COVID-19 Campus Resources

Throughout the semester:

• Vaccinations are key to returning to normal operations. Converse University will now require all students, faculty, staff, and our Board of Trustees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of the Spring 2022 semester. This policy applies to all students, employees, and trustees who attend class, work, or engage in other activities at a Converse facility. This is our surest and quickest path toward a return to normal operations. Read more about the vaccine requirement here.
  • Those who have already started or completed vaccination should submit their information via the secure Vaccination Portal. Converse has partnered with DHEC and Healthy Me Healthy SC to offer occasional on-campus vaccination clinics. The VAXLocator can be used to find many other local community partners offering the vaccine.
• All residential students are required to have an isolation and quarantine plan in place.
• All residential students must complete and submit an isolation and quarantine plan to my.converse.edu at this link. Dedicated on-campus isolation and quarantine housing will be reserved for those students who live greater than 3 hours away or have extenuating circumstances affecting their ability to isolate or quarantine off campus. Should the need to isolate or quarantine arise, the Wellness Center and our Residential Life team have pulled together some additional guidelines and resources to aid in that process.
• Staying home if sick or having symptoms of COVID-19. Students or faculty who believe they may have had close contact with someone who is ill with COVID, or are exhibiting symptoms themselves, should seek advice from the Wellness Center on next steps. Honesty and prompt action are necessary for early detection of potential cases so offering flexibility in the program design to allow students to stay home when not well is important. Individuals who fall ill during the day may be asked to go home and seek further guidance before returning.
• Developing backup plans to offer continued coursework. Flexible planning should be developed and communicated if in the event an instructor or student needs to remain at home due to being ill or because of quarantine or isolation guidance.
• Encouraging routine testing to stay in the know. Whether through a local provider or taking part in Converse’s on-campus offerings, routine testing continues to remain an important way of understanding your health status. Results should be submitted to the Proof of Test portal.
  • Testing Protocol for the Unvaccinated: Converse students and employees who have not been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and those who have not shared with the University that they are fully vaccinated should be tested weekly for COVID-19, or until they upload proof of full vaccination. If the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) passes as currently written, testing for the unvaccinated will turn into a strict requirement. Testing is not required for the fully vaccinated unless one is having COVID-19 like symptoms or if one has come into close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 1) two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series (such as with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines); or 2) two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (such as Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine).
• Completing the daily health screening tool. This Daily Questionnaire should be completed by each student, faculty, and staff every day. Green, clearance checks should be verified at the beginning of each class and for supervisors, with each employee.
• Distancing of classroom and meeting spaces. Converse looks to maintain 6 feet of distancing where possible. Continue to follow the distancing requirements unless otherwise instructed.
• Use of masks that cover the nose and mouth. Proper face coverings must be worn in all indoor locations except when in private workspaces and applies to all regardless of vaccination status. This includes masking in classrooms and meeting spaces. Masks are not required while outdoors with the exception of large, crowded gatherings where physical distancing is not possible. Masks must be worn in the dining hall at all times except when actively eating and drinking.
• Cleaning and disinfecting to maintain healthy facilities. A supply of cleaning materials are offered in each classroom for use between classes or as needed, as well as routine, daily cleaning protocols in place by our custodial team. Frequent hand washing continues to remain an effective way to prevent the spread of germs.

Contact tracing

It is important that each student maintain an accurate phone number within My.Converse in the event they need to be contacted due to a possible exposure. Adherence to the recommendations of the Wellness Center and/or contact tracing team is essential to maintain a safe environment for all. Converse reserves the right to adapt these protocols if conditions or public health guidance changes to best serve and protect the students, faculty and others involved.

On-Campus Vaccination Clinics

Converse will be hosting onsite free vaccination clinics. Check the Testing and Vaccination Schedule for dates and details.

Scheduling is strongly encouraged to reserve your spot but walk-ins are welcome. Keep an eye out for future communications once the scheduling has been opened or check back on our Testing and Vaccination Schedule for more details.

Even if you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, Converse continues to encourage you to continue routine testing, as more is monitored and understood about the vaccine’s ability to stop the spread of the virus. Continued adherence to the other campus-wide protocols around masking, social distancing, hand hygiene and more is also required at this time even if you have had the vaccine. Thank you for taking this important step in mitigating the spread of the virus.

For additional questions on testing protocols, please contact the Wellness Center at wellnesscenter@converse.edu.

Submit your COVID test results

All results, including negatives, must be entered into the portal via this link. You will be asked to upload a copy of your test results to the portal and answer a few short questions related to your name, contact information. test type, date, and location. This step must be completed each time a new test result is received, including for pre-arrival and biweekly routine testing.

“Not detected” means you are negative for COVID-19; “Indeterminate” or “inconclusive” means that the test did not detect a clear positive or negative result. You must contact the Wellness Center at wellness@converse.edu or call 864-596-9258 for further instructions. “Detected” or “positive” means you are positive for COVID-19. You must contact the Wellness Center at wellness@converse.edu or call 864-596-9258 for further instructions.

Quarantine Requirements Based Upon Vaccination Status

Being vaccinated will greatly reduce your need to quarantine. Employees and students who have had COVID-19 in the last three months or who are fully vaccinated ( at least 14 days since the last dose) will not be required to quarantine if they have had close contact with someone who has or is suspected of having COVID-19. These individuals will need to continue to monitor their symptoms and will only need to quarantine or get tested if they develop new symptoms.

Converse’s Position on COVID-19 Vaccinations

Converse University will now require all students, faculty, staff, and our Board of Trustees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of the Spring 2022 semester. This policy applies to all students, employees, and trustees who attend class, work, or engage in other activities at a Converse facility.

• Current students click here
• New students click here
• Converse employees click here

Routine Testing Throughout the Term

All students, faculty, and staff are highly encouraged to test biweekly. At this time, this is highly encouraged but not required. As we continue to monitor conditions and our ability to continue operating safely during this pandemic, this may change. If the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) passes as currently written, testing for the unvaccinated will turn into a strict requirement. Check your Converse email and Daily Announcements frequently for updates. Athletes may be required to test more frequently in order to comply with NCAA guidelines and should consult with their coach for specific requirements related to their sport(s).

For those individuals who have had a positive COVID-19 test within the past three months, routine testing is recommended to start after that 3-month window has lapsed.

Converse continues to partner with local healthcare providers to offer on-site testing. Check the Testing and Vaccination Schedule for dates and details.

You are not required to isolate or quarantine while you wait for your test results if you are otherwise asymptomatic, have not been in close contact with a confirmed or presumptively positive case, and are only testing for routine purposes. Continue to practice health protocols found here.

If you are having symptoms, have been in close contact with another individual presumed or confirmed positive, or have been otherwise instructed by the Wellness Center to isolate or quarantine, you must continue to adhere to that guidance while awaiting results. Contact the Wellness Center upon receipt of your latest results for further guidance on next steps for your particular case.

All results, including negatives, must be entered into the Proof of Test portal on my.converse. You will be asked to upload a copy of your results to the portal and answer a few short questions related to your name, contact information, test type, date, and location. This step must be completed each time a new test result is received.

General Information About Testing

Your test information will be protected. Your test results will be highly protected and access will be limited to only essential personnel.

If you are planning to test during work hours, please always consult with your supervisor beforehand. Wait times may vary, so plan accordingly to minimize interruption to your work and school commitments.

If you have questions regarding testing, please refer to this chart.

For additional questions on testing protocols, please contact the Wellness Center at wellnesscenter@converse.edu.

Personal Safety Practices

We are implementing a screening and quarantining process for when you return to campus to mitigate virus spread. These screening and quarantining processes apply to all students, faculty, and staff who are working on campus. You can read more about testing protocols here.

Guidance for Masks/Face Coverings: After careful consideration of  CDC recommendations, Converse requires all students and employees to wear a face-covering or mask when in the presence of others and in indoor public settings (e.g., common workspaces, meeting rooms, classrooms, etc.) or outdoor public settings where physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Appropriate use of face masks or coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others near you. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. The mask or cloth face covering is not a substitute for social distancing. Masks/face coverings are to be worn and physical distancing is to be maintained at all times in shared campus community spaces such as kitchens, common areas, copier rooms, meeting rooms, and bathrooms.

It is permissible to wear cloth reusable face coverings, masks, or neck gaiters that have been made or purchased as long as these coverings:

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Are secured with ties, ear loops, or equivalent (if not a gaiter)
• Include multiple layers of fabric such that it is difficult to see light through the covering
• Allow for breathing without serious restriction
• Can be laundered without damage or change the shape

Face Mask Hygiene

Putting on the face mask/covering

• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer prior to handling the face mask/covering.
• Ensure the face mask/covering fits over the nose and under the chin.
• Situate the face mask/covering properly with nose wire snug against the nose (where applicable).
• Tie straps behind the head and neck or loop around the ears.
• Avoid touching the front of the face mask/covering throughout the process

Taking off the face mask/covering

• Wash or sanitize your hands before removing the mask. If that is not possible, then:
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth when removing the face mask/covering.
  • When taking off the face mask/covering, loop your finger into the strap and pull the strap away from the ear, or untie the straps.
• Wash hands immediately after removing.

Disposal of disposable face masks

• Keep face masks stored in a paper or plastic bag when not in use.
• Disposable face masks must not be used for more than one day and should be placed in a trash receptacle.
• Dispose of a face mask if it is visibly damaged (e.g., stretched ear loops, torn or punctured materials), dirty or visibly contaminated.

Care, storage and laundering of cloth face coverings

• Keep face-covering stored in a paper or plastic bag when not in use.
• Cloth face coverings must be washed after use for one day.
• Disinfecting method: Launder cloth face coverings with regular laundry detergent before first use and after each shift/day. (Disposable masks are not washable.)

Physical Distancing: Keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus and slowing its spread. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay at a safe distance from others, even when wearing a face covering and even if you have no symptoms. Physical distancing is important for everyone, especially to help protect people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Faculty, staff, and students on campus must follow these physical distancing practices:

• Stay at least 6 feet (about arms’ length) from other people at all times
• Do not gather in groups of 12 or more
• Avoid crowded places and mass gatherings

Handwashing: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. If soap and water is not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands after touching your face.

Coughing/Sneezing Hygiene: If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as the preferred form of hand hygiene in healthcare settings.

Cleaning/Disinfection: The Budd Group Housekeeping teams will clean based on CDC guidelines for disinfection. High touch (doorknobs, light switches, etc.) areas will be cleaned often. Facilities will also maintain hand-sanitizer stations at major building entrances, elevator stops, and high-traffic areas. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and monitoring systems will be assessed and readied prior to the reopening of buildings.

Thermometer: All students should bring their own digital thermometer in order to complete daily temperature checks.

Gloves: Gloves are not necessary for general use and should not replace good hand hygiene. Washing your hands often with soap and water is considered the best practice for common everyday tasks.

Daily Questionnaire: Students, faculty, and staff are required to answer a daily online questionnaire before they leave their residence hall, engage in Converse activities or before they start work (whether planning to work on campus or remotely). The questionnaire is a vital piece of monitoring our campus’ and the Converse community’s health and will ask: if they are awaiting results of a COVID-19 test; whether they have tested positive for COVID-19; whether they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive; and whether they have any symptoms of COVID-19. Upon completion of the questionnaire, an email confirmation will follow that either provides a green checkmark clearance for the day or a red “X” that instructs the student, faculty or staff member to follow up with their supervisor and the Wellness Center for further instruction. The daily green checkmark must be shown upon entering classrooms, the dining hall, events and other campus activities.

Classrooms: Students should be prepared to show their daily green checkmark upon entry into the classroom. Classroom assignments have been modified whenever possible to allow for social distancing of students.  Students may not enter a classroom if they are not wearing a face mask. Classroom buildings will have directional signage to encourage one-way traffic flow in stairwells and at entry/exit points.  Students may be asked to aid in the disinfecting of desks/work areas after classes.  Students should not congregate in the hallways or common areas and should follow social distancing guidelines.  Hand sanitizer will be available in classrooms.  Classes may utilize a variety of formats/teaching practices, so students should check their Converse email for communications on any changes. We highly encourage faculty and students to maintain assigned seating arrangements within the classroom to minimize the impact of contact tracing if a potential exposure arises.

Working in On-Campus Office Environments: If you work on campus in an open environment, be sure to maintain at least 6 feet distance from co-workers. If possible have at least one workspace separating you from another co-worker. You should wear a face mask or face covering at all times while in a shared workspace/room. A mask or face covering is not required if you are working alone in a confined office space (does not include partitioned work areas in a large open environment).

Using Elevators: Use of elevators should be limited where possible to avoid close proximity with others in a confined space. Those using elevators are required to wear a disposable face mask or face covering regardless of traveling alone or with others. Only two people should use an elevator at a time.

Using Restrooms: Wash your hands thoroughly afterward to reduce the potential transmission of the virus.

Meetings: Convening in groups increases the risk of viral transmission. Where feasible, meetings should be held in whole or part using the extensive range of available collaboration tools (e.g. Zoom, Google Meet, telephone, etc.). Employees are encouraged to conduct business meetings via Zoom or Google Meets for meetings of 12 or more where distancing cannot be maintained.

Meals: Before and after eating, you should wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the potential transmission of the virus. If dining on campus, you should wear your mask or face covering until you are ready to eat and then replace it afterward. You must maintain social distancing during meals.  Meals can also be taken to go and eaten outside.

Guest Screening Questionnaire

The health and safety of the Converse community remain our highest priority, and this includes visitors to our campus. Certain buildings and areas of campus may have different visitation restrictions so it is important to check with your Converse host for specific instructions pertaining to your visit and to answer any questions you may have. Visitation rules may be found here.

At this time, only enrolled students are allowed to visit other students within the residential halls. With the exception of scheduled move in, residential students are not allowed to host outside visitors.

To ensure a safe environment for our students, employees, and guests, all visitors must complete a health screening form prior to coming onto campus. A new form must be completed for each day that you need to be on campus and mirrors our daily student and employee screening. A member of our team will verify the completion of that form and that you have been granted access to the campus. If you receive a Not Cleared email response after your form completion or if you are feeling ill, do not come to campus and notify your Converse host of the reason. We will assist in finding an alternative approach or will reschedule your visit for a later date.

Our campus is a perfect backdrop for engagement, graduation and wedding photos. To minimize campus exposure to COVID-19 we now require anyone wishing to take photos on campus to complete a request form. A campus representative will respond to your request within two business days.

Students may have visitors for certain Converse Activity Board (CAB) planned events unless CAB limits the event to students only. Each student is limited to only one visitor per event and the student will be responsible for the visitor’s actions while on campus. The visitor must show event staff their cleared form to enter the event.

While on campus, all permitted visitors must comply with Converse’s COVID-19 safety protocols including those for face coverings, social distancing and posted signage while we also encourage good hand hygiene throughout the day. Below are quick links to the applicable policies that you should familiarize yourself with prior to your visit.

• Face-Covering (Mask) Policy
• Social/Physical Distancing Policy

For visitors to special performances, guests are required to adhere to our masking and physical distancing guidelines. Residential students who are vaccinated may have vaccinated visitors in their rooms.

Thank you for your adherence to all health and safety guidelines to keep our Converse community safe.

Social Distancing: Students should minimize engaging in parties and large scale events during the 14 days prior to arrival on campus or start of classes.

Accommodations: Any student requesting accommodations should follow the established request procedure on My.Converse.

Housing Access:  Converse University students may visit other students in residence halls. Students are expected to wear masks when visiting others in the residence halls. Students are encouraged to socialize outdoors or in common spaces with guests or friends who are not Converse University students.

Housing Common Areas: Common area spaces in the residence halls like study spaces, lobbies, computer labs, and kitchens will be open. All common areas will have posted maximum capacity occupation limits.

Students are expected to abide by social distancing protocols when in commons spaces. In an effort to assist students with distancing, we have reduced and rearranged furniture in commons spaces and posted signs with limited capacity requirements. Students should follow posted guidelines that will help identify paths of travel to prevent close interactions and maximum capacity limitations in common spaces.

Students will not be allowed to store open items or dishes in residence hall kitchens. Any open or used grocery items, dishes, or other items will be disposed of immediately. Converse will not replace discarded items.

In residential bathrooms, students should practice physical distancing and follow any additional posted guidelines for use. Common area bathrooms will be cleaned multiple times daily.

Health and Safety Checks: Students are required to clean and disinfect weekly in rooms and shared in-suite spaces. The Residential Life staff will increase the frequency of scheduled room health and safety inspections. Students are advised to discuss and outline expectations for cleaning in roommate/ suite contracts. Inspections will include bathrooms and kitchens in suites and apartments.

Student Support: Our Converse Cares and Student Development teams will be providing support if we receive information that a student is struggling with adjustment to these challenging times. Concerns can be reported at https://converse.formstack.com/forms/converse_cares

Residential Community Health and Safety: Converse has implemented a number of practices to support the health and wellness of residential students. These practices include enhanced cleaning and sanitization, physical distancing guidelines for commons spaces, reduced occupancy of residence halls, and the development of virtual programming models:

• High-touch areas like door handles and elevator buttons will be cleaned throughout the day. Hand sanitizer stations will be posted at all building entrances and exits. Common area and hall bathrooms will be cleaned daily. Hall bathrooms will have spray cleaner on hand for use by residents before or after use.
• Common area spaces in the residence halls like study spaces and lounges will be open; to encourage physical distancing, furniture may be rearranged in those spaces. Students should follow posted guidelines that will help identify ways to yield to others and outline maximum capacity in each space.
• Students will be expected to wear face masks in public spaces like hallways and common areas. In residential bathrooms, students should wear masks when possible, practice social distancing, and follow any additional posted guidelines for use.

Room Change: In most cases, housing assignments will not be changed during the term. In some rare instances, students who already have a housing assignment for the term may need to move based on their requests for housing accommodations and our ability to fulfill their needs in their currently assigned space. Upon arrival, students with extenuating circumstances may address concerns and requests with their Resident Director or the Director of Residential Life.

Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSAA) 2020
Converse has received supplemental funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSAA). A portion of these funds is being made available to students who have experienced financial hardship and/or an emergency as a result of the pandemic.

Download the 2021 Student Benevolence Fund CRRSAA Relief Emergency Assistance Application here

CARES Act

Converse received funding under the CARES Act to help students whose education has been disrupted by this pandemic. To receive these funds, you must have filed a FAFSA.

Read about how the CARES Act assists Converse students:

Cares Act Consumer Information and Disclosure

The following disclosures are in compliance with Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) reporting as required by the Office of Postsecondary Education.

• Higher Education Relief Institutional Funds Final Disclosure as of December 31, 2021
• Higher Education Emergency Relief III Institutional Funds Disclosure as of December 31, 2021
• Higher Education Emergency Relief III Strengthening Institutions Program Disclosure as of December 31, 2021
• Higher Education Emergency Relief III Institutional Funds Disclosure as of September 30, 2021
• Higher Education Emergency Relief III Strengthening Institutions Program Disclosure as of September 30, 2021

• Higher Education Emergency Relief II Strengthening Institutions Program Final Disclosure as of March 31, 2021
• Higher Education Emergency Relief II Institutional Funds Final Disclosure as of March 31, 2021
• CARES Act Emergency Grants to Students Final Disclosure as of September 30, 2020
• Higher Education Relief Strengthening Institutions Program Final Disclosure as of September 30, 2020
• Higher Education Relief Institutional Funds Final Disclosure as of September 30, 2020
• Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (HEERF II) Disclosure

Study-travel programs have resumed for Jan term 2022.

Internships

Internships will move forward on an individual basis, either online or in-person, taking into account the public health conditions and the willingness of the internship site to continue to receive interns. Cathy Gowan will work with students on their specific internship.

Student Teaching

Student teaching will follow the guidance of the State Department of Education and individual school districts, keeping in mind public health conditions.

Converse Faculty and Staff Policies and Resources

• https://my.converse.edu/ICS/Offices/Human_Resources/COVID-19_Policies_and_Resources.jnz

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Web Page

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Our Task Force has developed a student-athlete return protocol that includes guidance on athletic activities, from practices to competitions. Converse has experienced higher infection rates in student-athletes than in the general student population in keeping with national data. To return to regular athletic practices and scheduling, we need our student-athletes to be vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccines.

The NCAA will continue to require regular testing for unvaccinated student-athletes. South Carolina is closing many of its free vaccination clinics. Students who are not vaccinated and require testing to compete may be required to pay for their own testing to participate in athletics.

Our main priority is to ensure the health and safety of our campus community.

To return to normal music ensemble practices and performance, we need our performers to be vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination.

As other activities are identified as inherently at risk for the spread of infection, individuals will be notified and events may be curtailed until they can be performed safely due to the vaccination rates and/or herd immunity of the participants.

If you or any close contacts are diagnosed with COVID-19, call the Wellness Center at 864.596.9258 immediately so we can respond.

The best way to prevent viral illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. As a reminder, everyday preventive actions help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

See additional up-to-date information and resources on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Web Page

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Symptoms of COVID-19

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html

S.C. Department of Mental Health

• https://scdmh.net/welcome/covid-19-resources/

CDC Travel Health Notices

• https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

Coronavirus Cases in the United States Reported to CDC

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

• https://www.scdhec.gov/health/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
• Problem Gambling and Sports Help and Advice