Harris-Stowe State University is actively monitoring the global spread of the novel coronavirus, which has caused outbreaks of respiratory disease (COVID-19) in numerous countries, including the United States.
The health and well-being of our campus community is our top priority. This webpage is designed to keep members of the Harris-Stowe community informed about the public health situation related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Questions or feedback regarding the University's COVID-19 policies and procedures should be directed to the COVID-19 Task Force at: http://www.hssu.edu/CTFeedback.
HSSU's Fall 2021 Campus Re-Opening Plan
Harris-Stowe State University has released its Fall 2021 Campus Re-Opening Plan. The reopening plan— is a five-phased approach to transition back to campus safely and deliberately. It represents a culmination of effort from leadership and health care experts throughout the University to provide a framework for students to safely return for instruction this fall.
We envision a fall semester that looks much more like our pre-pandemic operations, including a return to the traditional three-semester (fall, spring, and summer) academic calendar with primarily in-person operations, including close-to-normal residential, co-curricular, and athletic experiences for our students.
Central aspects of the plan include:
- Academics: While Harris-Stowe will continue to offer courses in a variety of formats (traditional classroom face-to-face instruction, online and hybrid blend), the majority of its courses will be held in-person on campus for the 2021-2022 academic year.
- COVID-19 Vaccinations: While we will not require that all students and employees receive the COVID-19 vaccination, the University strongly encourages all members of the community who can be vaccinated to get the vaccine. Our plans to loosen current limitations on in-person activities for Fall 2021 are based on achieving a high level of immunity among students and employees.
- Masks: Face masks must be worn indoors by all individuals on campus in public or common areas. Masks are not required outdoors but are encouraged outdoors in large groups when social distancing is not practical.
- Social Distancing: All community members are expected to follow recommendations regarding social distancing when indoors and outdoors. Classrooms and common areas have been reconfigured to comply with social distancing. In addition, plexiglass, rope stanchions, and floor markers have been installed in student services and high-traffic areas.
- Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: In compliance with guidelines from the CDC, the University has been and will continue to implement enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols across campus. Our contracted janitorial services company will clean classrooms, offices, restrooms, residence halls, common areas, high-touch surfaces such as door handles, elevator buttons, railings, and public bathroom fixtures daily and frequently.
- Housing: All residential halls will return to regular/full occupancy and residents will be tested for COVID-19 prior to move-in. Four suites on the first floor of Gillespie Hall will continue to serve as isolation rooms.
- Events and Gatherings: Events and gatherings are allowed, subject to local restrictions and the University's mask and social distancing requirements. Events must be coordinated and pre-approved as outlined in the Events section of the Fall 2021 Campus Plan.
- Athletic Events: Spectators will be allowed at HSSU athletic events, and are required to wear masks and participate in a COVID-19 screening (including responding to questions and a temperature check) before entering the event. The University reserves the right to decline entry to individuals who do not comply with these requirements or who do not pass the COVID-19 screening. Spectators will be expected to socially distance during all indoor and outdoor athletic events.
- Daily Health Screening and Check-In: The University will continue to require all employees, students and visitors to check-in and complete a brief health screening upon entry to each building on campus. However, students, faculty and staff signed-up for HSSU Pre-check, and have submitted written proof of COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be required to complete the daily, online COVID-19 questionnaire. Everyone will still be required to take his or her temperature at the check-in station.
Click HERE to read the full Fall 2021 Campus Re-Open Plan.
What You Should Do
- Avoid Travel to the Affected Areas: You should avoid all non-essential personal and business travel to the affected countries.
- If you must travel to areas where the virus has been identified, be aware of the latest advisories, protocols and re-entry requirements from the U.S. State Department.
- Anyone who must engage in personal travel to these areas should notify the Division of Student Affairs via email at StudentAffairs@hssu.edu .
- Know the Facts: There is misinformation about the virus circulating. Make sure you have the facts by visiting these resources from the CDC: Share the Facts, Stop the Fear and Stigma Related to COVID-19.
- Always Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils. This also helps prevent the spread of cold, flu and other illnesses.
- Know the Symptoms: If you have traveled to any of the affected areas and believe you are exhibiting symptoms, please seek medical care as soon as possible and contact the University’s Student Health Center at (314)340-5053.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following FAQs reflect Harris-Stowe’s current coronavirus policies and resources. We will continue to update our guidance and add to these FAQs as needed.
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