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The following is look at the campus-wide communication that the Queens community has received since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, including steps initially taken in the spring 2020 semester and updates related to the semesters following.
January 10, 2023
On January 6, 2023 Mecklenburg County changed its COVID-19 Community level to “High” per the CDC. For more information, visit the CDC COVID Data Tracker.
Presently, we have very few active COVID-19 cases on campus, however we know that many people are returning to campus over the next several days.
In consultation with Senior Leadership and the COVID Response Team and with their support, we strongly recommend masking indoors beginning Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Please remember that everyone is encouraged and welcome to wear a mask at any time, and your decisions will be respected. We also continue to encourage you to wash your hands frequently and stay home if you are sick.
Any faculty or staff member with questions or concerns about this shift in practice should discuss with their dean or supervisor. High-risk individuals should continue masking as appropriate.
As we move into the spring semester, we encourage you to reference the Royal Return webpage for the latest guidance related to COVID-19 and campus life. Thank you for your continued support. We are proud of how well our community cares for each other and look forward to a wonderful spring.
For more information on local data and other information, please visit the COVID-19 information webpage.
If you have any questions or concerns at this time, please do not hesitate to let us know at Covidsafe@queens.edu.
September 6, 2022
Dear Queens Community,
We hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend after a great start to the year.
And what a week it has been! In addition to kicking off our academic year, we launched a partnership with Atrium Health, which will immediately transform healthcare for our community, and we saw our very first victories on the D1 stage. It is an amazing time to be a Royal.
Today, we write to provide a brief update about our COVID-19 policies on campus. Over the past few weeks, we have been monitoring COVID-19 cases on-campus and in Mecklenburg County. Presently, we have fewer than 10 active COVID-19 cases on campus, and Mecklenburg County is on medium alert.
In consultation with the President’s Cabinet and the COVID Response Team and with their support, we will shift from requiring masks indoors to strongly recommending masking indoors beginning Thursday, September 8. Please remember that everyone is encouraged and welcome to wear a mask at any time, and your decisions will be respected. Any faculty or staff member with questions or concerns about this shift in practice should be in direct contact with their dean or supervisor. High-risk individuals should continue masking as appropriate, and masks will continue to be made available to the Queens community.
As we move into the academic year, we encourage you to reference the Royal Return site for the latest guidance related to COVID-19 and campus life. Thank you for your continued support and care for one another. We are proud of how well our community cares for each other and look forward to a wonderful school year.
Stay well,
Senior Leadership Team
August 24, 2022
Queens is committed to preserving the health and well-being of our campus community. As we welcome students back to campus from various locations across the globe, we have updated our current masking policy to prioritize the health of our community as many return to congregate living arrangements.
Mecklenburg County’s classification of community COVID-19 risk factors is now "high," including high transmission of illness and increasing strain on medical services. After consulting with our Atrium Health partners, we will require masks to be worn indoors for all persons who are not alone in an office/room and for residential students when anyone other than your roommate is present.
For now, here are important reminders:
- At this time, Queens does not have an outdoor mask requirement. High-risk individuals determine if wearing a mask outdoors is appropriate for them.
- Campus events can be scheduled as normal – however, masks are required indoors for all attendees including visitors and family members.
- Student clubs and organizations should abide by current masking policies.
- Masks will be provided in all instructional spaces and classrooms.
- Visitors are allowed in residence halls and must be properly masked at all times.
- The dining hall will operate as normal; masks are required except when you are seated and actively eating/drinking. If you are walking around or standing, a mask is required and must be worn appropriately.
- If you are feeling sick or have symptoms, please stay home (if living off campus) and seek health care from your medical provider. Residential students please contact the Student Health and Wellness Center (704-337-2220) for further care and direction.
- As previously communicated, Queens requires a COVID-19 vaccine(s) and booster for anyone coming to campus. Medical and religious exemption applications are available.
August 5, 2022
Mecklenburg County’s classification of community Covid risk factors is now “high”, including high transmission of illness and increasing strain on medical services. After consultation with our Atrium Health partners, we will require masks to be worn indoors for all persons who are not alone in an office/room and for residential students when anyone other than your roommate is present.
This change is effective August 6, 2022 and will continue until further notice. For now, here are important reminders:
- At this time, Queens does not have an outdoor mask requirement. High-risk individuals determine if wearing a mask outdoors is appropriate for them.
- Campus events can be scheduled as normal – however masks are required indoors for all attendees including visitors and family members.
- Student clubs and organizations should abide by current masking policies.
- Masks will be provided in all instructional spaces and classrooms.
- Visitors are allowed in residence halls and must be properly masked at all times.
- The dining hall will operate as normal; masks are required except when you are seated and actively eating/drinking. If you are walking around or standing, a mask is required and must be worn appropriately.
- If you are feeling sick or have symptoms, please stay home (if living off campus) and seek health care from your medical provider. Residential students please contact the Student Health and Wellness Center (704-337-2220) for further care and direction.
- As previously communicated, Queens requires a Covid-19 vaccine(s) and booster for anyone coming to campus. Medical and religious exemption applications are available.
March 22, 2022
Campus COVID-19 Protocol Changes
We are pleased the trends in COVID-19 cases continue to decline in the Charlotte Mecklenburg region and on our campus. Given these trends and our very-high vaccination rate, we will be making a change to our indoor mask policy.
Starting Tuesday, March 22, face masks must be worn only during indoor in-person class activities and in our healthcare facilities as well as while on university transportation (e.g. buses.) Additionally individual office occupants, at their discretion, may request visitors wear a mask while in their office (sample signage attached).
Masks will be optional in dining halls, residence halls, the library, the Levine Center, and other general use venues.
We are happy to be able to make this change for our campus and ask that everyone continue to respect the choices of others.
Boosters
We are still requiring booster shots for all those who are eligible. Even if you have recently had COVID-19, the CDC and our advisors at Novant indicate the protections offered by Covid booster shots improve your ability to stay healthy and/or keep others healthy. Please get your booster shot (as soon as possible, or no later than 14 days after you come out of isolation if you recently had COVID-19.)
We have put together the following resources:
Where can you get a booster shot? There are many options – please choose the one most convenient for you (the options listed below are not your only options):
- How do I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
- Coronavirus resources - Novant Health
- COVID-19 Vaccine scheduling - Walgreens
- COVID-19 Vaccine at Atrium Health
- COVID-19 Vaccines - StarMed Healthcare
Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our community safe.
Jan. 20, 2022
Campus Alert Returns to Level 2:
Moderate: Small number of cases and known transmission.
Basic preventative measures are in place:
- Mask mandate (indoors and outdoors for all)
- Physical distancing
- Classes are in-person, hybrid or online as scheduled
- In-person campus activities are suspended
- Athletics is training and competing with established protocols in place
- Meals are provided in a to-go fashion for everyone, no in-person dining
- Guests are not permitted inside the residence halls
- Weekly survey testing in process
Jan. 4, 2022
Due to the rapidly spreading omicron variant of COVID-19, Queens University of Charlotte is moving to campus alert level 3. Read all that entails, including a shift to virtual modalities for the first week of the semester, in the full message.
Dec. 16, 2021
In preparation for a successful 2022, the Senior Leadership Team has moved to require COVID-19 booster shots for all students, faculty and staff.
Aug. 2, 2021
Presenting the Fall 2021 Royal Return plan, with updated policies and requirements to guide our community.
June 24, 2021
After careful consideration, we have decided to require the COVID-19 vaccine for all faculty, staff and students who will be on campus this coming academic year.
April 13, 2021
A move to a Level 2 alert, vaccine information, and an end-of-semester exit testing option.
March 17, 2021
Looking ahead to the fall semester, during which Queens is anticipating coming back to a full on-campus experience.
January 28, 2021
Confirmation that as planned, Queens will return to hybrid learning on Wednesday, Feb. 3.
January 13, 2021
Information on the impact of the new Mecklenburg County public health directive as it pertains to Queens.
January 8, 2021
Key information on the implementation of the Royal Return plan for the 2021 spring semester, including the introduction of a COVID-19 Dashboard and color-coded alert system.
December 17, 2020
Reminders about preparing for the spring 2021 semester, including a shelter in place and testing policy.
November 16, 2020
Sharing the updated Royal Return plan, Queens' blueprint for a safe and successful return to campus for the spring 2021 semester.
October 7, 2020
Update on specific plans for the upcoming spring semester, including the academic calendar.
September 22, 2020
Update related to planning to return to campus for spring 2020 semester.
August 24, 2020
A welcome to the new academic year from President Lugo, including a look remarkable student achievements from over the summer.
July 31, 2020
Update on the Fall 2020 semester including a full transition to virtual learning.
July 16, 2020
Announcement of Royal Return 2020: Queens' blueprint for a safe and successful reopening of campus.
June 19, 2020
Information on housing options for the 2020-21 school year that prioritize the safety of students, staff, and faculty, including safety precautions.
June 18, 2020
Announcement of the academic calendar for the fall semester as well as additional details on residency plan.
June 4, 2020
Update on planning for the fall semester, including considerations for the academic calendar, modality and classrooms, and campus density.
May 4, 2020
Creation of re-opening task force with intention of returning to campus safely and responsibly in the fall.
April 1, 2020
Information on the university's extensive and proactive steps to limit the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Queens community.
March 19, 2020
A special message from President Lugo, including the postponement of the commencement ceremony for 2020 graduates.
March 12, 2020
Announcement that Queens will move all instruction online for the remainder of the spring semester and residential students will be required to leave campus, among other information.
March 10, 2020
Senior leadership's decisions and recommendations surrounding COVID-19 as it relates to travel, events, facilities and preventative measures.
March 5, 2020
Activation of the Emergency Operations Team, creation of a dedicated website for COVID-19 information, request to report all domestic and international travel.
February 27, 2020
Senior leadership and health and wellness teams staying apprised of latest COVID-19 developments. Recommendations shared from agencies including WHO and CDC.