Dear Shaw Community,
We have watched with great concern the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in our communities and nationally. The State of North Carolina is reporting the highest daily number of COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. We have also experienced the impact in our Shaw family. As such, the university has revised some of its plans for the beginning of Spring 2022 semester to protect the health of our campus and community as well as to ensure the continuity of campus operations.
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 2022 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 (delta + omicron variants) are 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: January 2022
REMOTE LEARNING GUIDE FOR STUDENTS
COVID-19 FAQS COVID-19 DASHBOARD
UPLOAD COVID-19 PROOF OF VACCINATION
RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION REQUEST FORM
MEDICAL EXEMPTION REQUEST FORM
COVID-19 Policy
- All new and transfer students must submit proof of vaccination prior to reporting to campus.
- No student will be allowed on campus or permitted to move into campus housing without presenting a recent negative test result.
- All students, on and off-campus, must upload 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 before 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 receive move in date/time via email and Signup Genius.
- 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 5 days of return.
- If students have not been tested, please visit one of the organizations linked to be tested before coming to campus.
Shaw University COVID-19 Mask Policy
Effective Monday, April 11, 2022, to modify the COVID-19 mask policy as follows:
- You may choose to wear a mask at any time; however, wearing masks indoors will no longer be mandatory.
- Mandatory COVID-19 testing will remain in effect every other week for the remainder of the spring semester.
- COVID-19 testing is still available; all are advised to get tested if experiencing symptoms.
- Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Read President Dillard’s Statement >
Mask Policy updated 04/08/2022
Covid-19 Policy for Fully Vaccinated Shaw University Spring 2022
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 Spring 2022 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 Spring 2022 semester. Documented medical and religious exemptions will be accommodated.
– Dr. Paulette Dillard, President
COVID-19 Protocols to Follow
ALL STUDENTS WHO TEST FOR COVID19 OFF-CAMPUS
1. The student must immediately upload a copy of the test results (Positive results) to the website and send an email to jholley@shawu.edu that it is uploaded. Until we receive a copy of positive results, student will incur unexcused absences from class. Instructors will not honor an email or message from a student regarding his/her health status.
2. If student has tested positive, do not come to campus for any reason until you have been cleared to do so. Do not contact your instructors. Disability Services will send information to your instructors regarding your absence from classes with the official dates of Isolation given to you by the medical staff.
3. The student will be sent a letter outlining Isolation requirements and process for returning to campus. Student must stay in isolation for 5 days if asymptomatic and if symptomatic, they need a doctor’s note clearing them to return.
4. The notification is sent to Disability Services to contact student’s instructors regarding absence from class.
5. After Isolation period is complete and a release letter from the doctor is received, The University Nurse submits a clearance letter to the student to give to instructors to admit student back to class.
PROTOCOL FOR THE STUDENTS/FACULTY/STAFF WHO ARE FULLY VACCINATED + BOOSTER
These people are considered to be protected from COVID-19 or at least protected from a severe form of the illness at 95% effectiveness. They do not need to be routinely tested with the antigen test or rapid test. However, due to the prevalence of the Omicron Variant, we will test everyone each week until further notice. All, students, faculty and staff must wear a mask indoors and outdoors. Those approved for medical and religious exemptions will test each week and are required to wear a mask indoors and outdoors.
QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE FULLY VACCINATED + BOOSTER
This applies to people who have been in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive.
- Fully vaccinated people Do Not have to quarantine as long as they Do Not develop symptoms
- People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered Do not have to quarantine or get tested again as long as they do not develop new symptoms
- People who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 3 months and develop symptoms again May need to be tested if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms
- Medical and religious exempt persons who are close contacts with a person who tests positive for Covid-19 must quarantine for 14 days (see quarantine protocol)
What counts as close contact?
- You were within 6-feet of someone for a total of 15 minutes or more of someone who has COVID-19
- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
- You had direct physical contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 (hugged or kissed)
- You shared eating or drinking utensils with someone who is sick with COVID-19
- The person with COVID-19 sneezed, coughed, or somehow transmitted respiratory droplets on/to you
Please Note:
Contacts of a contact are in no immediate danger from catching the virus. Everyone is advised to get tested within three days of contact, even if you are not sure. Contacts should stay home and monitor your health.
- Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
- If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19
- Medical or religious exemption students who are close contacts must quarantine for 14 days and be tested 3-5 days after contact
- If you develop symptoms, stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A STUDENT TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
All students who test positive
- Students are placed in isolation for 10 days
- A letter will be delivered to their email regarding their isolation dates
- Contact tracing begins and a report of close contacts within 48 hours of the student testing positive are identified and reported to the Health Team
- Any close contact that is medically or religiously exempt will be placed in quarantine for 14 days
- Vaccinated persons will wear a mask indoors and outdoors for 10 days or until receipt of a negative PCR COVID-19 test
- Meals are ordered from the dining hall for isolated/quarantined students
- The residence hall staff and/or a member of the Health Team will check on the status of isolated students, daily. Any change in health status is reported to the doctor.
- The campus nurse or doctor will assess the student at the end of the isolation period to determine if the student can be released
- A letter of release will be emailed to the student.
Students in Campus Housing
- All of the above steps will be sent to the Residence Manager of the building in which the student is housed.
Notification to Instructors
- The Health Team will download the student’s class schedule and send it to the Director of Disability Services
- An email will come from the Director of Disability Services to each instructor
- Date the positive case was last in the class
- Dates the student will not be allowed in class
- The Division Dean will be copied in this letter
- An email will come from the Director of Disability Services to each instructor
- Students in the affected classes will not be notified unless they are considered a close contact or have received a religious or medical exemption
- Notification will come from the Health Team
- Student(s) will be placed in quarantine with instructors notified of said situation
COVID-19 TESTING EXPECTATIONS
All Shaw University students must comply with campus COVID-19 policies. Students on and off campus who access the campus for any reason will test weekly until further notice. Any student not in compliance with the testing expectations will face disciplinary sanctions.
What happens when a student fails to comply with testing?
- The student may receive a fine for failure to comply or be required to attend a health education seminar on COVID 19
- The student must take a rapid test and quarantine immediately if instructed to do so
- The student must report to the testing site and take a PCR test on the next available testing date
- The student should not attend in-person classes until taking a PCR test
- The student may lose campus housing or be suspended
Residential students who fail to test twice on their assigned testing date may lose the privilege of campus housing and may be required to move out within 24 hours. Students must remove all their belongings and check out of campus housing.
Off campus students who fail to test twice on their assigned testing date may be fined and will not be allowed in face-to-face or hybrid classes, or to participate in any on-campus activity until testing negative on a scheduled PCR test. Continued non-compliance with testing could result in suspension and being trespassed from campus.
Refusal to isolate or quarantine is considered a judicial violation and may result in suspension or dismissal.
Additional Information:
The CDC continues to endorse quarantine for 14 days and recognizes that any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden against a small possibility of spreading the virus. The CDC will continue to evaluate new information and update recommendations as needed.
For our purposes, students will stay in quarantine the recommended 14 days.
Confirmed and suspected cases of reinfection of the virus that causes COVID-19:
Cases of reinfection of COVID-19 have been reported but are rare. In general, reinfection means a person was infected (became sick) once recovered, and then later became infected again. Based on what we know from similar viruses, some reinfections are expected.
This information is subject to change. Last updated: October 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.
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
elehealth – BearsCare Program
All Shaw University students have access to 24/7 access to medical and mental Telehealth care, with no cost at the time of visit! Whether you’re feeling sick or overwhelmed, you will be able to talk to a licensed provider from your smartphone or any web-enabled device.
Go to www.bears.care to register for and access Telehealth services. Students can then have visits from any web-enabled device – smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Students must use their Shaw University email address to register.
The Bears Care program is a supplement to the existing university health center which remains available to serve student needs.
SlowCOVIDNC Mobile App
SlowCOVIDNC is an app designed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. You can do your part to keep yourself and others safe.
- SlowCOVIDNC proactively notifies students, faculty, and staff about potential exposures and enables them to act quickly to protect themselves and their communities.
- The more people who use SlowCOVIDNC on and around campus, the more effective it is in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
- SlowCOVIDNC allows students to return to campus safely while protecting their personally identifiable information.
Watch the tutorial | Learn more
NCDHHS – Higher Education Guidance
Since the start of the pandemic, North Carolina took early and aggressive action to slow the spread of the virus, manage shortages of testing and PPE supplies, develop hospital surge plans, and build testing and contact tracing capabilities. Our collective actions prevented our health care systems from being overwhelmed and provided valuable time to build our state’s capacity to respond to the crisis.
See complete NCDHHS COVID-19 Guidance here https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/guidance
