COVID-19 and Vaccine Resources

3 Key Things

1. Student Health Services has modified how students who test positive for COVID-19 will report their infection. Students who test positive should now complete a new online form.

2. All students are reminded that COVID-19 testing is available by appointment through Student Health Services in the new Recreation and Wellness Center. A vending machine in the entryway to the former Student Health Services building on Bobcat Way also dispenses free rapid tests.

3. QU isolation protocols also have changed. All students who test positive for COVID-19 are still required to isolate. However, instead of receiving a phone call on Day 5 of isolation, students will receive an email from Student Health Services with guidance for their isolation based on the result of their Day 5 COVID test.

Dear QU community,

We are already at the mid-way point of the semester! Included below are important updates to our COVID-related resources and protocols.

Reporting a positive COVID-19 infection to Student Health Services

All students are required to self-report any positive COVID-19 infections to Student Health Services by following the new steps outlined below:

• Tested positive? To help keep our community safe, we have created a new easy online COVID reporting form for all students. If you have tested positive, your first step is to complete this form.

  Once submitted, please allow 1 business day for Student Health Services to provide a letter for you to share with your professors regarding your inability to attend in-person classes. A MyChartPLUS account is required to receive this letter. You can easily create your MyChartPLUS account online.

• Not feeling well? If you are not feeling well and would like to make an appointment at the health center, please call 203-407-4066.

COVID-19 testing

On-campus testing is available by appointment at Student Health Services. We also have a vending machine that dispenses free, at-home test kits 24 hours a day using your QCard. The vending machine is in the entryway to the former Student Health Services building on Bobcat Way. Each student will be provided with up to 5 free tests per semester.

Isolation protocols have changed

All students who test positive for COVID-19 are still required to isolate off-campus for a minimum of 5 days. On Day 5 of isolation, instead of receiving a phone call from Student Health Services, students will now receive an email with guidance for their isolation based on the result of their Day 5 COVID test.

• Residential Students:

  • On Day 5, take a rapid antigen test. If your test is negative, you may return to your campus housing and return to class on Day 6. You must continue to wear a mask for the full 10 days of isolation per CDC policy.

  • If your Day 5 rapid antigen test is positive, you should remain in isolation until the end of Day 7, return to your campus housing the afternoon/evening of Day 7 and return to class on Day 8. You must continue to wear a mask for the full 10 days of isolation per CDC policy.

• Commuter Students:

  • On Day 5, take a rapid antigen test. If your test is negative, you may return to class on Day 6. You must continue to wear a mask for the full 10 days of isolation per CDC policy.

  • If your Day 5 rapid antigen test is positive, you should remain in isolation until the end of Day 7 and return to class on Day 8. You must continue to wear a mask for the full 10 days of isolation per CDC policy.

Please review our detailed COVID protocols for more information.

We look forward to a fantastic second half of the semester, and to continuing the many in-person activities and experiences that make QU such a great place to be. Stay healthy, Bobcats!

Dear QU community,

We have made significant strides in learning to live safely with COVID and the appropriate mitigation strategies to protect the health of our university community. In addition, widespread availability of vaccines and boosters have helped minimize the likelihood of serious illness.

We ask that you remain familiar with QU’s COVID protocols and resources to help us maintain a healthy semester together. Should community health conditions or directives change, we will adjust these policies accordingly.

Information and resources on QU’s COVID protocols

• Quinnipiac’s COVID-19 resources page (this page) – a dedicated page on our website that contains an archive of previous email updates and links to helpful additional resources.

• Frequently asked questions – covers common questions about many of our fall 2022 COVID protocols.

• Isolation protocols – informational for students that provides information on what to do if you test positive for COVID.

COVID testing

• A 24-hour vending machine that dispenses free at-home test kits using your QCard is located in the entryway to the former Student Health Services building on Bobcat Way across from Public Safety.

• On-campus testing is available by appointment at Student Health Services.

Notifying close contacts if you test positive

A close contact is someone who has been within six feet of a COVID-positive person for 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period. Students, faculty and staff are responsible for notifying all close contacts they encountered during the 24-hour period before their positive test result. If you were exposed to COVID-19 as a close contact, you do not need to quarantine (regardless of immunization status). However, CDC guidelines recommend you wear a mask in public for 10 days and monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID. You should take a rapid test 5 days after your exposure, and if you test positive, you must follow the university’s isolation protocols.

Mask policy

QU is mask optional indoors and outdoors across our campuses, but masks remain required when interacting with clinical patients or in health care settings, such as visiting Student Health Services. Of course, anyone can make a personal choice to wear a mask in any setting.

• Faculty or staff may request that masks be worn in their class or office; if a professor or staff asks you to do so, please be respectful of their wishes.

• If you’re experiencing any symptoms, wear a mask until you’ve tested yourself and confirmed you have not tested positive for COVID.

The university will continue providing timely updates and access to information to ensure that our QU community feels safe, informed and heard; modifications to policy may occur if community health conditions change. We look forward to a healthy and enjoyable fall semester together.

Thank you.

3 Key Things

1. Masking is optional inside and outside the classroom. Please be respectful if faculty or staff requests a mask be worn in their classroom or individual meeting space.

2. COVID-19 testing is available by appointment through Student Health Services; a vending machine is also available that dispenses free rapid tests.

3. Students who test positive must isolate at home or off campus. An exception process will be available for residential students who need to request isolation in QU housing.

Dear QU community,

Another exciting academic year is underway, and our campuses are full of energy and anticipation among our students, faculty and staff. There is a lot to look forward to this fall, both inside and outside the classroom. To ensure we get our new semester off to a healthy start, we’re resharing information released over the summer (available on this page) about the COVID-related resources and protocols that are in place.

Mask policy

QU is mask optional indoors and outdoors across our campuses, but masks remain required when interacting with clinical patients or in healthcare settings, such as visiting Student Health Services. Faculty or staff may request that masks be worn in their class or office; if a professor or staff member asks you to do so, please be respectful of their wishes. We do not always know each other’s circumstances and need to support the greater good of our community.

• Tip: Keep a mask in your pocket whenever you leave your room or office, so you’re prepared if someone kindly asks you wear one.

COVID testing

On-campus testing is available by appointment at Student Health Services. We also have a vending machine that dispenses free, at-home test kits 24 hours a day using your QCard. The vending machine is in the entryway to the former Student Health Services building on Bobcat Way across from Public Safety.

Isolation protocols

Residential students who test positive will be asked to travel home to isolate, as long as they do not need to take public transportation and live within the region. Exemptions to isolate on campus may be provided to residential students who apply because of extenuating circumstances. Off-campus students will isolate in their off-campus housing.

• Please review our detailed isolation protocols (PDF) for residential and off-campus students.

Public health information on monkeypox

While there have been few reported cases of monkeypox in Connecticut, students can make an appointment to visit Student Health Services if they would like to discuss any concerns regarding monkeypox or to request more information. The state Department of Public Health and the CDC have also published general public health information about monkeypox.

We look forward to a bright semester ahead and the many in-person activities we enjoy that create unique QU experiences. Stay healthy Bobcats!

4 Key Things

1. Masking will be optional both inside and outside the classroom effective July 11 with the start of Summer II classes and will continue for the fall semester. Faculty can request that masks be worn in their individual classroom and masks remain required when interacting with clinical patients.

2. QU will continue its policy requiring primary vaccination against COVID-19, but boosters are not required.

3. COVID-19 testing will be available by appointment through Student Health Services; there will be no weekly on-campus testing.

4. Students who test positive must isolate at home or off campus. An exception application process will be available for residential students who need to request isolation in QU housing.

Dear QU students and families,

We hope your summer is going well, and you are enjoying some sun, fun and chill. Our faculty and staff are engaged in summer teaching and planning for another successful fall semester. Please review the following important updates about our COVID protocols for Summer II and the fall.

Mask policy

Effective July 11 with the start of Summer II courses, masking will be optional both inside and outside the classroom. The optional wearing of masks will continue for the fall semester, subject to community health directives. Faculty can request that masks be worn in their individual classes, and masks remain required when interacting with clinical patients.

COVID vaccinations and boosters

As has been the university policy since fall 2021, Quinnipiac requires all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This means you must have completed the primary vaccination series of two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson.

• COVID booster shots are not required of students, faculty or staff moving forward, but are strongly encouraged.

• Students new to Quinnipiac must upload a copy of their primary COVID-19 vaccination document to the Student Health Services patient portal.

• If you are a returning student and your vaccination record is already on file with Student Health Services, no further action is needed.

• Returning students with an existing and approved religious or medical exemption on file do not need to re-apply for a new exemption. Students new to QU who have a basis for exception may request a vaccination exemption by contacting Student Health Services.

COVID testing

A pre-arrival test is not required before returning for the fall semester. In addition, we will discontinue weekly surveillance testing of non-vaccinated individuals with approved exemptions. On-campus testing will be available throughout the summer and fall by appointment at Student Health Services. We anticipate having free rapid tests available again to students.

Isolation protocols

Because the availability of on-campus isolation housing is limited, residential students who test positive will be asked to travel home to isolate, as long as they do not need to take public transportation and live within the region. Exemptions to isolate on campus may be provided to residential students who apply because of extenuating circumstances. Off-campus students will isolate in their off-campus housing.

• All students who isolate on campus will be responsible for their own food and are required to wear a mask while outside their isolation housing to pick up food.

• Please review our detailed isolation protocols for residential and off-campus students.

Students in clinical/educational placements

Students in the schools of Health Sciences, Nursing and Medicine with clinical/education placements must confirm vaccination and/or booster requirements with their clinical and/or field work coordinator. Students are required to comply with school-specific clinical and fieldwork policies that may differ from QU policies. Clinical and fieldwork policies supersede any instances in which Quinnipiac University may grant vaccination exemptions, because the university cannot guarantee alternate clinical placements if a student does not comply with the clinical partner’s vaccination/booster requirements or other policies. Students who do not comply with these policies risk their eligibility for assignment to a clinical site, and therefore continuation of their program of study.

These continued updates to our COVID policies and evolving protocols are possible because we are all learning to live safely with the virus. Should community health conditions or directives change, we will adjust these policies accordingly. We look forward to a bright semester ahead, and to continuation of the many in-person activities we enjoy that create unique Bobcat experiences.

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

Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer

2 Key Things

1. FAQs on summer COVID protocols for classes and camps have been posted to our COVID information page.

2. Indoor masking remains in effect for classroom settings, but QU will evaluate whether it can move to a mask optional policy in the classroom at some point during Summer I courses.

Evaluating our indoor mask policy

Quinnipiac’s indoor mask policy for classroom settings remains in effect, but the university will re-evaluate the policy after the start of Summer I courses to determine whether it is able to move to a mask optional policy at some point this summer. Summer I courses begin on May 23.

The CDC has currently classified New Haven county as having high community transmission rates, but if case rates begin to subside we’ll evaluate moving to a mask optional policy for classrooms during the summer. Please note:

• Students with clinical or education placements should confirm and adhere to the masking policy at their program partner’s site.

• Indoor masking is also still required in areas where health care services are being delivered (e.g., Student Health Services).

Summer COVID protocols and FAQs

We continue to update and add to our FAQs, most recently with information about our summer health protocols and COVID policies. Please review the FAQs for the latest information. Of note:

• Individuals participating in summer courses or camps must be vaccinated against COVID-19, which means they have completed their primary vaccine series (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, one dose of J&J). Boosters are not required.

• QU will require the COVID-19 vaccination for new students attending the university this fall, but it is too early to determine whether a booster shot will be required. We continue to monitor the latest evidence and guidelines on COVID-19 mitigation protocols and booster shots, and will provide an update on the booster policy over the summer.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the health of our university community, congratulations to our graduates and have a wonderful summer break!

2 Key Things

1. QU revises its indoor mask policy. Masks will be optional in most indoor settings, except for the classroom and large, university-sponsored events, effective March 1.

2. A vending machine that dispenses free rapid tests is now operational. Every student gets 3 free tests with a swipe of their QCard.

Indoor mask policy revised

Quinnipiac has reviewed its indoor masking policy in concert with the state of Connecticut and as many local communities, school districts and the CDC have revised their policies. Given the high vaccination rates within our university community and the stable level of weekly COVID cases reported since the start of the semester, we will make the following changes to our indoor masking policy, effective March 1:

• All individuals must continue to wear a mask in classroom settings and areas where health care services are being delivered (e.g., Student Health Services).

• Mask wearing will be optional in all other indoor settings with the following exception: Masks may be required at certain university-sponsored events and large gatherings, such as indoor athletic events and some admissions events. We will communicate these expectations with participants in advance and at the events.

• We will continue to monitor the weekly COVID case rate among our university community and evaluate whether at any point we need to re-institute indoor masking or if further loosening of restrictions is warranted.

An individual may choose to wear a mask at any time, indoors and outdoors. We have seen how mask policies have become a source of contention in many parts of society. Let’s continue to be a Bobcat family that respects one another and each individual’s choices.

Vending machine for free rapid tests is active

A vending machine designed to distribute free COVID-19 rapid tests is now operational. The machine is located in the Student Health Services lobby entrance. Every student gets three free tests with a swipe of their QCard. Access to the SHS lobby is available 24/7. Students can check their QCard balance if they want to confirm how many free tests they have remaining. We also continue to provide free testing through Student Health Services. Please call or email to schedule an appointment in advance.

Frequently asked questions

We continue to update and add to our FAQs about our spring health protocols and COVID policies. Please review the FAQs for the latest information. Thank you for your ongoing support of the health of our university community.

3 Key Things

1. Please complete our very brief survey noting whether you plan to attend our on-campus booster clinic Jan. 31 or Feb. 1 so we can plan for a sufficient supply of booster shots.

2. More details have been released on our isolation policies for the spring semester as we may see a higher number of cases the first few weeks.

3. Don’t forget to bring a copy of your negative COVID test when you return. Stay home if you test positive and upload your positive test to Student Health Services.

Dear QU students and families,

As we continue to share timely information about your return to campus and the university’s COVID protocols for the spring semester, we have three important updates for you.

Attending QU’s booster clinic?

Please help us prepare for QU’s on-campus booster clinics on Monday, Jan. 31, and Tuesday, Feb. 1. Complete this very brief survey asking about your intentions to participate in the clinic and the dates/times that are most convenient for you. This will help us plan our staffing needs and ensure we have a sufficient supply of booster shots.

Complete the booster clinic survey

As a reminder, all students, faculty and staff are required to receive a COVID-19 booster shot by Tuesday, Feb. 15. See our Jan. 3 communications below for details on the booster requirements.

Spring isolation policies

Some universities welcoming back students before Quinnipiac are reporting that their isolation spaces are filling up quickly given omicron’s greater transmissibility. Thankfully, infection with omicron tends to be mild and, although the rate of new cases is still high in Connecticut, the state has started to see a decline in case rates. After consulting with state health officials and reviewing the experiences of other schools, QU has created the following 2-phase isolation plan for the spring semester:

PHASE I

• If you test positive, we will ask you to travel home to isolate as long as you do not need to take public transportation and you live within a reasonable driving distance. This is imperative given the limited availability of on-campus isolation housing.

• Commuters and students living off campus can isolate in their off-campus housing.

• Residential students unable to travel home to isolate can request to isolate in QU-designated isolation housing if space is available. Students will be permitted to leave isolation housing to pick up grab-and-go meals from a designated on-campus location. Support will be available if a student does not feel well to pick up their grab-and-go meals.

PHASE II

• If we reach capacity in our QU isolation housing, we may need to have our students isolate in place in their residence hall room (while still asking students to isolate at home whenever possible).

• We understand this may not be an ideal scenario, but we want to be prepared should this step be needed.

• Students isolating in place will have access to a designated bathroom shared by all individuals isolating in the residence hall.

• Students will be permitted to leave isolation housing to pick up grab-and-go meals from a designated on-campus location.

We are hopeful that we will not need to have students isolate in their rooms, but we want to be transparent that this approach might be needed. Given recent trends, this is a contingency plan that should only be needed for the first few weeks of the semester.

Testing out of isolation

Quinnipiac will follow the CDC’s 5-day isolation recommendations and also will require a negative rapid (antigen) test on Day 5 of isolation:

• Day 0: Day of positive result.

• Day 0 – Day 5: All individuals isolate.

• Day 5: All individuals take a rapid antigen test, and if they test negative and have met CDC guidelines, they can leave isolation and return to class the next day. If they test positive, they must remain in isolation until Day 7. Test results must be uploaded to Student Health Services.

• Day 7: Any individuals still in isolation are cleared to leave isolation at the end of Day 7 and return to class the next day as long as their symptoms are resolving, and they have been fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. No further tests are needed.

Don’t forget your negative COVID test before returning

All students must receive a negative COVID-19 test before they return. Students can use either a PCR or rapid test for the return test requirement.

• Please bring a copy of your test result with you – either printed or a photo on your phone.

• If you get a PCR test, it must be taken no more than 72 hours before your return.

• If you take a rapid test (including at-home tests), it must be taken no more than 24 hours before your return.

• At-home test results must include the student’s name and date the test was taken in the photo. Place your QCard next to your test result in the photo for easier verification.

If you test positive, the test result must be uploaded to the Student Health Services patient portal and you must remain home and follow the above “testing out of isolation” policies.

Free Rapid Tests

Beginning Jan. 19, free rapid tests are now available from the U.S. government. Families can visit covidtests.gov to sign up, and every household can order 4 test kits. We are encouraging students to bring a supply of their own at-home test kits when they return for the semester.

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

Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer

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.

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.