COVID-19 Updates and Communication
Important Updates for Spring Semester
Jan. 19, 2022
Capital University has updated its protocols to follow the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for COVID infection and exposure. As the nature of the pandemic has changed, health guidance has changed, which can be confusing. We are providing this summary to help you understand what to do in different situations.
This communication provides information on:
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE FEELING SICK
- Stay home and wear a mask if you’re around others.
- For students, don’t go to class, and let your instructors know you aren’t feeling well.
- For employees, don’t go to work, and let your supervisor know you aren’t feeling well.
- Contact COVIDResponse@capital.edu for an assessment to obtain an at-home COVID test, or you can schedule a COVID test in the community. External testing locations can be found here.
- Do NOT test during the University’s daily surveillance testing, which is for people who are not experiencing symptoms.
- Until you get a negative test, act as if you’re positive (mask and quarantine from others).
WHAT TO DO IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID
Report your positive COVID test by filling out the COVID Self-Report Form, which will automatically notify the COVID Response Team.
General guidance for people who test positive for COVID:
- Isolate at home for at least 5 days from the onset of COVID symptoms or, if you have no symptoms, isolate from the date of your positive test.
- You can end your isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without using a fever-reducing medication and your symptoms have resolved.
• Note: If you are a student-athlete, you will need to obtain a negative test result to participate in athletic activities.
- Continue to wear a well-fitting mask (KN95 or N95 masks) for 5 additional days when in public or around other people, and avoid eating around others during this time.
- If you share a living space with others, you must always remain masked around them.
- If you are immunocompromised or have other health concerns, you should consult with your healthcare provider on your specific needs and length of isolation.
- You will need to determine your close contacts from the 48 hours prior to the start of symptoms, or prior to your positive test if you do not have symptoms, and you may be asked to contact these individuals.
Students who test positive
- Once we are aware of your case, a COVID Response Team nurse will connect with you to provide guidance on the next steps.
• If you test at Capital, the COVID Response Team will contact you automatically.
• If you test outside the university, including home tests, you must report your positive COVID test by filling out the COVID Self-Report Form.
- Classes: You should notify your instructors as soon as possible to create a plan for your classwork and assignments.
- Housing: Residential students who cannot go home to isolate should notify the COVID Response Team at COVIDResponse@capital.edu for assistance with housing options.
•On-campus quarantine and isolation housing is limited and cannot be guaranteed. All students should have individual plans for isolation and quarantine housing if they are exposed or have a positive COVID test.
- Follow up: At day 5, if you have questions about your continuing symptoms, you should contact the COVID Response Team at COVIDResponse@capital.edu for an assessment to assist with determining your next steps.
- If you are in University isolation housing, a COVID Response Team nurse will contact you at day 5 to determine your next steps and whether you can leave isolation.
- Assistance: If you have a primary healthcare provider, that provider would have the role of your primary advisor regarding your medical condition. The COVID Response Team can assist with questions about COVID, the University’s expectations for isolation or quarantine, and with resolving COVID-related concerns.
Employees who test positive
- Once we are aware of your case, a COVID Response Team nurse will connect with you to provide guidance on the next steps.
•If you test at Capital, the COVID Response Team will contact you automatically.
•If you test outside the University, including home tests, you must report your positive COVID test by filling out the
- Human Resources: You should coordinate with your supervisor and Human Resources regarding the need for any leave time and follow time-off procedures.
- Follow up: At day 5, if you have questions about your continuing symptoms, you should contact the COVID Response Team at COVIDResponse@capital.edu for an assessment to assist with determining your next steps.
- Assistance: If you have a primary healthcare provider, that provider would have the role of your primary advisor regarding your medical condition. The COVID Response Team can assist with questions about COVID, the University’s expectations for isolation or quarantine, and with resolving COVID-related concerns.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO COVID
Notify the COVID Response Team at COVIDResponse@capital.edu.
People who have a significant COVID exposure (defined as being within six feet of a COVID-positive person for 15 minutes or more, or direct physical contact for any length of time) should follow the CDC guidance of:
- If you are fully vaccinated and have received the booster shot if eligible (5 months after Pfizer and Moderna, 2 months after J&J), you do not need to quarantine. You still must mask with a KN95 or N95 mask and monitor for symptoms for 10 full days after exposure.
- If unvaccinated or vaccinated but out of date for the booster, you will need to quarantine for at least 5 days, mask with a KN95 or N95 mask, and monitor for symptoms.
UNIVERSITY COVID TESTING OPTIONS
On-Campus for People Without Symptoms
Bexley campus testing is in the Weiler Suites (second floor of the Student Union):
– Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
– Tuesday – 7 to 9 a.m.
– Thursday – 4 to 6 p.m.
– Law School campus testing is in the first-floor computer lab of the Annex:
– Tuesday – 4 to 6 p.m.
Testing Options for People With Symptoms
VACCINATION AND BOOSTER SHOTS
By getting a booster when you are eligible, you can reduce the chance you will have to quarantine if exposed to someone with COVID. Capital will host several on-campus vaccination clinics throughout the semester. You can also book a vaccination appointment using the state’s website at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
You are eligible for a booster 5 months after receiving both doses of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or 2 months after receiving the J & J vaccine.
Once you receive your booster dose, please update your COVID vaccination information using this link: Upload Vaccination Documentation
The COVID Response Team is here to help. We can provide guidance on following COVID protocols, assistance with COVID-related needs on campus, and assessment for testing. Contact us for assistance at COVIDResponse@capital.edu.
Dec. 28, 2021
Due to the continuing health and safety risk posed by the COVID pandemic and the new omicron variant, Capital University has revised its plans for the beginning of the spring semester. These decisions are intended to support the safety of our community while continuing to offer the meaningful learning and living experiences that contribute to our students’ success.
This communication provides information on:
Spring semester starting on schedule and in person
The University’s COVID Response Team continues to monitor data on COVID, public health guidance, and our internal data on transmission and vaccination. While COVID cases are generally rising, the University has a high vaccination rate and the ability to test and monitor cases. Therefore, we will start the spring semester as planned, with in-person instruction. Additional precautions will be put in place as described below.
Masking requirements and recommendations
Masking is still required for everyone in all University buildings. This requirement must be followed regardless of vaccination status by all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Masking is critical to reducing the likelihood of transmission of COVID infections within classrooms, while studying with others, and during University activities.
Masking is also required in all residence hall shared spaces such as lounges, hallways, and restrooms.
With the increased transmissibility of the omicron variant, the University now recommends using level 3 surgical masks, KN95 masks, or double masking of cloth and disposable masks together. Cloth masks alone, bandanas, gators, or masks with valves are discouraged from use on our campuses.
The University will provide surgical and KN95 masks for pickup during COVID testing days before classes start.
COVID testing before the start of the semester
As a precaution and to reduce transmission within the University, we have scheduled COVID testing before classes start. The following groups are required to be tested:
- All students living in University-provided housing, regardless of vaccination status; and
- All students and employees who are not vaccinated (i.e., individuals with a medical or religious exemption from COVID vaccination).
If testing is not completed, your ID access will be turned off until testing has occurred.
You can choose to be tested at the University (details below), or you can obtain a test in the community (with testing no earlier than Jan. 2) and email a verified document with the test result to COVIDResponse@capital.edu before move-in and the start of in-person classes or activities.
For all residential students, regardless of vaccination status, testing must be completed before returning to the residence halls. Any residential student experiencing symptoms on the day they plan to move in should not return to the halls but should contact COVIDResponse@capital.edu for an assessment. If you test positive at move-in, you will be required to return home for your isolation period.
For unvaccinated employees and non-residential students, testing must be completed before classes start.
In addition, any students, faculty, and staff who would like to be tested before the start of classes can go for testing on campus.
TESTING DETAILS
Testing on the Bexley campus will be available in the Weiler Suites (2nd floor of the Student Union) on the following dates and times:
Monday, Jan. 3: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 4: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 5: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 6: 4 to 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 7: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Testing dates and times at the Law School will be provided in a separate communication.
Individuals who are in their 90-day window after having COVID are exempt from testing during those 90 days, but they need to provide verified documentation of their positive test result to covidresponse@capital.edu before the start of the semester and in-person activities.
Important: If you have not tested through Capital yet this academic year, please fill out the COVID testing consent form (PDF). Use the link below to upload your consent form and fill out the survey for the health department. Once we have this information in our system, you will not need to fill it out again this academic year. Please upload the COVID testing consent form (PDF) here:
https://capital.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7V6v8kFF4qd4dVA
Testing during spring semester
To allow the COVID Response Team to monitor for COVID transmission at the University and respond to outbreaks quickly, the following testing will be done throughout the semester:
- All unvaccinated students and staff who have a medical or religious exemption from COVID vaccination will be required to test every week.
- 3% of vaccinated students will be randomly selected each week for surveillance testing.
Also, anyone with symptoms during the semester should email the COVID Response Team to receive an at-home test to take before continuing with classes or activities.
The University will provide testing at no cost to individuals. Compliance with the testing program is required, and non-compliance will result in disciplinary actions for students and employees.
Changes for main campus dining for the start of the semester
Removing masks to eat makes dining inside with others a higher risk activity. So, for the first two weeks of the semester, from Jan. 5 to Jan. 19, main campus dining at both the Main Dining Room and One Main Café will be grab-and-go take out only, with no eat-in service until Jan. 20.
University events and activities
At this time, University events and activities can continue with masking required for everyone attending an on-campus event. It is recommended that events not include food to avoid mask removal.
Vaccination reminder and booster recommendation
Vaccination is the most effective way of protecting yourself from hospitalization or death from a COVID illness. All students, faculty, and staff are required to be vaccinated for COVID or be approved for a medical or religious exemption.
If you still need to get one of your vaccination shots, you can use the state website at https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov/ to find a location, the type of vaccine you prefer, and book an appointment.
If you need to submit your vaccination documentation, upload your vaccine card showing all necessary COVID vaccine doses.
The University strongly recommends that everyone eligible for a COVID booster get a booster shot as soon as possible. Individuals who have had their booster shots have better protection against the omicron variant of COVID. Adults are eligible for a booster if it has been at least six months since you received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or if it has been at least two months since you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Booster shots can be scheduled using the state website at: https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov/
Contact the COVID Response Team at COVIDResponse@capital.edu if you have questions.
COVID Emergency Grant Funds Awarded
December 10, 2021
Capital University will be distributing COVID Emergency Relief Grant Funds in December to eligible students allocated from the federal government under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF III) as part of the American Rescue Plan, Public Law 117-2. Eligible students will be contacted through Capital University email account by Financial Aid Office if they meet eligibility requirements and funding is limited to those with extremely high financial need as defined by the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FASFA). Any future distributions will be contingent on continued enrollment and significant financial need during the pandemic. If you have questions about this program, please contact Financial Aid Office at financialaid@capital.edu or 614-236-6511.
VACCINATION DATES AND DEADLINES
September 8, 2021
- September 7: If you have not yet submitted your vaccination documentation, please do so once you have completed the vaccination process. If you have already submitted your documentation, there is no need to submit it again. Exemption requests can be uploaded.
- October 4: Deadline to submit COVID-19 exemption requests; we anticipate reviewing all requests by October 29.
- December 17: Deadline to complete the vaccine sequence. For those having a two-dose vaccine, both doses must be received by this date; for those having a one-dose vaccine, that dose must be received by this date.
- January 3: Deadline to report completed vaccination to be enrolled or employed at the University.
COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Requests
Capital University is requiring all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the beginning of spring semester 2022. (The COVID vaccine sequence must be completed by Dec. 17.) Limited exemptions to the vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The University will review each request and make a determination. Granting an exemption is not guaranteed. We anticipate reviewing all requests by October 29 if the request is received by October 4.
If you are requesting an exemption to the COVID vaccination requirement, please complete each question and upload your exemption documentation (use a single file for your documentation). We thank you for your cooperation.
Documents
Once you have completed your exemption form, please visit the COVID vaccine exemption upload form to submit the document.
REQUIRING COVID VACCINATIONS
August 27, 2021
With the rising number of cases and hospitalizations due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, Capital University has announced that it will mandate COVID vaccinations for all students, faculty, and staff.
As a result, all current students, faculty, and staff who will be enrolled or employed during spring semester 2022 are required to have completed the COVID vaccine shot sequence no later than Friday, December 17, 2021.
We believe vaccination is the safest and most effective way of protecting the health of the campus community. The decision was made with guidance from Franklin County Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the University’s own COVID Response Team. We also took into consideration the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s final approval of the Pfizer vaccine on August 23, 2021.
Requiring vaccinations will allow us to continue offering meaningful learning and living experiences that will contribute to our students’ success.
Based on data, we know the Delta variant is highly contagious, and cases are increasing locally and nationally. While mask-wearing, frequent hand washing, surface sanitization, and social distancing provide extra protection, research shows that getting vaccinated is the most effective way of protecting yourself from hospitalization and death.
Thank you for doing your part to keep the Capital community safe during the continuing pandemic. We will update our COVID policies and plans as appropriate to meet the changing climate.
Please reach out to our COVID Response Team at COVIDResponse@capital.edu if you have questions or concerns.
Documents
*More information regarding how to submit your medical or religious exemption forms will be available soon.
FAQs
What is the deadline for receiving the vaccine?
All current students, faculty, and staff who will be enrolled or employed during spring semester 2022 are required to have completed the COVID vaccine sequence no later than Friday, December 17, 2021.
I have concerns about the safety of the COVID vaccine. Where can I get more information?
Multiple studies have shown all of the available COVID vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Astra-Zeneca) are safe and effective. More information can be found here:
Where can I get a vaccine?
Schedule an appointment at Bexley Urgent Care, located behind Brassica at College and Main: https://www.clockwisemd.com/hospitals/7325/visits/new.
Vaccines also are available at many Kroger, Giant Eagle, CVS, and Walgreen pharmacies. Check individual locations to determine whether appointments are necessary or walk-ins can be accommodated.
Dates for clinics in Franklin County can be found here: https://vax2normal.org/vaccine/
We will share details for an on-campus vaccination clinic as soon as plans are finalized.
Do I have to pay for the COVID vaccination?
There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive any of the COVID vaccines, from any provider.
Are there exemptions to the vaccine requirement?
Limited exemptions to the vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The University will review each request and make a determination quickly and fairly; granting an exemption is not guaranteed.
Exemption Forms
COVID Vaccine Medical Exemption Form (PDF)*
COVID Vaccine Religious Exemption Form (PDF)*
*More information regarding how to submit your medical or religious exemption forms will be available soon.
How do I prove that I have received the COVID vaccine?
Once you have been fully vaccinated, please submit your vaccination status and upload an image of your vaccine verification card using this link:
https://capital.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6FsT8L8BKqTMi8u.
If you do not have your vaccine card, you can submit written evidence of immunization from an authorized healthcare provider who provided the vaccine or a vaccination certificate from a state immunization registry.
Who will have access to my vaccination data?
This information will be kept confidential and only used to determine if you have complied with the University’s vaccination policy, to assist the COVID Response Team with contact tracing, to determine the need to quarantine when someone is exposed, to determine the need for COVID surveillance testing, and in the aggregate for planning.
Do I have to complete the Symptom Tracker every day?
You must fill out the Symptom Tracker each day to be eligible to participate in Capital classes or activities. Use this link to complete the Symptom Tracker or to have the link sent daily as a text message on your phone: https://capitalubts.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eFJDgSOhTzxIuEZ.
Do I still have to wear a mask if I am fully vaccinated?
Until further notice, everyone must continue to follow all University-required COVID health and safety protocols, including the University’s mask policy.
- Indoors: Masks must be worn by all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, while in public indoor spaces on all campuses, including in classrooms, libraries, studios, labs, offices, and common areas. Vaccinated individuals may remove face coverings when seated in a private office occupied by one person or at a workstation, provided that there is separation from other seated people. In University dining spaces, masks should be worn until seated. When in athletic or workout facilities, masks should be worn unless actively engaged in physical activity. All community members may remove face coverings in their personal living space on campus.
- Outdoors: Masks are not required but are recommended if in a crowd or unable to maintain physical distancing.
- At the Center for Health and Wellness: Masks are required in the student health center regardless of vaccination status.
- On Transportation: Masks must be worn when two or more people travel on University vans and buses (University-owned or rented) and on other public transportation.
What if I still have questions or concerns about Capital’s vaccination requirement?
Please reach out to our COVID Response Team at COVIDResponse@capital.edu.