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As we move through the semester, it’s important to maintain our vigilance in the fight against COVID. The message below outlines proper mask wearing, provides testing options, and provides links to Clarion-specific information. The Fall 2021 COVID page lists testing and quarantine numbers, information for Faculty and Staff, and recommends actions to take if you’re notified that you may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive.

Resources include a Student Decision Tree and an Employee Decision Tree to determine next steps if you're experiencing symptoms or you've been identified as a close contact of someone who has COVID-19.

If you have tested positive for COVID, time is essential to begin contact tracing. 

  • Employees: Do not report to work and notify your supervisor as soon as you can. Supervisors should notify Human Resources of positive test results. All of this information will be held confidential.
  • Students: Do not attend class and notify the Center for Wellness at 814-393-2121 as soon as possible.

Please remember that regardless of vaccination status, employees, students and visitors are required to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth when inside all campus buildings. Masks are not required for those employees who are alone in their offices or work spaces, students in their living spaces, anyone actively eating or drinking, or in most outdoor settings. If you see individuals not properly wearing a mask indoors, please kindly ask them to do so. If someone alerts you that your mask is being worn improperly, please respond kindly.

Proper masks, according to the CDC, are those that:

  • Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.
  • Completely cover your nose and mouth.
  • Fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps.
  • Have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.

If there is a positive student case, students and faculty who potentially have been exposed will be notified. Faculty who have specific questions regarding positive cases in their classrooms should contact their department chair, dean or Human Resources.

COVID testing is available on campus and in various locations throughout the community. Options include:

  • Clarion Hospital-Butler Health System, noon to 4 p.m. weekdays; requires physician order.
  • UPMC Northwest’s Routine Diagnostic Center in Reno (between Oil City and Franklin) with a referral from a UPMC doctor.
  • UPMC Urgent Care-Franklin, car-side testing with a referral from a UPMC doctor. Without a referral, you will be asked to go into the UPMC Urgent Care facility for an evaluation. Medical evaluations are provided for walk-in patients during regular business hours – first-come, first-served.
  • Rite Aid-Franklin, free drive-thru COVID testing. Tests must be scheduled in advance at https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/services/covid-19-testing. No walk-ins.
  • Rite Aid-New Bethlehem, free drive-thru COVID testing. Tests must be scheduled in advance at https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/services/covid-19-testing. No walk-ins.
  • Primary Health Network, Clarion Pharmacy in the Primary Health Network Building offers free testing without provider order Mon-Thur 10-2. Use this website to register and schedule appointment. Results are emailed to pt. Results 2-3 days typically.
  • For additional testing availability, visit HHH.gov

The best way to protect yourself and everyone else is to be vaccinated. The university will host a vaccination clinic from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 23. The clinic will be outside the south entrance of Suites on Main South (parking lot side). In the event of rain, the clinic will move to conference rooms in Suites on Main South. The clinic is open to students, employees and their family members. Registration will be done through the Primary Health Network website; a link and confirmed information will be sent to employees and students next week.

Please mask up and vaccinate to keep yourself and others safe.


With the start of the fall semester and the rise of the delta variant, there are some expectations and procedures that must be observed by students, faculty and staff.

Safety Expectations:

  • Masks/face shields, covering the nose and mouth, must be worn while in any campus building, including libraries, classrooms and labs. Masks also are recommended for all outside spaces where social distancing is not possible. Updated signs about the masking requirement will be placed in all buildings and communicated to students and their families upon their arrival.
  • Masks include disposable or double-layered cloth face masks. Both the nose and mouth should be covered at all times while in a class or in a campus building.
  • Students who cannot wear masks or shields because of a disability must seek an accommodation through the Office of Disability Services. If such an accommodation has been granted, this will be listed on the accommodation sheet that is provided to faculty members.
  • Faculty and staff are expected to use masks/face shields in all campus buildings, including during classes and meetings during office hours. The only time masks are not required is when a person is working alone in a private office.
  • Faculty may conduct office hours in person or via zoom. If using the zoom option, the zoom address should be available to students via the syllabus or a link on D2L.
  • Physical distancing will not be required, but faculty are strongly encouraged to spread out students as much as possible throughout the classroom space.
  • Faculty are strongly encouraged to include a statement on their syllabi about mask wearing and the consequences of improper use of or lack of masking. Such a statement might include "We are a community of learners and, as such, we treat each other with civility and respect. Part of that respect is protecting each other from harm. Per University policy, masks covering the mouth and nose are required to be worn at all times during class. Students who are not masked or who do not cover their mouth and nose with the mask will be asked to leave the class. This will be counted as an unexcused absence."
  • How long do COVID Tests take to get results when they are administered through AMI on campus or the campus health center? These are PCR tests and it will take typically 24-48 business hours to receive results.

Enforcing the Expectation

  • If a student arrives at class or the libraries without a mask and does not have an approved accommodation, the following steps may be taken:
  1. Before the student takes a seat in the class or the library, remind the student of the expectation and ask the student to put on a mask.
  2. If the student does not have a mask with them, tell the student to go to the departmental office and get one.
  3. If the student refuses to wear a mask, the faculty or staff member can refuse entry to the class or ask the student to leave the class or library.
  4. If the unmasked student will not leave, the faculty member may dismiss the class. In this case, the faculty member should report the incident to the Office of Student Conduct which will address the problem directly with the student.
  5. If the student becomes argumentative, the faculty member should leave the class without further engaging with the student. In this case, the faculty or staff member should report the incident to the Office of Student Conduct, which will address the problem directly with the student. If at any time the faculty member or other students feel threatened, Public Safety may be summoned.

Quarantine/Isolation Circumstances

  • Quarantine applies to people who have been exposed; isolation applies to people who have tested positive.
  • If a faculty member must quarantine or be in isolation and cannot be present for in-person classes, the faculty member may teach the course remotely during the quarantine/isolation period but must work with their chair and dean on this arrangement.
  • If the faculty member cannot or does not wish to teach remotely during their quarantine/isolation, the faculty member must submit a request for sick leave. In this case, the department chair will arrange for alternative coverage of classes until the return of the faculty member; the course will be taught using the same delivery modality as defined in the schedule.
  • If a student in your class is in quarantine or isolation, the student will be treated as any other student who has an extended illness. The student should reach out to their faculty to inform them that they will be missing classes for a period of time. The faculty member should inform the student of coursework that will be missed and how to best stay current in their studies. In addition, faculty are encouraged to be flexible in accommodating scheduled assignments and exams.
  • Faculty are strongly encouraged to include a statement on their syllabi about quarantined or isolated students, i.e., "If you are required to quarantine or isolate due to exposure to or diagnosis of COVID-19, please let me know immediately. While we can be flexible [elaborate on how flexible you will be], students are still required to complete all work for the class."
  • How are students being fed when they are asked to quarantine? If a student has to quarantine and they live within campus housing and are on a meal plan, we will work with that student to have meals delivered according to the plan they have.  We will also work out any dietary concerns. If they live in Reinhard Villages, a part of our campus housing that does not require a meal plan and they do not have a plan, we can still deliver food but will arrange charges to be added to the student account.  This goes the same for those students that may be positive and have to isolate in Suites on Main North to be away from roommates.

If you feel you may have symptoms of COVID-19, please follow the COVID-19 student decision tree. Any student can get tested Monday and Wednesday from noon to 2:00 p.m. in Eagle Commons 107/108.

Student life *updated 9/3/2021

The university has taken steps for organizations to return to a sense of normal operations for on- and off-campus events which an RSO or RUO may wish to participate in/host. We request that all organizations be diligent and strongly encourage students to become vaccinated to COVID-19 as the pandemic is ongoing. Organizations are also asked to, when at all possible, utilize larger spaces for events and encourage events to be held outdoors if that is feasible.

We know from a student survey that roughly 70 percent of students who took the survey indicated being vaccinated.

This responsible behavior makes it possible for us to allow our students to engage in in-person events and once again hold in person meetings.

We look forward to you continuing to 'Protect the Nest' while enjoying making friends, having fun, and once again returning to more programming and meeting opportunities.

Please note that Clarion University reserves the right to deny, cancel, postpone or re-locate on-campus and off-campus University events based on health and safety considerations.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONAL QUESTIONS

Will there be RSO & RUO events allowed?

Recognized Student Organizations and Recognized University Organizations are permitted to hold in-person events which comply with university policies and CDC guidelines related to COVID-19. Organizations should submit space requests to Event Services via 25 Live and should continue to put the event in CU Connect and use the Check-In App to track attendees.

Please use the largest size space available when possible when reserving a room.

Will Student Organizations be able to hold meetings in person?

Student Organizations are permitted to meet in person but may, as a matter of organizational choice, decide to meet virtually. In general, virtual events and meetings are still encouraged.

Meeting both in person and hosting the meeting virtually may also be a way to engage students who are not quite ready to meet face-to-face. Masks will be required and should be worn fully covering both the mouth and nose.
Organizations are required to use the CORQ App and Event Check-In App to catalog those attending events to assist with contact tracing.

My Organization has an office. Will we be able to use our office?

Yes, you may use your office in Gemmell when the building is open. Please contact Events Services related to signing out keys for your officers. All individuals are required to wear a mask or face shield while in an organizational office. Students with medical conditions prohibiting use of a face covering should contact the Office of Disability Support Services to inquire about accommodations.

If a group hosts an event, will attendees need to wear masks?

Yes, masking is required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals attending events. Masks should cover the full mouth and nose. Individuals may choose to wear face shields. Students with medical conditions prohibiting use of a face covering should contact the Office of Disability Support Services to inquire about accommodations. Disability Support Services is available in 109 Becht Hall (from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday-Friday) or by phone to 814 393 2095.

Will attendees need to be physically distanced?

All attending are encouraged to physically distance as able. Please be mindful that others may be less comfortable in close proximity to others even if vaccinated. Masks for outdoor events where it is not possible to physical distance are required such as sitting at a football game or seated at another outdoor event.

Can we have food at our events?

Yes you may have food. It is important to note that Aramark has the "right of first refusal" when it comes to providing food at events occurring on campus. Therefore, it is important that requests to have food at face-to-face events are included with the organization's space request in 25 Live. It is possible that the vendor may indicate needed changes to planning with food to assist with COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

Is my RSO permitted to travel?

Organizational travel is permitted at this time but subject to change based on local, state, or federal travel advisories and includes but is not limited to any adjustment related to travel restrictions imposed by PASSHE.  Any organizations planning a program or sports event involving travel, may be required to submit a plan to reduce risk of transmission of COVID-19 to the Director of Student Engagement & Development, Matthew G. Shaffer at mshaffer@clarion.edu.  All organizations should follow CDC Guidance found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html related to travel for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.  This includes use of masks, distancing where able, and frequent handwashing. The University reserves the right to modify or cancel a planned trip if needed due to COVID-19.

May we use a CSA Van for essential travel?

Yes the CSA vans will be available. Please contact CSA with questions related to use. All individuals are required to wear a mask or face shield while in a CSA van. Students with medical conditions prohibiting use of a face covering should contact the Office of Disability Support Services to inquire about accommodations.

Will there be Intramural Opportunities, Club Sports, or spirit & dance groups, including Cheerleading available this spring?

Yes, there will be opportunities for Intramural and Club Sports, cheerleading, as well as spirit and dance groups to fully participate at this time. All participants will be required to show proof of vaccination or participate in weekly surveillance testing to participate in activities.

Club Sports needing assistance with re starting for 2021-2022 may contact Ewing Moussa for assistance.

Outdoor sports will track attendance at each event/practice and turn in practice and event/competition schedules to Ewing Moussa.

Club Sports will be permitted to travel based on the university travel allowances as approved. If traveling via bus or CSA van, students must be masked at all times.

Outdoor Intramural activities will operate for fall 2021. Additionally, other outdoor sports leagues and one off tournaments will be encouraged.

Indoor events such as volleyball and basketball will be discussed as their seasons grow close.

Is my organization permitted to have posters to advertise events?

Yes, you may provide copies to office such as in Gemmell, Residence Life, and the Carlson Library to have posters hung. Advertising with CU Connect and the TV station, channel 50, are other great ways to advertise. Contact Todd Spaulding at with questions.

My organization hosts events with outside groups. Are we still able to partner on these programs?

Yes, you are able to partner with outside groups for programming both on and off campus with use of masks and other face coverings by all attending.

External events are required to provide their individual COVID-19 mitigation plans and will be responsible for any contact tracing as a result of a positive case during their event.

Can my organization table in areas across campus?

Tabling is permitted as normal but masking is required for both indoor and outdoor tabling.

Will my organization still use the Check-In App for tracking attendance at events?

Yes, organizations are asked to use the Check-In App to track face-to-face attendance at events. This will not only help you with data about who attends your events and help CSA track overall attendance but also provides information for contact tracing in the event an attendee tests positive for COVID-19. Organizations should also track attendance for virtual events through Zoom or other platforms. CU Connect may be used to create an RSVP list for you to assist with the planning of your event and tracking attendees virtually. Please contact Todd Spaulding with questions related to RSVP through CU Connect.

GEMMELL STUDENT CENTER QUESTIONS

What are my food options now in Gemmell?

Yes, the Gemmell Food Court will be available for patrons.

The Gemmell Food Court hours for Ernies, Quick Eats, Sear & Sizzle and Flying Pie are 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Friday. Those operations also are open from 4 p.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday.

Bento in the Gemmell Food Court is open 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Crafted by Commonplace in the lower level of the Gemmell Rotunda is open 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Friday and is closed Saturday and Sunday.

Will I be able to come to Gemmell just to sit and relax?

Yes you may be inside the Gemmell Student Center and may sit and relax with friends, study, grab something to eat, etc.

You can expect to still see hand sanitizer stations for your use in the building. Please report empty sanitizer stations to any of the office personnel in the building who will be in touch with Facilities to have those units refilled.

Are building hours changing in Gemmell and will staff be there each day?

Yes, Gemmell building hours have now changed to 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. Gemmell is closed during university breaks such as major holidays.

You will find those specific employees in Gemmell back to a normal in person work schedule in the building. Please feel free to check our office doors to see what our schedule is. Many staff work in the evening and may have other obligations which may prevent them from being in their offices on certain days. Meetings with the assistant directors and the director of student engagement and development may be in person or could be held via Zoom.

Student Conduct meetings will continue to utilize Zoom.

The Information Desk will be back to normal hours of operation including weekend hours. Look for the Information Desk to be available from 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday through Friday, from noon–8 p.m. on Saturday, and noon – 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Hours for the mailroom for on campus students are noon–5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Packages may be picked up in the locker system at the student mailroom during normal building hours.

Use of the Resource Room will continue use the following online form to order items and will be called or emailed for contactless pick-up. Please go to https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?ClarionUniv&layout_id=37 to place your order.

Will laptops still be available at Gemmell and equipment to connect to projectors in Gemmell meeting rooms?

Yes, those items will be available at the Gemmell Information Desk. Equipment will still be sanitized between uses.

Are commuter student lockers still available?

Yes, stop by the Gemmell Information Desk or Main Office to sign out a locker.

Are Racquetball Courts available for student use as well as complimentary equipment at the Information Desk?

Racquetball Court 2 will be back in use and complimentary equipment will be available at the Information Desk.
Registration for use is required due to contact tracing.

May we use the Dance Studio in Gemmell?

The Dance Studio will be available for use. Those using should wear a mask/face shield at all times.

Did the Bookstore move to Gemmell?

CSA has a self operated temporary location for your Clarion Spirit Wear located in Racquetball Court No. 1 during at least fall, 2021. Hours of operation or TBD at this time. CSA has plans to move permanently to part of the space which once housed the bookstore and more recently was the temporary home for the Golden Eagle Wrestling Team. The remainder of that space will be renovated for student use both as a lounge and for programming.

Will PSECU be open and what about the ATMs?

ATM's on the first floor by the Rotunda are currently available during normal hours at Gemmell. PSECU hours are currently TBD. However, the business manager will be available in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but subject to change. Virtual access to PSECU will be ongoing.

Will the kiosk for Eagle Dollars be functioning in Gemmell?

Yes, the kiosk in Gemmell which is located in the lower rotunda of the building is available when the building is open.

VENANGO FAQ

Will in person RSO events be allowed?

Recognized Student Organizations and Recognized University Organizations are permitted to hold in-person events which comply with university policies and CDC guidelines related to COVID-19. Organizations should submit space requests to Conference & Events via 25 Live and should continue to put the event in CU Connect and use the Check-In App to track attendees.

Please use the largest size space available when possible when reserving a room.

Will Student Organizations be able to hold meetings in person?

Student organizations are permitted to meet in person but may, as a matter of organizational choice, decide to meet virtually. In general, virtual events and meetings are still encouraged.

Meeting both in person and hosting the meeting virtually may also be a way to engage students who are not quite ready to meet face-to-face. Masks will be required and should be worn fully covering both the mouth and nose.

Organizations are required to use the CORQ App and Event Check In App to catalog those attending events to assist with contact tracing.

If an organization hosts an event, will attendees need to wear masks?

Yes, masking is required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals attending events. Masks should cover the full mouth and nose. Individuals may choose to wear face shields. Students with medical conditions prohibiting use of a face covering should contact the Office of Disability Support Services to inquire about accommodations. Disability Support Services is available in 109 Becht Hall (8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday) or by phone to 814 393 2095.

If an organization hosts an event, will attendees need to be physically distanced?

All attending are encouraged to fiscally distance as able. Please be mindful that others may be less comfortable in close proximity to others even if vaccinated. Masks for outdoor events where it is not possible to physical distance are required.

Can organizations have food at events?

Yes you may have food. It is important to note that Aramark has the "right of first refusal" when it comes to providing food at events occurring on campus. Therefore, it is important that requests to have food at a face-to-face events are included with the organization's space request in 25 Live. It is possible that the vendor may indicate needed changes to planning with food to assist with COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

Is my organization permitted to have posters to advertise events?

Yes, you may hang posters on public posting bulletin boards. Use of CU Connect for advertising is also be a great way to advertise. Contact Todd Spaulding with questions.

Can my organization table in areas across campus?

Tabling is permitted as normal. However, masks or face shields are required.

My organization hosts events with outside groups. Are we still able to partner on these programs?

Yes, you are able to partner with outside groups for programming both on and off campus with use of masks and other face coverings by all attending.

External events are required to provide their individual COVID mitigation plans and will be responsible for any contact tracing as a result of a positive case during their event.

Is my organization permitted to travel?

At this time, organizational travel is permitted however face coverings are required while traveling. Travel is however not permitted out of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is also not permitted to counties which are designated as high rate of COVID-19 spread. Organizations may ask for permission to travel to areas designated as high rate of spread. Please contact the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Shawn Hoke with request for review. Include the destination, reason for travel, and circumstances believed to mitigate risk of travel to those locations.

Can my organization use a CSA Van for essential travel?

Yes the CSA vans will be available. Please contact CSA with questions related to use. All individuals are required to wear a mask or face shield while in an organizational office. Students with medical conditions prohibiting use of a face covering should contact the Office of Disability Support Services to inquire about accommodations.

Will there be an opportunity to use athletic equipment in Rhoades?

Yes. The Rhoades gymnasium, as well as the fitness center, will be available for use. You will find that machines may be farther apart than normal and you will be required to wear a mask when entering and leaving the fitness center. Those using machines or free weights should also wear a mask but those actively using cardio equipment may choose to remove face coverings while actively exercising.

There is an overall max capacity of six individuals able to use the fitness center at one time.

Housing / Dining

On-campus housing will be back to normal with assignments and our move-in process.  This also means our 2-year residency requirement will be back into effect. Isolation rooms will be available if needed and additional move-in details and housing information is available at www.clarion.edu/housing.

Our on-campus dining facilities will all be opened with physical distanced seating. To find out more about our dining facilities and options, please visit www.clarion.edu/dining.

How are students being fed when they are asked to quarantine?

If a student has to quarantine and they live within campus housing and are on a meal plan, we will work with that student to have meals delivered according to the plan they have.  We will also work out any dietary concerns. 

If they live in Reinhard Villages, a part of our campus housing that does not require a meal plan and they do not have a plan, we can still deliver food but will arrange charges to be added to the student account.  This goes the same for those students that may be positive and have to isolate in Suites on Main North to be away from roommates. 

Questions? Please submit your questions to our COVID-19 Questions form and we will respond.

Transportation

Current ATA bus schedule.

Questions? Please submit your questions to our COVID-19 Questions form and we will respond.

Prospective Students Information

Interested in becoming a Clarion University Golden Eagle? View our Virtual Experiences for Prospective Students page.

Last Updated 1/24/22