guidance for the Saint Francis University community
Coronavirus Updates
University Operating Status
- Face-to-face classes are scheduled for the 2022 - 2023 academic year.
- Campus operations have resumed within CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines (including guidelines surrounding face masks, social distancing, and capacity limits).
- The University does not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination from faculty, staff, or students, however, vaccinations are highly encouraged. Vaccinations are available to campus community members.
- Personal hygiene and disinfecting of surfaces remain a priority.
- All visitors and community members should routinely familiarize themselves with CDC guidance. If you are experiencing symptoms, please be responsible with your personal role in stopping the spread. Isolating yourself and seeking medical guidance should be your first step.
- By protecting yourself, you are protecting those community members around you. Keeping our community healthy and safe requires each individual to make smart decisions.
Response Plan and Contacts
Our COVID-19 Prevention and Response Plan is posted here and answers many frequently asked questions.
Our professional medical staff uses case flow management documentation to guide decision-making. This documentation helps to mitigate and control the spread of COVID-19 or other easily transmittable illnesses on campus. Details regarding case flow information may be directed to MyHealth Saint Francis (University Health Services) directly at 814-472-3008.
If you have a question that is not addressed within these documents, please contact us at covid19@francis.edu and we will assist you.
Campus Operations Committee
The Saint Francis University Campus Operations Committee is comprised of members from across the university and is charged with continuously reviewing the guidance from federal, state, and local authorities, as well as the conditions on campus, in the local community, state, and nation. Members of this committee coordinate with local officials (public health and otherwise) on regional plans and guidance. The committee serves as an advisory board to the university’s leadership team on issues related to, but not limited to, academic instruction, residential living, and mitigation/containment strategies.
Case Tracking and Resources
Anyone who has been in close contact with an individual who tests positive will receive official notification along with instructions for precautionary steps to take. Anonymity for these individuals remains paramount. Please respect their privacy so they can focus completely on their own health
Dashboard Statistics
Spring 2022: The University conce again experienced success in managing and mitigating the spread of COVID on campus. The University experienced 108 total positive cases in the Spring semester. 1.35% was the highest percentage of positive cases among the total campus population all semester.
Fall 2021: The University continued to experience success in managing and mitigating the spread of COVID on campus. Several vaccine clinics were offered throughout the semester. Nearly 1400 COVID tests were completed from August 1 - November 30. The University experienced 36 total positive cases in the Fall semester (1.56% of the total student population).
Regional Case Tracking Data:
Pennsylvania Department of Health COVID-19 Data
CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker by County
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
The U.S. Department of Education provides emergency relief funds to institutions of higher education to mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provides funding "to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.”