Based on current conditions in Indiana County and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control about fully vaccinated individuals, as of July 23, IUP will remove its requirement for indoor face coverings/masks for fully vaccinated individuals.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are urged to follow CDC guidelines recommending masking indoors; 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.
COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged, but are not required for students, employees, or visitors. Individuals should make decisions based on individual health circumstances and their physician’s advice.
Conditions related to the coronavirus will continue to be monitored. Plans will change if conditions and/or CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines change.
As announced in June, IUP is continuing plans to return fully to face-to-face instruction for fall 2021, with the intention of providing the best educational experiences for students while following CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines for health and safety during the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 cleaning protocols continue to be followed in all university facilities.
COVID-19 policies for IUP campuses and buildings, effective July 23, are:
-
Masking is not required indoors for fully vaccinated individuals (all are to be on the honor system regarding masking).
-
Masking is not required outdoors.
-
Masking continues to be required on IndiGo buses (following CDC guidelines for public transportation).
-
Masking continues to be required at IUP Health Services.
-
Social distancing is not required.
-
IUP classrooms and other meeting areas will be returned to their original pre-pandemic configurations (no social distancing).
-
Following CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance, individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and who are exposed to the virus will be advised by IUP health professionals to self-quarantine; individuals who are fully vaccinated will not be required to self-quarantine as long as they are asymptomatic.
-
No proof of vaccination will be required of students, employees, or visitors.
-
No student, employee, or visitor should ask students, employees, or visitors about COVID-19 vaccination status.
A number of mitigation measures offered during the spring 2021 semester will continue for fall 2021:
-
COVID-19 vaccines will be available, free of charge, for students at the IUP Health Service.
-
Free COVID-19 testing (both asymptomatic and symptomatic) will be available on campus for students at the IUP Health Service.
-
IUP will continue to monitor COVID-19 test results and will notify close contacts of individuals who test positive for the coronavirus.
-
Individuals identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive person will be contacted by IUP via text or email. Students who are contacted will be advised to consult with the IUP Health Service for instruction and additional testing.
-
On-campus space will be provided to students who are positive for COVID-19 or presumed positive and who have been advised to self-isolate.
-
Information about COVID-19 positive cases will be shared on the IUP website.
-
Safety kits, including reusable face coverings, will be distributed free of charge to all students.
-
One-time-use masks will be available in university buildings.
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.
A voluntary email survey will be sent to students in late July/early August to determine vaccination rates of IUP students. Responses will be kept anonymous; students are not required to respond to the survey.
The flexibility and understanding of the IUP community is appreciated as decisions are made in response to new information and data about the coronavirus pandemic.