COVID-19 Campus Protocols & FAQ’s

POLICY

Who is required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

All Converse students, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees members are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 if they attend class, work or engage in other activities at a Converse facility for any length of time, unless an approved exemption is on file.

Individuals can upload proof of vaccination to Converse’s secure portal

Employees: This applies to all employees except those who already have a fully remote work plan on file within Human Resources.

Students: This applies to all students except those enrolled exclusively in fully online programs and coursework and who will not access University facilities on any campus in person.

I am an employee working remotely, does this policy apply to me?

This policy applies to any employee with an on-campus presence or who is participating in in-person University activities. The policy does not apply to employees who work entirely remote or who do not access University facilities on any campus in person. Record of remote work plans must already be approved by the supervisor and on file with Human Resources.

I am a student taking only online classes, does this policy apply to me?

This policy applies to any student with an on-campus presence or who is participating in in-person University activities. The policy does not apply to students enrolled exclusively in fully online programs and coursework who will not access University facilities on any campus in person.

What if I’m not fully vaccinated?

On February 1, 2022, Converse began enforcing penalties for those found to not be in compliance with this requirement. Measures may include exclusion from co-curricular activities and health surcharges for both students and employees. Penalties may be revoked as individuals come into compliance.

Students who have outstanding fines will get a hold placed on their registration and academic records. This includes a hold on transcript requests. These holds will remain in place until the fine is paid.

Once I am vaccinated, do I still have to wear a mask?

Converse’s currently masking policy applies regardless of vaccination status. Proper face coverings must be worn in the following spaces:

• Instructional spaces during in-person classes
• Healthcare facilities including the Wellness Center and testing sites,
• Certain offices, departments or labs may still require face coverings depending on the work space needs

Masks are not required indoors at non-instructional university facilities including the dining hall, residence halls, offices and when moving through other buildings on campus. Some university events may still require masks which will be communicated by event organizers.

All current health protocols can be found on the Converse Campus Guidelines webpage.

Converse has a Non-Discrimination / Non-Retaliation Policy. How does this apply to the COVID-19 vaccination requirements?

Under the protection of EEO laws, Converse does not discriminate against its employees (or applicants) with regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability and genetic information (including family medical history), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Converse also accommodates disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs to the extent required by law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon Converse and/or be a direct risk to the health and safety of others.

COVID-19 vaccination exemption requests are reviewed on a case by case basis and in the event that the request is denied, Converse employees are protected against retaliation.

If you believe that you have been treated in a manner not in accordance with this policy, please notify Human Resources immediately.

Are volunteers, campus visitors, contractors and guests required to be vaccinated?

The vaccine requirement does not apply to volunteers, campus visitors, guests, and most contractors but Converse does strongly encourage that everyone is vaccinated against COVID-19 or test weekly. Separate protocols have been put in place for contractors that have a routine, daily presence on our campus. Everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, is required to adhere to campus protocols on all Converse campuses.

VACCINATION DOCUMENTATION

What constitutes official proof of vaccination?

All employees must provide official documentation of vaccination that includes the name of the vaccine received and the date(s) vaccinated. This documentation may include the CDC Vaccination Card received from the provider who administered the vaccine, World Health Organization Yellow Book, or official documentation from a medical provider.

Anyone who submits false or inaccurate information during the verification process will be subject to disciplinary action that can include dismissal from the University.

How can I upload my vaccination card?

Students and employees can access the confidential COVID-19 Vaccination Portal by logging into my.converse. The form will ask a few short questions and ask you to upload a PDF or image of your vaccination record.

If you don’t have a scanner, simply take a picture of your vaccination card and save as an image in one of the following formats – .png, .jpg, .jpeg, or .pdf.

If you are still having trouble, please contact the Wellness Center for further assistance.

Does Converse require the third dose or booster?

Converse encourages those who are eligible to receive a third dose or “booster” of the COVID-19 vaccine to increase protection against the virus. While it is not required at this time, Converse does ask for those who have received this third dose to upload documentation within the same confidential COVID-19 Vaccination Portal, selecting “Third Dose/Booster”.

Who sees the vaccination information I upload, and how will that information be used?

Information you upload as proof of vaccination is considered confidential and will only be reviewed by professional staff in the Converse Wellness Center and Accessibility Services. Individual vaccination data will be used only if needed for compliance measures and for public health purposes such as contact tracing.

How can I check to make sure Converse has a record of my vaccination?

To verify that your vaccination record has been successfully uploaded, log into my.converse and then select the View My Vaccination Proof Submission. Here, you will be able to see all submissions as well as view a copy of your uploaded vaccination record.

What types of vaccinations are acceptable?

Converse currently recognizes the following vaccines under this policy:

• Pfizer (two dose)
• Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (one dose)
• Vaccines currently approved under a WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL)
• Moderna (two dose)

COMPLIANCE AND EXEMPTIONS

What exemptions are allowed under this policy?

Students, faculty, and staff can apply for an exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.

• Current students click here to apply for an exemption.
• Employees click here to apply for an exemption.

I have been approved for an exemption. What can I expect?

Those students and employees who are granted a reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons may not be subject to penalties but may be asked to follow additional health measures such as but not limited to surveillance testing, and adherence to isolation and quarantine measures as recommended by contact tracing staff. Specific instructions will be provided by email.

I’ve received antibody testing, which shows that I have antibodies to COVID-19. Can I submit these test results instead of being vaccinated or requesting an exemption?

The CDC, FDA, and South Carolina DHEC do not recommend using antibody testing for the purposes of determining whether or not a person needs to quarantine. As such, Converse is unable to accept antibody test results to fulfill these requirements.

Antibody testing can indicate if a person has been previously exposed to SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In some cases, it can even measure a person’s level of antibodies. However, these tests cannot confirm that a person has the level of immunity required to prevent or reduce the severity of another COVID infection.

Can I use the Wellness Center to get the needed health provider attestation for my exemption request?

No. In order to continue to accommodate the demand for medical services, the nurse practitioner at the Wellness Center will not be able to sign exemption forms.

I’ve received antibody testing, which shows that I have antibodies to COVID-19. Can I submit these test results instead of being vaccinated or requesting an exemption?

The CDC, FDA, and South Carolina DHEC do not recommend using antibody testing for the purposes of determining whether or not a person needs to quarantine. As such, Converse is unable to accept antibody test results to fulfill these requirements.

Why has Converse decided to require COVID-19 vaccines for its students and employees?

The health and safety of our campus is our top priority. Being vaccinated provides our campus with a greater chance of slowing down the spread of COVID-19 across our campus and significantly reducing the chance of a COVID-19 outbreak at Converse.

I am planning to travel during the semester on a study abroad trip. Will exemptions be allowed?

All students and faculty planning to attend a Converse sponsored travel (domestic or international) will be required to have documentation of full vaccination on file before you are able to depart for the trip. Exemption waivers will not be allowed for these individuals to protect the health of the traveler.

Travelers will also be required to submit wellness plans should they fall ill while traveling and may be asked to take additional health precautions before, during, and following the trip. All travel is subject to additional requirements that may be enforced by airlines, country of destination and other third parties. Consult with your faculty advisor for more details.

ACCESS TO VACCINATION AND TESTING

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Converse hosts onsite free vaccination clinics throughout the semester. Check the Testing and Vaccination Schedule for dates and details. Scheduling is strongly encouraged to reserve your spot but walk-ins are welcome.

Also, you can use DHEC’s Vax Locator or Vaccines.gov to find a nearby vaccination provider.

Do I have to be tested during the term for COVID-19?

The CDC recommends that individuals who are unvaccinated should be tested weekly. 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. 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).

Converse continues to partner with local healthcare providers to offer on-campus testing. Check the Testing and Vaccination Schedule for dates and details or find another provider by using the DHEC Testing Location tool.

• Stay 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 complete the Daily Health Screener AND seek advice from the Wellness Center on next steps.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19. Report any new vaccinations including boosters on the Vaccination Portal. Refer to the vaccination guidelines and FAQs for full details on the vaccination policy including the process to request a medical or religious accommodation.
• Test routinely 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.
• Wear a mask in specific areas of campus. Converse is mask optional in most on-campus, indoor settings, now including within instructional spaces. Some exclusions still apply. Masks will still be required:
  • In healthcare facilities including the Wellness Center and testing/vaccination sites;
  • When students and employees are following Wellness Center protocols following close contact or an isolation/quarantine period, and
  • At some university events. Event organizers are responsible for communicating if an event requires masks of its guests.

Do I have to wear a face-covering? Where do I have to wear it?

• Converse will be mask optional in most on-campus, indoor settings, now including within instructional spaces. Some exclusions still apply. Masks will still be required:
  • In healthcare facilities including the Wellness Center and testing/vaccination sites;
  • When students and employees are following Wellness Center protocols, and
  • At some university events. Event organizers are responsible for communicating if an event requires masks of its guests.

While masks are optional on-campus, anyone who would like to continue wearing masks in any setting is welcome to do so. Converse is a community that welcomes diversity of beliefs, and individuals should not be questioned about their decision to wear a mask nor discouraged or prohibited from wearing them.

What do classes/classrooms look like now?

Converse is holding in person classes and classroom assignments have been modified whenever possible to allow for social distancing of students. At this time, proper face coverings are required when in the classroom. Students who are not feeling well should report symptoms through the health questionnaire and should consult with the Wellness Center before returning to the classroom. Sanitization supplies are available in each classroom alongside hand sanitizer stations at each main building entrance.

Will any classes be taught outside?

Converse has established outdoor learning environments. Faculty members will instruct when classes may be moved to these alternative locations. These spaces will also be available for clubs and organizations to meet.

What is the status of the study-travel program?

Study-travel programs have resumed. COVID-19 Protocols will follow all country and third-party travel requirements. Contact your faculty adviser for specific details about related protocols.

How do we report if a classroom or lab setting is not following proper safety protocols?

You may contact President Boone Hopkins or Provost Lienne Medford if you feel safety protocols are not being adhered to on-campus.

What will happen to my internship or student teaching if the term has to be partially or fully completed online?

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 each student on their internship.

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

What happens to my work-study if Converse shifts to online learning?

The federal work-study program and the ability to receive payments under that program will depend upon your status as a student, whether you can continue to work given Converse’s status, and the federal government’s guidance.

If I have to be isolated or quarantined due to COVID-19, how can I still ensure I’ll be academically successful?

Converse faculty and staff want you to succeed. You can move your class to be online-only if you become ill. If you become seriously ill, you can take a medical withdrawal without penalty. Communication with your faculty members is the key to success.

What if I come in contact with someone who is diagnosed with or presumed to have COVID-19?

Students who have come in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or is presumed to have COVID-19 should report it on the daily questionnaire and contact the Wellness Center (864.596.9258) during regular business hours or the COVID-19 Hotline (864.680.3915) during evenings and weekends to determine their next steps.

Students who need to isolate or quarantine will be asked to do so at home.

Do I have to wear a face-covering in my room?

No, you don’t have to wear it in your room. Masks are encouraged but optional when in the hallway/bathrooms/communal spaces of your residence hall.

Do employees have to wear a face mask in shared spaces if they are the only person present?

Masks are not required in individual offices or shared workspaces except where otherwise designated. Individual circumstances can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in consultation with Human Resources.

Can I have visitors and overnight guests in my room/residence hall?

Outside guests are not permitted within residential halls. Students may have visitors for certain Converse Activity Board (CAB) planned events unless CAB limits the event to students only. Check with your Converse host for specific instructions pertaining to your visitors and to answer any questions you may have. Full visitation rules may be found here.

While on campus, all permitted visitors must comply with Converse’s COVID-19 safety protocols. Students are encouraged to socialize outdoors or in common spaces. Students are expected to abide by social distancing protocols when in commons spaces. All students and visitors must abide by physical distancing and occupancy capacity signs where posted.

What does dining look like now?

Dining services has adapted operations to incorporate physical distancing, enhanced sanitization protocols, and modified service style.

All dining staff of Gee and Freshens will remain masked except when eating and we also continue our rigorous cleaning protocols throughout. Appropriate personal protection will be worn by all employees based on their role and responsibilities and in adherence to state and local regulations and guidance. Training on how to properly use, proper laundering and dispose of all personal protective gear is mandatory.

All employees change gloves frequently, including after handwashing and in between tasks. There is an increased frequency of swapping serving utensils and platters during and after service times, with full sanitizing and disinfecting of food contact surface areas, serving areas, cooler door handles. Service stations, service carts, beverage stations, counters, and handrails are sanitized frequently.

Will you provide disinfecting supplies to students?

Students will need to provide supplies for their individual spaces or in suites or apartments.

I’m part of a club/ organization that meets on campus. How many people can meet in a room? Do we have to physically distance? There will be signs in communal areas advising you of the maximum capacity for that specific area. Physical distancing is expected within these spaces. We are depending on you to follow the COVID-19 campus guidelines in order to keep our campus community safe.

What do I do if I see someone  not adhering to safety/social distancing guidelines on campus?

Gently remind the person of the guidelines and that they signed an agreement to follow the rules.  If that doesn’t work, remind them of your obligation under the Honor Code to report them if they do not follow those rules.  Finally, notify the Dean of Students Office.

What if I am diagnosed with COVID-19 during the term? Will I have to leave campus?

Students must provide a plan as to how they will be able to safely complete an isolation or quarantine order off campus if the situation arises. Converse does not offer on campus isolation housing at this time.

What happens if there’s another COVID-19 outbreak during the term?

If the outbreak is serious and exceeds Converse’s capacity to quarantine, then Converse will revert to a hybrid learning scenario where most courses will take place online.

For less severe outbreaks, students who are symptomatic or who test positive will be asked to return home, if it is safe for them to do so. Courses will be delivered online for students who are isolated or quarantined. Students must communicate with the Wellness Center for this accommodation to be authorized.

How is Converse assessing risk levels on campus and within the community?

The COVID-19 Response Team has developed a 4-level system that assesses the risk of COVID-19 community spread. The COVID-19 Response Team will continually evaluate our current level based on information that we receive from DHEC, campus reports, and other relevant stakeholders and will provide updates should the level of risk change.

We are currently at LEVEL 0 on the Converse campus.

See the Operating Status Level section for a breakdown of each level and how it affects the campus.

Do I have to wear a face-covering? Where do I have to wear it?

Converse will be mask optional in most on-campus, indoor settings, now including within instructional spaces. Some exclusions still apply. Masks will still be required:

• In healthcare facilities including the Wellness Center and testing/vaccination sites;
• When students and employees are following Wellness Center protocols; and
• At some university events. Event organizers are responsible for communicating if an event requires masks of its guests.

While masks will be optional, anyone who would like to continue wearing masks in any setting is welcome to do so. Converse is a community that welcomes diversity of beliefs, and individuals should not be questioned about their decision to wear a mask nor discouraged or prohibited from wearing them.

If I had tested positive for COVID-19, but either remained asymptomatic or exhibited symptoms and recovered, and I take a second test prior to returning to campus, and it comes back positive (but I am asymptomatic), does this mean that I cannot return?

If this is your situation, please contact the Wellness Center at 864.596.9258 to discuss the next steps.

Is Converse offering free COVID-19 testing to its students, staff and faculty?

Converse hosts COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Clinics in partnership with community providers. View the MUSC Testing and Vaccination Schedule for dates and details.

What is Converse’s position on COVID-19 Vaccinations?
Converse requires all students and employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, except for those who require medical or religious exemptions.

All medical and religious COVID-19 vaccination exemption requests can be submitted here:

• Current students click here
• Employees click here

What do I do if I have been exposed to someone with COVID-19?

Notify the Wellness Center and stay isolated until you receive further guidance. Depending upon the level of exposure and your current health conditions, you may either be allowed to return to campus, you may be required to isolate, and/or you may need to be tested beginning at 7 days post-exposure.

What do I do if I see someone (student/faculty/staff) not adhering to safety/social distancing guidelines on campus?

Gently remind the person of the guidelines and that they signed an agreement to follow the rules. If that doesn’t work, remind them of your obligation under the Honor Code to report them if they do not follow those rules. Finally, notify the Dean of Students Office.