Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

Campus Health & Wellness

• What is the Osprey Pledge?
  The Osprey Pledge outlines our obligations of shared responsibility to protect our campus and greater community.
• What is shared responsiblity?

  A safe and healthy campus depends on all of our personal and collective behaviors and actions. We are one Osprey family, and that means we always look out for each other and support one another in challenging times. Each of us must take steps to stay well and persistently protect each other, both on campus and in the community. Creating a safe and healthy environment for all Ospreys is a shared responsibility that will include protecting your own health, while also protecting your friends, family, classmates, and colleagues.

• What are UNF's four key pillars of responsibility?
  1. Practice social distancing
  2. Wear a mask in all indoor/outdoor areas at all times
  3. Practice proper personal hygiene
  4. Monitor health on a daily basis
• Are face masks required to be worn on campus?
  Yes. All faculty, staff, students and anyone else on UNF’s campus must wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor areas at all times.
• Do I need to wear a face mask on campus even if I have been vaccinated?

  Yes. Per the CDC Guidelines, vaccinated persons should continue to follow current guidance to protect themselves and others, including wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often, following CDC travel guidance and following any applicable workplace guidance.

• What is the mandatory training?

  All UNF faculty, staff and students must complete the online COVID-19 Education Course. The course can be taken online via the new Cornerstone learning management system, Osprey Ascend. For instructions on how to access the training, please go to the COVID-19 Education Program website. Students are required to take the COVID-19 Education Course even if they completed the Fall program due to CDC updates. 

  
  UNF vendors and other visitors to campus can access the PDF training materials at https://www.unf.edu/cpdt/COVID19_Education_Program_PDF_Versions.aspx.
  
  

• What is the daily self-screening tool?

  All Osprey community members must complete UNF’s daily self-screening tool prior to arriving on campus each day. The self-screening tool walks individuals through a series of questions and provides personal guidance in determining whether it would pose a health risk if you were to return to campus. The self-screening app can be accessed through the SafeOspreys App as well as online via the Daily Self-Screening Tool.

• Is testing available on campus?

  Free, walk-in COVID-19 testing is available to all UNF students, faculty and staff throughout the spring semester at Osprey Landing, Building W, in the courtyard outside Room 106, as follows:
  
  • Monday: Open noon to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday through Thursday: Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  
  Drive-up testing is available in Lot 10 near Building W on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weather permitting.
  
  For more information, please visit the UNF testing section on our website.

• Will testing be required?

  UNF is strongly recommending that all members of the Osprey community (faculty, staff, students, visitors, vendors) be tested to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

   

• Where can I download the COVID-19 test consent form?

  The form can be found on the Student Health Services web page.

• How will I receive test results?

  Test results will take about 48 hours to process. The COVID-19 health team will call each individual with the test results.

• Where in the local Jacksonville area can I get tested off-campus?

  The following are links to Duval and surrounding county testing locations. Please review information on each site for specific locations, availability, and cost.

   

  • Duval County: jaxready.com/SpecialPages/virus/COVID-19-Testing-Information
  • Clay County: news.wjct.org/post/clay-county-opening-permanent-covid-19-testing-location
  • St Johns County: stjohns.floridahealth.gov/events/2020/03/2020-3-1-chd55-update
  • Nassau County: http://nassau.floridahealth.gov/events/2020/06/cvi-19.html
  • Putnam County: http://putnam.floridahealth.gov/
• How are areas on campus cleaned and sanitized?
  All public spaces are cleaned according to CDC guidelines, which includes a daily cleaning of all buildings and classrooms along with additional cleaning of certain areas such as restrooms. Although offices and work spaces will be cleaned on a daily basis, each occupant will be asked to take extra cleaning and sanitizing precautions with the more personal items in their workspace such as desks, computers, phones, etc.
• What other actions are being taken to ensure wellness in the classrooms?

  Occupancy of all classrooms has been adjusted to ensure appropriate social distancing. Where possible, movement in and out of classrooms has been modified to prevent congregation of students. Masks are required in all classrooms. 

• How will the University help ensure housing health and safety?
  The University has reduced the overall occupancy in residential housing. No triples will be available, bathrooms will be limited to no more than four residents, housing with communal bathrooms will be limited to private rooms, and no visitors will be allowed. Residents will also be required to wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor areas at all times, with the exception of residents who are alone or with their roommate in their assigned room.
• Are gatherings allowed on campus?
  Engagements and gatherings will be limited to 25 students or less in indoor spaces and 50 or less at outdoor venues if the space can accommodate six feet of distance between participants and masks are worn. Exceptions to the social gathering component of the UNF Coronavirus Safety Policy may be made on a case-by-case basis. If an individual, department or student group would like their event/social gathering to be considered for an exception to the UNF Coronavirus Safety Policy, a program proposal that outlines their event may be submitted to the Bob Greenlaw at r.greenlaw@unf.edu.
• Will clubs, fraternities/sororities, and other student organizations be allowed to meet?
  Student organizations and campus life activities are allowed to meet in person. Engagements will be limited to 25 students or less in indoor spaces. Groups requiring attendance between 25-50 must outline a plan for achieving social distancing and seek VP approval. In-person gatherings at outdoor venues may accept up to 50 attendees if space is large enough to accommodate 6 feet distance between participants and masks are worn. Exceptions to the social gathering component of the UNF Coronavirus Safety Policy may be made on a case-by-case basis. If an individual, department or student group would like their event/social gathering to be considered for an exception to the UNF Coronavirus Safety Policy, a program proposal that outlines their event may be submitted to the Bob Greenlaw at r.greenlaw@unf.edu.
• How are the University's health and wellness protocols being enforced?

  Enforcement of this policy is the responsibility of the entire community. Any individual that witnesses a violation should remind the individual of UNF's new expectations and rules. If those efforts fail, then the next course of action would be to report the violation. The University Police Department is available to assist all faculty, staff, and students by keeping the peace when a student, faculty or staff member is attempting to enforce policy for non-compliance of social distancing, not appropriately wearing a face covering, and other breaches of the Coronavirus Safety Policy.

  Violations by Faculty and Staff

  If an individual observes a faculty or staff member violating or has violated the Coronavirus Safety Policy, please submit a COVID-19 Measures Reporting Form, which will be found on the HR Infectious Disease webpage. Violation of the Coronavirus Safety Policy is grounds for discipline, up to and including termination for cause.

  Violations by Students

  If an individual observes a student violation or has violated this Policy, please submit a COVID-19 Measures Reporting Form, which will be found on the Student Conduct website. Violation of the Coronavirus Safety Policy is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may be charged as Endangerment, Disruptive Behavior, or another applicable conduct provision. If found responsible, a student may be subject to any appropriate sanction within the Student Code of Conduct.

Self-Quarantine and Self-Reporting

• When and how should I submit a self-reporting form?

  All students and employees who are experiencing symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, and/or have tested positive must submit the appropriate Self-Reporting Form via Student Health Services or Human Resources. Students can access the self-reporting form online at Student Self-Reporting. Faculty and staff can access the self-reporting form online at Employee Self-Reporting.

• What should I do if I’m feeling sick?

  If you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, please reference the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidance on what to do if you are sick, contact your medical provider to seek medical advice, and monitor your symptoms and follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.

  • Stay home except to get medical care
  • Separate yourself from other people
  • Fill out UNF's self-reporting form
  • Monitor your symptoms
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Clean your hands often
  • Avoid sharing personal household items
  • Clean all "high-touch" surfaces every day
• What if I’m sick and live on campus?

  Isolation and quarantine protocols have been established and will be enacted for those who live in residential housing. Building W in the Osprey Landing serves as the isolation and quarantine area. Nurses from Student Health Services and School of Nursing students use existing triage protocols for daily checks to assess the student’s health status using remote technologies including patient portals, telehealth, and phones. Those in isolation or quarantined on campus must remain there for at least 10 days and test negative before returning to campus common areas (class, library, cafeteria, etc.).

• What are the university's self-isolation and self-quarantine guidelines?

  Members of the Osprey community who are currently experiencing symptoms and/or have tested positive for COVID-19 need to self-isolate for at least 10 days. Ospreys can end self-isolation once they have completed the 10 days, are fever-free for at least 24 hours before leaving self-isolation (without the use of fever reducing medications), and other symptoms have improved.
  
  Ospreys who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 without proper masking and social distancing need to self-quarantine and avoid contact with others for at least 10 days, even if you have no symptoms of illness. Ospreys can end self-quarantine once they complete the 10 days (with or without a COVID test), and remain symptom free, but should continue to monitor for potential symptoms for a full 14 days.
  
  The CDC’s definitions of self-isolation vs self-quarantine can be found here.

• How do students report to the university if they need to self-isolate or self-quarantine?
  If you are a student who needs to self-isolate or self-quarantine, please call UNF Student Health Services at (904) 620-2900 so that we can make sure you are healthy and safe. All students who are self-isolating or self-quarantining need to fill out UNF's online Self-Reporting Form. You should also contact your professors to inform them and discuss the options available for continuing your coursework remotely.
• How do employees report to the university if they need to self-isolate or self-quarantine?
  If you need to self-quarantine, please contact your direct supervisor and then Human Resources at (904) 620-2903 immediately so that we can make sure you are healthy and safe. All employees who are self-isolating or self-quarantining need to fill out UNF’s online Self-Reporting Form. You should work with your direct supervisor to discuss what options are available for performing your job duties remotely.

Academic Calendar & Coursework

• What are the changes to the Spring 2021 academic calendar?
  The semester will still begin Wednesday, January 6, 2021, however, the University is canceling Spring Break in 2021. As a result, the semester will end Friday, April 23, 2021, a week earlier than originally planned (last day of classes will now be Friday, April 16 and final exams will be held the week of April 17-23).
• How will my course schedule be affected in the spring semester?
  The Spring 2021 course schedule has been modified to help ensure a safe educational environment for our campus community by providing course offerings that adhere to social distancing guidelines. Most changes regarding delivery mode (face-to-face, hybrid, remote instruction) have been completed. Given the fluidity of the situation with the pandemic, some minor adjustments, including individual room assignments, may be necessary before the start of spring classes. More information is available at the Registrar's Webpage.
• What is Remote Instruction (RI)?
  Remote instruction is the term the University adopted to identify instruction that was planned to include face-to-face instruction but will now be taught online due to COVID-19. For Summer and Fall 2020, those courses were taught both synchronously and asynchronously.
  
  For Spring 2021, RI courses will use scheduled meeting times on the course schedule for synchronous online learning activities. Your instructor will communicate at the start of the term about how each course will operate.
• Is there an additional fee for Remote Instruction?
  No. The DL (distance learning) fee is only assessed for courses that were planned to be delivered in this modality prior to COVID-19. Courses that were switched to RI due to COVID-19 are not assessed the fee. The DL fee is used to support the additional costs of tools and services which are attributable to the development and delivery of distance learning.
• What is a Hybrid course?
  Hybrid courses provide a mixture of in person and online learning activities. UNF normally defines a Hybrid course as one in which at least 50 percent, and not more than 79 percent of the direct instruction of the course, is delivered using some form of technology where the student and instructor are separated by time or space.
  
  During COVID-19, we have extended the definition of Hybrid to include any course that has some combination of in-person meetings and online synchronous or asynchronous meetings to better capture the many alternative forms of instruction being used and to communicate to students what to expect as they register for classes.
• What are the differences between Hybrid, Remote Instruction, and Distance Learning courses?

  This table will help students understand how various course types will operate as they review their course schedule.

   

  	Remote Instruction Courses	Distance Learning Courses	Hybrid Courses
  The location for the class will be listed as:	REMOTE	ONLINE	ONLINE or REMOTE AND in a classroom (e.g. 0002/1017)
  The expectation is:	The instructor will hold class online during the listed days and times, so you need to be available to attend class during the days and times listed on your schedule.	You will be able to access the class material at any time, but you will still need to make sure you are meeting listed deadlines for the class.	Part of the course will be delivered face-to-face, most likely on UNF's main campus.
  When scheduling, you should be aware that:	You will not be able to schedule classes that have time conflicts.	Distance Learning classes will be conducted fully online, and will not usually have any days or times listed.	You will not be able to schedule classes that have time conflicts with REMOTE, ONLINE, or Face-to-Face meeting sessions.
  	Note: Hyflex courses are a particular type of hybrid that split students into smaller cohorts to meet classroom physical distancing requirements. For example, in a class with 100 students, 33 students attend class in-person on Monday, 33 attend on Wednesday, and 34 attend on Friday. When not in a physical class, students "attend" the balance of the weekly instruction remotely.

  
  

   

Travel

• What travel restrictions are in place for faculty, staff and students?
  UNF-associated international and domestic travel by faculty and staff is canceled until further notice. Any exceptions must be approved by a Vice President. International University travel by individual UNF students for Summer 2021, including but not limited to exchange programs, third-party study abroad programs, internships, conferences and field work, will be reviewed and approved on a case by case basis by the International Center.
  
  UNF discourages any personal travel, both international and domestic, at this time due to the continuing spread of COVID-19. You should disclose and discuss your personal travel plans with your immediate supervisor if you are in regular contact with other University community constituents.
  
  
• What is the status of the University's study abroad programs?
  All faculty-led study abroad programs (i.e. faculty and/or staff traveling with students) for Summer 2021 have been suspended. Individual students interested in studying abroad are reviewed and are approved on a case by case basis.

International Students & Scholars (F-1/J-1 visa)

• Will I be able to maintain F-1 status while outside of the US for Spring 2021?
  Yes. If you are a continuing or SEVIS transfer student, you will be able to maintain active F-1 status while remaining in your home country as long as you are enrolled full-time.
• If I stay in my home country for Spring 2021, will the five-month rule apply to me?
  While the temporary measures related to COVID-19 are in place and students continue to maintain full-time status, the five-month temporary absence provision will not apply.
• Will I be able to take all classes online while in the U.S.?

  Yes. Due to the current Coronavirus emergency, the University has not returned to normal operations and as a result is adopting other alternative forms of education for students. Therefore, if you are on an F-1 visa as a continuing or SEVIS transfer student and unable to find in-person or hybrid courses offered in your degree program, then you are eligible to take all online classes.

  
  If you are a new F-1 student, you must be enrolled in at least one course with an in-person component.
  
  

• Does the new Spring 2021 guidance affect J-1 visas as well?
  The guidance from SEVP does not apply to J-1 visa holders. J-1 students should contact the International Center for additional guidance (intlctr@unf.edu).
• I’m a new F-1 student for Spring 2021. How does this guidance apply to me?

  If you are a new F-1 student arriving on campus for Spring 2021, you must be enrolled in at least 1 course with an in-person component. 

  
  If you are not planning to arrive on campus for Spring 2021, you may enroll in online classes in the spring to start your enrollment. You will then receive an I-20 with a start date for Summer or Fall 2021. Please contact intlctr@unf.edu for further information.

• Can I get a letter for the embassy to expedite my visa appointment?
  Yes. Please send an email to intlctr@unf.edu to request an Embassy Expedited Appointment Letter and include confirmation of your current visa appointment date and which Embassy or Consulate you are working with.
• What will happen if I can’t get my visa renewed in time to arrive for Spring 2021?
  If you are a continuing or SEVIS transfer F-1 student and your visa appointment is delayed/cancelled meaning you cannot arrive by the start of Fall classes, please contact intlctr@unf.edu for further guidance.
• Can I travel home over the winter break?
  Currently, there are no restrictions that would prevent you from departing the U.S. However, because entry requirements continue to change rapidly, we highly recommend that you monitor travel restrictions in your home country as well as restrictions in the U.S. If you decide to travel, speak to your airline about their cancellation policy should you change your mind at the last minute or need to make changes to your itinerary.
  
  It is also difficult to advise on what the return travel situation will be at the end of December/start of January. It is our understanding that many countries are experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases and we are not sure how this will impact travel in the winter.
  
  Should you decide to travel, please make sure to have your I-20 signed well in advance from your departure date.
• Can I arrive late for Spring 2021?
  If you are a continuing F-1 student and you cannot arrive by the start of Spring classes, please contact intlctr@unf.edu for further guidance.
• I am unable to return to the U.S. for the Spring semester due to travel restrictions. What should I do?
  You should notify the International Center at intlctr@unf.edu if you are unable to return to the U.S. We recommend that you visit the CDC COVID-19 travel alerts website for travel advisories by country. Go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.html. We recommend that you also check with your home country government for any bans and restrictions on travel to and from your home country.
• I didn’t get a travel signature on my Form I-20 or DS-2019 before departing the U.S. What should I do?
  We can provide F-1 students with an electronic I-20 that will be signed for travel. We will provide J-1 students with a letter to present at the U.S. Port of Entry. Please email intlctr@unf.edu at least two weeks before your return with your request.
• I just completed my academic program, but I am unable to leave the U.S. due to travel restrictions. What are my options?

  Below is a brief summary of options for F-1 students who have completed their programs. However, students who find themselves in this situation should contact the International Center for guidance on their specific case. J-1 students need to contact the International Center for further guidance on this issue.
  Grace Period: F-1 students have a 60-day grace period following the end of their program. During this period, you must do one of these options.
  
  

  OPT: F-1 students may apply for OPT, which would allow them to seek employment in the U.S. Additionally, students with a pending OPT application are automatically granted an extension of their F-1 status and are permitted to remain in the country while their application is pending. If you choose to apply, please refer to our F-1 Employment page for more information.
  
  Change of Status: If a student is unable to depart the country before the end of their grace period, and chooses not to apply for OPT, they may choose to file a Change of Status application with USCIS to request an adjustment of status to B-2 (tourist visa status).

• Would I be able to keep my International Center scholarship if I am stuck abroad for Spring 2021?
  Yes, as long as you meet the scholarship requirements.
• If I have been offered a part-time position on campus, can I still work?
  Yes, you are still eligible for on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week if you are physically in the U.S.
• How do these guidelines affect student practicum/internship/co-op courses for the Spring semester?
  This guidance does not affect practicum/internship/co-op courses for spring. If you are registered for any of these types of courses, please contact intlctr@unf.edu for information on obtaining appropriate approval.
• Do I need to apply for CPT if I am doing an internship/practicum/co-op in the U.S. from my home country/remotely?
  Students may engage in CPT during their time abroad, provided they are enrolled in a program of study of which the CPT is an integral component, the DSO has authorized the CPT in advance, and either the employer has an office outside the United States or the employer has a means to assess student engagement and attainment of learning objectives. Please contact intlctr@unf.edu for information on obtaining appropriate approval.
  
  
• Can I still apply for OPT?

  Yes, the guidance does not affect your OPT eligibility.

Other Important Coronavirus Information

• What are the hours of operation for University departments?
  UNF’s Hours of Operations page can be located at https://www.unf.edu/publicrelations/special_hours/
• What dining services are available on campus?
  View the Dining Services webpage for more information.
• Have any cases of coronavirus been reported at UNF?
  Please visit the UNF Cases page for more information.
• How can an employee or student self-identify as at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and request temporary modifications or accommodations to work arrangements or mode of instruction?

  Those individuals meeting the conditions for being at higher-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 who would like to self-identify their high-risk status, request modifications or accommodations to their work arrangements, work schedule, or disability accommodations under the ADA can do so by following these recommended steps:

   

  Students: It is recommended that you first notify and work with your respective professor(s), advisor(s), department chair(s), college dean(s), to request a temporary modification to your method of instruction. Academic units are encouraged to be flexible with those preferences/requests for temporary alternative arrangements, within the limits of what may be provided without imposing an undue hardship on the professor or creating a fundamental alteration in a course. For example, at the discretion of the professor, and on a case-by-case basis, a professor may provide a temporary modification to the form of instruction, extend due dates, and permit medically related absences. If however, no mutual agreement can be reached and options have been exhausted, the student should submit the COVID-19: High Risk - Request for Reasonable Modification or Accommodation Form.

   

  Employees: It is recommended that you first notify and work with your immediate supervisor to request a temporary modification to your work arrangements or work schedule. Supervisors are encouraged to be flexible with those preferences/requests for temporary alternative work arrangements, within the limits of what may be provided without imposing an undue hardship or creating a fundamental alteration in the University's or department's services. For example, on a case-by-case basis, the University may provide temporary work schedule modifications, minimize the need to be present on campus daily, or permit remote work for those positions that can be performed effectively remotely. If the job duties are such that no alternate arrangements can be agreed for those preference requests at the supervisor/department head level, then the individual should submit the COVID-19: High Risk - Request for Reasonable Modification or Accommodation Form, in order for a more structured ADA review process, to ensure that the supervisors are

  1. not denying what may be a reasonable accommodation under the ADA and
  2. not collecting medical documentation.
• How can I stay updated?
  Monitor your email, UNF's Home Page, Coronavirus Website, myWings, Canvas and UNF social media accounts for further guidance and answers to frequently asked questions. Due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, information is fluid and guidance may be subject to change.
• What are some other helpful resources?

  Helpful resources or more information about the coronavirus, prevention, symptoms and travel advisories can be found at:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • CDC Coronavirus Travelers Health Information
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • U.S. Department of State