COVID-19 Student Testing Dashboard View the twice-weekly report showing the number of student tests reported and positive cases identified. Frequently Asked Questions Students and Parents

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Update on Student Testing and Reporting

Dear University Community,

In order to provide timely information, we are adjusting our COVID testing reporting structure.

Initially, we were posting results to our COVID Testing dashboard once a week. In response to feedback from the community, beginning next week we are going to report results twice a week -- on Tuesdays and Fridays -- and provide data on results that have been self-reported by students.

The primary data being communicated by the University COVID Testing dashboard will continue to be the results of tests that are administered by Student Health Services. Student Health Services and the University testing center are available for ALL Catholic University students -- graduate and undergraduate, living on campus or off. Students should call Student Health Services at 202-319-5744 and talk to a healthcare professional who will discuss their symptoms or exposure and determine if the student needs to be scheduled for an appointment and make the necessary arrangements.

We acknowledge that students are also getting tested at off-campus urgent care and other testing sites. Students who receive a positive COVID test result from an off-campus testing center should inform the Dean of Students so that we can provide support. We encourage students to also contact Student Health Services for additional medical guidance or if their condition is worsening or not improving. Faculty and staff who receive a report from a student that they have tested positive for COVID should also inform the Dean of Students.

As of today, the Dean of Students office is aware of 33 Catholic University students who live off campus who have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, 10 were tested by Student Health Services and the other 23 have self-reported their positive results to the University since September 5. (Eight of these results have been recorded since the dashboard was updated yesterday.) These students are reporting that they are experiencing mild symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and congestion.

All members of the community should continue to be vigilant in social distancing, wearing face coverings, and in practicing good hand hygiene. Our best protection against the virus is to follow the public health guidance. By adhering to this guidance and making informed choices about our daily activities, we reduce the chance of exposure and help to keep our entire community safe.

Sincerely,

Judi Biggs Garbuio, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Access to Campus Services for Off-Campus Students

Sept. 10, 2020

Dear Students,

Now that the initial quarantine period has expired, off-campus students may access the campus to participate in on-campus jobs, to utilize their meal plan in the Pryzbyla Center, attend Mass, and to attend scheduled appointments at Student Health Services and the Counseling Center.

Students are also free to walk around campus for exercise and leisure, but should maintain social distance, wear face coverings, and abide by all health and safety precautions.

Prior to coming to campus, students should complete the online symptom checker; students should not come to campus if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID and should contact Student Health Services.

On and off-campus students living within the local area can utilize the campus COVID testing center. However, to ensure the highest levels of safety for our students using the testing center and the staff who work there, on campus health facilities do not offer walk in hours. Students should call Student Health Services at 202-319-5744 and talk to a healthcare professional who will discuss their symptoms or exposure and determine if the student needs to be scheduled for an appointment and make the necessary arrangements. In most cases, students are seen within 24 hours.

Students who receive a positive COVID test result from an off-campus testing center should inform the Dean of Students of so that we can provide support and guidance. Students should also contact Student Health Services if their condition is worsening or not improving or for additional medical guidance.

Additional campus services and facilities (library, labs, study areas, etc.) will gradually become accessible to non-residential students as the semester progresses, though often with conditions such as reserved time slots, advance notice, and limitations on capacity. Updates will be communicated via emails and on our COVID FAQ page.

Please reach out to me at deanofstudents@cua.edu with questions.

God Bless,

Dean Sawyer

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students

Update and Important Reminders

Sept. 4, 2020

Dear Campus Community,

Earlier this week, the Dean of Students met with the hosts of the reported off-campus social gathering that occurred on August 27. The students agreed to share the following advice with the campus community, in hopes that their experience can help others make better choices in the future.

“For anyone thinking that it is okay to break the school's protocol, it simply is not. You do not want to put our great community in any more jeopardy, and you do not want to deal with the consequences that come with breaking it. Everyone please stay safe, stay healthy, and realize the times we are in are serious and dangerous to us, our loved ones, friends, and people we may not even know.”

“I recognize this decision was irresponsible and inconsiderate of our community, and I urge fellow students to not make the same mistake as me. I cannot reiterate enough how severe this pandemic is and how important it is to work as a community to avoid spreading it amongst the university and the D.C area.”

“The severity of the situation we are all in is much more serious than we truly think it is. Having any kind of event that does not promote social distancing, wearing a mask, and practicing safe COVID protocols is not worth having.”

While the students expressed remorse for their actions, their violation of health and safety guidelines resulted in significant penalties.

We are all living through this pandemic together. It is a serious and on-going public health emergency, which is why we continue to reinforce guidance on wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, and limiting both the size and frequency of social gatherings. Yesterday one of our off-campus students tested positive. In the best of circumstances more are sure to follow. This is a stark reminder that we must do all we can to reduce our own vulnerabilities and those of our fellow students, and neighbors in the communities where we live.

For the health and safety of our entire community, I urge all students to continue to follow this guidance. In addition to the real health risks of not doing so, swift administrative action, including suspension, will be taken to address violations.

Our quarantine period for on-campus students ends on September 7; I encourage you to take advantage of all the positive aspects of life in Washington, D.C. As you do, just remember to be safe, make good choices, and follow the guidance provided by the University and the District of Columbia.

As always, I encourage students or parents to share any questions or concerns with our office. You can reach us at deanofstudents@cua.edu.

Sincerely,

Judi Biggs Garbuio, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Off-Campus Enforcement of Health and Safety Guidelines

Aug. 28, 2020

Dear Campus Community,

Last night the University received a report about a gathering in Brookland, where Catholic University students were not wearing face coverings or social distancing.

Officers from the University’s Department of Public Safety went to the location and, upon arrival, estimated that there were as many as 50 students in attendance.

Consistent with our Code of Student Conduct and our COVID-19 expectations regarding social gatherings, face coverings, and social distancing, the Dean of Students has placed six students on interim suspension. The University investigation into this incident continues and may result in additional action being taken against other involved students.

We will continue to take appropriate action to address incidents that put the public health at risk.

Our ultimate goal is to collectively stop the spread of the virus. The more we do now to keep the Catholic University community and our neighbors safe, the better our chances of fully opening in the spring. It’s up to all of us to do our part.

As we head into the first weekend of the academic term, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of following the public health guidance provided by the University and the District of Columbia.

Sincerely,

Judi Biggs Garbuio, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Working Together to Stay Safe, Healthy, and Open

Aug. 24, 2020

University President John Garvey addressed the pandemic in his August newsletter.

Read More

On-Campus Testing for Students and Other Health Measures

Aug. 17, 2020

The University has contracted with Ascension Healthcare through Providence Health Services to host a COVID-19 testing site on campus for students. It is available for all students, whether they live on campus or off campus.



Students who experience a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 should call Student Health Services. A healthcare professional will discuss their symptoms with them, and may schedule them for testing.

Read the full story.

Catholic University Announces Tuition Adjustments for Fall 2020 Semester

August 3, 2020

Dear Members of the University Community,

We have heard from many students and parents since we made our announcement that we would be required to limit in-person classes and on-campus residency for the fall semester. I understand this disappointment, which was necessitated by the increased number of COVID-19 cases throughout much of the nation, and new quarantine restrictions implemented here in the District of Columbia.

While I would have preferred to provide more detail in last Friday’s announcement, I felt it was essential to share the most important information as quickly as possible, even as we were calculating the significant financial implications for both families and students as well as the University.

Read the full letter about tuition adjustments for the fall here

Catholic University to Welcome Freshmen to Campus for Fall 2020: Classes for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Will Be Fully Online

July 31, 2020

Visit the President’s website to read the full text of his announcement.

University Continues to Prepare Facilities for Students’ Return to Campus

July 27, 2020

How have you spent your summer?



Facilities staff have spent the last months streamlining cleaning processes to ensure they can clean classrooms between classes come the start of the fall semester while also maintaining cleanliness in residence halls once students move back to campus.



University custodial staff will be supported by contracted cleaners working the overnight shift. The contracted cleaners will perform the traditional vacuuming, dusting, and floor cleaning of classrooms, offices, restrooms, and lounge areas in addition to disinfection overnight. During the day, custodial staff will be performing the traditional cleaning tasks as well as increased touchpoint cleaning in common areas in all working and living spaces on campus. Additionally, classrooms will be sanitized between classes.

Read the full story

District Clarifies Mask Mandate

July 22, 2020

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-080 to clarify and extend requirements related to wearing masks indoors and outdoors in Washington, DC.

Under the new Mayor’s Order on masks, people must wear a mask when they leave their homes if they are likely to come into contact with another person for more than a fleeting moment. Exceptions are listed in the Mayor’s Order, and common exceptions include: children under the age of three; a person who is in an enclosed office that no one else is allowed to enter; a person who is actively eating or drinking; and a person who is engaged in vigorous outdoor exercise and is maintaining social distance of at least six feet from other people. The full Mayor’s Order on masks can be found at coronavirus.dc.gov/maskorder.

Catholic University Is Committed to International Students (UPDATED)

July 15, 2020

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is relieved to hear that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has agreed to rescind the July 6, 2020 policy that threatened international students with deportation if their U.S. institutions turned to online-only instruction. ISSS will continue to communicate with and update our international students as further DHS guidance is available pertaining to the Fall 2020 semester and course registration.

As University President John Garvey and Provost Aaron Dominguez said in a letter last week:

"Every year Catholic University is home to hundreds of international students from all over the world. They are here to learn, to conduct research and to contribute to our global community. We embrace their cultural diversity, and we welcome the unique gifts and perspectives they bring to the academic enterprise. We support policies that welcome international students to our country, and incorporate them into our community. We stand in solidarity with the international students at Catholic University, and across the nation."

McMahon Classroom Upgrade for Hybrid Learning

June 16, 2020

McMahon Hall 112 (the Fulton Sheen Classroom) has received updated technology this summer and is being rearranged by facilities staff to demonstrate how learning will be supported in the fall while focusing on the health and safety of faculty and students in the ongoing COVID pandemic.

Read the full story.

COVID-19 Working Groups

May 28, 2020

Focused working groups have been meeting since the beginning of March to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the University. There is at least one group meeting each day of the week to examine the current situation.

Three times a week, the Roadmap 20/21 Task Force meets virtually. This was the first working group formed in March, and is led by Lawrence Morris, chief of staff in the President’s office. The Provost and vice presidents were invited to select members of their teams to be a part of this group. Up to 20 people participate each day in a meeting that starts with Dr. Loretta Staudt, director of Student Health Services, updating the group on the health crisis. Within the group are multiple representatives of academics, admission and enrollment services, advancement and finance, communications, human resources, student life, facilities and environmental health and safety.

As the pandemic has developed, sub committees and task forces have formed to evaluate possible changes to academics (instruction and learning, research, classroom configuration and sanitation, and the Library), student affairs, facilities, and return-to-campus measures. The return to campus group is focusing on topics ranging from the placement of additional hand sanitizer around campus and how to encourage proper social distancing and mask usage to how to resume in-person Mass on campus.

The working groups continue to monitor the latest guidance being presented by the CDC and District of Columbia. Reopening measures will meet (if not exceed) those safety precautions.

Employees who have specific questions or concerns about the pandemic and its effects on the University should contact their direct supervisor so that concerns can be forwarded to vice presidents and/or their representatives on the working groups. They can also send questions or suggestions to safereturnideas@cua.edu.