December 23, 2021

Dear Felician University Community,

As we bring the Fall Semester to a close and travel to be with family and friends, we would like to wish you the best and safest Christmas and holiday season, and share some important information regarding Spring 2022. Classes will begin as scheduled on January 24th, and students may begin to move into the residence halls on their assigned day and time beginning January 22.

IMPORTANT. We will be implementing remote learning for the first 2 weeks of the semester, with face-to-face instruction beginning on February 7, 2022. There are exceptions to remote learning for students in certain clinical/field placement courses including Nursing clinical courses. Further detailed information will be emailed to you about returning in Spring 2022. In addition, as part of our continuing efforts to reduce the potential impact of COVID-19, please heed the following and take the appropriate action:

• Get Vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated is the best way to minimize the risk of COVID-19 and keep your family and friends safe.
• A Booster Shot is Required. Felician University requires all students, faculty, and staff who are eligible, to receive a COVID-19 booster by January 10, 2022. After receiving a booster, students should upload their vaccination information via the student portal to the University Center for Health. Faculty and staff members should email updated documents to the Office of Human Resources. Upon submission of documentation, students and employees will become eligible to win an iPad in weekly raffles at the start of the semester beginning January 10. Look for details in the upcoming Friday FRESH Newsletter emails. Individuals with specific medical questions should talk to their healthcare provider. Go to the Felician vaccination webpage for booster locations near you, as well as for availability of on campus opportunities.
• On Campus Administrative Operations. All on campus administrative operations for Lodi and Rutherford, except for essential services, will be conducted remotely until January 17, 2022.  More detailed information will be forthcoming from University Department Vice Presidents.  Each Vice President will provide specific directions for the operations within their respective departments for this timeframe to ensure all University employees are informed and understand what is required. 
  
• Get Tested. Felician University requires all students, faculty, and staff to obtain and submit a negative PCR test prior to returning to campus. The PCR test results must be dated within 7 days before the submission deadline. Students should upload their documentation via the student portal and employees should email their documentation to the Office of Human Resources.
  Please submit your PCR test as follows:
  Those returning to campus on January 3, 2022, submit by January 3, 2022.
  Those returning to campus on January 17, 2022, submit by January 10, 2022.
  Students moving in on January 22-23, 2022, submit by January 14, 2022.
  Those returning to campus on February 7, 2022, submit by January 31, 2022.
  If you test positive, contact Carolyn Lewis, Director of Health Services for next steps.
  Testing will be available on campus over the break except on December 24, 25, 31, 2021 and January 1, 2022. Additional testing requirements will apply for faculty and students in the School of Nursing. The Associate Dean of the School of Nursing, Jennifer Kostic, will provide more specific information for Nursing students and faculty. Additionally, get a COVID-19 test before and after you attend a gathering, traveling, if experiencing symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive regardless of vaccination status.
• Continue Health and Safety Protocols. Wear a face mask, wash and sanitize your hands, and maintain social distancing, when possible, especially in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Stay home if you feel sick. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website here.
• Ask for Help! The Felician University Student Counseling Center offers counseling appointments in person, by phone, and by videoconference during the business hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM M-F. Please see here for details on obtaining services after these scheduled hours.

For more information on how to prepare for a safe and joyful Christmas and holiday season, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website here. For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, please visit the Felician University Vaccination webpage here, refer to the FRESH eHandbook, or contact Dr. Ron Gray, Vice President of Student Affairs, at grayr@felician.edu, or Ms. Virginia Topolski, the Office of Human Resources, at topolskiv@felician.edu.

Thank you for your continued effort to keep Felician University engaged, safe, and healthy.

Many blessings to you and your family during this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Dr. John C. Burke, Chair
Felician University Standing COVID Committee

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