Public Health
What about getting together with friends?
There will be no in-person gatherings exceeding 10 people on or off campus this semester. This will be strictly enforced with consequences that may include suspension and expulsion. In-person events hosted by an organization, team, and/or individual – whether planned or spontaneous, whether inside or outside – cannot exceed 10 people, and all attendees must follow MMDC guidelines including wearing masks and being physically distanced at least six feet from one another. Social gatherings and parties create significant risk, accelerating the spread of COVID-19 and threaten the health and safety of our entire community. This policy does not apply to classes, which have room capacities designed to support social distancing and shall not exceed 30 people.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:30 amWhat hygiene and cleaning protocols will be in place?
Training, education and signage will promote personal hygiene through an ongoing campaign around hand washing and sanitizing. Hygiene practices will be supported by readily available soap, wipes, spray, and hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol). Members of the UMW community will be provided with self-carry bottles of hand sanitizer which will be refillable at various locations on campus. In addition, more than 1,000 no-touch hand sanitizing stations are being strategically placed across UMW properties.
An enhanced cleaning schedule will be in place to support daily and “between use” cleaning and disinfecting of facilities as much as possible. UMW facilities staff members have reviewed CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfecting and aligned their schedules and practices accordingly. Disinfecting products have been vetted for EPA-approval for COVID-19. Cleaning supplies will also be available in classrooms and labs for cleaning and disinfecting. The time between classes has been increased to 20 minutes to permit self-cleaning of learning spaces.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:08 amWhat changes will we see on campus?
Classrooms are being reconfigured to allow 64 square feet of separation between desks. Common areas are being reimagined. This includes installing protective barriers, marking seats, taping floors, and removing furniture. And signs to promote good hygiene, social distancing, and cleaning protocols are being posted. Water fountains will be used for bottle refill ONLY, and elevators will allow only one person at a time.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:05 amWhat if I contract COVID-19?
Policies are in place to support UMW’s expectation that faculty, staff and students stay home or self-isolate when they are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. For employees, flexible sick leave policies are in place including regular leave (sick leave and annual leave) and state and federal leave options for different COVID-19 scenarios.
Similarly, UMW’s policies on Attendance and Class Absences offer guidance and provide for support to students who miss class for COVID-19 related reasons and will ultimately return to class after COVID-19 illness. This includes disability-related absences for those who have a documented disability that makes them vulnerable to COVID-19 and procedures for unscheduled absences which would include COVID-19 related reasons. Students with unscheduled absences are directed to contact the Office of Academic Services to report the absence and request assistance in working with faculty. In addition, UMW policies on grading include options for an incomplete grade when a student cannot complete the assigned work for reasons including those related to COVID-19 illness or self-isolation.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:05 amWill employees continue teleworking?
The Governor has indicated that employees who are able to complete their work remotely should continue doing so for the immediate future. Employees who are required to be physically present to complete their work will be on campus.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 9:57 amIn addition to reporting symptoms and reducing exposure to others before returning, what else will be required?
Special COVID-19 training and education will be required of every student, faculty and staff. This training covers key information about COVID-19 and public health as well as UMW policies and procedures in response to the pandemic. This includes: (1) face coverings, (2) social distancing, (3) cleaning and disinfecting, (4) monitoring and attestation, (5) anti-stigma, (6) vulnerable populations, (7) reporting, and (8) enforcement.
At the conclusion of the training, all members of the UMW community will take the “Mary Washington Pledge” agreeing to several things including: (1) regular self-monitoring and attestation of symptoms, (2) not coming to campus if sick, (c) wearing face coverings, as well as observing good hygiene practices and social distancing expectations.
Last updated: August 19, 2020 4:23 pmWill I have to wear a mask?
UMW will follow CDC and VDH guidance on using face coverings to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread. Face coverings will be required by students, faculty, staff and visitors when in the company of others (e.g. in classes, public events, offices, hallways, stairwells, Campus Walk, common spaces, etc.).
In support of this requirement, UMW has procured enough washable three-ply cloth masks for all students (including student workers), faculty, and staff who need them. In addition, the University has purchased an appropriate number of “clear masks” and face shields. The Emergency Management Team will continue to monitor and plan for additional needs including assessing options for alternatives for those unable to wear masks. Additional masks will be provided to employees as needed and supplies allow and additional branded masks will be available for purchase in the UMW bookstore.
Last updated: August 3, 2020 9:06 pmI’m part of a vulnerable population. What precautions will be taken for me?
UMW’s policy options to mitigate risk for vulnerable individuals (those 65 years or older and those with underlying health conditions) include, where possible, telework, and virtual learning. Students needing accommodations should work with the Office of Disability Resources, and faculty and staff should contact their supervisor and the Office of Human Resources for additional support.
Students planning to live on-campus are encouraged to discuss their particular risk factors with their family and personal care physicians. UMW has developed a process to permit students to petition for release from their housing contract due to COVID-19 related concerns.
Last updated: July 9, 2020 7:20 pmTesting
Who can I contact with questions about testing?
You can email covid-test@umw.edu with your questions about testing.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:32 pmWho is doing the testing?
UMW has contracted with Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) to provide mandatory entry and prevalence testing in Spring 2021.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:31 pmWhat test is being administered?
MWHC will be testing students using rapid antigen tests. Based upon availability, this will include either the Abbott BinaxNow or the BD Veritor.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:31 pmIf I have received the vaccine, do I still need to participate in prevalence testing?
Yes. For a variety of reasons including, uncertain science about transmissibility even with vaccination, the fact that vaccination is at best 95% efficacious, and that maximum immunity takes some time to build up even after the second dose.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:30 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 pmWho is required to participate in testing?
All students who plan to access the campus in Spring 2021 and/or will be close contacts to other members of the UMW community must have a negative entry test and participate prevalence testing when called to do so.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:29 pmMay I request an exemption from prevalence testing?
Yes, if you agree that you will never access campus for any reason in Spring 2021 and will not be in close contact with other members of the UMW community. You can do so here.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:29 pmWhat happens if I don’t participate in prevalence testing?
Failure to comply with the Spring 2021 pledge and the UMW’s testing expectations is a student conduct matter subject to a range of possible consequences.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:25 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 in the Anderson Center to determine the next step which will depend on the length of time that has passed since you tested positive. Further information about UMW isolation protocols can be found on the spring testing protocols page.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:24 pmIf I am in quarantine, do I need to test?
No. Please do not come to the Anderson Center and/or access campus until you have cleared the quarantine period. You should get in contact with Betsy Southern (esouthe2@umw.edu) and Dave Fleming (dflemin3@umw.edu) to let them know that you are in quarantine.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:22 pmIf I am experiencing symptoms, should I test?
No. Please do not come to the Anderson Center 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: January 28, 2021 5:21 pmIf I test positive, will I be given a PCR test to determine accuracy?
Yes. MWHC will provide an on-site PCR test to all students whose rapid test results in a positive at the Anderson Center. Students who test positive but are awaiting PCR confirmation will be presumed positive and will be provided with directions for next steps. Further information about UMW testing protocols can be found on the spring testing protocols page.
Last updated: January 28, 2021 5:20 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 pmAcademics
What factors will determine whether students are on campus?
Our “gating” conditions for having the campus open for in-person instruction are outlined on Page 5 of the Forward UMW Plan:
- Positive trends in public health in the Fredericksburg region consistent with the Forward Virginia Blueprint
- Health care capacity in which local health care facilities are operational and capable of serving the regional population given a surge in cases
- A climate of adherence to sound public health principles and a culture of compliance in which the UMW community will support and embrace safety precautions to practice good hygiene, quarantine, social distance, wear face coverings, work together to prevent the spread of disease
- Campus preparedness plan developed and consistent with the guidance set forth by the Commonwealth
What changes will we see on campus?
Classrooms are being reconfigured to allow 64 square feet of separation between desks. Common areas are being reimagined. This includes installing protective barriers, marking seats, taping floors, and removing furniture. And signs to promote good hygiene, social distancing, and cleaning protocols are being posted. Water fountains will be used for bottle refill ONLY, and elevators will allow only one person at a time.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:05 amHow will the academic calendar be changed?
Risk mitigation requires a different spring calendar, which moves the start date back for the full spring semester to Monday, January 25, 2021. A new January term will be offered remotely from January 4 to January 22.
Spring break will be cancelled, and two break days will be added on Wednesday, March 10, and Tuesday, March 16.
Exams will take place May 3-7, with Commencement scheduled for May 8.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 9:59 amIf I have online classes and my access to the internet, a computer, or online materials is limited, what should I do?
Let your professor know that your access is limited and that you will be challenged to complete the course work in the time and manner established for the course. You are also encouraged to contact Academic Services for further support.
Last updated: July 9, 2020 2:46 pmResidence Life
What will I do if I live on campus and have to quarantine or isolate?
UMW has identified more than 100 appropriate on-campus residential spaces should a residential student need to be quarantined or isolated.
Quarantine and isolation spaces will be equipped and supported appropriately. UMW is temporarily reassigning a current employee to support these spaces. The COVID-19 care coordinator will manage these spaces and serve as a primary point of contact for students who require isolation or quarantine. The role involves coordinating a variety of different activities. This includes: room assignments, check-in and out, meal delivery (from Sodexo), stocking and distributing supplies (water, snacks, and medication for fever relief), preparing “quarantine kits,” ensuring adequacy of COVID supplies (e.g. thermometer), coordinating with the Student Health Center for admission and discharge from quarantine/isolation, managing linens, trash removal, retrieval of personal items and academic materials and working with Facilities to schedule cleaning.
The Student Health Center, COVID-19 care coordinator and Residence Life staff will work together to monitor students in isolation and quarantine with daily temperature checks and symptom screening. They will work with local health care providers to support the transfer to an off-campus facility for clinical evaluation.
Sodexo is developing plans to provide meal service to students in on-campus quarantine/isolation spaces. Such plans include obtaining student preferences and preparation of food options that limit the need for additional heating while meeting dietary needs. Sodexo anticipates that approximately 200 students in quarantine/isolation could be supported if necessary.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:10 amIf circumstances require UMW to transition back to online-only classes, can students remain in student housing?
Students can petition to stay on campus for personal or academic reasons, subject to health department directives. Requests will be evaluated case by case.
Last updated: July 20, 2020 8:55 amStudent Services
Will accommodations be made for students at higher risk of contracting COVID or having serious complications if they do get sick?
COVID risk will be treated like any other disability through the Office of Disability Resources. Students can apply for accommodation through ODR.
Last updated: July 20, 2020 8:56 amAs a student with accommodations through Disability Services, how can I get support?
The Office of Disability Resources (ODR) remains available to support students. As was true before, you may schedule an appointment through the ODR Accommodate portal or email odr@umw.edu. A staff member will respond as soon as possible. If you are a student who already has registered with ODR, you may know your specialist’s email address and may use that to contact them.
Last updated: July 9, 2020 2:48 pmHow can the Career Center help students during this time?
We encourage students to continue researching and applying to internships/jobs through Handshake and other tools. Employers have indicated that they are still actively recruiting UMW students using virtual platforms such as phone, Zoom, and Skype.
The Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) has mobilized and is prepared to support all students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last updated: July 9, 2020 2:48 pmStudent Life
What about getting together with friends?
There will be no in-person gatherings exceeding 10 people on or off campus this semester. This will be strictly enforced with consequences that may include suspension and expulsion. In-person events hosted by an organization, team, and/or individual – whether planned or spontaneous, whether inside or outside – cannot exceed 10 people, and all attendees must follow MMDC guidelines including wearing masks and being physically distanced at least six feet from one another. Social gatherings and parties create significant risk, accelerating the spread of COVID-19 and threaten the health and safety of our entire community. This policy does not apply to classes, which have room capacities designed to support social distancing and shall not exceed 30 people.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:30 amWill the Fitness Center be open?
Will the Fitness Center be open?
Yes. The Fitness Center will be open, and you can check its operating hours.
Reservations will be required to workout at the Fitness Center.
Personal training and will continue online.
Group fitness classes will be held using a mix of virtual and outdoor formats.
Visit campusrec.umw.edu to view the full list fitness offerings and the Campus Recreation COVID Updates page for more details.
Last updated: December 18, 2020 10:26 amFinancial Aid
What will UMW do for families impacted by COVID-19 as it relates to their employment and FAFSA?
Our Financial Aid Office has authority to use professional judgement to make adjustments on a on a case-by-case basis due to a change in circumstance. Financial Aid will ask for documentation that substantiates the reason for any adjustment. All students who request this process will need to complete verification for the current academic year. Please reach out to the Financial Aid Office to discuss your situation. At this time we still require a change in income to have occurred for 3 months and as we work during these COVID-19 challenges this may be amended.
Email: finaid@umw.edu
Last updated: July 9, 2020 2:50 pmAthletics
Will outdoor and indoor facilities/spaces/fields be “open” for student groups or individual workouts?
We are required to follow college and state guidelines for gathering, including physical distancing, group size and sanitation protocols. For student groups who want to gather under these conditions, the athletic department will assist in scheduling these spaces when possible. Regardless, supervision may be required.
Last updated: July 21, 2020 5:01 pm