Fall 2022 Update
Vaccinations
Shorter University does not require its faculty, staff, or students to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination. Campus community members should consult with their physician or other health care provider regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Some entities, such as an athletic conference, student teaching placement sites, clinical sites, etc., may require vaccinations for participation. Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccines is available at:
It makes no sense to treat viral diseases with antibiotics, but if inflammation has begun due to complications from the virus, then you can take a broad-spectrum antibiotic in small doses.
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
Face Coverings
The use of masks or face coverings is not required and is left to individual discretion.
In Case of Exposure/Symptoms/Positive Test
If a student has tested positive or experiences symptoms of COVID-19, he or she should fill out the COVID-19 form on SCHOLAR. After completing the form, the student will be contacted by the Director of Student Health Services with further instructions. The university will follow CDC recommendations regarding quarantine/isolation as explained on the CDC website at:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
If you have been exposed to COVID please click the link above and follow the CDC guidance for exposures.
The university will revise the COVID-19 protocols as needed.
January 2022 Update
At the start of the Spring 2022 semester, the Rome community and surrounding areas are experiencing high transmission of COVID-19. Shorter University strongly encourages faculty, staff, students, and visitors to remain vigilant to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Listed below are protocols which are currently in place. We will keep you updated should regulations or guidance warrant future changes.
Face Coverings
Individuals on campus, including guests, are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings. The use of masks or face coverings is not required, however. Please bring a mask with you as you return to campus, as the guidance and policy may change, depending upon circumstances.
Current CDC recommendations suggest:
- People, including children older than 2, should wear a mask in indoor public places if they are:
- Not fully vaccinated
- Fully vaccinated and in an area with substantial or high transmission
- Fully vaccinated and with weakened immune systems
- In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings.
- In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
Vaccinations
Shorter University does not require its faculty, staff, or students to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination. Campus community members should consult with their physician or other health care provider regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Some entities, such as an athletic conference, student teaching placement sites, clinical sites, etc., may require vaccinations for participation. Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccines is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.
All members of the Shorter community are strongly encouraged to be proactive against COVID-19 by self-monitoring for symptoms.
The CDC lists the following symptoms as possible with COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms.
In Case of Symptoms:
If a student has been exposed, tested positive, or has symptoms, he or she is to fill out the COVID-19 form found on SCHOLAR and must quarantine. The CDC has updated the isolation/quarantine time for COVID-19, as follows:
“Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation for the public. People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.
If you:
Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted
OR
Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
OR
Are unvaccinated
- Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you can’t quarantine, you must wear a mask for 10 days.
- Test on day 5, if possible.
Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure.
If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home
October 2021 Update
In light of the decrease in the number of COVID cases in Rome and the surrounding area, the University is lifting its temporary indoor mask mandate. Individuals on campus, including guests, are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings; however, the use of masks or face coverings is not required.
September 2021 Update
Due to the increase in number of COVID cases in Rome and the surrounding area, the University is instituting a temporary indoor mask mandate. Students will be required to carry a mask at all times. Masks will be mandatory in classrooms, on the shuttle, and in areas where social distancing is not possible (excluding when alone in residence halls or eating or drinking).
Thank you for adhering to these temporary measures.
August 2021 Update
We look forward to our Shorter family returning to campus Fall 2021 semester. We hope you and your family had a safe and healthy summer. As we begin the new semester, Shorter University encourages faculty, staff, students, and visitors to remain vigilant to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Listed below are protocols which will be in place for the beginning Fall 2021. We will keep you updated should regulations or guidance warrant future changes.
Face Coverings
Individuals on campus, including guests, are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings. The use of masks or face coverings is not required, however. Members of the campus community are encouraged to carry face coverings in case of exposure or developing symptoms. This policy is consistent with current CDC recommendation concerning masks. Please bring a mask with you as you return to campus, as the guidance and policy may change, depending upon circumstances.
Vaccinations
Shorter University does not require its faculty, staff, or students to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination. Campus community members should consult with their physician or other health care provider regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Some entities, such as an athletic conference, student teaching placement sites, clinical sites, etc., may require vaccinations for participation. Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccines is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.
All members of the Shorter community are strongly encouraged to be proactive against COVID-19 by self-monitoring for symptoms.
The CDC lists the following symptoms as possible with COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea