Help Battle COVID-19 as Fall Semester Quickly Approaches

It is quite apparent that the global and national bout with COVID-19 is far from over. The Delta variant is yet the latest salvo in this pandemic battle, triggering a dramatic rise in cases and hospitalizations – with Florida among the states leading the pack in new cases. August 23, the official start of fall classes, is just around the corner. While Nova Southeastern University looks forward to welcoming students back to campus in person, doing so at the current levels of reported vaccinations will prohibit NSU from abandoning face coverings as well as other safety measures.

As faculty and staff, join the charge to lead by example to make our campus safer and hasten our return to normal. If we’re able to reach our Vax Max goal of 70% for on-campus students, we will be able to return to more normal, mask-free conditions. Recent numbers reflect that currently we are far short of this goal. But with your help we can change that. Registration is simple, non-intrusive, and private. You can do your part at by reporting your vaccination status virtually at NSU Vax Max. And you can also encourage others.

President and CEO George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., recently outlined NSU’s new policy mandating that all faculty and staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 20, 2021. Faculty and staff who have already reported that they have been vaccinated do not need to take any further action. If you have not yet been vaccinated, you need to receive your final dose no later than Sept 6.

If you intend to request an exemption due to either a documented medical condition or a deeply held religious belief, you can find additional information on the process here. Any employees who do not register their completed vaccination status or receive an exemption by September 20, 2021, will be placed on unpaid leave for up to 45 days. Any employees who have not registered their fully vaccinated status in the Vax Max portal by the end of the 45-day period will be consulted with by their supervisor and HR representative regarding next steps.

We are taking this action as a university to ensure the safety of everyone on our campuses as well as allowing us to have an on-campus experience with fewer safety restrictions. Your cooperation is appreciated and essential to accomplishing this goal.

Also, a reminder that if you are feeling sick, even with a case of the sniffles, you should not come to campus and you should get tested for COVID-19. The Department of Health is reporting that people who are vaccinated are presenting mild cold-like symptoms and testing positive for COVID-19.

If you are vaccinated and exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 you should get tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask until you receive negative test result. You do not need to quarantine if you are vaccinated, but you should wear a mask for 3-5 days even if you are symptom-free. If you test positive for COVID-19 or if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 you need to quarantine for 10 days.

Also, if you are exposed to COVID-19 by a person living with you in your house you need to get tested 3-5 days after exposure (when the individual tested positive) and wear a mask and quarantine for 10 days regardless of vaccination status.

Click here for links to the FAQs, policy, and other helpful information.

It is important to remember that we are in this pandemic together and it is in our best interest and the best interest of the greater NSU community that we provide a safe and thriving environment for everyone. Shark Nation deserves it. Do your part today. Fins Up!