Information for Students (Student Policies)

Muskingum continues to make the health and well-being of the University community our highest priority.

For the Fall 2023 semester, Muskingum’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies, developed based on local, state, and federal guidance, have been designed to both connect and protect our friends, colleagues, and community. The following information will let you know what to expect on campus this year.

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.

Return to Campus Testing

Students are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test prior to their first day on campus. We recommend that you test within 48 hours prior to your arrival on campus.

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.

Face Masks

Masks are optional on campus, including the classroom. 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.

Isolation (for students who test positive for COVID-19)

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 prior to starting classes, please contact the Student Health Center at askanurse@muskingum.edu. Based on current COVID trends, we ask that you seek medical assistance rather than self-diagnosing your condition.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 throughout the semester will be sent home for their period of isolation following consultation with the Student Health Center. If the student is unable to return home, the University will provide temporary housing. Regardless of housing, the Student Health Center will coordinate accommodations for remote classwork during the period of isolation.

Daily health checks

Students should monitor their own health on a daily basis.
Students who experience symptoms of COVID-19, should notify the Student Health Center using the COVID-19 Notification Form, which is available on the COVID-19 webpage, or by calling 740-826-8150.
Students who take a test on their own and test positive should report any positive results using the COVID-19 Notification Form or by calling 740-826-8150.

Remote Instruction

Students who are placed into 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 the isolation period determined for each student.

Students, if you have any questions about this information, or any other aspect of your Muskingum University experience, please do not hesitate to email muskiehelp@muskingum.edu, and the appropriate person will respond to you as quickly as possible.