ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

Policy

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s highest priority has been the health and safety of its faculty, staff and students. Despite the University’s best efforts, it is not possible to eliminate the risk of positive cases or a COVID-19 outbreak on our campuses. COVID-19 remains classified as a Class A infectious disease. The University cannot guarantee that persons present on our campuses will not be exposed to or become infected with COVID-19. The risk of exposure and possible infection is real and present in any community environment where large numbers of people regularly interact, including on college campuses.

All faculty, staff and students are required to get the COVID-19 vaccination unless they have received an exemption in accordance with the . The University provides free COVID-19 vaccines at Health Services in Harris Hall to all faculty, staff and their families as well as students. Rapid COVID-19 testing is also available at Health Services for students, faculty or staff who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. At-home antigen tests are available for pickup in Armstrong Student Center, King Library, and the Recreation Center (2/person with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú ID, while supplies last).

The University is operating under its Infectious Disease Policy- /policy-library/employees/general-employment/miscellaneous/infectious-disease.html.  ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University will continue its adherence to the directives of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Ohio Health Department and the Butler County Health District.

Faculty, staff, students and visitors are strongly encouraged to perform a basic  before coming to campus or going to class and should not come to campus/go to class if they are ill or have COVID-19 symptoms.

A. Face Covering Requirements

Face coverings are critical in minimizing exposure to others. The University will monitor CDC and relevant public health department guidance regarding face coverings and will make decisions regarding the use of face coverings based upon this information. Decisions regarding the use of or requirements for face-coverings will be communicated to the University community through standard channels, including email and postings. Per CDC guidelines, persons who have tested positive for Covid-19 are expected to isolate themselves away from others for 5 days and then wear a well-fitted mask on days 6-10 when around others in public.

There are individuals who, for health and other reasons, may choose to wear a face-covering or request that others honor their request to wear a mask in their space (e.g. in a classroom, lab, residence hall room, office, etc.) as a courtesy. For these reasons, members of the community are requested to carry a mask to wear in these situations to protect the health of vulnerable people in our community and respect the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúans who make these requests. However, there will be no consequence if you decline the request.    

B. Quarantine, Isolation and Stay-at-Home Directives

All are required to comply with all quarantine and isolation directives from their public health department. No person under a quarantine or isolation order may come to any ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University campus for any reason - to work, to live, or to attend classes or engage in any other activities. 

Current Ohio law and Guidance from the Butler County Health District require that on-campus residential students who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate themselves away from their residence hall during the first five days after experiencing symptoms. After this time, residential students are permitted to return, so long as they wear a well-fitting face covering around others for 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) following the end of their first 5-day isolation period. 

If an on-campus residential student is unable to wear a mask when around others, that student must continue to isolate for a full 10 days after the onset of symptoms. 

C. Visitors and Vendors

Visitors are expected to follow all current university COVID-19 policy directives in force at the time of their visit. The risk of exposure and possible infection is real and present in any community environment where large numbers of people regularly interact, including on college campuses. Vendors must comply with all COVID19 Requirements For Vendors when working on ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s campuses.

D. Enforcement

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú retains the right to refuse entry and services to those who do not follow this policy. Students who fail to follow University COVID-19 policy may face disciplinary action up to and including suspension or dismissal through the Office of Community Standards.

Faculty and staff who fail to follow University COVID-19 policy may face disciplinary action up to and including suspension and termination.   

We must act to both preserve and promote the health of our community. No one has the right to pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others on our campuses. This policy may be amended from time to time as COVID-19 public health standards change.    

Related Form(s)

Not Applicable.

Additional Resources and Procedures

Not Applicable.

FAQ

Not Applicable.

Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2023

Responsible Officer  

General Counsel

Legal Authority

• Ohio Board of Health
• Center for Disease Controll

Compliance Policy

Yes

Recent Revision History

 New August 2020; Amended October 2020; Amended May 2021; Amended August 2021; Amended July 2022

Reference ID(s)

N/A

Reviewing Bodies

President's Executive Cabinet