Employee Information about Testing, Symptoms…
Additional information is available in the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for 2021-2022 Academic Year
What should I do if I’m concerned about an underlying medical condition?
Requests for accommodation(s) due to a medical condition or disability should follow the University’s normal processes, located here. In accordance with our procedures, the employee’s supervisor, dean or department chair will be included in the review of and response to the request.
If an employee is deemed to have a verified disability/medical-related condition, viable accommodations will be considered via the interactive process with the employee, the employee’s supervisor, dean or department chair, and HR.
Employees are reminded of the availability of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides unpaid leave to eligible employees for authorized self-care and care for family members, as defined in the Act. Additional information may be found here.
If an employee is providing care for a family member with a condition that would qualify under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), viable accommodations will be considered via the interactive process with the employee, the employee’s supervisor, dean or department chair, and HR.
It is important to note that simply being unvaccinated for COVID or having an unvaccinated dependent is not grounds for an accommodation request.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 1:47 pmIf I am an unvaccinated employee and have to do weekly testing, how does that factor into my timecard for the day? Do I use my lunch time, personal leave or it is covered time?
This is paid time. You are encouraged to schedule your testing so that it is the least disruptive to your work day.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 11:44 amWhere do I go to get tested?
For privacy purposes, unvaccinated faculty and staff will test weekly at Mary Washington Medical Group’s Primary Care office located at 10620 Spotsylvania Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. No appointments are required for testing at this location, walk-ins are welcome. The clinic will be available M-F 7:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. (last walk-in accepted at 4:30 p.m.). Faculty and staff are encouraged to test at this location; however, you may test on campus if you choose to do so. On-campus testing is located in Bushnell Hall and a standing appointment will be required; you may contact Betsy Southern at x1710 or esouthe2@umw.edu to make arrangements. Please note, students are being tested at this location.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 11:44 amWhat if I’m not fully vaccinated and don’t want to participate in testing, can I opt out?
No, participation in COVID testing is a requirement for anyone who is unvaccinated. Failure to participate in testing will be considered a safety violation and may result in disciplinary action.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 11:44 amWhat if I’m on vacation for the week, will I get penalized for not being tested?
No, employees who are on vacation for an entire week do not need to get tested during that week. The employee should notify COVIDtesting@umw.edu before the start of the week if they are on vacation for the entire week and not able to attend testing.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 12:58 pmIf I need to isolate or quarantine does that become telework, sick/personal leave or is there COVID leave?
The state’s authorization of Public Health Emergency Leave for COVID illness, quarantine or isolation expired on June 30, 2021. Telework is an option if you are able to perform your job remotely. If telework is not an option, or if you become ill and are unable to work, sick and/or personal leave may be used.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 11:45 amIf I’m exposed and need to test, do I go to the UMW testing site or follow up with my personal physician?
The UMW testing site is for UMW-directed testing, only. For testing due to exposure or symptoms, employees may visit their healthcare provider or be tested at any convenient testing location such as an urgent care center or CVS. [Testing locations can be found at the VDH site.]
Last updated: August 19, 2021 1:22 pmIf I’m working from home 100% but am unvaccinated, do I have to come in for weekly testing if I’m not going to be on campus at all? What if I have to come to campus on one day out of the month for a task, do I have to do weekly testing for that?
Yes. The weekly testing may be done on your own, or you can get it done at the MWHC testing clinic. If the former, you need to submit documentation of that test to COVIDtesting@umw.edu by Friday of each week.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 1:05 pmWhat are the quarantine requirements for people who are deemed a close contact?
Unvaccinated individuals who are identified as a close contact of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 will need to quarantine for a period of fourteen days. Vaccinated individuals who are identified as a close contact do not need to quarantine unless they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. In that case, the individuals should get tested immediately and quarantine until they receive a
negative result. The newest guidance from the CDC also indicates that vaccinated individuals exposed to a confirmed case should get tested 3-5 days after exposure and should wear a mask around others until a negative test is achieved
Last updated: August 19, 2021 11:46 amWhat should I do if I have symptoms of COVID?
If someone is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, they should seek medical care, get tested as soon as possible, and stay away from others until they receive the result. Any member of the University community who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must report it to UMW and isolate for a period of ten days.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 11:46 amVaccinations
The University of Mary Washington will require all students living, learning, or working on campus to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to campus for the Fall 2021 term.
Why is UMW requiring that students be vaccinated?
UMW joins hundreds of other universities nationwide in requiring students to be vaccinated as a means of protecting the health of the community, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Research continues to support the safety and efficacy – along with extreme effectiveness – of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO). Widespread vaccination is the best tool we have to ensure that UMW can return to a full in-person academic and social environment in the fall of 2021.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:23 amWhat are the benefits of having all students vaccinated?
Among other things,
- It creates a more secure environment for UMW community members by drastically reducing the potential for COVID-19 outbreaks on campus;
- It helps alleviate anxiety and discomfort among members of the campus community who are fearful of COVID-19;
- It helps to provide clarity about the upcoming academic year;
- It may help contribute to the reduction of COVID-19 spread in the surrounding Fredericksburg community;
- It reflects the University’s support of and contribution to a larger public health endeavor with global implications; and
- It provides a clear signal to prospective, new, and current students and their families about the importance of everybody’s wellbeing at UMW.
Will faculty and staff be required to be vaccinated?
UMW expects that all employees will be vaccinated. We are strongly encouraged by the fact that more than 70% have already done so. Employees who do not meet this expectation will participate in daily attestation and weekly COVID-19 prevalence testing.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:27 amWhat does it mean to be fully vaccinated?
Public health officials consider an individual to be fully vaccinated two weeks after their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:26 amDo I need to be vaccinated if I have already had COVID-19?
Yes. Anyone who previously had COVID-19 will still be required to be vaccinated. The immunity acquired post-infection lasts only about 90 days.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:27 amI’m a student, what if I don’t want to be vaccinated or don’t believe in vaccinations?
There will be two permitted exemptions to the University’s vaccination requirement that would still allow a student to participate in person. These are the same exceptions for every mandated vaccine at UMW and they must be submitted to the Student Health Center.
- A medical exemption will be granted to students for whom receiving the COVID-19 vaccination is medically inadvisable. Documentation from the student’s health provider must be provided.
- A religious exemption will be granted in accordance with Certificate of Religious Exemption (Form CRE-1).
If a religious or medical exemption is granted, will students have to undergo any other steps?
Unlike vaccinated students, those who file a medical or religious waiver will need to participate in entry testing and weekly prevalence testing as well as daily attestation in the Eagle Health Journal. If they are exposed to a COVID-19 case, they will need to quarantine.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:29 amWhat happens if students fail to produce proof of vaccination or an approved exemption?
Access to residence halls (for residential students) and University IT systems (for residential and nonresidential students) will be prohibited until either a vaccination record or an exemption is filed and verified with the Student Health Center.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:31 amWhat if students are enrolled but do not plan to access any UMW campus, facility, or event?
UMW will offer an opt-out waiver to students who agree never to seek access to a UMW campus or facility; however, the University will not provide separate online options for in-person classes for students who do not wish to receive the vaccine.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:31 amAre employees required to share proof of vaccination?
The Executive Directive from Governor Northam makes vaccination a requirement for state employees and most in-person state contractors. Employees can opt out of offering proof of vaccination, but this means accepting daily attestation and weekly prevalence testing.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 2:04 pmIf an employee refuses to get the vaccine what will happen with their job?
They must submit an opt-out, medical or religious waiver and undergo daily attestation and weekly testing.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 2:06 pmWhat if I lost my vaccination card?
If you were vaccinated in Virginia, go here. Otherwise, contact the provider through which you received your vaccination(s) to obtain replacement proof of vaccination.
Last updated: August 19, 2021 2:05 pmWhat vaccines are accepted?
Any vaccine approved in the U.S., including Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen will be accepted. UMW will work with students who have been vaccinated abroad as well as international students who do not have access to vaccines approved in the US.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:37 amHow do I submit my proof of vaccination?
Students will submit a copy of their vaccination card at the SHC Student Portal. Employees will submit a copy of their vaccination card to HR here.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:37 amWhat if I have other questions about the vaccine or this policy?
Much is still to be determined about the fall, but please submit your questions to covidvaccination@umw.edu. Additionally, in the coming weeks we will put together a panel of campus experts to answer further questions about the vaccines.
Last updated: May 26, 2021 11:38 amStudent Testing
If I test positive, will I be given a PCR test to confirm the results?
Yes. MWHC will provide an on-site PCR test to all students, faculty, and staff whose rapid test results in a positive at weekly testing. Students who test positive but are awaiting PCR confirmation will be presumed positive and will be provided with directions for next steps.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 2:41 pmIf I am experiencing symptoms, should I test?
No. Please do not come to weekly testing and/or access campus. Call the Student Health Center or your primary care provider for a telehealth appointment. You should remain in quarantine until cleared by a medical professional.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:56 pmIf I am in quarantine, do I need to test?
No. Please do not go to weekly testing and/or access campus until you have cleared the quarantine period. You should get in contact with Betsy Southern (esouthe2@umw.edu) and call the Testing number at 540-654-1710 to let them know that you are in quarantine.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:55 pmIf I’ve had COVID in the last 90 days, do I still need to test?
Yes. However, we recognize that you may still test positive. Please bring documentation of your prior positive test (including the date your test was administered). If you receive a positive result, you will work with UMW staff to determine the next step which will depend on the length of time that has passed since you tested positive.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:54 pmWhat happens if I don’t participate in prevalence testing?
Failure to comply with the Fall 2021 pledge and the UMW’s testing expectations will result in your access to all UMW systems being disabled. Repeated failures to comply is a student conduct matter subject to a range of possible consequences.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:54 pmMay I request an exemption from prevalence testing?
Yes, if you agree that you will never access campus for any reason in Fall 2021 and will not be in close contact with other members of the UMW community. You can do so here.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:53 pmWho is required to participate in testing?
All students, faculty, and staff who are not fully vaccinated must participate in weekly testing, except those students who are fully online and not coming on campus at all this semester.
Vaccinated individuals will be expected to get tested 3-5 days after a known exposure. Students may do this at Bushnell Hall. Employees should reach out to their health care provider.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:53 pmIf I have received the vaccine, do I still need to participate in weekly prevalence testing?
Not at this time. We continue to monitor conditions and will announce any changes to this approach.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:51 pmWhat test is being administered?
MWHC will be testing students, faculty, and staff using rapid antigen tests. Based upon availability, this will include either the Abbott BinaxNow or the BD Veritor.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:51 pmWho is doing the testing?
UMW has contracted with Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) to provide mandatory entry and weekly testing in Fall 2021.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:50 pmWho can I contact with questions about testing?
You can email covidtesting@umw.edu with your questions about testing.
Last updated: August 23, 2021 12:49 pmIf I have received the vaccine, could I test positive in prevalence testing?
No, the vaccine will not cause you to test positive. Receipt of the vaccine will not affect the result of the prevalence test which is looking for active infection, not immunity.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:30 pmMasks and Face Coverings
Who do I contact if my supervisor or a faculty member is not wearing a mask?
You may contact Human Resources or use the COVID Concern Form.
Last updated: August 19, 2020 4:32 pmWhere do I report a concern related to COVID-19? Can it be anonymous?
There are several options for reporting concerns such as an individual who is not wearing a mask/face covering on campus. You may fill out the COVID Concern Form, contact Human Resources, a Resident Assistant, or your supervisor. There is an anonymous reporting option on the COVID Concern Form; however, anonymous reports may limit our ability to respond.
Last updated: August 19, 2020 4:30 pmWhat if a student attends class without a mask/face covering?
If a student is not wearing a mask or face covering, remind the student that a mask or face covering is required inside buildings and in the classroom. Faculty will not have extra masks. There will be disposable masks available at key places on campus including the University Center (UC) information desk on the Fredericksburg campus. At the Dahlgren and Stafford campuses masks will be available at the front desks. Students who are not wearing a mask/face covering will not be permitted into the classroom. If they are unable to obtain a mask/face covering immediately, students should be reminded to leave the building, to obtain a mask/face covering before returning, and follow-up for class assignments.
Please report any concerns via the COVID Concern Form.
Last updated: August 19, 2020 4:27 pmWhat if I am unable to wear a mask/face covering as required due to medical or religious reasons?
University offices listed below assist students, faculty, staff, and supervisors to determine reasonable accommodations to meet academic and work obligations without being inside buildings or in the company of others.
- Office of Disability Resources: students seeking medical accommodations
- Office of Equity and Access, diversity@umw.edu: students seeking religious accommodations
- Office of Human Resources: faculty/staff seeking medical and religious accommodations
What if I disapprove of wearing a mask?
While the university respects individual opinions, the CDC and VDH determined that a mask/face covering is the most important tool to slow the spread of the virus. In the interest of the wellbeing of the university community, we are committed to optimal measures to mitigate risk for the greater good of all, including our families. UMW considers requiring a face covering/mask minimally intrusive and justified by the significance of the University’s interest in helping to stop the spread of this highly contagious and deadly virus
Last updated: August 7, 2020 2:35 pmWho do I contact if my roommate or another individual in the residence halls is not following the guidance?
There are several options for reporting a concern in the residence halls including contacting your resident assistant, contacting the Office of Residence Life and Housing, and/or filling out the COVID Concern Form. If student residents are in their residence hall room alone or with an assigned roommate (member of their “family unit”) they are not required to wear mask/face coverings. If there are others in the room and social distancing is not possible, face coverings/masks are required.
Last updated: August 7, 2020 2:29 pmHow will the face mask/covering be enforced?
Noncompliance with the university’s face covering policy, may pose a threat to the wellbeing of others, subject to progressive remediation under university and state conduct policy.
Last updated: August 7, 2020 2:09 pmWhat happens if I report a concern through the COVID Concern Form?
The University takes all reports seriously and will route the concern to the appropriate office for review and resolution. Due to privacy considerations, the University may not be able to provide information on the response taken to address the concern.
Last updated: August 7, 2020 2:08 pmEagle Health Survey
What happens if I don’t complete the survey?
This is an important tool and we EXPECT everyone to comply. In fact, widespread, regular compliance is part of our “gating” criteria.
Faculty and staff: Your supervisor will be notified if you go a number of days without attesting.
Students: Daily attestation will be monitored by COVID Coordinator Betsy Southern, who will contact you if you are not attesting.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:29 amHow will the results be used? Who has access to the data?
The information collected from the COVID-19 Daily Journal will be used to connect individuals with recommended resources based on symptoms, and it will help our COVID Team coordinators understand the overall current health trends at the University. Information will be shared only with the response teams working to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 virus, in accordance with the provisions of the COVID-19 HIPAA Bulletin.
Collected data is securely transferred from the COVID-19 health assessment tool to a campus server which provides HIPAA compliant infrastructure to analyze data. Once the data has been anonymized and moved to aggregate results tables in Microsoft Power BI, it is destroyed.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:28 amWhat if I don’t see the daily survey in my email?
Check your spam or junk folder for the email. You can reset the parameters to allow these emails (“noreply@qualtrics”) emails. If you still don’t see it, email Debra Schleef at dschleef@umw.edu.
Last updated: August 19, 2020 5:35 pmI’m a faculty or staff member. What if I am on vacation or furlough?
You need to take the survey on work days. If you are on vacation or furlough, or any other day you do not work, you will still get the email (there is no way to account for all the variations in work schedules). On weekend or vacation days, you may decide not to attest, as your supervisor will know of your status and can exclude you from the non-compliance follow-ups.
Again, our goal is to get members of the UMW community into the habit of completing the survey each morning.
Last updated: August 19, 2020 5:18 pmDo I have to attest on days that I am not coming to campus?
Yes. We would like for everyone to get in the habit of completing the survey each day. You never know if you may end up stopping by campus or be called in.
Last updated: August 19, 2020 5:15 pmWhat is the Eagle Health Survey? Who has to fill it out? When? Why?
All members of the Mary Washington community — faculty, staff, and students — will receive the Eagle Health Survey in an email each morning, and everyone is expected to complete it on a daily basis. It takes only seconds, and it holds the key to reducing the impact of COVID-19 in our community.
The Eagle Health Survey follows a model used at other Virginia institutions; however, the UMW version has simplified and limited the amount of data being collected. The data collection is minimal — only self-reports of symptoms and exposure. The request is to identify symptoms related to COVID-19; it is not a diagnostic tool.
The daily survey, or attestation, is a reminder that it is important to evaluate COVID-19 symptoms before going to/engaging on campus each day. Second, we are required by the Governor’s office as part of our return to campus plan to demonstrate a culture of adherence to sound public health principles (including staying away from others when you are sick). Survey rates are one way that we are assessing this adherence.
Last updated: August 19, 2020 5:11 pmIs it okay to attest before my shift or class if it starts later in the day and not in the AM?
Yes.
Last updated: August 7, 2020 2:42 pm