Campus Update - COVID-19 Protocols, Vaccine, & Fall 2021
March 22, 2021
Phase 3 Protocols
Effective March 2, Governor Edwards modified COVID-19 restrictions for Louisiana. While the change did not significantly impact campus operations, with classroom/laboratory restrictions continuing as before, the University will now consider domestic conference travel requests via the customary travel authorization process. In addition, the Event Registration Framework for campus events and activities has been updated.
Testing
Rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 is available daily at no cost to faculty, staff, and students through the University Health Center. Information about getting tested at the Health Center can be found on the University Health Center site.
Testing is also being offered at the Student Union on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 until 2:00 and on a routine basis in multiple campus residence halls.
As has previously been the case, testing is especially encouraged before and after off-campus travel. Accordingly, additional campus testing will be occurring before and after the upcoming Spring Break.
Vaccine
In recent weeks, over 1,000 eligible faculty, staff, and students have received both doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine here on campus. Answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines can be found on our COVID-19 Vaccination page.
Effective Monday, March 22, Louisiana expanded vaccine eligibility to include all university faculty and staff. Vaccinations will be offered at no cost at the Pennington Student Activity Center on Friday, March 26, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. An appointment is required and can be made online via the COVID Vaccination Calendry Appointment.
All members of the campus community are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as possible.
Fall 2021 Plans
While no changes in class delivery modes are planned during the Spring Semester, as vaccines become more widely available to faculty and staff, it is expected that COVID-19-related workplace accommodations will wind down.
Absent public safety guidance to the contrary, we anticipate campus activities and instructional delivery for the Fall 2021 Semester will largely resume pre-pandemic operational parameters. As a result, departments should plan for significant face-to-face operation and instruction while preserving the ability to accommodate restrictions if required by public health guidance at that time.
I hope everyone continues to have a safe and productive Spring Semester. More updates will be forthcoming as additional information is available.
John L. Crain
President
