at-home rapid test kits.

COVID booster shots

All Quinnipiac students who are currently vaccinated are required to receive a booster shot by Feb. 15 and upload a copy to the Student Health Services patient portal. It is recommended you receive your booster while on winter break if possible. QU will hold on-campus booster clinics for students, faculty and staff Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

• See our Jan. 3 communication for details.

On-campus testing

All unvaccinated students with approved exemptions will again be required to participate in weekly on-campus testing. Testing will be available through Student Health Services for symptomatic students.

In-person classes

In-person, on-ground learning is expected for the spring semester. Remote learning is only available to students who are required to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure or for other illnesses.

• Students are expected to notify their professors if they’re unable to attend class due to an illness or medical concern. Students who do not attend class in person and do not have an excused illness will be marked with an unexcused absence.

Masking, dining, events

Our indoor mask requirement remains in effect. Masking indoors whenever you’re outside your living space is critical to slow the spread of the more transmissible omicron variant. Use of a surgical or FDA-approved KN95/KF94 mask is recommended during this surge of omicron cases.

• Dining services will remain open with normal operations.

• We will review upcoming university events and monitor if changes are necessary.

How you can help

Navigating this next phase of the pandemic requires us to learn how to safely live with COVID. It means we must each exercise personal responsibility for these policies and protocols to work – whether that’s getting boosted when eligible, self-monitoring any symptoms, self-testing when needed, staying away from others if you’re developing worrisome symptoms, reporting a positive self-test, or wearing a mask whenever you’re indoors.

We can do this! Let’s make this a semester where we are grateful for the good things in our lives, are caring for others, and are making the most of all that QU has to offer. Be well, and we’ll see you soon!

Judy Olian, PhD
President

Dr. David Hill
Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 Task Force
Professor of Medical Sciences

3 Key Things

1. All students must receive a COVID-19 booster shot by Feb. 15; previously approved vaccine exemptions remain valid through end of the spring semester.

2. Students are encouraged to receive their booster over the winter break. Booster clinics will be held on campus Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 for those who are unable to receive a booster during the break.

3. The university is monitoring Omicron and sharply rising cases of COVID-19; continue to check your QU email for updates in preparation for the spring semester.

Dear students,

We hope you are enjoying some well-earned rest and a fun holiday with family and friends. We have been closely monitoring the latest developments with the Omicron variant and the sharply rising cases of COVID-19 across the country, and especially in the Northeast. Drawing on trend lines seen in South Africa and the U.K., medical experts are hopeful that we will experience a downward trend in Omicron infections later in January, especially after any surge attributable to New Year’s get-togethers declines.

We all want a successful spring semester together and a healthy and safe living and learning environment. That is why Quinnipiac is requiring that all students receive a COVID-19 booster shot by Feb. 15, except those with existing approved vaccine exemptions.

Information on COVID booster

Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have all released data showing a third (or in the case of J&J, a second) dose of their vaccine provides significant additional protection against the Omicron variant compared to the original doses. Review the latest CDC guidelines on boosters, and note that individuals who received Johnson & Johnson as their initial vaccine dose are eligible to receive Pfizer or Moderna as their booster.

• All Quinnipiac students who are currently vaccinated are required to receive a booster shot by Feb. 15. A copy of your updated vaccine card or booster paperwork must be uploaded to the Student Health Services patient portal.

• If you are not eligible for a booster in time to meet the deadline (the CDC recommends a booster at least 6 months after completing your Pfizer or Moderna vaccine; at least 2 months after J&J), please receive your booster as soon as you are eligible and upload the documentation. We will review the data regularly and contact students who are not in compliance.

• It is recommended you receive your booster while on winter break if possible. Boosters are readily available at local pharmacies and health care providers.

• QU will hold on-campus booster clinics for students, faculty and staff Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

• Students who previously received an approved vaccine exemption do not need to get a booster as their exemption remains valid through the end of the spring semester.

Monitoring Omicron

As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, there are two important things we want to highlight based on information from public health officials that factored into our decision to require a booster shot:

• While studies indicate that Omicron causes less severe illness among those who get the virus, it spreads significantly faster than other COVID variants. Getting your booster will help reduce this spread.

• This high rate of transmissibility means that Quinnipiac may have to manage more cases of COVID. Therefore, everything we can do to protect our community and the continued on-ground learning and living experience is important, including assuring that our students, faculty and staff are boosted.

Preparing for our spring semester

In preparation for our spring semester, we are reviewing our various COVID-19 policies, protocols and contingency plans to ensure we’re prepared to adjust, if necessary. A detailed communication will be sent later this week with updates on the pre-arrival testing requirement, CDC isolation protocols for positive cases among vaccinated populations, and other information.

• We recommend that students purchase at-home rapid test kits now. Rapid tests can be used for the pre-arrival test that is required before returning to QU for the spring semester, and we are encouraging students to have several extra test kits with them this semester, if possible, for personal use to augment testing that will continue to be available through the university.

• Supplies of at-home test kits are available online, including through Amazon and Walgreens.com, and typically ship within 1-2 weeks.

While the recent increase in COVID cases and prominence of the Omicron variant are disruptive, our university remains prepared to support your learning. The good news is that individuals who have been both vaccinated and boosted rarely suffer severe illness from COVID. Please follow these protocols so that we can enjoy another semester together. Have a wonderful time over the remainder of the break, be well, and we’ll see you in a few weeks.

Judy Olian, PhD
President

Dr. David Hill
Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 Task Force
Professor of Medical Sciences

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Thank you for your superb efforts and dedication over the fall semester that resulted in such a powerful learning and living experience for our students. Over winter break we have been closely monitoring the latest developments with the Omicron variant and the sharply rising cases of COVID-19 across the country, and especially in the Northeast. Drawing on trend lines seen in South Africa and the U.K., medical experts are hopeful that we will experience a downward trend in Omicron infections later in January, especially after any surge attributable to New Year’s get-togethers declines.

Based on the latest medical data, and to best position us for a successful spring semester, Quinnipiac is requiring that all faculty and staff receive a COVID-19 booster by Feb. 15, if they have not already done so*. We also are requiring boosters of all students. Previously approved vaccine exemptions for employees and students remain valid through end of the spring semester.

The CDC is recommending booster shots for any individual aged 18 and older. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have all released data showing a third (or in the case of J&J, a second) dose of their vaccine provides significant additional protection against the Omicron variant compared to the original doses. Review the latest CDC guidelines on boosters, and note that individuals who received Johnson & Johnson as their initial vaccine dose are eligible to receive Pfizer or Moderna as their booster.

On-campus booster clinic

It is recommended you receive your booster as soon as you can. Boosters are readily available at local pharmacies and health care providers. QU also will hold an on-campus booster clinic for students, faculty and staff Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 to make it easy for our community to receive their booster.

Updating your vaccination information with HR

After receiving your booster, please upload a copy of your vaccine card or documentation to ensure we have the most accurate COVID-19 vaccination information on file. You can upload a copy of your vaccination record with your booster in three easy steps:

1. Take a picture or scan your vaccination record.

2. Access our HR portal

3. Fill out the form and click on the “Choose File” button to upload the picture of your vaccination record.

You can also go onto MyQ and upload your record by clicking on the “Upload COVID-19 booster” button on the left-hand side of the page.

Students required to have negative COVID test

Please know that in addition to requiring students to receive a booster, we have also required all students (vaccinated and unvaccinated) to submit a negative COVID-19 test before they return in January. This is an added layer of protection for our community to help start our spring semester as smoothly as possible.

Thank you for your support of these important health protocols as Quinnipiac continues to promote a healthy and safe learning environment.

Judy Olian
President

Debra Liebowitz
Provost

Elicia Spearman
General Counsel and VP of HR

*The university and unions will discuss the booster mandate in accordance with the collective bargaining process.

3 Key Things

1. All students must submit a negative COVID-19 test before returning in January.

2. QU strongly encourages all students to get a COVID-19 booster shot when they qualify. The university is not mandating boosters at this time, but will continue monitoring CDC guidance to guide any future considerations on requiring a booster shot.

3. The university will hold an on-campus booster clinic at the beginning of the spring semester.

Dear students,

Thank you for all you have done to make this a wonderful fall semester together. As we head into the winter break, the university’s COVID-19 task force has been closely monitoring rising cases in Connecticut and across the country, as well as the latest developments with the Omicron variant.
Based on the current trends, and to best position us for a successful start to the spring semester, Quinnipiac has decided to require all students (vaccinated and unvaccinated) to submit a negative COVID-19 test before they return in January. This includes J-term, Law and Medicine students who return in early January, but does not apply to online and fully remote students.

What types of COVID-19 tests are acceptable?

• PCR tests are preferred; however, rapid tests (antigen tests) also will be accepted as we try to make fulfilling the testing requirement as easy as possible. Note: Antibody tests are NOT acceptable.

• At-home rapid tests are acceptable as well.

• Here is some helpful information from the CDC about how to administer an at-home COVID test.

Where can you find rapid test kits?

• Rapid tests, including at-home test kits, are available for purchase over the counter at local pharmacies and online. It typically costs $20-$30 for a kit containing two tests.

• Following are the names of the most common, FDA-approved, at-home test kits:

  • BinaxNow (Abbott Diagnostics)

  • BD Veritor (Becton, Dickinson and Co.)

  • InteliSwab (OraSure Technologies)

  • SCoV-2 Ag Detect Rapid Self-Test (InBios Int’l)

  • Flowflex (ACON Laboratories)

  • iHealth (iHealth Labs, Inc.)

  • Ellume (Ellume Limited)

  • Celltrion DiaTrust (Celltrion USA)

  • CareStart (Access Bio, Inc.)

  • QuickVue At-Home Test (Quidel Corp.)

When do you need to take your COVID-19 test

Please see our Jan. 10 communication for updated deadlines and guidelines for taking your return test.

Where do you send a copy of your test result?

Please upload a copy of your COVID-19 test as soon as you receive it to the Student Health Services patient portal for verificationv and also bring a copy of your test result with you, either printed or a photo on your phone.

At-home tests must include the student’s name and date the test was taken printed on the test result card. See image below for a sample of an at-home test card.

Information on COVID boosters

The CDC recommends booster shots for any individual age 18 and older. Boosters are an effective mechanism to reduce the likelihood of a COVID-19 infection, including against the Omicron variant. If you have been boosted and do become infected, the severity of symptoms is greatly reduced.

• QU strongly encourages all students to get a booster shot. The university is not mandating boosters at this time, but will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and reserves the right to require boosters in the future if warranted.

• QU will hold an on-campus booster clinic for students, faculty and staff at the beginning of the spring semester to make it easy for our community to receive their boosters. Details will be announced when dates are confirmed.

• Getting a booster over winter break is an ideal time to gain this extra protection. Booster shots are readily available at local pharmacies and health care providers.

• You are eligible for a booster if it has been six months since you completed the 2-shot series with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and if it has been two months since you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Review the CDC guidelines on eligibility for boosters.

• If you receive a booster, please upload a copy of your vaccine card confirming your booster to the Student Health Services patient portal to ensure we have your most updated information on file.

Thank you for your support of these important health protocols as Quinnipiac stays abreast of the latest COVID-related information to promote a healthy and safe learning environment. Good luck on your final exams, and best wishes for a relaxing winter break.

David R. Hill, MD
Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 Task Force
Professor of Medical Sciences

Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer

3 Key Things

• Connecticut continues to see an increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases and is actively assessing the risk from the new Omicron variant.

• CDC recommends COVID boosters for individuals age 18 and older; QU exploring an on-campus booster clinic in January.

• Get your flu shot; it is not too late in the season.

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break. We hope everyone had a nice holiday. As we head into the final weeks of the fall semester, the following are some important COVID-19 updates for our university community:

Connecticut seeing rise in COVID-19 cases, monitoring Omicron variant

Over the last several weeks, Connecticut has seen a sustained increase in new COVID-19 cases. According to the CDC’s data tracker, Connecticut is classified as having a high rate of community transmission, and yesterday the state reported a 5.25% test positivity rate. Gov. Lamont issued a statement on Nov. 28 about how the state is monitoring the new Omicron variant.

• This reinforces the importance of observing our indoor masking requirement.

• Masks must be worn at all times indoors – including in residence halls until you enter your room/suite, in the cafeteria when not actively eating or drinking, at indoor athletic events, and in the library and classrooms.

• Fortunately, the state has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country.

Information about COVID booster shots

The CDC is recommending booster shots for any individual age 18 and older.

• Booster shots are readily available at local pharmacies and health care providers. Review the CDC guidelines on boosters for detailed information on who qualifies and when to get a booster, based upon which vaccine you received for your primary vaccination.

• QU may hold an on-campus booster clinic in January after the start of the spring semester for students. We will share additional information when a decision has been made on the clinic.

Not too late to get your flu shot

We are seeing more cases of the flu this season compared to last year and encourage everyone to get their flu shots. According to the CDC, flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May, so it’s not too late to get your shot.

• Local pharmacies are still administering the flu shot, and you can also contact your health care provider.

4 Key Things

• We are seeing a noticeable increase in positive cases; 30 new cases over the past 7 days.

• Students are reminded to get tested if they are symptomatic; students must report a positive test result to Student Health Services from externally performed tests.

• Student Health Services has increased staffing to handle higher volumes of students seeking services this semester.

• We must stay vigilant in observing our health protocols so we can avoid having to pause certain student activities and/or attendance at athletic events.

Noticeable increase in COVID-19 cases – Indoor masking is key

There has been a noticeable increase in new COVID-19 cases over the last seven days. We are asking students to double-down on observing our indoor masking requirement as a key measure to help prevent transmission. Masks must be worn at all times indoors. This includes residence halls until you enter your room/suite, in the cafeteria when not actively eating or drinking, at indoor athletic events, and in the library and classrooms.

Continue to check our COVID-19 dashboard for weekly updates.

• There are 32 active cases as of Monday this week.

• We have had 30 new positive cases over the past 7 days.

• We have had 81 total cases since the semester started Aug. 30.

Not feeling well? Get tested

Students are reminded that if they’re not feeling well and have any kind of symptoms, they should call Student Health Services at (203) 582-8742 to schedule a COVID-19 test and SHOULD NOT ATTEND CLASS while they are awaiting results. When in doubt, get tested. It’s quick and easy! It’s hard to know whether it’s a cold or the flu, or possibly COVID. But the safest step is to get tested because quickly confirming symptomatic cases of COVID is key to minimizing spread.

The university also requires students to report a positive test result from externally performed tests (such as a local urgent care clinic). You can upload the test result to the Student Health Services Patient Portal.

Increased staffing in Student Health Services

Student Health Services has seen a 23% increase in patient volume this semester compared to last year, driven by a combination of COVID-related testing and the increase in non-COVID upper respiratory infections. In response, the university has added temporary staffing resources to Student Health Services, including medical assistants, registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.

We must finish strong

It has been a great fall semester together, and we are only two weeks from Thanksgiving break. We must stay vigilant in observing our health protocols so we can avoid having to pause certain student activities and/or attendance at athletic events. Let’s finish the semester #BobcatStrong!

3 Key Things

• Weekly trend of new COVID cases remains low, averaging 9 new cases/week.

• QU reaches near-universal vaccination rates across students and full-time faculty and staff.

• Student Health Services is seeing an increase in visits, largely due to non-COVID respiratory viruses; don’t forget to schedule your on-campus flu shot!

We have completed our first month of the fall semester and want to express our deep gratitude to the entire university community for getting our new academic year off to a healthy and safe start. It has been reenergizing to return to in-person learning and so many social activities.

New COVID-19 cases remain low and manageable

Compliance with our indoor mask requirement and other health protocols, such as getting tested anytime you’re not feeling well, has helped us keep the rate of new COVID-19 cases to a low and manageable level. Nearly all students testing positive are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms — an indication of vaccine effectiveness.

There are 13 actives cases as of Monday this week.

• We have had 37 total cases since the semester started Aug. 30.

• We are averaging 9 new COVID-19 cases a week.

• We continue to update our COVID-related data weekly on this web page.

Near-universal vaccination

Thank you to our students, faculty and staff for supporting our vaccination requirement. We have achieved near-universal vaccination rates across our community, which gives us strong protection and a safe environment to enjoy our fall semester together.

• We have a 94.2% student vaccination rate; the remaining received approved exemptions with only a few students non-compliant.

• We have a 97% full-time faculty and staff vaccination rate; the remaining received approved exemptions.

Cold and flu season

Student Health Services has seen a notable increase in students seeking appointments and treatment for respiratory symptoms, averaging 120 visits some days. The majority of students are experiencing a non-COVID upper respiratory illness. We appreciate students’ diligence in getting checked out at Student Health Services if they’re not feeling well, and it is a good reminder about basic cold and flu prevention hygiene:

• Wash hands regularly and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.

• Wear a face mask whenever indoors.

• Get enough sleep and follow a well-balanced diet.

• Do not go to class or work if you’re not feeling well.

>> Take Action: schedule your on-campus flu shot appointment today.

Fact Sheet: Isolation and quarantine protocols

Students have had questions about isolation and quarantine protocols and how they apply to a vaccinated individual and someone who is not vaccinated. We have created a Fact Sheet to help improve understanding of the protocols and guidelines.

• Review the isolation and quarantine Fact Sheet.

Thank you for your continued support of the university’s health protocols. Let’s keep up the good work so we can all continue to thrive together this fall.

David R. Hill, MD
Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 Task Force
Professor of Medical Sciences

2 Key Things:

1. Read why we’re still talking about face masks – and what it means for our semester.

2. Any student feeling sick should contact Student Health Services about scheduling a COVID test. Quickly confirming symptomatic cases is key to minimizing spread.

Who would have thought 551 days into the pandemic we’d still be talking about face masks.

None of us wanted to see a return to indoor mask wearing. But, this one very simple act is key to preserving the big step we have taken toward a “normal” college experience this fall. I think we’d all agree the in-person experiences we’re enjoying this semester far outweigh the inconvenience of having to wear a piece of cloth over our mouth and nose.

And yes, as our COVID Task Force Medical Adviser, Dr. David Hill, would remind us, the mask must also cover your nose. Or it’s not really doing its job.

I’m concerned that some students are not wearing their mask properly, and in some cases not wearing one at all. Let’s show off the kind, caring Quinnipiac student body that I know you all are. Wear your mask whenever indoors and wear it properly.

• Do it for your classmates, some of whom may have health risks unknown to you;

• Do it for your professors, many of whom have young children or extended family members they’re caring for at home;

• Do it because it’s how we will preserve an in-person, more normal semester together.

One local college recently went fully virtual for up to two weeks after a rise in COVID cases, and lack of wearing face masks during large indoor gatherings was found to be one of the main drivers. So please, keep that mask on and avoid large risky gatherings indoors.

Student conduct guidelines

I’m hopeful every student will support our face mask policy and respect the reminders of faculty or staff to wear their mask and cover their nose. However, our student conduct process will be used in cases when a student violates our rules and jeopardizes others. Members of our community can submit a CARE and Conduct Incident Reporting Form which will initiate a conduct case. Each case will be reviewed to determine the appropriate outcome. Violations of our policy will be taken very seriously.

Faculty/staff expectations

All faculty and staff are held to the same expectations for our indoor face mask policy. Please be a role model for the behavior we are asking of all our students. Members of our community can email Anna Spragg, Associate VP of Human Resources, if they have a concern with a university employee adhering to our face mask policy. Again, each case will be reviewed to determine the appropriate outcome and violations taken very seriously.

Not feeling well? Get tested

Students are reminded that if they’re not feeling well and have any kind of symptoms, they should contact Student Health Services to schedule a COVID-19 test and SHOULD NOT ATTEND CLASS. When in doubt, get tested. It’s quick and easy! It’s hard to know whether it’s seasonal allergies, a cold or flu, or possibly COVID. But the safest step is to get tested because quickly confirming symptomatic cases is key to minimizing spread.

Let’s spend our semester engaged in-person in the classroom, cheering for our sports teams, attending our favorite clubs and organizations, and so much more. Thank you for doing your part and masking up!

Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer

Elicia Spearman
General Counsel and VP for Human Resources

3 Key Things:

1. We anticipate reaching close to a 95% community vaccination rate across full-time faculty, staff and students – thank you!

2. Observing our indoor masking policy is critical. Lax adherence to this policy risks setting our efforts backward.

3. Review quarantine protocols and how they relate to your vaccination status so you’re informed and prepared.

Dear Quinnipiac community,

Welcome to the new academic year. Thank you to students, faculty and staff for supporting our health protocols and policies as our fall semester gets underway. These health protocols are the key to sustaining so many of the in-person, on-campus activities and experiences we’ve all worked so hard to bring back this fall.

Following are a few updates and important reminders. We will send these updates periodically throughout the semester to keep our community informed and safe and will regularly update our COVID-19 and vaccine-related information on this web page.

Near-universal vaccination

We greatly appreciate our community’s response to getting vaccinated! We expect to achieve close to a 95% community vaccination rate across full-time faculty, staff and students. We will report our final data once our fall semester census is completed in a few weeks. We are also seeing some students who received an approved exemption now get vaccinated, which will further increase our community vaccination rate.

Indoor masking: an important preventive measure

Please remember all members of our community must wear a face mask when indoors in all campus spaces regardless of vaccination status. This includes in our classrooms and when walking through the residence halls and common areas. When worn properly — which means covering your mouth and nose — face masks can be a significant preventive measure in helping us minimize the number of new COVID cases.

Following are the only times it is permissible not to wear a face mask:

• When outdoors

• When you are inside your living space or alone in a private office or a partitioned cubicle

• When actively eating in a dining hall (masks must be worn at all other times in dining halls)

Observing isolation and quarantine

Our isolation and quarantine guidelines for the fall semester align with the latest CDC recommendations, which take into account vaccination status.

If you are unvaccinated:

• You must isolate for 10 days if you test positive for COVID-19.

• You must quarantine for 10 days if you are a confirmed contact of a positive case and will be tested on Day 8 of your quarantine. If you are observing quarantine at home, you must obtain your own PCR test on Day 8 and upload the result to the Student Health Services patient portal.

• QU has limited isolation/quarantine housing available for residential students. Students may need to isolate or quarantine at home or off campus at their own expense if university housing is not available.

If you are vaccinated:

• You must isolate for 10 days if you test positive for COVID-19.

• You DO NOT have to quarantine if you are a confirmed contact of a positive case unless you are symptomatic. The university will administer a COVID test on Day 1 (upon notification of being a contact) and again on Day 5.

  • You must wear a face mask in all indoor spaces, including common areas within your living spaces, for 14 days or until you test negative.

  • You may go to the dining hall to get your meals, but you cannot eat in the dining hall. Students must eat their meals in their room (or outdoors) since they are not permitted to take their face mask off around others while observing quarantine.

Contact tracing

We again have a team of nurses from UST Global dedicated to QU to perform timely contact tracing. To determine whether quarantine is necessary and whether you’re considered a confirmed contact, they will assess criteria such as vaccination status, whether exposure occurred indoors or outdoors, the duration and proximity of the contact, and whether masks were worn by both the person who has COVID and the potential contact.

Thank you

Thank you again for all you’re doing to create a safe and engaging living and learning environment for our university community.

David R. Hill, MD
Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 Task Force
Professor of Medical Sciences

3 Key Things

• All unvaccinated students with an approved exemption must participate in weekly on-campus testing and are required to obtain their own PCR test within 5 days before returning to campus and upload their negative test result to the Student Health Services patient portal.

• It is strongly recommended all students, including those who are vaccinated, get tested at home within 5 days before returning to campus given higher rates of the delta variant currently seen in communities.

• Support of our fall health protocols will enable us to proceed as planned with move in, in-person classes and many other campus activities.

Dear Quinnipiac community,

Our faculty and staff are busy making their final preparations for our fall semester together. With our university community’s full support of our fall health policies and protocols, we expect a return to many of our favorite traditions, activities and experiences.

Our return to indoor masking was an appropriate step, but it does not change our intentions for move in, in-person classes, attendance at athletic events and many other campus activities. Please review this communication to ensure you’re familiar with these policies and have taken the necessary actions.

The importance of vaccination

We greatly appreciate our students’ response to getting vaccinated and uploading their vaccination records because having a highly vaccinated campus allows us to resume nearly all previous activities.

• Students who do not upload their vaccination record will not be allowed to move into their university housing.

• We will engage in student conduct conversations with those who have not uploaded their vaccination records and assess other penalties until they provide the required information.

COVID-19 testing

For unvaccinated students with an approved exemption:

• They must obtain their own PCR test within 5 days before returning to campus and upload their negative test results to the Student Health Services patient portal. If a student tests positive, they must notify Student Health Services and isolate at home for 10 days.

• They must participate in weekly testing performed on campus by QU. Students will be charged a $100 fee each time they miss or do not participate in this required testing.

Testing will be available in Student Health Services for any student who experiences COVID-related symptoms during the semester.

The university strongly recommends all students, including those who are vaccinated, be tested for COVID-19 on their own at home within 5 days before returning to campus given the greater transmissibility of the delta variant and the limited isolation housing available on campus this semester.

Isolation, quarantine and contact tracing protocols

For unvaccinated students with an approved exemption:

• They must isolate for 10 days if they test positive for COVID-19.

• They must quarantine for 10 days if they are a confirmed contact of a positive case.

• QU has limited isolation/quarantine housing available for residential students. Students may need to isolate or quarantine at home or off campus at their own expense if university housing is not available.

For vaccinated students:

• They DO NOT have to quarantine if they are a confirmed contact of a positive case unless they are symptomatic, and the university will administer a COVID test within 3-5 days, per current CDC guidelines. They must wear masks in all indoor public spaces, including common areas in their living spaces, for 14 days or until they test negative.

• They must isolate for 10 days if they test positive for COVID-19.

Face mask policy

Quinnipiac is requiring all members of our community, including visitors, to wear a face mask when indoors in all campus spaces regardless of vaccination status. This includes in our classrooms. Following are the only times it is permissible not to wear a face mask:

• When outdoors.

• If you are alone in a private office or a partitioned cubicle or workspace, or in your living space.

• When eating in a dining hall (masks must be worn at all other times while in dining halls).

• We are hoping this is a temporary measure as we monitor rising case rates and the prevalence of the delta variant.

Frequently asked questions

Please review our frequently asked questions for additional details about the fall semester and these health protocols. Thank you again for all you’re doing to create a safe and engaging living and learning environment for our university community. Safe travels during your return to Hamden in a few weeks!

David R. Hill, MD
Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 Task Force
Professor of Medical Sciences

Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer

Dear Quinnipiac students, faculty and staff,

Over the last 18 months, we all have learned to be flexible given the fluid nature of the pandemic. Quinnipiac has continuously monitored health guidelines based on the latest science and data to ensure a healthy and safe living and learning environment.

Upon review of the most recent guidance issued by the CDC and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Quinnipiac is updating its face mask policy and is again requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face mask when indoors in all campus spaces, effective immediately. This includes in the classroom.

Following are the only times it is not needed to wear a face mask:

• When outdoors

• When alone in a private office or a partitioned cubicle/workspace, or in your living space

• When eating in dining halls (masks must be worn at all other times in dining halls)

Thank you for your continued support as we prepare for our fall semester together and what we expect will be a return to many of our favorite traditions, activities and experiences. We’ll see you in a few weeks!

David R. Hill, MD
Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 Task Force
Professor of Medical Sciences

Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer

4 Key Things

1. All students must upload a copy of their COVID vaccination record by Aug. 1

2. Students without a COVID vaccination record or approved exemption on file will not be allowed to move into their university housing and will be restricted from QU’s campuses and classrooms.

3. Unvaccinated students with an approved exemption must obtain their own pre-arrival PCR test within 5 days of returning to QU and have it uploaded to the patient portal. These students will be tested again on campus and will likely be required to participate in weekly COVID testing.

4. Everyone should remember to bring a supply of face masks with them to campus.

Dear Quinnipiac families,

We are eagerly preparing to welcome students to our campuses for our fall semester together. Requiring all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated was key to enabling our university community to finally get back to the in-person, on-campus experiences we enjoy inside and outside the classroom.

We each have a personal obligation to do all we can to help protect the health of one another given the close living environment and personal interactions that make our university campus such a special place to live and learn.

Upload your COVID vaccination record by Aug. 1

A copy of your COVID vaccination record must be uploaded to the Student Health Services patient portal by Aug. 1. If you have already uploaded your information, thank you! 

1. You can upload your vaccination record in three, easy steps

2. Take a picture of your vaccination record using your phone

3. Log into the Student Health Services patient portal

Upload the picture of your vaccination record under “COVID vaccine card/record."

You can also log into MyQ and upload your vaccination record there.

What happens if a student does not have a vaccination record or approved exemption on file?

Students who do not upload their vaccination record or receive an exemption will not be allowed to move into their university housing for the fall semester and will be restricted from QU’s campuses and university facilities, including classes. The university is updating its data daily to monitor compliance with this important health requirement. Any student arriving for move-in who does not have the necessary documentation on file will be asked to return home, and housing and dining contracts will not be amended or canceled.

What are the COVID protocols this fall for UNVACCINATED students?

Students who have received an approved exemption and are not vaccinated must adhere to the following COVID-related protocols this fall semester:

• Pre-arrival test – Students must obtain their own PCR test within 5 days of returning to campus and upload their negative test result to the Student Health Services patient portal before returning to QU

• Arrival test – Students will be tested by the university shortly after their return to QU

• Weekly testing – Students will likely be required to participate in weekly on-campus COVID testing; we will communicate a decision by the start of the semester.

• Mask policy – Students must wear a face covering when indoors and when riding the university shuttle. Masks are not required in a student’s own living space or when eating in the dining hall.

• Isolation space – We will have limited isolation/quarantine housing available for residential students who are unvaccinated and test positive for COVID-19, or who are unvaccinated contacts of a positive student. Students may need to isolate or quarantine at home or off campus at their own expense if university housing is not available.

What are the COVID protocols this fall for VACCINATED students?

• Mask policy – Face coverings are not required for vaccinated students except for when riding the university shuttle. There may be some classroom or laboratory settings and university-sponsored meetings/events that will require all participants to wear a mask, and this will be communicated in advance by the faculty member or meeting/event organizer. Students can choose to wear a mask at their discretion. Mask policies may change if public health guidelines change.

• Quarantine – Current health guidance indicates vaccinated students who have been exposed to an individual testing positive for COVID-19 are not required to quarantine.

Closely monitoring the delta variant

We have been closely monitoring the latest developments and health guidelines as the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread. We will communicate any updates in our health protocols as necessary. Protecting the health of our community and preventing the spread of the virus has always been the goal behind our vaccination requirement.

We greatly appreciate everyone’s ongoing support as we plan for your return to Quinnipiac this fall. Enjoy the remainder of your summer!

David R. Hill, MD
Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 Task Force
Professor of Medical Sciences

Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer

4 Key Things

1. Effective July 6, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors, but those who are not vaccinated must continue to wear masks when indoors.

2. Remember to upload your vaccination record before Aug. 1.

3. We will return to normal capacity for classrooms, events and athletics.

4. Students granted an exemption from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will need to provide a negative PCR test administered within 5 days of their arrival to campus.

Dear Quinnipiac families,

We hope you’re having a relaxing summer. We look forward to seeing you back at Quinnipiac this fall as we plan for a safe return to so many facets of campus life that we enjoyed before the pandemic. We continue to review the most recent public health guidelines and recommendations on both the vaccine and COVID-19 virus. We also want to share our plans for the fall semester as well as the policies and expectations we’ll have in place for our university community. The policies below are effective beginning today, July 6, 2021.

Wearing a mask

Effective today, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors, but those who are not vaccinated must continue to wear masks when indoors. This is consistent with the latest state policies and CDC recommendations.

• If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask please do so. The university fully supports the continued use of face masks by any individual.

• There may be some classroom or laboratory settings and university-sponsored meetings/events that will require all participants to wear a mask. This policy will be communicated in advance by the faculty member or meeting/event organizer.

• Masks must be worn by everyone when riding the university shuttles.

Upload your COVID-19 vaccination record – Aug. 1 deadline

All students, faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated prior to the fall semester. If you have not already done so, please remember to upload a copy of your vaccination record.

• Aug. 1 – Deadline for all students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated and to upload their vaccination records. Students must upload to the Student Health Services portal and employees to the HR portal.

• Student exemptions – Exemption requests are due by today, July 6. Complete the Medical Exemption Form or Religious Exemption Form as well as the Acceptance of Risk Form waiver and upload them to the Student Health Services portal. Students who have been granted an exemption agree to the following conditions:

  • to engage in reasonable risk mitigation practices as required by the university (such as the use of PPE, mask wearing and physical distancing).

  • to provide results of a COVID-19 test prior to moving back to campus and to participate in regular COVID-19 screening if required by the university.

  • to immediately notify Student Health Services if they test positive for COVID-19 or have a known or suspected exposure to someone with COVID-19.

  • to quarantine off campus at their own expense if required by the university.

• Employee exemptions – Email EmployeeCOVIDHR@qu.edu and an HR representative will respond to your exemption request.

Students who are fully vaccinated, as well as those who have received an approved exemption, will be able to equally participate in all university activities and events this fall. While masking and testing policies will differ for non-vaccinated individuals in some situations, we want everyone to safely enjoy all QU has to offer both inside and outside the classroom.

COVID-19 testing, isolation/quarantine

The university will no longer perform weekly COVID-19 testing of students, but reserves the right to require students to attend testing if conditions warrant.

• Students granted an exemption from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine must obtain on their own a negative PCR test administered within 5 days of their arrival to campus for the Fall semester. A copy of your negative test result must be uploaded to the Student Health Services portal. These students may be required to be tested for COVID-19 during the semester.

• During the fall semester, we will have limited isolation/quarantine housing available for residential students who test positive for COVID-19 or who are non-vaccinated contacts of a positive student. Students may need to isolate or quarantine at home or off campus at their own expense if university housing is not available. Vaccinated students who have been exposed to COVID-19 are not required to quarantine.

• Student Health Services will be available to perform COVID-19 tests for any student experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms.

Visitor policy

Visitors are permitted on campus grounds and in all university buildings and facilities, including residence halls. Outside visitors are defined as anyone who is not a Quinnipiac student, faculty or staff member. Visitors must observe our mask policy — fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear a mask, but individuals not vaccinated must wear a mask for indoor events.

• Students are allowed overnight visitors and guests provided they register them with Residential Life.

Event capacity — student events, programming, athletics

We will remove capacity limits on university- and student-sponsored events and the number of spectators attending athletics as long as conditions hold at very low virus rates. All attendees must observe our mask policy — fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks but individuals not vaccinated must wear a mask for indoor events.

QU Symptom Checker

The QU Symptom Checker app will no longer be used this upcoming academic year.

Dining halls

All university dining halls will return to 100% capacity.

Please enjoy the remainder of your summer, and we hope you find some time to rest and recharge with family and friends. We cannot wait to get our QU family back together this fall for a return to many of the pre-pandemic activities and traditions we enjoy so much!

David R. Hill, MD
Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 Task Force
Professor of Medical Sciences

Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer

Dear students,

As recently communicated, Quinnipiac is adding the COVID-19 vaccination to the list of required vaccinations to attend in-person classes or participate in on-ground activities in the Fall 2021 semester. This decision is based upon the scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines to protect those who are vaccinated, and to help prevent further spread of the virus. However, we understand there may be some students who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or religious reasons.

Process for requesting an exemption


Following is the process for requesting such an exemption. All exemption requests are due by July 6:

• Complete the Medical Exemption Form or Religious Exemption Form.

• Complete the Waiver and Agreement Form.

• Upload both your completed exemption form and your waiver and agreement form to the Student Health Services patient portal.

Important notices for students receiving an exemption

If you are approved for an exemption from being vaccinated against COVID-19 please note:

• You agree to engage in reasonable risk mitigation practices as required by the university,  such as the use of PPE, mask wearing and physical distancing.

• You agree to provide results of a COVID-19 test prior to moving back to campus and to participate in regular COVID-19 screening if required by the university.

• You agree to immediately notify Student Health Services if you test positive for COVID-19 or have a known or suspected exposure to someone with COVID-19.

• You agree to quarantine off campus at your own expense if required by the university.

Deadlines to remember

• July 6 – Deadline to upload the exemption form and the waiver and agreement form.

• August 1 – Deadline for students to upload their vaccination records confirming they are fully vaccinated.

If a student has not uploaded a vaccination record and has not received an exemption, they will not be allowed to move in for the fall semester and their access to QU campuses and university facilities will be restricted.

Please review our frequently asked questions if you have additional questions about QU’s vaccination requirement. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, our university community and our neighbors safe and healthy.

3 Key Things

1. Students, faculty and staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Aug. 1, 2021, to participate in the fall 2021 semester.

2. Medical and religious exemptions will be granted upon review.

3. Students must upload their vaccination record to the Student Health Services patient portal while employees should upload to our HR portal.

Dear students, faculty and staff,

We eagerly look forward to your return to on-campus life, learning and work in the fall. Because scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines to protect those who are vaccinated, and to help prevent further spread of the virus, Quinnipiac is adding the COVID-19 vaccination to the list of required vaccinations to attend in-person classes or participate in on-ground activities. We also will require that all university employees be vaccinated.

Students, faculty, and staff must be fully vaccinated for the 2021-22 academic year by Aug. 1, 2021, and exemptions will be granted only for medical and religious reasons.

By having universal vaccination with limited exemptions across the Quinnipiac community, we will be able to return to virtually all facets of life on campus. Teaching, learning, research and student life will be able to occur in person, on campus, and with few restrictions.

How to upload your vaccination record

Vaccination records must be uploaded by Aug. 1, 2021. Simply take a picture or scan a copy of your vaccination card.

• Students – Upload your vaccination record to the Student Health Services patient portal. In the portal, click “Immunization Record” on the menu to upload your vaccination.

• Employees – Upload your vaccination record to our HR portal and your information will be retained by the Office of Human Resources.

Visit our vaccine resources page for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and locally available resources for vaccinations if you have not already been vaccinated.

Medical and religious exemptions

Quinnipiac will work with students or employees who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or religious reasons.

• Students – A form will be shared within the next week detailing the guidelines to request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. The form will then be reviewed by Student Health Services. All student requests for exception will be handled confidentially by Student Health Services.

• Employees – Exemption requests should be sent to employeeCOVIDHR@qu.edu. An HR representative will respond to your request, discuss the exemption guidelines and provide the necessary form to complete. Employees can also contact Anna Spragg, Associate VP of Human Resources, with questions about the vaccination requirement. All faculty/staff requests for exception will be handled confidentially by HR.

Vaccinations for international students

We understand that it may be difficult for some of our international students to obtain vaccination overseas. Students who are unable to secure vaccinations in their home countries can request a temporary exemption to get vaccinated upon their return to the U.S. In accordance with CDC guidance, all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization are acceptable to fulfill the vaccination requirement for our international students.

Benefits of vaccinations

Vaccinations protect your health and, as importantly, protect those around you in the university community and among our neighbors, especially individuals who are medically compromised and cannot receive the vaccine. With our students, faculty and staff vaccinated, our campus can largely return to pre-COVID academic and social interactions, and we will be able to remove most of the substantial burdens of managing a community under the threat of a pandemic.

Here are several indicators of a more “normal” fall semester that we anticipate will be possible with universal vaccination:

• Student programming will be greatly expanded, from athletics and recreational activities to guest speakers, performances and more opportunities for clubs and organizations.

• Our classrooms will return to normal capacity.

• We will eliminate weekly COVID-19 testing for all vaccinated students. The level of testing for any vaccine-exempted student will be determined by our medical experts.

• COVID-19 testing will be available for symptomatic individuals through Student Health Services.

As we get closer to the start of the fall semester, the possibility of a one-time test for all students at the start of the semester is currently being assessed. Masking requirements will be determined in alignment with state rules and medical advice. Regardless of a campus-wide decision, any individual can elect to continue to wear a face mask.

Showing consideration for others

Easing back into our “normal” routines and behaviors will take time, and we recognize that individuals will have different comfort levels as we make these transitions. We ask that everyone be respectful and supportive of others’ choices within the bounds of campus requirements.

We have also posted frequently asked questions to address questions you may have about this vaccination requirement. Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, our university community and neighbors safe and healthy. Please enjoy your summer and know that we cannot wait to welcome you back in August — to the extraordinary academic and campus experience for which Quinnipiac is known, and that we all love!

Judy Olian
President

Dr. Debra J. Liebowitz
Provost

You can upload your vaccination record in three easy steps:

1. Take a picture of your vaccination record using your phone.
2. Log into the Student Health Services patient portal.
3. Upload the picture of your vaccination record under “COVID vaccine card/record.”

You can also log into MyQ and upload your vaccination record there.