Latest Update
3/14/24
On Friday, March 1, 2024, CDC released updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Effective immediately, Centenary University will be aligning their COVID-19 policies and procedures with current CDC guidance.
The new guidance now recommends that people infected with COVID-19 as well as those infected with influenza, RSV or other upper respiratory illnesses stay at home and away from others. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication. This is a major shift in the previously imposed mandatory 5-day isolation period. In addition, Centenary students may choose to isolate at home, or in their own dorm room, or in a designated isolation space.
Once people resume normal activities, they will be required to wear a well-fitting mask for the next five days.
Additional prevention strategies to curb disease spread are highly encouraged. These include taking more steps for cleaner air (opening windows, striving for outdoor activities etc.), enhancing hygiene practices and staying up to date with vaccinations for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including the very young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Students who feel ill are advised to be evaluated immediately at the campus health office so that testing can verify illness, appropriate treatment can be initiated, and illnesses can be documented in the event of missed classes or activities.
Centenary University COVID Dashboard
Special Message – August 2022 University Fall Semester Update:
An email was sent to the Centenary University Community on August 24, 2022
Dear Cyclones,
As we begin the academic year, we would like to share updates on our COVID-19 response policies. The safety of our campus community continues to be of utmost importance and, as the pandemic evolves, so will Centenary’s policies and procedures.
Last week the CDC issued new guidance regarding the discontinuation of quarantine for any exposed person regardless of their vaccination status. Additionally, New Jersey Governor Murphy has discontinued the testing of any state unvaccinated employee.
Furthermore, it is also expected that a new booster vaccine will be forthcoming in the fall. In consideration of these new recommendations, the University’s cabinet, in collaboration with recommendations from the Department of Health and University Health Services, has made a decision to extend the deadline for compliance with the COVID-19 vaccine policy and to suspend quarantine requirements.
What does this mean for you?
- Students now have time to meet compliance with the University COVID-19 policy. Our policy currently states that all students must be “up-to-date” with their primary series and any eligible booster vaccines OR have an approved exemption. Those who are not in compliance will be subject to a registration hold for the Spring 2023 semester.
- Students will no longer need to quarantine when exposed to a positive COVID-19 case regardless of their vaccination status IF they are asymptomatic. Students who test positive for COVID-19, will still need to isolate according to the University and CDC policy.
The overarching goal of the policy is to protect our students and the campus community. The COVID-19 pandemic is ever-changing, and the most effective response to potential new variants is to encourage vaccine compliance now. Vaccines reduce disease severity and substantially reduce mortality. The extension is to allow our community time to meet vaccine requirements, it does not in any way, minimize the importance of vaccine compliance.
As a reminder, please review additional COVID-19 protocols and information for the Fall 2022 semester:
- Masking will remain optional EXCEPT when utilizing Health and Counseling services at the Wellness Center, traveling in a university vehicle, or for those who test positive for COVID-19.
- Daily symptom screening is still recommended as a best practice to keep yourself and our community safe. The Campus Clear app has been discontinued, so we developed our own Cyclone Clear app for your daily symptom screening. Please click here for the Cyclone Clear app: https://centenaryuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/StudentHub/SitePages/CycloneClear.aspx
- Weekly screening testing will no longer be required for unvaccinated individuals and therefore the outsourced testing center previously located across from the Starbucks Café has ceased operations.
- Students who are symptomatic should contact the Health Center where they will be able to obtain diagnostic testing as needed.
- Beginning in the fall, the Health Center may resume random screening testing of our student population.
- Visitors are welcomed back to our campus community and will no longer need to check in at the Welcome Center.
Finally, remember to stay informed by checking the Student COVID-19 resource page as well as the COVID-19 dashboard that outlines all of the protocols and policies that pertain to our semester ahead.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Health Center at 908-852-1400 x2209.
Stay Cyclone Safe!!
Sincerely,
| Theresa A. Lord-Stout, RN, MSN, APN-C Executive Director of Wellness |
Kerry Mullins VP for Student Life and Dean of Students |
Special Message – July 1, 2022 for Covid-19 Protocol Updates- In an email from President Bruce Murphy to the campus community sent on June 23, 2022:
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO MESSAGE:
9/23/2021 – Message from President Murphy regarding COVID 19 vaccination policy
4/1/2021 – Centenary University’s Restart Plan – Version 12
Centenary University’s Official Winter 2021 PLAN FOR RESTART submitted July 28 to the Office of the N.J. Secretary of Higher Education.
Public Health Guidance
We encourage all members of the University community to employ the following social distancing techniques:
We also encourage you to keep at least six feet between yourself and another person in all public places, avoid close contact, including handshakes and hugging, and limit in-person meetings.
Response to Covid-19 FAQ
Will the University require face coverings?
The University will update and change its policy on face coverings as required and as recommended by State and local officials. Campus signage pertaining to requirements for face coverings will reflect the threat status on our “Covid-19 Dashboard” which can be found here: https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/student-life/about-student-life/student-coronavirus-resources/covid-19-dashboard/. This policy also applies to the Equestrian Center and the Parsippany Campus.
How has Centenary University prepared to address coronavirus?
Centenary University has been monitoring the spread of coronavirus in the United States since the pandemic began. The University has an Emergency Response Team that has been in close contact with public health officials to address this public health concern. These measures have included assessing and upgrading the sanitization of our campus facilities, monitoring student travel, and preparing with our faculty to move all instruction online.
What protocols has Centenary University followed for the safety of the campus community?
Throughout this process, Centenary University has followed all guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the New Jersey State Department of Health, to stop the spread of coronavirus. Our priority remains the health and safety of our campus community.
How will the University maintain adequate supplies, such as personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies?
The Facilities Department, in coordination with University Purchasing, is charged with maintaining the inventory of cleaning supplies on campus to at least last through the fall semester.
- The University will stock adequate supplies for the fall semester of:
- Disposable face coverings
- Face shields
- Gowns, booties and bonnets (Health Services)
- Gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes and/or alternate disinfecting products
- The University will store and distribute cleaning supplies and other products for use on campuses as described in other areas of the Plan.
- The University will monitor inventories of the supplies and replenish as required to maintain an adequate inventory of supplies at all times. Alternate products may be substituted, as necessary.
What is your plan for operation of computer labs? How will the institution implement social distancing measures and cleaning protocols in these facilities?
Computer labs on campus are open. Since students and faculty will be working in labs in closer proximity than classrooms, face coverings are required at all times in labs.
What is your plan for operation of computer labs? How will the institution implement social distancing measures and cleaning protocols in these facilities?
All lab spaces (science and computer) have been reorganized to maintain social distance and other hygiene protocols including:
- Sanitizing wipes available in each lab.
- Users expected to wipe all surfaces and equipment after each use. Instructors and staff to monitor and re-wipe if needed.
- Daily cleaning by Facilities will further ensure surfaces and equipment are safe for next use.
- For students borrowing laptops, all machines will be disinfected before and after distribution.
How will the library handle general safety procedures?
- Outside Visitors to the Library are required to check in at the Welcome Center or to provide a self-check and clearance through the Campus Clear App.
- Face coverings required for all.
- Social distancing of six feet in effect.
- Library surfaces, books, and computers that have been used to be cleaned throughout the day with significant disinfection daily.
- Sanitization stations available.
What is the institution’s plan for transportation on campus?
- The University will follow statewide guidance on transportation in compliance with State regulations/orders.
- Driver and passengers in vans must wear face coverings at all times and socially distance, where possible.
- Facilities will thoroughly clean vans daily using an EPA recommended cleaner and disinfectant. During cleaning, staff will wear appropriate protective gear, including face coverings and gloves, changed after each use, to protect themselves and to prevent the spread of the virus. Special attention will be given to cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces/objects.
- Van drivers will wipe down all high-touch surfaces/objects after each trip and prior to new occupants entering the van using EPA recommended cleaner and/or disinfectant wipes.