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Dec. 7, 2020

The COVID-19 Task Force has worked hard to put in place a return-to-campus plan designed to foster a SAFE AND HEALTHY campus where faculty, staff, and students can interact IN PERSON during the spring semester. To prioritize procedures and precautions for the safest possible return to campus, we are implementing enhanced testing, contact tracing, and quarantine and isolation plans in addition to the health and safety plan that was outlined by the COVID-19 Task Force in August. In light of the fact that the virus likely will be present on our campus and in our community this spring, our plan and these enhancements are designed to mitigate the spread of the virus and isolate cases to limit transmission. 

Make no mistake: the plan requires an absolute commitment from all members of the John Carroll University community to comply with all health and safety precautions and procedures in order to open and stay open for the duration of the spring semester. Students who have not already done so will be required to comply with the COVID-19 Commitment if they will be present on campus in the spring semester. Students who do not wish to reside or learn in-person this semester, or cannot comply with these COVID-19 obligations, may study remotely for the semester.  

Here is more information about JCU’s plan for the spring:

  • ACADEMICS: We will employ the Flexible Hybrid (HyFlex) Academic Model, an instructional approach that combines in-person, face-to-face classroom and online learning. Many courses will be delivered in this hybrid format, although some may be fully virtual. The HyFlex model allows for faculty and students to pivot between learning models based on the changing circumstances of the pandemic.   

  • MOVE-IN TESTING: Students will begin moving into the residence halls in early January. Upon arrival, each residential student will be required to submit to a rapid COVID-19 antigen test administered by the University prior to receiving any access to the residence halls. Students who test positive will be required to immediately take a follow-up COVID-19 PCR test and then isolate until test results are received. The full protocol for residential student move-in testing is available here.  

  • SURVEILLANCE TESTING: Beginning on January 25, John Carroll’s COVID-19 Task Force will implement a COVID-19 surveillance testing program where a minimum of 3% of our campus population (students, faculty, and staff) will be tested each week. These will be rapid antigen tests administered by the University.  

  • MANDATORY SYMPTOM ASSESSMENT EVERY DAY: Students, faculty, and staff are REQUIRED to complete a daily symptom assessment via theCampus Clear app before being present on John Carroll’s campus. This assessment must be completed every day, even on days that an individual is not present on campus. Students, faculty, and staff who record symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19 on their daily symptom assessment via Campus Clear will be contacted by a member of the JCU Health and Wellness staff. Those who have not yet downloaded the Campus Clear app should do so immediately and begin conducting the daily symptom assessment ahead of returning to campus.  

  • SYMPTOMATIC TESTING: Students who have symptoms will be able to get tested at the Student Health Center. These symptoms must be recorded via the Campus Clear app. Staff from the JCU Health & Wellness Center will provide guidance to individual students based on their symptoms.   

  • MORE TESTING INFORMATION: Learn more about JCU’s COVID-19 testing plan here.   

  • HEALTH PROTOCOLS: Every individual who receives a daily clearance via Campus Clear to be present  on John Carroll’s campus MUST follow the requirements outlined in the University’s Health and Safety Plan, including maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet, wearing a mask indoors at all times (except when in your residence hall room with only your roommate, or when alone in an office) and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible, adhering to room space occupancy requirements, and following proper hygiene practices. All members of the University community must limit the size of any gatherings or meetings, and comply with the University COVID-19 Event Policy related to any events held during the spring semester.   

  • CONTACT TRACING: More than 30 members of John Carroll’s staff have been trained as contact tracers to trace and track positive COVID-19 cases throughout the semester. These staff members will coordinate with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to manage contact tracing in order to limit community spread. It is critical that all members of the campus community cooperate with the University’s contact tracers.   

  • QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION ON CAMPUS: Students living in the residence halls who test positive during the spring semester will be required to isolate per CDC guidelines. Students living on campus who are deemed as close contacts of individuals who test positive will be required to quarantine per CDC guidelines. The University has designated separate residential spaces for isolation and quarantine. The Office of Residence Life will be sharing more information with residential students prior to their return to campus.  

  • QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION OFF CAMPUS:  Students living off campus who test positive during the spring semester will also be required to isolate per CDC guidelines. Students living off campus who are deemed as close contacts of individuals who test positive will also be required to quarantine per CDC guidelines. The University will not provide quarantine and isolation facilities for those who do not live in JCU-owned properties, including the residence halls. These individuals will be expected to quarantine and isolate at an off-campus location.   

  • WHAT IS ISOLATION? Isolation is a strategy used to separate people who are sick with COVID-19 from those who are healthy. Isolation restricts the movement of people who are ill to help stop the spread of the  disease.  

  • WHAT IS QUARANTINE? Quarantine refers to the practice of separating individuals who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 to determine whether they develop symptoms or test positive for the disease. Quarantine also reduces the risk of transmission if an individual is later found to have COVID-19.  

  • JCU HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER: Students who feel ill or have questions about their health should call the JCU Health and Wellness Center at 216.397.4349 to consult with a member of JCU’s health care staff. 

We are prepared and excited to welcome our community back to campus for living and learning. As you prepare for this return, please continue to wear a mask, practice physical distancing, limit in-person gatherings, and wash your hands frequently. These practices will be a true demonstration of our Jesuit mission to be men and women for and with others as we work together to ensure a healthy campus.

Questions about the spring semester and JCU’s health and safety plan can be sent to covid-response@jcu.edu where they will be routed to the appropriate department for response.