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Franklin Pierce University's guidelines, expectations, and
processes were developed with guidance from, and in some part
are governed by, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New
Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services NHDHHS), and
the New Hampshire Governor’s Office. We use their guidance in
creating decisions concerning testing, quarantine and isolation,
and reserve the right to decide on protocol and procedures that
best fit the safety of the Franklin Pierce community needs.
Frequently Asked
Questions:
For specific questions for students, please
visit
https://www.franklinpierce.edu/about/return/faq.html.
Last update: 2/18/2022
Will visitors or guests be allowed to visit campus?
Yes, while the
University is welcoming some visitors and guests to campus, it
is important that they understand that when coming to campus
they may be required to wear a mask and/or practice some social
distancing. Please inform your visitors or guests that they
should obey any request to wear a mask by the University if they
are attending functions, events or gatherings on campus. A guest
may be asked to leave campus if they do not follow
University masking requests.
Will testing be available for faculty and staff on-campus for
Spring semester 2022?
No. Unlike
2021, the University will not be testing on campus. To find a
location near you for COVID-19 testing, please visit the
HHS.gov website for details within your state.
Do I need to use the CANVAS LMS?
-
Yes. Taking into account that switching to remote learning is
still a possibility, every class will have a consistent presence
through Canvas. Faculty compliance with FPU consistency
standards for this presence requires:
a. Use
of Canvas syllabus, gradebook, and FPU Outlook email. Faculty
need to be prepared to move to an online presence on short
notice with assignments, announcements, CampusWeb, and zoom.
b. Faculty
may choose from several Canvas templates which follow the
accessibility requirements of universal design, provided by the
university. Should faculty create their own template, they
should follow the accessibility requirements of universal design
as provided by the university in compliance with Intellectual
Property provisions in CBA Article 27 and terms of this MOA.
c. Faculty
must include within an introduction to each course the FPU
template that explains how to navigate the Canvas site. The
University will provide standardized language for such an
introduction which faculty may choose to utilize.
If we have an outbreak on campus, will we close and send
students home?
We are prepared to pivot to an all-remote delivery model for
classes should a significant outbreak that warrants that
transition occur. It is our hope that by following the
procedures, protocols and processes we have in place we can
complete the year without incident. All courses should be
designed from the outset to accommodate the possibility of a
sudden change to an all-remote delivery model. Syllabi should be
designed to facilitate ready conversion to a 100% remote format.
Can I ask/require students to wear a mask in the classroom?
Yes, you can.
Whenever the university-side mask mandate expires, faculty may
require students to wear masks in the classroom from March 1,
2022 through the end of the spring semester 2022.
Am I required to be vaccinated?
Yes. Franklin
Pierce is requiring all faculty and staff and students to be
vaccinated. All new hires will be asked for vaccination status.
Why is FPU requiring vaccination?
Overwhelming
evidence suggests that vaccinated people are far less likely to
spread the virus to others. Developing immunity through
vaccination means there is a reduced risk of developing the
illness and its consequences. Additionally, the immunity
received helps fight the virus if exposed. Based on the best
available scientific and medical guidance, we are requiring
everyone to be vaccinated to help us find the most effective way
to ensure individual and collective communal health.
Can I refuse to be vaccinated?
Under the A.D.A.,
employees can
request a medical or religious exemption with an accompanying
reasonable accommodation provided under applicable law. Please
reach out to Human Resources with any questions regarding an
exemption.
Do I need to provide proof of my vaccination/booster status?
Yes, all
employees (including new hires) will be required to provide a
copy of their vaccination cards.
What is
the
difference between Quarantine and Isolation? And which do I need
to do (if any)?
The
CDC
defines these as:
Quarantine -
this is when you might
have
been exposed to the virus and may or may not have been infected.
Isolate -
this is when you
are
sick or when you have been infected with the virus, even if you
don’t have symptoms.
(CDC Quarantine and Isolation)
What if I have been in contact with a COVID positive individual?
As per the CDC
current guidelines, please follow the guidelines below if you
have been informed or you are aware that you have been in
contact with someone who has just tested positive.
No Quarantine if:
- You are 18 years old and above and you are fully
vaccinated with the booster shot.
- If you have tested positive for COVID in the last 90
days.
You should wear a
well-fitting mask for 10 days from the last date of contact.
Get tested 5 days
after that last contact date.
Quarantine if:
- You are 18+ years old and have been vaccinated but not
yet receive the booster shot.
- Unvaccinated or have only been partially
vaccinated.
Will the University be providing N95 masks?
Yes, the University will be providing KN95 and other non-cloth
face masks to all departments/offices.
What are the best masks to wear to reduce risk of infection?
While some studies suggest that the N95 mask can provide up to
95% effectiveness, a surgical mask can provide up to 60-70%.
Cloth masks along are not very effective against the most
transmissible variants such as Delta and Omicron. Wearing a
surgical mask covered with a cloth mask can be very effective.
At-Home COVID-19 Testing and Coverage.
As per the guidance from the Biden-Harris administration,
Harvard Pilgrim will be covering the cost of up to eight
over-the-counter, FDA-approved, at-home COVID-19 tests per
member, per month. As of January 19, 2022, please members will
be able to print out a form from the Harvard Pilgrim website
with instructions on how to submit for reimbursement. Please log
into the Harvard Pilgrim website with your membership details
for further details.
COVID-19: Your Guide to Care - Harvard Pilgrim
For information regarding HIPAA and COVID-19 Vaccination in the
workplace, please visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human
Services for information regarding the HIPAA Privacy Rule. (HIPPA
& COVID-19)
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