Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Policies and Protocols
Health and Safety Policies and Protocols
Published February 24, 2021
- Campus Security
All Maryville Community Members, including students, staff and faculty (“Community Members”) will be required to show their Saints ID (digital credential) or parking permit to enter campus. All guests will be required to check-in with Public Safety staff at the campus entrance; however, only guests who are pre-approved and complete the mandatory health screening will be permitted on campus.
- Mandatory Reporting and Health Screening
All Community Members are responsible for personally assessing their own health and reporting COVID-19 diagnosis, symptoms, and exposure to the University by completing the required online Health Screening Survey each day. In an effort to monitor the overall health and wellness of the community, all Community Members are required to complete the Health Screening Survey daily, even if you will not be on campus. The survey must be completed no later than 12:00p.m. (Noon) each day or before arriving on campus or before leaving your residential room/apartment, whichever is earlier. A personalized version of the daily Health Screening Survey will be emailed to Community Members each morning. The link in the email is unique to each person and should not be shared. The link in the email is unique to each person and should not be shared. Alternatively, you can go to the SaintStrong website and find a link to the survey should you not have access to your email link.
All Community Members are required to notify the University through the daily health screening survey if they:- Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
- Have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (Closer than 6 feet for any length of time) within the last 14 days.
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 either through a positive test result or presumed positive.
Individuals are expected to check their own temperature and report if they have a fever as part of the health screening survey. Information provided in the health screening survey must be honest and accurate. Maryville will continue to monitor public health guidance and may adjust health screening questions accordingly.
Community Members reporting COVID-19 symptoms and/or close contact (closer than 6 feet for any length of time) with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days must remain at home or in their residential space until contacted by the University’s Health and Wellness Office, the Office of Human Resources, or other University officials.
Any guests approved to be on campus, including family members assisting with move-in/move-out, must complete the online health screening survey before arriving on campus. Details will be provided to residential students as part of the move-in/move-out process. Employees who receive approval to host a guest on campus, should check ADP for information on guest health screening protocols.
Health Professions faculty and students following the health and safety requirements at their workplace do not need to notify the University of potential workplace exposure to COVID-19; however, individuals are required to report development of COVID-19 symptoms or diagnosis consistent with the University’s reporting requirements.
In circumstances where a Community Member is unable to complete the health screening survey, notification may be provided by contacting Maryville’s Health and Wellness Office at (314) 529-9520 or healthandwellness@maryville.edu.
Maryville intends to communicate with state and local health agencies about reported symptoms, exposures, and diagnosis of COVID-19.
- Community Members With COVID-19 Exposure, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Exposure
Individuals with close contact to someone with COVID-19 may be required to complete a 10 to 14-day quarantine before returning to Campus Activities and monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. The exact quarantine period will be determined by the Health & Wellness Office or the individual’s primary care provider based on a review of their individual circumstances.
Campus Activities include, but are not limited to:
- On-campus activities such as reporting to work on campus, attending classes in-person, socializing on campus, participating in any athletics, recreation or student organization activities, utilizing any campus facilities such as the library, exercise facility, dining center, etc.
- Off-campus activities such as athletics, recreation or student organization events and University-sponsored or sanctioned activities
- For residential students, you should quarantine in your residential room AND contact the Health and Wellness Office
If you learn you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 you should:
- Notify the University using the Health Screening Survey.
- For non-residential students and employees, you should leave campus immediately and/or not return to campus until the quarantine period has concluded, and you have no COVID-19 symptoms; however, this could be extended if you are diagnosed with COVID-19;
- For residential students, you should quarantine in your residential room AND immediately contact the Health and Wellness Office at (314) 529-9520 or healthandwellness@maryville.edu to determine appropriate protocols.
Students will be able to continue to participate in their courses remotely. The exact quarantine period will be determined by the Health & Wellness Office or the individual’s primary care provider based on a review of their individual circumstances.
Employees should contact Human Resources to discuss work expectations.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms or are diagnosed with COVID-19, you must:
- Immediately leave campus (non-residential students and employees) or quarantine/isolate in your residential room (residential students), unless provided with other instructions.
- Contact your primary health care provider to determine if testing is warranted. You can also call the St. Louis County COVID-19 Hotline at 314-615-2660. Students can also contact Maryville’s Health and Wellness Office.
- Follow your health care provider’s directives.
- Notify the University using the Health Screening Survey.
- Individuals experiencing symptoms or who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 must remain off-campus (employees or non-residential students) or in on-campus quarantine/isolation (residential students) until meeting the following conditions as recommended by the CDC and are cleared to return to Campus Activities by Maryville’s Health and Wellness Office:
- Fever-free without the use of fever reducers for 3 consecutive days;
- Symptoms have improved and
- 10 days since symptoms first appeared.
Maryville may require individuals to provide documentation from their local county health department (required in St. Louis County) or a healthcare provider before returning to campus or lifting residential isolation requirements.
Maryville will work with public health officials to determine whether alternate housing should be provided for any residential students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are diagnosed with COVID-19. Residential students may be able to isolate in their current living space, may be required to relocate to alternative housing for the isolation period, or may be asked to return home. Residential Life and the Health and Wellness Office have developed protocols so that isolated residential students will continue to have access to services such as meals, mail/package delivery, and trash removal.
Students will be able to continue to participate in their courses remotely. The University will notify a student’s instructors about their need to participate in courses remotely, but students should also make contact with each instructor to discuss specific requirements for each course affected by their remote attendance.
Requests for additional accommodations related to short-term or long-term disabilities associated with COVID-19 should still be submitted through the Office of Disability Support and Success at (314) 529-9347 or afuller2@maryville.edu.
Employees should contact Human Resources to discuss work expectations.
Contact Tracing and Communication
Maryville will report any positive cases of COVID-19 to county health officials and follow their directives regarding notifications and mitigation efforts. Maryville will consult with public health officials regarding appropriate next steps, which may include contact tracing, individual and community notifications, and specialized cleaning. All community members are expected to fully cooperate with contact tracing efforts. Additionally, Maryville will work with public health officials to identify any individuals who were exposed and need to be personally notified or any additional actions to be taken.
Our SaintStrong website provides a log of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Due to privacy laws, there is limited information we can provide in relation to positive cases of COVID-19. Maryville provides weekly updates of confirmed on-campus COVID-19 cases (individual was on-campus within 5 days prior to a positive test result).
- Face Covering Requirements
Consistent with St. Louis County guidelines, the University requires all Community Members to wear a face covering in the following settings on campus:
- Fitness Centers/Gyms – Face coverings are required at all times in all indoor fitness centers/gyms, including when exercising.
- Athletics – All athletes participating in a sporting event while not actively playing.
- Dining Facilities – Face coverings are required while picking up food orders, walking through the dining hall, disposing of food waste and in all general areas of dining facilities. Once seated, while distanced from others by 6 feet, face coverings can be removed while actively consuming food or beverages.
- All other Indoor Spaces – Face coverings are required at all times in all indoor spaces unless students are in their residential room/apartment without guests or employees are alone in their office.
- All Outdoor Settings – Face coverings are required in all outdoor settings, including outdoor exercise, when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet is not possible.
- Attending Maryville Meetings, Events, and Gatherings – Face coverings are required for all individuals attending Maryville meetings, events, and gatherings, including indoor and outdoor, and on and off-campus meetings, events, and gatherings.
Individuals who violate the Face Covering Requirements may be immediately removed from campus or other University property as an interim measure. An interim removal may extend through completion of disciplinary proceedings under the student code of conduct and/or employee handbook, as applicable. Interim removals shall be in the University’s sole discretion and are not subject to a hearing, challenge, appeal, or other form of review. Removals may be made permanent as a result of a disciplinary finding.
“Face Coverings” for the purpose of this policy, means a device, usually made of cloth, that covers the nose and mouth. Cloth face coverings are recommended for the general public over surgical or N95 respirators which should be reserved for medical professionals and first responders. Bandanas, gaiters, and face shields are not approved face coverings. Maryville faculty, staff and on-campus students will each receive two reusable masks. Maryville will continue to monitor public health guidance and may adjust face covering requirements accordingly.
Individuals who feel that they are unable to wear a face covering, should contact the Office of Disability Support and Success (students) at (314) 529-9347 or afuller2@maryville.edu or the Office of Human Resources (employees) at (314) 529-9478 or hr@maryville.edu to request an accommodation.
- Social Distancing Requirements
Consistent with CDC guidelines, all Community Members are required to maintain 6 feet of physical distance in all public spaces, which includes all indoor and outdoor spaces unless in a residential room/apartment without guests or alone in an office. When exercising on campus, whether indoors or outdoors, individuals must maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from each other.
Community Members are also encouraged to limit close contact with others outside of their household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside facilities, individuals are encouraged to keep right in stairwells and hallways and to make every effort to maintain social distancing.
Maryville University recognizes that there may be limited circumstances including, but not limited to certain academic instructional situations, athletic competitions and practices, etc. where maintaining physical distance is not possible. All reasonable steps should be taken to limit interactions that are not physically distanced and other appropriate safety protocols should be observed including wearing face coverings and observing proper hygiene.
Maryville may limit occupancy in some on-campus spaces, modify furniture placements, and modify access to certain spaces to support social distancing efforts. Common spaces are planned to be open, but access to these spaces may be limited or modified based on social distancing guidelines and other guidance from public health officials. Public health guidance may evolve throughout the academic year and, as a result, access to common spaces may change and spaces could be closed for periods of time. Maximum capacity for each space will be posted. Common spaces will be disinfected and sanitized on a regular basis, paying special attention to high-touch areas. Signs will be posted in common spaces outlining guidelines for access and use, including social distancing. Information will also be posted on the University’s webpage, www.Maryville.edu/SaintStrong.
Maryville will continue to monitor public health guidance and may adjust social distancing requirements accordingly.
- Guest/Visitor Policy
Students are not permitted to host external guests on-campus or in their hotel; however, guests may pick students up in a car at the curb of a residence hall or hotel, academic building, etc. but guests are not permitted inside any University buildings or hotels. External visitors picking up students on-campus must check-in with Public Safety staff at the entrance to campus.
Residential students living in the residence halls or hotels may only have students from within their residential building visit in their room on-campus or in the hotels. Residents living in the apartments may only have other apartment residents visit their apartment. A maximum of two (2) guests are allowed in any room or apartment at the same time. This maximum number is subject to change based on community health guidelines. No overnight guests allowed. Students must adhere to the University’s COVID-19 policies and procedures, including social distancing and face covering requirements when hosting other students or visiting other students in their residential room.
Grocery and food deliveries are allowed on campus but must check-in with Public Safety staff at the entrance to campus. Community Members will be allowed to arrange curbside delivery and need to meet the delivery drivers in front of the building.
Admissions Visitors will be permitted on-campus for campus tours, presentations, and other Admissions-related activities but must register and complete the online health screening before they are permitted on campus. Admissions Visitors must comply with face covering and social distancing requirements while on campus and will be required to check-in with Public Safety staff at the entrance to campus.
Athletics and Recreation will be permitted to host visitors on campus for purposes of athletic competitions. Athletics and Recreation will maintain a list of approved guests for all competitions and all approved guests must complete the online health screening before they are permitted on campus. Athletics and Recreation guests must comply with face covering and social distancing requirements while on campus as well as any other protocols established by Athletics and Recreation.
Faculty and staff are not permitted to host external guests on-campus without express permission from their area Vice President. Approved guests must check-in with Public Safety staff at the campus entrance, must complete the online health screening and must comply with face covering and social distancing requirements while on campus. Faculty and staff should review protocols for hosting external guests, which will be posted on the ADP site before the start of the academic year.
Faculty who are considering on-campus guest participation in academic courses or academic events should first submit the request to their dean for VPAA approval. This application requirement applies to visiting professionals or non-student populations with whom students interact on campus. Approved guests must check-in with Public Safety staff at the campus entrance, must complete the online health screening and must comply with face covering and social distancing requirements while on campus. Faculty and staff should review protocols for hosting external guests, which will be posted on the ADP site before the start of the academic year.
- Gatherings, Meetings and Events
To permit appropriate cleaning and set-up, all gatherings, meetings, and events must be requested and approved in advance. Spontaneous events will not be permitted.
- For gatherings, meetings and events organized by students or student organizations, requests must be submitted to the University Events Office at least four weeks before the date of the gathering, meeting, or event and must be approved by the University Events Office and Student Life.
- For gatherings and events organized by employees and departments, requests should generally be submitted at least four weeks before the date of the gathering or event and must be approved by the University Events Office. For in-person meetings, which may occur with less advanced notice, requests should be submitted at least two business days before the meeting.
All gatherings meetings and events are limited to 10 individuals. In no event may there be more individuals than the number that can practice safe social distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals. These requirements apply to both indoor and outdoor, on and off-campus events, including off-campus events held outside of St. Louis County.
Where possible, consider conducting gatherings, meetings, and events virtually to minimize in-person contact. Indoor and outdoor gatherings, meetings, and events should be planned in spaces large enough to support social distancing and participants must wear a face covering. The University Events Office will review event plans for adherence to social distancing and face covering requirements and may cancel events that do not meet these standards. The University Events Office will also inform the individual booking the space of any cleaning requirements; however, generally speaking it is recommended that community members use available cleaning supplies in the space to wipe down the space before and after use. Room assignments and outdoor location assignments will be based on anticipated event attendance and Maryville’s health and safety guidelines. Maryville will continue to monitor public health guidance and may adjust gathering limits accordingly.
All events must require registration/check-in including name and contact information for all attendees. Where possible electronic or contactless registration/check-in should be utilized. Consistent with Maryville’s Guest/Visitor Policy, external guests/visitors are not permitted to attend on-campus events; however, external guests/visitors may attend off-campus events provided they adhere to all of Maryville’s policies and protocols, including social distancing and face covering requirements.
The University may impose additional requirements beyond those directed by public health officials to limit gatherings, meetings, and events.
- Guidelines for Athletics and Recreation
The Athletics and Recreation Department will provide students participating in recreational activities, student athletes, coaches, and staff with policies and protocols to help lessen the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission and support efforts to return to competition and recreational activities.
Policy on Spectators at Outdoor Athletic Competitions
Effective Date: 2/22/21
Maryville appreciates the important role that spectators play in supporting our student athletes and seeks to balance this with the overall health and safety of our campus and our compliance with the public health orders promulgated by St. Louis County.
Based on a decision from the GLVC conference, spectators will be permitted at outdoor athletic competitions when appropriate health and safety protocols can be maintained in compliance with public health orders and university policies. Spectators continue to be prohibited at all indoor athletic competitions and at both indoor and outdoor practices. The number of spectators permitted at outdoor athletic competitions will be limited to help ensure that appropriate health and safety guidelines are followed.
Failure to comply with the Policy on Spectators at Outdoor Athletic Competitions or other University policies may result in, among other things, removal from the competition, individuals being barred from attending future competitions, and/or receiving campus trespass restrictions.
Maryville may cease to allow spectators at outdoor athletic competitions at any time and without notice. Maryville will not be responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such action.
Definition: The term “Spectators” is defined as anyone from within or outside of the Maryville community that attends an athletic competition. This may include Maryville students, faculty, and staff as well as campus guests and visitors.
Spectator Allowances
- Family members of Home Team Student athletes will be permitted to pre-register on a first to register, first served basis.
- There is no guarantee that space will be available to accommodate everyone who pre-registers to attend.
- Due to limited capacity, we are unable to accommodate other guests, including visiting team guests.
Pre-registration
All spectators will be required to pre-register and complete Maryville’s Daily Health Survey on the day of the competition before arriving on campus. Pre-registration does not guarantee an individual will be permitted to attend. Pre-registration information will be provided by the Athletics and Recreation Department. If approved, Registrants will receive a confirmation email with instructions to check-in when arriving on campus and complete the Daily Health Survey. Prior to entry, all spectators are required to check-in with Athletics and Recreation staff and must show proof they have completed the Daily Health Survey and are cleared to be on campus. Check our SaintStrong website for updated information about COVID-19 and to see our overall campus mitigation strategies to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Face Covering and Social Distancing Requirements
Spectators must wear face coverings at all times while on-campus and must maintain social distance of at least 6 feet from others outside their pod. Further, spectators should follow all signage related to one-way entry and exit points and traffic flow in common areas.
Campus Access
Spectators are not permitted to access other parts of campus, including campus buildings; however, spectators will be permitted to utilize restroom facilities at the Athletic Complex (accessible outdoors) and the first floor of Walker Hall. Gatherings, such as tailgating, are prohibited.
Safely eat and drink
- Wash your hands and/or utilize hand sanitizer before and after eating and drinking.
- Attendees must wear a face covering at all times, except when eating or drinking.
- Eating and drinking is permitted only when seated and distanced at least 6 feet from others outside your household.
- Spectators may bring food to outdoor athletic competitions; however, there is no tailgating allowed and food may not be shared with others outside your pod.
- Concession Stands will not be available for purchases.
Safely support the team
- When someone raises their voice, such as shouting, chanting, or singing, their respiratory droplets may spread farther.
- Attendees should consider ways to safely cheer that do not involve shouting, chanting, or singing, such as stomping, clapping, or using handheld noise makers.
- Spectators should maintain at least 20′ distance from coaches, student-athletes, and officials at the venue.
- COVID-19 Testing
Students
We offer on-campus COVID-19 testing to students through Maryville’s Health and Wellness Office in circumstances where healthcare officials determine that testing is warranted. The availability of testing may be limited based on the availability of testing supplies and staffing capacity within the Health and Wellness Office. In cases where Maryville is unable to provide on-campus testing for students, referrals to other healthcare providers may be provided.
Students are required to notify the Health and Wellness Office using the daily Health Screening Survey if they receive a positive COVID-19 test result or if a healthcare provider notifies them that they are presumed positive.
Employees
Employees with symptoms related to COVID-19 or who believe they need to be tested based on potential exposure are encouraged to contact their primary care physician or the local health department to locate COVID-19 testing sites in their area.
Employees are required to notify the Office of Human Resources using the daily Health Screening Survey if they receive a positive COVID-19 test result or if a healthcare provider notifies them that they are presumed positive. All medical information provided by employees will be kept confidential by the University.
- Health and Wellness Services for Students
Our Health and Wellness Office is being expanded and redesigned to allow us to continue offering standard healthcare services from our nurse practitioner while also providing greater separation of patients and reduce possible exposure to COVID-19 or other diseases. We are also expanding staffing to provide the necessary resources to assist the office. To limit contact, all visits to the Health and Wellness Office will be by appointment only. Students with appointments will be pre-screened. Virtual appointments will be available through private, secure video conferencing.
- Flu Vaccine
All on-campus students as well as faculty and staff working on campus will be required, by November 1, to submit documentation to the Health and Wellness office evidencing that they have received an influenza vaccine between August 1, 2020 and November 1, 2020. Students, faculty, and staff may elect to obtain the influenza vaccine from a medical provider of their choosing, but Maryville will be offering flu vaccines on campus, free of charge, for those who are interested. The flu vaccines offered by Maryville will be administered through a third-party vendor. Additional details on flu vaccine clinics and how to submit documentation to the Health and Wellness Office through the Health Portal was communicated directly to students through email. Individuals who are interested in seeking an accommodation or exemption to the vaccination policy should contact the Health and Wellness Office. An accommodation or exemption should be in place prior to November 1, 2020.
New students and employees who join the Maryville community after November 1, 2020 should provide proof of the flu vaccine or an exemption within ten days of their start date. Contact the Health and Wellness Office for additional instructions: healthandwellness@maryville.edu.
- Preventing the spread of COVID-19
We encourage all Maryville community members to become familiar with the CDC recommendations for prevention, including:
- 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 or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home or housing unit.
- Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home or housing unit. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others.
- If you are around others 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 and do not spit.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
- Monitor your health and be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19.
- Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
Enhanced cleaning protocols will be implemented throughout public spaces on campus paying special attention to high-touch surfaces in high-traffic areas. Our sanitation staff has undergone professional coronavirus prevention training and are using CDC recommended disinfectants. We’ve added hand sanitizing stations across campus.
To help limit disruptions, classrooms, labs and studios will be deep-cleaned each evening. Maryville is implementing a disinfectant wipe system in each classroom, along with gloves, (as long as such supplies remain available) so students and faculty can disinfect their own seat and table. Helping to mitigate COVID-19 transmission is a shared responsibility so we expect all Community Members to do their part.
- Community Support Resources
Maryville students always have access to counseling support. We offer a 24-7 Counseling Center Support Line for students. You can call the line to speak with a mental health professional free of charge anytime of the day or night. Reach the Counseling Center Support Line at 314-529-6630. At any time, if you or someone you know is in crisis, you can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 741741. Other mental health resources can be found at: https://www.maryville.edu/studentlife/services-programs/personal-counseling/resources/crisis-resources/.
Employees continue to have access to the confidential Employee Assistance Program. Counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-800-96-HELPS (1-800-964-3577). For more information visit: www.guidanceresources.com. Use the organization ID: HLF902 to access the site.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Counseling Center staff at jhenry@maryville.edu.
NOTICE
This document is not a contract with any employee, student, or other member of the Maryville community. The University reserves the right in its sole discretion to interpret this document and/or amend it at any time.