COVID-19

For the Fall 2022 semester, Muskingum’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies, developed based on local, state, and federal guidance, have been designed to both connect and protect our campus community. The following information establishes our COVID-19 policies for this semester.

Any of these policies and procedures may be adjusted based on campus and local conditions, as well as local, state, and federal guidance.  The University’s Health & Safety Team will continue to monitor both as we move through the academic year, and changes will be communicated to you promptly.

Return to Campus Testing

Students are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to their first day on campus, which could be move-in day or the first day of classes.

Faculty and staff may take a self-test within 48 hours of their first day on campus as well.

Positive test results must be reported to the University, and you may not come to campus.  Faculty and staff who test positive, must contact the Human Resources Office through the COVID-19 Notification Form, by emailing hr@muskingum.edu, or by calling 740-826-8119.  The Human Resources Office will contact you to discuss your care and next steps.

Employees are encouraged to maintain a supply of self-tests at home, as the Human Resources Office does not have a supply of tests available.  We recommend that you order free tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests.  If you need to purchase a self-test kit at a pharmacy, please inquire with the Human Resources Office about how your health insurance may be able to subsidize the cost.    

At this time, the University does not intend to conduct surveillance testing.

Face Masks

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 masks may be required 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, including visitors, will be expected to comply with those requirements.  

Masks must cover the nose, mouth, and chin.  Although each employee should provide their own masks, the Human Resources Office will have a supply of N95 masks beginning on August 16.

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.

Isolation, Quarantine, and Vaccinations

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, please contact the Human Resources Office by using the COVID-19 Notification Form, emailing hr@muskingum.edu, or calling 740-826-8119.  Because COVID-19 symptoms vary, please do not self-diagnose your condition.  In addition, if your initial COVID-19 test is negative, but you continue to experience symptoms, you should retest.

Isolation:  The Human Resources Office will work with each employee who reports a positive test result to determine the appropriate time for isolation.  During isolation, the employee may not be on campus.

Quarantine:  As determined by the Human Resources Office, contact tracing will be limited to those who have a significant level of contact with the individual who has tested positive.  Regardless of whether an individual is placed into quarantine, people who are exposed to someone who tests positive will need to take a self-test on Day 5 after their exposure.  The Human Resources Office will assist in determining when to take that test. 

Vaccinations:  Although having an up to date vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly encouraged, vaccination is not required. 

“Up to date” means that the individual has received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months OR that they have received the single dose Johnson & Johnson dose within the last 2 months OR that they have received a booster shot.

If you are vaccinated and/or boosted, please be sure to upload a copy of your card using the Vaccination Verification Form, which will be maintained in the Human Resources Office.  

If you are interested in being vaccinated or boosted after school starts, the University will plan to host a vaccination clinic on campus early in the fall semester.  More details will be shared.  Northside Pharmacy in New Concord, as well as several pharmacies in our local area, also offer the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

Health & Safety

Daily health checks – Employees should monitor their own health on a daily basis. 

• Employees who experience symptoms of COVID-19, should notify the Human Resources Office using the COVID-19 Notification Form, which is available on the COVID-19 webpage and also through the Muskie Safe App, or call 740-826-8119.    
• Employees who test positive for COVID-19 must report their test result to the Human Resources Office by using the COVID-19 Notification Form, emailing hr@muskingum.edu, or calling 740-826-8119.

Underlying health conditions – Employees with underlying health conditions may need accommodations to comply with health and safety protocols.  Employee requests should be submitted to the Human Resources Office for review. 

Academics

Remote instruction – Students who are placed into quarantine or isolation by the Student Health Center will continue to participate in classes through use of remote instruction.  Recorded lectures and classroom discussions, joining classes via Teams, and online submission of assignments and assessments are among the tools faculty will use to provide maximum learning opportunities during this time.  Students and faculty members will be notified of start and end dates for remote instruction accommodations, based on quarantine and isolation periods determined for each student.