Fairmont State University Announces Campus COVID-19 Protocol Updates

The Fairmont State University COVID-19 Task Force and Executive Leadership Team have worked closely with the Marion County Health Department and in consultation with other state agencies to reopen the University’s campus at full capacity, while maintaining the safety of the Falcon Family. The University will continue to monitor coronavirus trends to gauge proper response, and all Fairmont State coronavirus protocols may be altered according to current COVID-19 climates throughout the region and state.

Beginning Tuesday, July 6, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear a mask while on Fairmont State’s campus. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to register their vaccination status to assist the University’s efforts to track campus vaccination percentages. Vaccination “Buddy Cards” will also be provided to members of the campus community that have registered their vaccine, and choose to display their vaccination status to share with others.

“Fairmont State University values health, safety and honesty,” said Fairmont State Chief of Police and Director of Emergency Management, Matt Swain. “We believe this expectation will be honored by our campus community and visitors.”

In addition, the University’s social distancing protocol has been discontinued on campus and COVID-19 health screenings will no longer be solicited from campus visitors. The following campus services and events will reopen at full capacity:

• Dining Halls
• The Falcon Center
• Student organization gatherings
• Club and intramural sports
• Campus visits and tours
• Athletic events
• In-person instruction

The University will continue to strongly encourage vaccinations among the campus community as new variants of the coronavirus continue to surface. Students, faculty and staff opting out of registering their vaccination status will be directed to fully participate in contact tracing should an exposure occur, complete the University’s Illness Reporting Form, quarantine if exposed to someone testing positive for COVID-19 or if COVID related signs or symptoms occur and continue to wear a mask indoors unless alone in a private office.

“Fairmont State’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of all students, faculty and staff. As we have throughout the entire pandemic, we will continue to act out of an abundance of caution to protect our campus and surrounding communities,” Swain added.

For more information, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/coronavirus.

COVID ProtocolsMatt Swain