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  • COVID-19 Policy

    • No student will be allowed on campus or permitted to move into campus housing without presenting a recent negative test result. 
    • All students must present a negative PCR test result from a COVID-19 test performed 3-5 days prior to coming on campus. (No exceptions)
    • The university will not provide any housing options for students that do not present a negative test result.
    • Off campus housing will be at the students' expense until such time as a negative test report is submitted.
    • On campus students will present results to staff prior to entering their residence hall for move in or to retrieve property. Your move in date/time will be mailed to your Bear's account
    • Off campus students must present their negative test results in the gym on January 16th or 17th from 9:00am – 4:00pm. Off campus students will not be permitted on campus or attend face-face classes until proof of a negative test result taken within 3-5 days of return.
    • If students have not been tested, please visit one of the organizations linked to be tested before coming to campus. 
      https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing 
      https://www.advancechc.org/register/ 
      https://www.fastmed.com/urgent-care-centers/garner-nc-walk-in-clinic-garner-us-70-hwy/


    Shaw University Isolation and Quarantine Policy 

    • We have designated 22 isolation and 48 quarantine rooms for students living in on-campus housing. The isolation rooms are single entry, private bathroom, separate HVAC and amenities for reheating or storing food.
    • Students living on campus can choose to isolate or quarantine in one of our designated rooms or at their permanent off-campus residence. Students living off campus can either quarantine or isolate in place or at their permanent residence.  Faculty and staff should isolate or quarantine at home. 
    • University staff will work with students on an individual plan for isolation and quarantine and provide regular check-ins throughout the process at a minimum of twice a day. If severe symptoms are noted, (chest pains, difficulty breathing, or elevated temperature). Residence staff will call 911 immediately.
    • While in isolation or quarantine on campus, a nurse visits student daily to personally check temperatures and inquire about any symptoms the students may have. Off campus students in isolation and quarantine will receive a call from our physician or a nurse to check on student's temperature and to inquire about any symptoms that may indicate COVID infection. If a student is experiencing serious complications 911 is called.
    • On-campus isolation spaces are outfitted with microwaves, refrigerators, water, soups, cleaning supplies, and other items students may need during their stay.
    • The cafeteria delivers meals to each residence hall 3 times a day. The meals are then delivered to each isolation or quarantine room by a residence staff, donned in appropriate PPE.
    • When students have completed their stay in isolation or quarantine, they are referred to Student Health Services. Our physician or staff nurse will examine the student and give them a letter of release from isolation or quarantine and give follow up care or medical referrals as needed.
    • If students have concerns about COVID – 19 or any other medical concerns, BearsCare is available to them 24/7 at no cost. BearsCare is a Telehealth service provided by Timely MD. Students, faculty and staff can use this service by visiting bears.care or call customer support at 833.484.6359. 

    This information is subject to change. Last updated: December 7, 2020. 

    Health and Safety Guidelines

    People infected with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may have mild to severe symptoms and may spread the virus to others even if they don’t have symptoms. Most people who have COVID-19 begin to show symptoms two to 14 days after exposure. All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to monitor their body temperature and review the CDC’s recommended screening questions each day prior to joining others on campus. The below symptoms indicate you may have COVID-19, and should contact a medical professional and stay at home:

    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fever (100.4° F or more, orally)
    • Chills
    • Muscle pain
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat (secondary symptom)

    General Protective Measures 

    Category Details
      Social Distancing  Keeping physical space between individuals -- at least six feet or two arms lengths -- is recommended as one of the best tools for avoiding contracting COVID-19 and helping to slow the spread of the virus. Health researchers have found that COVID-19 can be spread by infected individuals before they display symptoms and even people who never display symptoms. Protect yourself and others by leaving lengths between yourself and others on campus and avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more.
      Face Coverings and Masks CDC guidelines indicate that wearing face coverings and observing social distancing standards are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All persons will be required to wear face coverings while on campus. A face covering is not a replacement for physical distancing and other safe hygiene practices. However, masks and face coverings help contain respiratory emissions and may protect others from you if you are ill, and you from others. 
      Handwashing Guidelines for hand washing call for at least 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and water. Wash hands often, especially while in public or after coughing, sneezing, or touching your face, including putting on and taking off face coverings. A hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is recommended in the absence of soap and water. Apply the sanitizer to all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Hand-sanitizer will be made available at building entrances, elevators, classrooms and high-traffic areas. 
      Cleaning and Disinfecting Housekeeping teams will be assigned to clean academic, office and common residential spaces based on CDC guidelines for disinfection. Commonly used items are to be wiped down with disinfectant before and after use, especially those involving high-touch surfaces, such as copiers, printers, computers, A/V and other electrical equipment, desks, tables, light switches and doorknobs.
      High Traffic Areas and Forming Lines

    High-traffic areas represent a unique challenge to physical distancing and disinfection. The following measures are being adopted to facilitate health and safety in areas where students, faculty and staff gather or work.

    • Visual cues, such as floor decals and signs, will be placed to indicate directional movement and properly spaced distancing. 
    • Furniture and equipment will be arranged to encourage physical distancing. 
    • When feasible, stairwells will be designated exclusively for up or down traffic. 
    • Temperature checks may be required to enter certain spaces, at the administration’s discretion. 
    • Signs spelling out distancing requirements, personal protective equipment required, and other measures will be posted at building entrances. 
    • Extra housekeeping attention will be directed to high-traffic areas based on use patterns within the space. 
    • Surface disinfectant will be dispersed throughout campus to allow faculty, staff and others to disinfect items in common-use areas.
    • Elevators will be limited to a maximum of two passengers, with riders urged to use face coverings and apply hand sanitizer prior to entering the elevator, and to avoid touching surfaces, including buttons, with bare hands.
    • Drinking fountains will be disabled, except for those designed for bottles only

    Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being 

    • Student Counseling Services: The Counseling Center is available virtually. Students will be seen in person by appointment only. To make a counseling appointment, please call 919-546-8525/8283. For immediate assistance, call Campus Police and Security at 919-546-8249. 
    • Employee Assistance Program: The Employee Assistance Program is designed to provide short-term counseling services for employees and their dependents. Resources are available for issues, such as marital conflict, relationship and family problems; stress, anxiety and depression; grief and loss; job pressures; and substance abuse. Employees can contact Human Resources for more information concerning the Employee Assistant Program. 

    Student Health Center 

    Students who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should be referred immediately to the University doctors/nurses, who will arrange a COVID-19 screening. Students who are immunosuppressed or who have other conditions that heighten their risk for contracting COVID-19 should submit this information to Student Health for review and recommendations by no later than July 24. 

    The Student Health Center will continue to provide regular services, with certain modifications, including: 

    • Students will be seen by appointment only. 
    • Initial nurse triage via phone for students seeking medical care 
    • Pre-screening via 919-719-6324 or 919-546-8286 for COVID-19 symptoms 
    • Telehealth visits for evaluation of acute respiratory illnesses 
    • Contactless check-in 

    Student Health Screening:

    • The Student Health Center will collaborate with health care partners, including the Wake County Department of Public Health to assist students that request health screenings.
    • Students who have tested positive for COVID-19, or who suspect they have come in contact with someone who has tested positive, should contact the Student Health Center immediately as well as your Resident Manager while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
    • The Health center will assist in setting up an appointment for testing. If there are charges that are not covered by a student’s insurance, the student is responsible for payment. Options for billing can be discussed with your health care provider.
    • The Student Health Center will develop a supplemental campaign for flu vaccination for students on campus. 

    Quarantine Accommodations 

    Non-residential students are asked to quarantine in their own homes and notify the campus health center immediately when they suspect or have symptoms indicating possible exposure to the COVID 19 virus. The campus health center will assist off campus students in identifying and directing the necessary resources to support their safe recovery. Students living on campus will be encouraged to return to their permanent homes, if possible. Additional isolation and quarantine requirements for residential students can be found in the complete Campus Reopening Plan.

    Residence Halls

    Guidance from the CDC Guidance Document for Shared or Congregate Housing will be followed, as outlined in the Campus Reopening Plan. The Office of Student Affairs - Residence Life will notify students regarding rooming arrangements.