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Arcaida University
Arcadia University
The following matrix outlines how Arcadia will operate in response to COVID as well as the mitigation measures that will be taken at each tier.
It is meant to serve as a guide to help the Arcadia community understand what services and activities may be available, but not intended to detail every activity or event that may occur. Decisions regarding activities and campus access are made by the relevant COVID leadership, including Deans and Vice Presidents, depending on the current tier and circumstances. The COVID pandemic is a rapidly changing situation that requires us to make updates to the Operational Tiers in response to the most current information available and best practices.
*Yellow highlight indicates current Tier status.
Academics | Research | Student Services | Housing and Student Access | Staff and Faculty Access | Student Life & Events | Building Access and Campus Services | Mitigation Measures | Travel | |
TIER 0 | Normal operations with the potential for persisting COVID mitigation measures. | Normal operations with the potential for persisting COVID mitigation measures. | Normal operations with the potential for persisting COVID mitigation measures. | Normal operations with the potential for persisting COVID mitigation measures. | Normal operations with the potential for persisting COVID mitigation measures. | Normal operations with the potential for persisting COVID mitigation measures. | Normal operations with the potential for persisting COVID mitigation measures. | Testing only if recommended by government/public health; some possible COVID mitigation measures persisting. | Travel may be limited based on government/public health recommendations. |
TIER 1 | Hybrid learning across all departments. | Clinical and laboratory research spaces are open. Most undergraduates approved for research. | Most supports are all-modes. Normal operations in Student Health Services. Some in-person appointments for Counseling Services. | Normal housing operations with COVID measures in place. | Remote work encouraged. On-campus essential work must be approved. | Events are possible as resources allow. | Most buildings are open with COVID measures in place. Some sections of buildings may be restricted. | Symptomatic COVID testing for students with surveillance testing if appropriate; standard COVID mitigation measures in place. | Domestic and international travel must be approved. |
TIER 2 | Mostly online instruction. Some All-Modes Ready instruction approved. Accreditation needs are possible. | Most clinical and laboratory research spaces are open with limited student work. | Most supports are digital-only. Some in-person appointments for Student Health and Counseling Services. | Arcadia guests are permitted with some restrictions in place. Limited housing available. | Essential staff and faculty. Staff and faculty for approved programming and events | A limited number of approved small events. | A subset of buildings is open with access restricted to only approved individuals. Scheduling required to use spaces on campus. | Surveillance, symptomatic, and exposure testing for applicable individuals; standard COVID mitigation measures in place, reduced group sizes allowed. | Domestic and international travel must be approved. |
TIER 3 | Mostly online instruction. Some All-Modes Ready experiential instruction approved. Clinical and graduate lab experiences and accreditation needs possible. | Limited approval of clinical and laboratory research based on need and risk. | Most supports are digital-only. Some in-person appointments for Student Health Services. | Limited guests of Arcadia permitted with additional restrictions in place. Limited housing available. | Essential staff and faculty. Staff and faculty for approved programming. | Only approved academic and co-curricular events. | A subset of buildings is open with access restricted to approved individuals. Scheduling required to use spaces on campus. | Surveillance, symptomatic, and exposure testing for applicable individuals; standard COVID mitigation measures in place, limited group sizes allowed. | Domestic and international travel must be approved. |
TIER 4 | All instruction online except for necessary lab experiences for clinical programs. | Only online research. | Most supports are digital-only. Some in-person appointments for Student Health Services. | No guests permitted. Housing available only to students remaining on campus. | Essential staff and faculty. Faculty necessary for clinical lab experiences. | No events on campus. | Buildings closed except for essential maintenance and service to remaining residential students. | Closed campus except for essential functions and remaining students. | Domestic and international travel must be approved. |
*This 4-tier model was adapted from the model developed by the University of Liverpool.
How does Arcadia University decide what Tier we are operating in and when to move from one Tier to another?
Arcadia University considers many factors when making this determination. Those factors include the level of COVID transmission with the Arcadia community, the level of COVID transmission in the local area, the availability of resources needed to address the health and safety needs of the University community, our testing capacity, vaccine availability, and uptake, and recommendations and requirements from public health, government, and accrediting or other oversight bodies.
What are the "standard COVID mitigation measures" mentioned in the Operational Tiers?
These measures include, but are not limited to, wearing a mask, social distancing, practicing proper hand hygiene, reduction or elimination of group sizes, and enhanced sanitation.
Health, Safety, Planning
These guidelines are an important part of establishing a common understanding of the University’s expectations for operating in the time of COVID-19 in a way that reduces risk.
As the number of COVID-19 cases is spiking nationwide, the Arcadia community must be diligent and committed to our 5 safety measures:
For Students | For Employees | Questions or Concerns? |
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Any Arcadia community member (students and employees) who have questions can contact COVIDCareTeam@arcadia.edu. |
I’ve reported my positive test. What’s the next step? Once you self report you will be contacted by a member of the Arcadia University Contact Tracing Team shortly. This team will help you trace your most recent movements and contact those who may need to be informed they have been exposed to COVID-19.
Communications, Information, and Planning
All in-person event plans must be approved by the COVID-19 Campus Event Taskforce to make sure Arcadia. While community members are encouraged to host all events online, some in-person campus events will be allowed in the Spring 2021 semester. Please be sure your form is submitted at least four (4) weeks prior to the proposed event date. Any approved events face cancellation based on campus Operational Tier Status.
The University’s International Travel Policy outlines a protocol for consideration of all University-sponsored travel for all students, faculty, and staff. The decision to suspend any course or travel is based on travel health notices identified by the U.S. State Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the University’s travel assistance provider – International SOS.
A GLOBAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE COVID PANDEMIC
Arcadia University took a values-based, community-focused, strategic approach in responding to the disruptions that have been brought by COVID-19 since early 2020. Each initiative enacted and measure taken placed students and those most vulnerable in our community at the center, with University units and leadership setting an example of steady, unwavering strength and vision in the face of challenges.
What if I still have questions?
If you are a member of the University community and need a place to direct your question, our central point of contact is Public Safety at 215-572-2800 or 215-572-2999 (emergency) for more information.
For specific questions, please direct to the following Arcadians:
Theresa Smith
Director of Student Health Services
215-572-2966
Susanne Ferrin
Director of Residence and Commuter Life
housing@arcadia.edu or call 215-572-4076
If you are a parent of a current student, please join our email listserv or send any questions to mystudentis@arcadia.edu
Please submit a ticket via helpdesk@arcadia.edu
Mary Sweeney
AVP of HR and Employee Experience
215-572-2790
sweeneym@arcadia.edu