Overview

At Shaw University, our first and highest priority is the safety and security of every member of the Bear community – students, faculty, staff, vendors, visitors and community partners.

We look forward to welcoming the community back to campus as we prepare for the Spring/Fall 2021 semester. To do that, every member of the community must do their part. This site outlines the protocols and procedures that have been put in place to facilitate a safe return to campus. The plan is guided by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the North Carolina Division of Public Health and is consistent with local orders and ordinances of the City of Raleigh and Wake County Department of Public Health and the State of North Carolina.

COVID-19 is a novel and challenging experience for our country, state, and university. Therefore, Shaw University policies and procedures will continue to evolve as new information becomes available.

This information is subject to change. Last updated: August 2021

REMOTE LEARNING GUIDE FOR STUDENTS COVID-19 FAQs

Upload Covid-19 Test Results Upload Covid-19 Proof of Vaccination

Religious Exemption Request Form Medical Exemption Request Form

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 at check in.
• 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/

Covid 19 Policy for Fully Vaccinated Shaw University Fall 2021

In recent months, safe and effective vaccines, which are proven to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission and the risk of serious illness when the disease is contracted has become widely available. We are committed to vaccine access for students and employees; we know that widespread vaccination is the best way to expediate a return to a healthy and synergistic campus life -- normalcy.

We plan to require all new and returning Shaw University students to present proof of vaccination to Student Health before they can enroll for the Fall 2021 semester. This policy will cover all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students—in all degree programs—who intend to be on the Shaw campus for any period of time starting with the Fall 2021 semester. Documented medical and religious exemptions will be accommodated.
- Dr. Paulette Dillard, Ph.D. , President

Covid-19 FAQs for the Fully Vaccinated

	Question	Answer
	If I have already had Covid19 and recovered, do I still need to take the Covid vaccine?	Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again. Studies have shown that vaccination provides a strong boost in protection in people who have recovered from COVID-19. Learn more about why getting vaccinated is a safer way to build protection than getting infected.
	If I am fully vaccinated, can I still get the virus?	COVID-19 vaccines help protect people who are vaccinated from getting COVID-19 or getting severely ill from COVID-19, including reducing the risk of hospitalization and death. Breakthrough cases It’s possible a person could be infected just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. It typically takes about 2 weeks for the body to build protection after vaccination, so a person could get sick if the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection. New variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 illness are spreading in the United States. Current data suggest that COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States offer protection against most variants. However, some variants might cause illness in some people after they are fully vaccinated.
	If I am fully vaccinated, can I spread the virus if I test positive for Covid 19?	Studies show that fully vaccinated people can be less likely to spread the virus to others, even if they do get COVID-19.
	If I am around someone who tests positive for Covid19, and am fully vaccinated, do I need to quarantine?	If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms. Fully vaccinated people who have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
	If I test positive for Covid 19, am fully vaccinated, and have no symptoms, do I still need to isolate?	Yes, everyone who tests positive for Covid19 must stay away from others for 10 days and check for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

Fall 2021 Attendance

• No student will be allowed on campus or permitted to move into campus housing without presenting proof of being fully vaccinated and a recent negative Covid 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 at check in.
• Off campus housing for non-compliance 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. Students will register on Signup Genius for move in date and time. (Signup Genius link will be emailed to students who have submitted a housing application and paid non-refundable deposit.
• Off campus  students must upload their negative test results and proof of vaccination or bring both documents to the Health Center on Sunday, August 15 from 9:00am – 4:00pm. Off campus students will not be permitted on campus or attend face-face classes until proof of being fully vaccinated and a negative test result taken within 3-5 days of return has been submitted.
  
  

Mask Wearing

• With the resurgence of Covid cases and the presence of the Delta variant; it is crucial that everyone comply to the mask wearing policy. 
• ALL Shaw University students, staff and faculty must continue to wear masks indoors. 
• The fully vaccinated do not need masks outdoors or to social distance.
• The vaccine compliant (people with a medical or religious exemption) need to wear masks indoors and outdoors and to always social distance.
• All students, faculty and staff still need to wear masks in all indoor settings and other closed in places (Student Health Center, Library, Writing Center, Student Center, Residence Hall lobby, and offices).

Shaw University Updated Covid Testing Policy for Fully Vaccinated

Shaw University will continue PCR Covid 19 Testing fall 2021.  The most efficient way and best recommended safety measure is to get vaccinated against Covid 19.  Even fully vaccinated people can test positive for the virus.  With the insurgence of the Delta Variant, we must continue to provide safety precautions for the Institution; therefore, the following protocol is required:

• Fully vaccinated students must upload their vaccination card into our database to take advantage of the process for fully vaccinated people.
• Fully vaccinated faculty and staff will notify Human Resources of their status.
• All Medical information is kept confidential, per HPPA rules and any release of said information is on a ‘need to know’ basis with permission from the individual.
• Fully vaccinated individuals will be tested every other week, unless exhibiting symptoms.
• Vaccine Compliant members of the academy will be required to test weekly.
• Athletes will follow the protocol required of the NCAA/CIAA and Shaw University Athletic Trainers.
• Fully vaccinated students who test positive will have to Isolate for 10 days.
• Anyone testing positive will have to Isolate for 10 days. Letters with the Physician’s Signature will be sent to everyone indicating the status and length of time for isolation.  Individuals will be examined by a nurse or physician before release and given a letter of release to resume normal activities or work.
• Fully vaccinated people do not have to quarantine after exposure to someone who tests positive for Covid19 unless exhibiting symptoms.  Testing; however, is highly recommended.

 

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: August 2021. 

Academic Support For Students

Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center (ASC) empowers students to develop skills to make their college experience successful. ASC works in conjunction with offices across campus to provide free virtual and in person programming to motivate students and set high academic goals to maximize their college potential. Services include:

• Academic peer mentoring, providing support for successful study habits.
• One-on-one and small group study session.
  
  

Shaw University is committed to the academic success of all of its students. As such, the institution has in place systems and programs to monitor and provide assistance to ensure the academic well-being of its students.

Early Alert System

The Early Alert System is a campus-wide effort to identify students, early in the semester in need of assistance. It is designed to identify students when there is a breakdown in academic performance. Students are notified through Shaw email to contact the Academic Success Center to determine academic support needs.

Academic Recovery Plan Program

The Academic Recovery Plan is a contractual agreement with a student who is in jeopardy of failing. Student’s progress and participation is documented for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Academic performance is evaluated until the student has achieved the required minimum GPA.

Visit the Academic Success Center online

Tutorial Center

Free tutorial services are available to all registered students. Students who have a GPA less than 2.0 or need special academic assistance should contact the Academic Success Center (ASC).

Students can attend strategy workshops, small group and one-on-one sessions in Shaw’s Tutorial Center.

Visit Tutorial Services online

Educational Technology

Moodle is Shaw University’s Learning Management System (LMS) where students can find their individual course materials such as syllabus, assignments, announcements, and professor contact information. We recommend downloading the Moodle APP for the best accessibility features when you are on the go.

From BearsNet, students can click on the Students tab and get to Moodle by clicking on any of the links under My Moodle Courses as shown below. This will automatically log the student into Moodle.

BearsNet  is a simple and convenient way for students to access their individual Shaw U information like their student schedule, financial award letter, transcript, etc. To sign into Bearsnet: https://bearsnet.shawu.edu

Username: student ID number (e.g. 2192354, not their email address)
Password: issued by registrar (e.g. xc99w32$) in welcome letter email
Note: If you do not have a password/pin contact the Registrars Office.

Once in BearsNet, students can click on the Students tab and get to Moodle by clicking on any of the links under My Moodle Courses as shown below. This will automatically log the student into Moodle.

Libraries

Shaw University operates two libraries, the James E. Cheek Learning Resource Center (main library) and the G. Franklin Wiggins Library (Divinity). The library staff are available to support both on-campus and remote teaching, learning and research. The Library’s Using the Library Libguide contains information on how to get help, using the library, making appointments, staff contact and other useful information about the library.  Library staff will continue providing assistance by phone, email, chat or virtual appointments using Zoom. For assistance with Library resources, please contact the Library Staff or visit the Library’s Using the Library Libguide.

The Libraries have implemented procedures to ensure that visitors maintain adequate physical distancing and adheres to procedures for cleaning high-touch surfaces. Faculty, staff and students are required to wear face coverings in all library spaces.

Visit the Library online

Writing Center

The Shaw University Writing Center provides students with the skills, resources, and tools to transform their drafts into polished final products, along with training on writing blogs, essays, cover letters and more. The Writing Center will continue to offer free e-tutoring and online tutorial services to the entire Shaw community. Services provided through the Writing Center include:

• Outlining and Planning: Brainstorming
• Major Revision: Content Creation
• Minor Revision: Small Corrections
• Style and Polish: Editing/Suggestions

Visit the Writing Center online

Experiential Learning and Career Development

Shaw University is committed to providing professional guidance and resources to our students and alumni.  Students should contact the Experiential Learning and Career Development (ELCD) Center for assistance with career exploration, graduate and professional school preparation, and internship and scholarship applications.  Services available through ELCD include:

• Career Assessments
• Career Counseling
• Career Development
• Career Fairs and Events
• Graduate School Application
• Internship Programs
• Interview Tips
• Job Search Assistance
• Professional Networking
• Resume and Cover Letter Review
• Scholarship Searches

Visit the Experiential Learning & Career Development Center online