Winter COVID-19 Letter to the University Community

November 24, 2021

Dear Felician University Community,

As many of us travel for the Thanksgiving holiday to be with family and friends, it is important we all remain vigilant to ensure a safe return to campus. President Crawford recently established the Felician University Standing COVID Committee as the follow-on to the Return to Campus Committee whose work facilitated our ability to rejoin in community for Academic Year 21-22. The standing committee will provide continuous guidance to support the wellbeing of our student body, faculty, and staff for as long as the pandemic continues.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is now increasing in the state of New Jersey and within surrounding states. As we approach winter, we must be especially cautious given recent news. Therefore, as part of our continuing efforts to maintain a safe campus environment, the following recommendations were approved by the president:

A booster shot in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guidance. For those eligible, we recommend receiving the appropriate booster vaccination. Individuals with specific medical questions should talk to their healthcare provider. Learn more here.

Download the COVID Alert NJ App. We encourage every member of the Felician University Campus Community to download this informative app for the latest updates and local reporting on COVID-19.

Like COVID, your best defense against the flu is vaccination. We strongly encourage you to get a flu shot as health officials are anticipating a stronger than usual flu season. The Felician University Center for Health provides flu vaccinations.

A COVID-19 test upon returning to campus. Those who are unvaccinated and have been granted approval to participate in on campus activities are urged to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test prior to returning to campus following your Thanksgiving travel. Should you be unable to acquire a test prior to returning, you must obtain a test within the first week of return. Campus testing services will be readily available to all. You are obviously free to acquire a test from other sources; however, proof of testing and the results thereof must be submitted to the Center for Health not later than December 3, 2021.

The goal is to maintain a safe and healthy campus for everyone. Your commitment to ensuring our Felician Campus Community is protected against further impact from COVID-19 is very much appreciated. For more information on COIVD-19 vaccinations and testing please visit https://felician.edu/vaccination/, refer to the FRESH eHandbook, or contact Dr. Ron Gray, Vice President of Student Affairs, at grayr@felician.edu.

Thank you for your continued help and cooperation.
Dr. John Burke, Chairman
Felician University Standing COVID Committee

Standing COVID Committee members
Chair: Dr. John Burke
Co-Chair: Mary Clare Smith, Academic Affairs
Jaclyn Moreno, Academic Affairs
Philip Rothman, Academic Affairs
Suzie Toliao, Academic Affairs
Dr. Sharon Towler, Academic Affairs
Alyssa Molarz, Communications
Michelle Burwell, Enrollment
Olga Velasquez, Enrollment
Aneta Wygonik, External Relations
Virginia Topolski, Human Resources
Janel Owens, Student Affairs