COVID-19 Guidance for Spring 2022

This is the most recent guidance from the University System of Georgia (USG) regarding Spring 2022 operations. Please note the USG is monitoring guidance from the CDC and the Georgia Department of Health, and these guidelines could change.

FACE COVERINGS

The University System of Georgia (USG) continues to recognize COVID-19 vaccines and boosters offer safe, effective protection and urges all students, faculty, staff and visitors to get vaccinated and/or boosted either on campus or with a local provider. As USG works closely with the Georgia Department of Public Health to prioritize the health and safety of campus communities, the system encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk.

Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Vaccines remain available for all members of the university community, their friends, and family from Student Health Services. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available and in good supply at the Student Health Center. The Pfizer vaccine is fully approved by the FDA, and full approval for the Moderna vaccine could come soon.

Please note that VSU will not be tracking vaccinations for the greater university community. Therefore, adherence to this guidance is based on personal responsibility. Some subgroups of our community (such as student athletes, student health professionals, student teachers, etc.) may be subject to vaccination reporting at the direction of an affiliated organization.

ALTERNATE WORK ARRANGEMENTS (EMPLOYEES)

Alternate Work Arrangements (AWA) or accommodations granted to employees due to increased risk for severe illness with COVID-19 ended on June 30, 2021. Lack of vaccination is not grounds for a request for continuing an AWA or accommodation.

***Please note that qualified individuals with a disability can submit requests for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) work accommodations through the Office of Human Resources.

ALTERNATE EDUCATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS (STUDENTS)

Alternate Educational Arrangement (AEA) or accommodations granted to students due to increased risk for severe illness with COVID-19 ended on June 30, 2021. All students are back to their traditional educational arrangement as of the Fall 2021 semester. Lack of vaccination is not grounds for a request for continuing an AEA or accommodation.

***Please note that qualified individuals with a disability can submit requests for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) academic accommodations through the Access Office.

TELEWORK

With limited exceptions, employees with current COVID-19 related telework assignments should have returned to their pre-COVID-19 work arrangements and all such arrangements by June 30, 2021. All telework requests and designations are based upon management discretion and in accordance with a determination of what best serves the institution and students. Valdosta State University requires that telework arrangements be approved by the appropriate Cabinet member and documented with Human Resources.

VACCINES

USG institutions will continue to ensure vaccine availability to faculty, staff, and students either through vaccination opportunities on campus or in partnership with a local provider. Institutions are not responsible for assessing current COVID-19 vaccination rates for their institution.

The Student Health Center offers COVID testing to all students and vaccination services to all employees and students. For COVID Vaccines, please use the link below to schedule an appointment or call 229-333-5886.
https://tinyurl.com/COVIDVACVSU

QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION

The CDC updated its guidance regarding isolation, and the USG is following that recommendation. For those who test positive, they should isolate for 5 days, and if the symptoms are improving and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours and haven’t used a fever-reducing medication, they can leave isolation after 5 days, but they should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional 5 days to minimize potential transmission.

The USG is also following the CDC‘s updated guidance regarding quarantine. Those exposed who are unvaccinated or are vaccinated but not fully boosted should quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Those who have received their booster shot or completed the primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months or completed the primary series of the J&J vaccine within the last two months DO NOT need to quarantine following an exposure, but they should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For anyone exposed, the CDC says best practice would also include getting tested at day 5 after exposure.

Image of Self-Reporting Tab in MyVSU

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ENGAGEMENT

VSU has resumed traditional student life activities. The recommended mitigation practices by the Georgia Department of Public Health should be practiced and observed during these activities and within the physical spaces these activities take place.

EVENTS AND GATHERINGS

VSU will follow the most recent Executive Order from the Governor related to events and gatherings as well as follow appropriate mitigation practices recommended by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Event reservation policies will include additional mitigation guidelines as needed.

TRAVEL

VSU will follow the state government position on travel. As of May 2021, travel is limited to essential travel as approved by the appropriate Cabinet member.

ATHLETICS

VSU will continue to follow NCAA and Gulf South Conference guidelines for COVID-19.