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/.
• Should I get a COVID-19 booster shot?

  The CDC has strengthened its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older, and individuals 16 and up may now be eligible to receive the Pfizer booster. Fully vaccinated individuals may be eligible for booster shots either six months after the second shot of their initial Pfizer or Moderna series, or two months after their initial J&J vaccine. See updated guidelines. 

   

  Vaccine locations can be found using the Florida Department of Health Vaccine Locator at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/.

• 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?

  The CDC has updated its COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidance.
  
  

  In summary, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days from the onset of symptoms or from the date of the positive test result if no symptoms. Day 0 is the day of the onset of symptoms or the date of the positive test result if no symptoms. After Day 5, if fever-free without the use of fever reducing medications and improvement of symptoms, resume work/classes and wear a mask for five more days.

   

  For individuals exposed to COVID-19, quarantine after exposure has been extended to a larger group, including those who are fully vaccinated but not boosted and outside of the six-month window following Pfizer/Moderna vaccines or two months following J&J. Quarantine for those exposed to the virus is five days from exposure followed by five days of wearing a mask when indoors/around others, including the home. Testing is recommended on Day 5.
  
  Persons who are boosted, or within six months of Pfizer/Moderna series or two months of J&J series do not need to quarantine, but should wear a mask around others for 10 days. Testing is recommended on Day 5.

• Do I need to quarantine if exposed or can I remain on campus?

  You do not need to quarantine if you came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 if you fall into one of the following groups:

  • You are ages 18 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.
  • You are ages 5-17 years and completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
  • You had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test).

  You should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0). Get tested at least 5 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. If you test positive or develop COVID-19 symptoms, you should self-report via the Student Self-Reporting Form or the Employee Self-Reporting Form.    

   

• 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?

  The University has lifted 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 Spring 2022?
  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 2022, 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 Spring 2022 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 2022. 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 Spring 2022, 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 Spring 2022, 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 Fall 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 Spring 2022?
  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 Spring 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/DS-2019 signed well in advance from your departure date. A valid travel signature, in addition to your passport and valid visa, is a requirement in order to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status.
  
  IMPORTANT NOTE: Even if you have a valid travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019, please notify the International Center of your travel plans for further instructions.

   

• What are the current COVID-19 requirements in order to enter the U.S.?
  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a rule requiring all air travelers into the U.S. to be fully vaccinated to re-enter the U.S. More info about this can be found here: Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers | CDC
• 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. For additional details, go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-announcement-on-F-M-and-academic-J-Visas.html

• 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

• 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 2022?
  If you are a returning international student, you will be able to keep your scholarship 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 unless you are outside of the U.S.