Safe Campus

New CSU Campus Safety Protocols

Magnus standing with Cleveland State University students wearing masks

SPRING SEMESTER 2022 COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

Thanks to your commitment to our COVID-19 safety protocols and our track record of success in providing a safe environment, we remain deeply committed to providing a near-full slate of on-campus classes and activities for you this spring. Please keep these safeguards, guidelines, recommendations and reporting requirements in mind as we begin the spring semester and continue operating in this “new normal.”

Campus Mask Mandate Changes Effective 3/7/2022

Effective Monday, March 7, 2022, our campus mask mandate will change. Previously, masks covering both your nose and mouth were required indoors in CSU facilities for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. As we move into the last half of spring semester 2022 – our third year in the COVID-19 pandemic – recent national and local declines in new cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to change how community risk is assessed and adjust recommendations on masking.

The new guidelines are now based upon COVID levels by community and vaccination status. In line with new CDC guidelines and given that Cuyahoga County is currently rated as “medium risk,” and the county has ended the indoor mask mandate for its facilities, we will begin rolling back our campus mask requirements.

Starting Monday, March 7, masks will only be required in our classrooms and laboratories, where spaces are more confined and there are less opportunities for physical distancing. Masks will be recommended, but not required, in all other indoor spaces on campus, including offices, meeting rooms, recreational facilities and common areas. Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to continue wearing masks (indoors and outdoors) when they cannot practice physical distancing. 

Thank you for continuing to keep our CSU family safe and healthy.

Vaccination and Boosters Offer Best Protection

The science has never been clearer. Vaccination plus a booster shot offers the absolute best protection against serious illness, hospitalization or death from COVID-19. Vaccines and boosters are readily available.

CSU Health and Wellness Services continues to provide free vaccinations and booster shots for students, faculty and staff every Tuesday and booster shots on Wednesdays by appointment in Room 205 at the Center for Innovation in Medical Professions (2112 Euclid Avenue). Call 216-687-3649 to schedule.

If you have questions or concerns, contact your primary care physician and refer to the CDC website. Please note that when you arrive for your booster appointment, you must have your CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card with you, or the vaccine will not be administered. If your card is lost, please contact your vaccination provider directly to access your vaccination records prior to your appointment time.

COVID-19 Testing

Get tested if you are symptomatic or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. Testing is also available and free for all students, faculty and staff. We strongly encourage unvaccinated individuals to be tested regularly.

The testing center is located on the first floor of the CIMP Building and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (beginning Jan. 18), Monday-Friday. Results are available immediately. Testing is free and open to all members of the university community.

Tests are also available through the covidtests.gov website.

What to Do if You Test Positive

If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate and follow CDC guidelines. Stay home!

  • FOR STUDENTS: Please email our CARE team and let your course instructors know that you will not be in classes. We have asked faculty to provide resources for you to keep up with your course work.
     
  • FOR FACULTY AND STAFF: If you test positive, isolate and follow CDC guidelines. Please notify your supervisor and Human Resources at 216-687-3636. Faculty teaching courses should also review the procedures, guidance and overview of available resources provided by Vice Provost John Holcomb shared via Campusnet on Jan. 12.
     
  • Contact your medical provider.

What to Do if You’re Not Feeling Well

If you’re sick, stay home! The health and safety of you, your classmates, your colleagues and our entire community remains our top priority. If you are sick, please stay home and get better before returning to campus.

Building Improvements for Better Air Quality

We have completed enhancements to our heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in our residence halls, high-traffic buildings and major classroom buildings. These upgraded systems are designed to improve air quality and may provide additional protection from viruses like COVID and remove other contaminants. 

Mental Health and Wellness Assistance

We understand that you may have concerns or anxiety about fully returning to the classroom or the workplace–please take care of your mental health! Help is available.

  • FOR STUDENTS: If you wish to seek mental health support and assistance, it is available for you 24/7 through the CSU Counseling Center.
     
  • FOR FACULTY AND STAFF: Employees can get support through Impact Solutions, our employee assistance program.

    Recognizing the added strain that the pandemic has placed on all of us, CSU is pleased to be able to add an additional paid “mental health day” off for all full-time university employees this year. Human Resources will share more details on the process for using this benefit soon.