COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions

Academics

What is the status of Arcadia's fall 2021 semester? 

Arcadia University plans to be operational for as much in-person living and learning as possible starting this fall for the 2021-22 academic year. More detailed with the University community will be shared shortly. 

What if I need technical support to complete my coursework online?

The Information Technology website is updated regularly with guidelines and resources to help provide students, faculty, and staff with the best online learning experience possible. Visit their website to see vendor offerings of resources such as free wifi, software, etc. For technical issues, students can contact Helpdesk@arcadia.edu for additional needs.

How can I access various registration and academic forms?

Registrar forms are available online, If a form you need immediately is not electronically submittable, please email appropriate information to GUS@arcadia.edu. 

Tuition and Fees

Is there a change in tuition and fees for the academic year?

Tuition and fees will be the same and will not be refunded regardless of the learning environment during 2020-21, as academic credit, learning, and certain non-academic services will be provided, though in different ways, whether on campus, in a hybrid environment, or entirely remotely. Although learning and academic and nonacademic services may be delivered differently due to necessary health and safety protocols related to the pandemic, Arcadia University’s mission remains the same. We will deliver a high-quality and meaningful, though not identical, experiences.

Campus Life 

Is campus housing available for the summer and fall 2021 semester? 

We are opening single bedroom occupancy units for undergraduate students for the summer months. For this fall we are returning to regular occupancy in both traditional residence halls as well as Oak Summit Apartments. All students living in University Housing (including Oak Summit) are required to select a meal plan. Meal plans are necessary to facilitate a safe environment for everyone and to help provide the services needed for students. Students who are required to quarantine or isolate due to COVID will have food delivered to their quarantine space.  For more information, visit our Housing FAQs. 

Are students be required to get tested?

Student Health Services communicates testing schedule for community members.  Students, staff, and faculty who test positive for COVID-19 and have been on campus within two days of the results must report it through the Self Disclosure Form.

SHS will continue to offer symptomatic COVID-19 testing while conducting regular mass surveillance testing in conjunction with the Broad Institute. Symptomatic testing is when a person displays symptoms; surveillance testing is used to monitor the state of COVID-19 on Arcadia’s campus and provides insight into the spread of the virus among certain groups of people. 

Arcadia’s COVID testing dashboard is available here. 

What's the status of Arcadia Athletics?

Arcadia Athletics had a successful Spring 2021 semester, in which it participated in over 98 percent of its scheduled contests despite ongoing challenges from the pandemic. Athletics will continue to follow regulations and guidelines from the NCAA and related sports organizations, as well as state and regional public health organizations. More specific information should be available in July as the NCAA updates its resocialization considerations.

Employees
 

Are all people entering buildings tested? Can we test all staff and faculty who need to come to campus?

Employees that fall into the Very High, High, and Medium-risk categories are complying with regular surveillance testing. All residential and commuter students who are approved for campus access must comply with regular surveillance testing. Faculty and staff in the low-risk category should not be accessing campus; if they must, visits should be infrequent and brief, if at all. 

If I am fully vaccinated, can I come to campus if I wasn’t already approved to?

No, vaccination status doesn't change your campus access. 

If I am fully vaccinated and have approved access to campus, do I still need to be a part of COVID surveillance testing?

If you were already a part of COVID surveillance testing, your vaccination status will not change that participation. If you already have access to campus but are in the low risk level (and thus not being regularly tested for COVID), you would continue to not be tested.
 

All campus decisions remain grounded in our University’s Health and Safety Plan. 

 

Study Abroad

Can Arcadia faculty members / students travel or go abroad? 

In June, the University announced that the domestic travel suspension is lifted for fully vaccinated faculty and staff, with supervisor permission. Given continued risks related to COVID, domestic travelers should wear a mask over their nose and mouth. Wearing a mask is required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers should also avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet / 2 meters (about two arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you. Continue to wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol).

International travel continues to be subject to the International Travel Policy, with travel to high risk destinations requiring a travel petition and review from the Travel Advisory Committee (TAC). If you have any questions about international travel at this stage, you may contact Scott Terry, Director of Global Engagement, at terrys@arcadia.edu. 

What programs are available from Arcadia Abroad for Fall 2021?

Information on Arcadia's programs from Arcadia Abroad for Fall 2021 will be shared shortly. 

What about Preview courses in Spring 2022?

With an eye on the changing landscape around pandemic conditions worldwide and their effects on study abroad, we are grateful to the dozens of faculty and staff who helped us imagine how to offer Preview field studies in 2022 that we are confident can run as advertised to our students. Informed by those discussions and by our sense of infrastructure to support these experiences on the heels of the pandemic, we will offer Preview 2022 students a selection of academically rich courses with field studies in domestic sites and select international locations, focused on the United Kingdom and Ireland. (We look forward to re-introducing Preview field studies in many more locations worldwide in 2023 and beyond.

Students with additional questions should contact the Office of International Programs for more information: oip@arcadia.edu.

Prevention and Self-Care

What can I do to prevent COVID-19?

Practicing healthy hygiene habits is the best way to prevent the spread of illness while traveling, at home, and in school:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick or coughing.
  • When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces and objects every day.
  • Carefully consider the risks associated with personal travel and the potential for spreading the virus.
  • Do not attempt to travel if you have a fever or are ill. Be prepared to alter plans on short notice. If you choose to proceed with personal travel, submit your plans to Arcadia.

 

Contact Information

Who should I contact if I have questions?
  • About study abroad: Scott Terry, director of Study Away (215-572-2092).
  • About or for international students: Chelsea Herskovitz, assistant director of International Student Services (herskovitzc@arcadia.edu, 267-620-4843, or 215-572-2867 for the Office's main desk).
  • If you are a member of the media: Dan DiPrinzio, director of Communications (215-439-3338).
  • If you have questions about housing: email housing@arcadia.edu.