COVID-19

COVID-19

Muskingum University is excited for students to return to campus for the spring 2023 semester.  The University has continued to monitor health conditions on campus and in our community closely over the winter break.  After reviewing applicable federal, state, and local guidance, the University is continuing the COVID-19 policies that it had developed for the 2022-2023 academic year to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors while encouraging relationships and connections that allow our community to thrive.

Several key points of our policies are included below.  For additional information, please review our COVID-19 Policies page.  As always, these policies are subject to change based on local conditions and changes in applicable guidance.  The Health and Safety Team will continue to monitor both, and updates will be communicated promptly.

Return-to-campus testing:  The University strongly encourages students to take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to moving in or, if the student does not live on campus, before attending their first class.  At-home tests are acceptable, and will be available at the RA desks in the residence halls upon move-in or from the Student Health Center beginning January 9, 2023.

If you test positive for COVID-19 prior to move-in or, for commuter students, your first day of classes, please do not come to campus.  Notify the Student Health Center by using the COVID-19 Notification Form, and a nurse will contact you about your care and next steps.

If you are able to bring self-tests with you, you may want to keep a few in your room or at your home.  At this time, the University does not intend to conduct surveillance testing.

Masking:  Muskingum is utilizing a mask optional approach on campus, including in classrooms. All members of the campus community should carry a mask at all times, as you may be required to wear a mask in certain settings.  This includes upon request in individual work or living spaces, and in some classes. The classroom mask policy may differ from class to class; students are required to follow the policy set by each faculty member. Everyone will be expected to comply with those requirements.  This protocol applies to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

We will continue to respect the comfort levels and privacy of anyone who may prefer to continue to wear a mask, regardless of the reason. Questions about the policy should be submitted on the COVID webpage.

Faculty, staff, and students are expected to provide your own, clean face covering that covers your nose, mouth, and chin. Building and other departmental administrative assistants will have disposable masks in the event a student or employee forgets their face covering. These masks are provided as a courtesy and are not to be used in lieu of your own personal face coverings.

Questions about the policy should be submitted on the COVID webpage.

Monitoring your health:  Students and employees should monitor their health closely each day for symptoms of COVID-19.

  • Any student who tests positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19 must notify the Student Health Center.  Students who test positive will be sent home to isolate.  If a student is unable to go home, the Student Health Center and Student Affairs Office will address the student's housing needs.  Any student who is placed into isolation by the Student Health Center will have the ability to participate in remote learning. 
  • Any employee who tests positive for COVID-19 must notify the Human Resources Office. Individuals who test positive will be placed into isolation in consultation with the Human Resources Office.

These measures are designed to protect the health and safety of the campus community and to facilitate regular campus activities as much as possible.  We look forward to seeing you on campus!

Questions

These policies were developed in accordance with guidance from the state, federal and local health authorities and may be adjusted as guidance changes. If you have any questions for specific University departments around these policies, please contact:

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