Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

General COVID-19 Information

• What are the University's policies on vaccinations and masking?

  Although there is no mandate, UNF highly encourages and expects all students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated and wear a mask on campus.

• Are vaccines available on campus?
  There will be limited vaccination opportunities on campus. The University will widely communicate when those opportunities become available.
• Where else can I get vaccinated?
  COVID-19 vaccines are currently available and free at hundreds of sites across Northeast Florida. Vaccine locations can be found using the Florida Department of Health Vaccine Locator at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/.
• What is the Vaccine Incentive Program?

  On 8/9/2021, UNF announced a Vaccine Incentive Program. The incentive program is available to all students enrolled for the Fall semester who have been vaccinated or become vaccinated prior to October 31, 2021. To qualify, student must electronically scan and submit a copy of their CDC vaccination card indicating they have been fully vaccinated (with J & J, Pfizer, or Moderna). International students may submit either a CDC vaccination card with an FDA recognized vaccine (if received in the United States) or documentation of an approved World Health Organization (WHO) recognized vaccine or a first dose of a WHO recognized vaccine with a history of COVID infection. The electronic portal can be found here: https://webapps.unf.edu/onbase/auth/id/mc-vax-incentive.
  
  

  There will be opportunity for vaccination validation at the SHS table at market days for those who are unable to submit the information electronically. The $100 Ozzie Bucks incentive awards will be given starting the second week of September and run until the end of October. They may be redeemed throughout the upcoming Fall and Spring semesters.

   

  Individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief may request an exemption to qualify for the vaccination incentive by submitting to the Vaccine Incentive Program link one of the following documents:

   

  • A completed Florida Form DH 681, available from the county health department;
  • A signed letter on your religious organization’s letterhead stating that you are unable to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief; or
  • A document outlining your legal exemption from a law office.

   

  Individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons may request an exemption to qualify for the vaccination incentive by submitting to the Vaccine Incentive Program link a signed letter on letterhead from a licensed physician stating that the student is unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

   

  If you have questions regarding the Vaccine Incentive Program, please email studenthealth@unf.edu.

• What should I do if I am feeling COVID-19 related symptoms?
  For the health and safety of the University community, it is imperative that individuals experiencing illness stay at home and confirm whether their symptoms are related to COVID-19 or another transmittable virus.
  
  Employees working on campus who believe they are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms are encouraged to be tested and self-report confirmed active COVID-19 infection using the Safe Ospreys mobile app or via the weblink HR Self-Reporting Form.
  
  Students who believe they are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms are encouraged to be tested and self-report confirmed active COVID-19 infection via a COVID-19 test using the Safe Ospreys mobile app or via the weblink SHS Self-Reporting Form.
• When do I need to quarantine or self-isolate?
  If you are unvaccinated and have a known exposure, we recommend that you quarantine for 10 days (if not tested) or 7 days (if you received a negative PCR test 5-7 days after exposure).
  
  If you are vaccinated and have a known exposure, we recommend you get tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until you receive a negative test result.
  
  If you have a confirmed active COVID-19 infection (vaccinated or not), we recommend that you self-isolate for 10 days from either the date you tested positive or began feeling symptoms.
• Will there be a quarantine/isolation site on campus for those students who are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19?

  No. There is no quarantine/isolation site on UNF’s campus this semester. Students exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19 will be asked to quarantine/isolate off-campus. Students and their family/support network should discuss this possibility and develop a personal plan for approaching this possible situation as on campus space for isolation and quarantine will not be an option.  Visit the following link for a listing of preferred hotels in the area: http://www.unf.edu/procurement/Hotels.aspx.

• Can employees and students still request COVID-19 modifications?

  Students with health concerns are encouraged to contact Student Accessibility Services to explore their options for reasonable accommodations, while employees may contact the ADA Compliance Office for guidance.

• Can I require students or visitors to social distance or wear masks before coming into my classroom or office?

  While the University does not have the authority to mandate masks, there is a strong expectation for the Osprey community to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status.

• My physician has advised me that I should not get vaccinated against the coronavirus. How can I ensure that I am protected on campus?

  According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for and can be administered to most people with underlying medical conditions. However, employees or students with documented health conditions that preclude receiving a vaccination can contact the ADA Compliance Office (for employees) or Student Accessibility Services (for students) to seek a reasonable accommodation.

• Does this mean that other restrictions are also being lifted, such as prohibitions against large gatherings?

  Effective June 21, 2021, the University will lift restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings. Organizers are encouraged to take reasonable precautions to protect participants as appropriate to the event, such as providing hand-sanitizing stations and ensuring that participants who wish to wear masks can do so.

• Are employee meetings now required to be face-to-face? What if I'm uncomfortable spending time in closed conference rooms?

  Employees who are uncomfortable with face-to-face meetings, even when masked, are encouraged to consult with their supervisors to determine what alternatives might be available. Many conference rooms have technology that will allow remote participation, or meetings may be arranged to be conducted entirely over Teams or Zoom, as appropriate. After discussing their concerns with supervisors, employees who still have concerns should consult with Human Resources.

• My lab instructor is requiring me to wear a mask. Isn't this contrary to the University's guidelines?

  For some courses, masks have always been required to protect the students or to ensure the success of experiments, and faculty can continue to require masks for these situations. Similarly, some internships, field classes, and other experiential learning opportunities may require masks due to the nature of the work or the requirements of the off-campus locations.

• I'm an international student/visiting faculty and was vaccinated in my home country. I know that the University is not requiring students or faculty to be vaccinated, but how can I be sure that I'm adequately protected?

  The CDC's guidelines on the different vaccines available globally suggest that individuals who have received a vaccine listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) do not need any additional doses of a US FDA-authorized vaccine. However, if the vaccine you received is not authorized for emergency use by the WHO, you are encouraged to receive a complete series of a US FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine.

• I'm a student in a clinical/experiential/internship program, and the faculty member asked me about my vaccination status. I thought this was not allowed?

  While the University is not requiring vaccinations for students to enroll in courses and participate in University activities, many of the opportunities for clinical experiences, internships, etc. are made possible by off-campus partners who have their own COVID-19 policies to which you must adhere. Faculty overseeing these arrangements may need to ask you your vaccination status to ensure that they can place you with appropriate partners.

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

• Will I be able to maintain F-1 status while outside of the U.S. for Fall 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 Fall 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.?

  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. We encourage you to try to enroll in all available in-person or hybrid courses in the interest of preserving your international and cultural exchange experience.
  
  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 Fall 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 Fall 2021. How does this guidance apply to me?

  New F-1 students are not permitted to be enrolled in a fully online program. If you are a new F-1 student arriving on campus for Fall 2021, you must be enrolled in as many in-person or hybrid courses that are available to you.
  
  If you are not planning to arrive on campus for Fall 2021, you may enroll in online classes in the fall to start your enrollment. You will then receive an I-20 with a start date for Spring or Summer 2022. 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 Fall 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 outside the U.S.?

  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.

   
  Should you decide to travel, please make sure to have your I-20 signed well in advance from your departure date.
  
  

• What are the current COVID-19 requirements in order to enter the U.S.?
  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued a rule requiring all air travelers into the U.S. to show a negative COVID-19 test (no older than 3 days before arrival) or documented proof of recovery from COVID-19 in order to board your flight and enter the U.S. More info about this can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
• What is the National Interest Exception (NIE)? Am I eligible for it?

  National Interest Exceptions (NIE) allow travel to the U.S. for persons who are travelling from countries currently on the CDC restricted travel list whose entry is determined to be of national interest. The US government announced the expansion of the special National Interest Exception (NIE) to include students from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa – similar to the NIE availability already in effect for students from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland. For additional details, go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/national-interest-exceptions-for-certain-travelers-from-china-Iran-brazil-south-africa-schengen-area-united-kingdom-and-ireland.html
  
  

  If you already have a valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport, you are automatically considered as having been granted an NIE.
  
  If you need a new F-1 visa, please check with the nearest US embassy or consulate. If you are eligible for an F-1 visa, you will automatically be considered for an NIE to travel to the US.
  
  

  J-1 students from those areas may contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to initiate an exception request even if you already have valid a J-1 visa stamp. If you do not have a visa stamp, apply for a J-1 visa as soon as possible.
  
  

• Do I need to quarantine after arriving in the U.S.?

  As an international traveler, you will need to follow the quarantine protocols as set by different agencies at the national, state, and local level. Listed below are links to check the most up-to-date quarantine requirements at the stated levels.

  
  U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

  
  Florida State Department of Health: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/

  
  UNF Coronavirus FAQs: https://www.unf.edu/emergency/CoronavirusFAQ.aspx

• Can I arrive late for Fall 2021?
  If you are an international student and you cannot arrive by the start of Fall classes, please contact intlctr@unf.edu for further guidance.
• I am unable to return to the U.S. for the Fall 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 Fall 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 Fall semester?
  This guidance does not affect practicum/internship/co-op courses for fall. 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 unless you are outside of the U.S.