University of the Sciences continues to closely monitor the ongoing and evolving situation
related to the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 in order to evaluate the outbreak’s impact
on members of our campus community, visitors, and operations on campus.
USciences’ spring semester includes a hybrid approach with a combination of small
on-campus courses and virtual classrooms.. Those employees that can continue to telecommute
should do so. View the COVID-19 Return to Campus Guidelines.
COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified and symptoms
include fever and lower respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing and shortness
of breath. Currently, the incubation period is thought to be up to 14 days, meaning
an individual can be infected, contagious, and showing minimal or no symptoms during
this time. The CDC guidance indicates COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person
through respiratory droplets with close contact, which is similar to influenza and
other respiratory pathogens. However, infection from fomites or other sources of the
body is yet unknown.
What can I do to protect myself and others?
USciences is committed to the health and safety of the University community during
the COVID-19 pandemic. We are following state and local guidelines in order to act
in the best interest of our community and the greater public health. Learn More.
What should I do if I feel sick?
Anyone who is symptomatic with respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath)
or fever should self-isolate and seek testing. Faculty and staff, or students who
are at home away from campus, should contact their primary care physician for further
guidance. Students who are on campus or in the local area should email Student Health and Counseling. Faculty and staff should notify their supervisor of any respiratory illness or positive
COVID-19 testing
How does the virus spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others; even
those who may have minimal symptoms can spread COVID-19. That is why CDC recommends
that those with active infection be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending
on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting
others.
Current Philadelphia Department of Public Health guidance recommends isolation of
known infected individuals until both of the following criteria are met:
1) At least 3 days after resolution of fever after stopping fever-reducing medications
(e.g., Tylenol or Advil) and improvement in respiratory symptoms and 2) At least 10 days have passed since symptoms have started
Those who are close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case must stay home and self-isolate
for 14 days after their last contact with the case, regardless of whether they develop
symptoms.
Close contact is defined as:
1) Being within 6 feet of a COVID-19 case for 10 minutes or longer or 2) Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being
coughed on).
Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection
to others.
What should I do if I had contact with someone identified as COVID-19 positive?
Primary contacts of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 should isolate
at home for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms. Faculty and staff should notify
their supervisor; students should notify via email Student Health and Counseling.
If I am self-monitoring my symptoms what should I do?
Those who develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (100.4 F) continue to stay
home and self-isolate, avoiding close contact (approximately six feet) with other
people, including family members and pets. If you develop respiratory symptoms or
fever during the monitoring period, call your primary care provider’s office, or contact
your local health department or local Emergency Department and provide details for
your recent travel and symptoms to determine if further medical care is needed.
Is it safe for me to attend onground classes?
The University has been preparing for the fall semester since late spring, including
updating plans based upon CDC, state, and city guidelines. The University will continue
to closely monitor any changes to these guidelines as the plans we have developed
are flexible based upon developing information. Please see some information for specific
circumstances below:
Students who may be immunocompromised – Students should contact the Office of Student
Accommodations at 215-596-8758 to begin the accommodations process in order that responsible
accommodations can be made.
Students who may be concerned about attending in-person classes or have a family member
that is immunocompromised - The three modalities being offered this fall for course
delivery provide students with some choice as to how they would like to participate
in their USciences’ education.
Larger classes will be held virtually while smaller size classes may be offered in-person.
When these smaller classes (less than 25 with appropriate social distancing) are offered
on-ground, faculty will also be offering content online for students who are not comfortable
attending classes on campus.
Some labs, practicals, and other courses must be delivered in-person due to necessary
delivery methods of certain skills or accreditation standards. Students who are scheduled
for these in-person courses should contact their academic advisor to explore alternative
options to completing these courses this semester or postponing to a future semester.
Students returning to campus – The University is working to raise awareness among
the student population to foster a safe return to campus through messaging and partnering
with student leaders across campus who will share in this initiative. Students who
violate COVID-19 safety guidelines may be referred to the Student Conduct Process.
What do dining services look like on campus?
Our dining services partner Sodexo has produced a helpful and informative video that
will show you some of the changes to your dining experience. Please take a few minutes
to watch. In addition, please review the below guidelines.
If dining in is notpermitted
Take-out only meals will be provided, with preordering of meals required.
When waiting to pick up food, 6 foot distancing must be maintained.
If dining in is permitted
Take out meals will be provided using the preordering process for students who desire
this option.
In addition to the Wilson Dining Hall, a large tent is outside on the Quad that will
be available for dining.
A minimum of 6 foot distances between chairs must be maintained at all times.
Because wearing of masks is not possible while eating and drinking, mealtimes should
be brief; individuals should leave the dining area as soon as the meal is completed
and not linger.
Neither food nor utensils should be shared between individuals to reduce the likelihood
of disease transmission.
The maximum capacity of the Wilson Dining Hall will be reduced to 25% to allow for
appropriate social distancing.
Dining hours may be extended if capacity limitations do not allow for all students
with meal plans to eat.
No self-service (e.g., salad bar) will be permitted.
Plexiglass shielding will be provided at check-out registers and other areas where
physical distancing is difficult.
When waiting in line, either to enter the dining area or to check out, 6 foot distancing
must be maintained between diners.
Where can I study or participate in my remote courses on campus?
We will continue to offer spaces on campus for students to study or to stream remote
courses. When students are utilizing study spaces on campus they must:
Wear a mask at all times - even when in a private study room
Maintain social distancing of 6 feet between individuals
Keep occupancy of study spaces to no more than 25% of pre-pandemic capacity (updated
maximum capacity signage has been placed in public and study areas).
There are multiple locations on campus that have been identified as places where students
can study:
J.W. England Library
Athletics Recreation Center (ARC) Lobby
STC Atrium/Study Rooms
2nd floor above Tasty Drakes
Quad Dining Tent - *available only outside of dining hours or scheduled programming*
Outdoor tables throughout campus - Parenti Plaza, D’Angelo Mall, LLC Courtyard, Patio
@ the ARC
Whitecar/McNeil 2nd floor Terrace
Alumni Hall Testing Center (commuter students only).
The Alumni Hall Testing Center is prioritized for students who are commuting to campus.
We ask that Residential Students use spaces within their residence halls or any of
the other identified locations for group or individual study.
Whom do I contact with concerns about my schedule – specifically about being on campus
for labs?
Students who have questions about their academic schedule or participation in on campus
labs, classes, or practicals should contact their academic advisor.
Why are Tuition and Fees the same if I am online this fall?
Tuition and fees support a variety of services and expenses at the University, both
on-ground and online. These cover not only facility usage, but technology and services
that support remote education and other student needs. While the ultimate cost to
deliver all of these services will likely be higher in the coming year, the University
has committed to keeping both tuition and fees flat, with no increases for the 2020-21
academic year.
The Comprehensive Fee is a fee that supports a variety of services and expenses at
the University. Fees are charged to both on-ground and online students, and cover
not only facility usage, but also services and expenses that occur both face-to-face
and virtually. With the transition to remote learning, while facility usage declined,
additional technologies and services were added to support remote education and other
student needs, and additional costs were incurred to assure the safety of all students
as we transition back to campus.
What can you do to protect yourself?
All individuals should be diligent in practicing routine hygiene etiquette to prevent
all types of infections including COVID-19.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand
sanitizer after sneezing or coughing.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap
and water are not available.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Do not share any food, drinks, cups, utensils, etc.
Avoid close contact with those who are ill.
Maintain a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others to reduce the risk of transmission
of infection.
Stay home when you are sick and do not have contact with others
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering or mask when you are around others
or in public. Cloth face coverings are meant to protect other people in case you are
infected.
Clean and disinfect surfaces
Monitor your health and be alert for symptoms
More information about COVID-19
You can find the latest information on the spread of COVID-19, CDC travel guidance,
and the World Health Organization recommendations at the following sites. Please
check these sites often for important updates.