IUP COVID-19 Policy Reminder

As the start of the fall semester nears, it is important to know the current COVID-19 mitigation efforts for IUP campuses and centers.

• IUP is continuing plans to return to fully face-to-face instruction for fall 2021 and to follow policies announced in our July 22 communication, “Updated COVID-19 Mitigation Guidelines Announced.”
• IUP does not require face coverings/masks for fully vaccinated individuals for indoor public spaces (including classrooms).
• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are asked to follow Pennsylvania Department of Health recommendations about masking for unvaccinated individuals. Students, employees, and visitors are expected to be on the honor system related to masking.
• Any student, employee, or visitor who chooses to be masked (regardless of vaccination status) is encouraged and welcomed to do so.
• Masking continues to be required on IndiGo buses (following CDC guidelines for public transportation) and at the IUP Health Service.
• No proof of vaccination will be required for students, employees, or visitors. No student, employee, or visitor should ask about COVID-19 vaccination status (unless you are a health professional).
• Free COVID-19 testing for students will be offered at the IUP Health Service.
• Free COVID-19 vaccines for students will be offered at the IUP Health Service.

Because individual health situations and comfort levels differ widely as they relate to COVID-19, students, employees, and visitors may want masks to be worn during in-person meetings in individual offices or workspaces. These requests should be honored.

In order to accommodate individuals with health concerns while meeting work expectations and academic responsibilities (office hours or individual tutoring sessions, for example), students, employees, and visitors should do the following:

• Communicate expectations and invite concerns from all participants before in-person meetings in individual offices or workspaces. In the event that masking has been requested by a participant and that any of the other participants cannot wear a mask, alternatives to the in-person meeting or event—for example, through telephone conference call or Zoom technology—should be suggested by the event organizer.
• Have masks available for students, employees, and visitors. One-time-use masks are available in dispensers in campus buildings and can be ordered through Central Stores for department offices.
• Faculty can provide instruction about masking during office visits in course syllabi. (Example: “When visiting me during office hours, I would ask that you wear a mask in my office. If you are uncomfortable doing so, I would be happy to meet with you via Zoom.”)
• Employees can place a sign in a prominent location outside their office, expressing the preference for students and visitors to wear masks and offering an alternative to meeting in person. (Example: “I would ask that you wear a mask while in my office. If you are uncomfortable doing so, I am happy to meet with you using another method.”)
• Students scheduling a meeting with a faculty or staff member should mention that they would like the faculty or staff member to wear a mask. (Example: “I would ask that you wear a mask for our meeting. If you are not comfortable doing so, I am happy to meet with you using another method.”)

Updated information on mitigation efforts and other important news will be posted on the COVID-19 Response Plan website and sent to students and employees by email.

The flexibility, patience, and understanding of the IUP community continue to be appreciated as decisions are made in response to new information and data about the coronavirus pandemic.

Conditions related to the coronavirus will continue to be monitored. Plans will change if conditions change.