Dear UD students, faculty and staff,

We are less than two weeks away from the first day of the Spring 2022 semester, and we want to begin this period with a healthy start for everyone in the University of Delaware community. Please note the following steps we must all take together to make this possible before classes begin Feb. 7:

FIRST WEEK OF SPRING CLASSES WILL BE TAUGHT ONLINE

While we anticipate that most students and employees will test negative for COVID-19 during their pre-arrival testing and be able to return to campus on-time, some of our student and employee population will likely test positive during the pre-arrival testing period. In order to support a continuous academic experience for all, most classes will be delivered virtually for the week of Feb. 7 to maximize class participation of all students at the beginning of the semester.Students should check their Canvas site to find out what to do for their classes. We look forward to returning to in-person course delivery after the first week of the spring semester.

Unless their pre-arrival COVID test is positive, students are expected to return to campus before Feb. 7. If students have questions pertaining to residence hall check-in, please visit the Residence Life and Housing Spring Move-in website. Students can anticipate that campus events, activities, and services will be held to optimize the UD experience. In addition, campus dining will accommodate grab-and-go options and in-person dining with capacity limits and distance requirements.

GET YOUR COVID-19 TEST BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

All UD students must get tested the week prior to the start of spring semester (between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6). Ideally, the test should be taken within 48 hours of their arrival on campus. Students who have been on campus during Winter Session must also be tested during this time period. As communicated on Jan. 13, home rapid antigen tests or lab-based antigen/PCR/NAAT tests will be accepted for this requirement, and results must be submitted to the UD Health Portal. If the test is positive, please complete your 7-day isolation period prior to returning to campus.

Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days before the start of the semester (since Nov. 7, 2021) will need to make sure they have submitted their positive test results to the UD Health Portal to be exempt from this testing requirement; do not test again unless you are symptomatic. You do not need to submit your results if you were tested at Harker ISE lab, Pencader/Clayton Hall or Student Health Services.

Current UD Faculty and Staff who will need to be on campus at the start of the spring semester are required to be tested the week of Jan. 31 - Feb. 6. UD Surveillance testing will be available from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 for currently employed faculty and staff. Home rapid antigen tests or community lab-based antigen/PCR/NAAT tests will also be accepted for this requirement, and results must be submitted to the UD Health Portal. Those who are coming to campus later in the semester should plan to test 48 hours in advance of arrival to campus.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days before the start of the semester (since Nov. 7, 2021), make sure you have submitted your positive test results to the UD Health Portal to be exempt from this testing requirement. Do not test again unless you are symptomatic. You do not need to submit your results if you were tested at Harker ISE lab, Pencader/Clayton Hall or Student Health Services.

UPLOAD YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER DOCUMENTATION TODAY

All eligible students without an existing COVID-19 vaccine exemption are required to be vaccinated with a booster shot to be fully protected before the semester begins. Please note, the Jan. 24 deadline for students to upload their booster documentation to the UD Health Portal has been extended to Feb. 1 in order to accommodate potential delays incurred by those who have been traveling internationally. More details are available here. This step must be completed to begin classes on Feb. 7.

All UD faculty members and staff members in Student Life, Athletics & Recreation and other student-facing offices are required to be up-to-date with eligible COVID-19 vaccination by Feb. 7 (including booster within 30 days of becoming eligible); those with a medical or religious exemption are required to obtain a PCR test weekly. Any questions should be directed to academic or administrative supervisors. In addition, the University strongly urges all employees to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as eligible, and upload their documentation to the UD Health Portal. We appreciate the support of all of our employees as we advance community goals and compliance to maximize the health and safety of our campus.

WEAR A WELL-FITTED MASK TO PROTECT YOURSELVES AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE UD COMMUNITY

In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the University requires a well-fitted mask that is worn properly, with specific recommendation of a surgical mask or KN95 mask. Gaiters and bandanas are no longer adequate for protecting yourself and others. The CDC recommends that you consistently wear the most protective mask that fits you well (completely covering your nose and mouth).

UD will provide initial KN95 masks to students, faculty and staff (one mask per person, per week) who show a valid UD identification. Surgical masks will also be available. Students living in the residence halls will receive KN95 masks through their residence halls. Students living off-campus can pick up their masks at Trabant University Center, the Perkins Student Center, the Morris Library and the Carpenter Sports Building. Employee units should submit a single COVID Prevention Supply Order form per unit to the UD Office of Environmental Health and Safety to procure KN95 masks at the department level. KN95 masks are also readily available online and in many local retailers. While disposable, these are designed to be worn multiple times safely; they can be used for a week before disposal unless they are damaged or soiled. Alternatively, members of the UD community may wear a 3-ply surgical mask, covered by a cloth mask for added protection.

Please visit udel.edu/coronavirus for more information or contact coronavirus@udel.edu with any questions.

We wish everyone a safe and healthy start to the spring semester!