Spring 2022 Semester COVID Guidance – January 13, 2022

Dear FSU Community,

I hope you have been enjoying the winter break. The spring semester begins next week and the most recent surge of COVID-19 has been evolving rapidly while you have been away. Please read this entire e-mail carefully so you are up to date on our latest guidance.

The University has decided to hold the first two weeks of classes (January 18th - January 30th) in remote format. This decision is being made to allow more time for those who test positive during onboarding testing to safely isolate and then rejoin the general population in time for the start of in-person classes. It is also widely expected that the state will be on the downslope of the current surge by January 30th.

  • Onboard testing will be held on January 17th, 18th, and 19th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the main Athletic Center Gym.
    • Students should carefully review e-mails from the Dean of Students and Residence Life that detail our onboarding testing requirements.
  • The regular asymptomatic testing schedule during the semester will occur twice a week in the main gym:
    • Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    • Any vaccine exempted student or employee will be required to test weekly.
    • Resident students will be required to test every other week according to a schedule previously distributed by the Resident Life Department.
    • Commuter students will be asked to come in for a test periodically based on a random sample.
    • We are in need of more volunteers to assist with our asymptomatic testing effort. Anyone willing to help out should seek approval from your supervisor and then reach out to the Health Center to volunteer.
  • Boosters are required for all students, faculty and staff who do not have an exemption.
    • Students should upload their COVID Vaccine booster information to Medicat. As previously communicated, students present on campus will be required to provide documentation of a booster vaccine dose within 30 days of being eligible to receive the booster.
    • All employees should submit booster information through the employee vaccination form or by providing a physical copy of your vaccination card to the Human Resources office.
    • The university is currently exploring the possibility of a booster clinic on campus and will provide details if/when confirmed.
  • Updated Isolation & Quarantine Policies. The University has updated its isolation and quarantine policies for those who test positive for COVID-19 to match the latest CDC Guidelines. Visit the FAQ section of our COVID19 website for further details.
  • Masks. One thing that has become increasingly clear with the highly contagious Omicron variant is that the quality and proper use of your face mask mattes a lot. I strongly encourage everyone to review the CDC guidance on proper facemask usage, including the helpful illustrations on the correct and incorrect ways to secure your mask over your face. Proper masking is more important than ever.

The omicron variant has certainly complicated our plans for the start of the spring semester, but we have made it through surges before and I am confident in our ability to navigate the current situation if we carefully follow this safety guidance. Many experts believe the current Omicron wave has nearly peaked and cases should soon begin to fall quickly, allowing us to adjust our strategy and loosen our guidance. But for now, we need to continue to be diligent.

Stay safe and welcome back!

Javier