Updated 1/3/22 to change the testing location for residence hall students to the Memorial Student Center due to inclement weather forecast.
As Marshall University prepares to begin the spring 2022 semester amid increasing cases of COVID-19 both locally and nationally, it is important that everyone is aware of health and safety policies and procedures that will be in place beginning when university offices reopen Monday, Jan. 3.
The university’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety, in conjunction with the Cabell Huntington Health Department and Marshall Health, and based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has initiated the following protocols, which include updated student and employee testing information.*
Details of all updates, including a robust FAQs section and Marshall vaccination and testing data, are available on the university’s coronavirus website.
The following guidelines are now in place, but may be modified—either strengthened or loosened—as circumstances change:
*STUDENT TESTING: Due to increased community spread of COVID-19, Marshall will now be testing ALL on-campus students at the start of the semester, regardless of vaccination status.
- Residence hall students must report to the lower level of the Memorial Student Center for the required COVID-19 test before their scheduled check-in time and arrival at their residence hall. (Please note this is a change to the previously announced location, due to the weather forecast.)
- All other on-campus students must be tested when they arrive on campus for the semester at either the testing tent at 1801 6th Ave. (parking lot across from Commons Residence Halls) or in the lower level of the Memorial Student Center.
If you have tested positive for COVID within the past 90 days, please provide proof of your positive test via e-mail to covid19@marshall.edu to be exempt from testing.
The university also will conduct weekly surveillance testing of unvaccinated students and employees, as well as of those who have elected not to disclose their status. The goal is to test every unvaccinated person and those of undisclosed status once a week. Walk-up testing will remain available for the spring semester.
*EMPLOYEE TESTING: Employee testing is strongly recommended, but will not be required due to limited availability of tests provided by the state. The university has an adequate supply of tests on hand and it is in the best interest of the campus community to test as many employees as possible as our spring semester begins. Voluntary testing for employees will begin Monday, Jan. 3, in the lower level of the Memorial Student Center.
VACCINATIONS: Marshall University does not require vaccinations; however, every member of the university community is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and to receive a booster when due. The university will be offering vaccination clinics on campus throughout the spring semester. Regardless of vaccination status, all students taking on-campus classes this fall and all employees are required to complete the online Vaccination Registry, which is being used to help university health and safety officials project herd immunity among our campus community.
MASKS: Regardless of vaccination status, masks will be required inside all university buildings, including during class and when out of personal residence hall rooms and workspaces. Instructors can choose to teach either while wearing a mask/face shield or while standing behind the plexiglass barrier in the classroom.
STUDENT AGREEMENT: Before the start of the spring semester, all students must sign the Return-to Campus Student Agreement to indicate they will comply with public health expectations and all policies and guidelines. Student conduct guidelines regarding these protocols will be strictly enforced.
CASE MANAGEMENT: Strict protocols remain in place for case management, quarantine/self-isolation and contact tracing of all COVID-19 cases at Marshall. If you are exposed, you will not be required to quarantine if you have been fully vaccinated and show no symptoms.
CLASSROOMS: Classes will remain at full capacity and a normal schedule, with most classes delivered in person in a face-to-face format.
RESIDENCE HALLS: All the university’s residence halls will be open for the spring 2022 semester. Appointments for check-in when you arrive for the semester may be made online. Hall residents will be permitted to sign guests into the residence halls.
DINING HALLS: Seating in the dining halls will remain at full capacity and dining has returning to normal operations in all venues. Tables are cleaned and sanitized after each use.
CLEANING: Cleaning and disinfection of facilities is being done following protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using Environmental Protection Agency-approved products effective against the COVID-19 virus. Students and employees will continue to have access to disposable sanitizing wipes located in hallways to disinfect chairs and workspaces. Hand sanitizing stations are located at key areas in all campus buildings.
Students and faculty at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine should have received additional, separate guidance from school officials.
The health and safety of everyone at Marshall University remains a top priority. The university remains committed to a learning and working environment that allows our students, faculty and staff to feel secure.
The COVID-19 situation is still quite fluid and, depending on what happens in our region, decisions to change aspects of university life may be made. The university’s senior team will continue to communicate any changes to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Please address questions to covid19@marshall.edu.