Stetson University Moves to Tier 2.5

Given the health and safety issues associated with the COVID-19 Delta variant impacting Central Florida, Stetson University is moving from Tier 4 to a modified Tier 2.5, as of this announcement. Details of the change follow. The university is following guidance from the American College Health Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Health.
Tier 2.5 has been revised to take into account the current vaccination rate in populations in DeLand and at the College of Law. This change allows for temporary enhanced health and safety protocols during a period of increased COVID-19 infection rates due to the Delta variant locally and nationally. This change takes effect immediately.
Additional information will be provided in a webinar next week prior to Check-In/Move-In, but isn’t expected to impact either of those activities. A reminder that no more than two individuals (family/friends) will be permitted within the residential buildings to assist with moving in and must remain masked anytime they are indoors.

Wednesday, Aug. 11, 3 p.m., Rolks Report Live Webinar: Announcements for Fall 2021
Join President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, and university leadership for a discussion on plans for Fall 2021 as the university implements health and safety measures to mitigate issues associated with the COVID-19 Delta variant. The conversation will include a review of tier status for the opening of the academic year as well as new mitigant strategies in this quickly evolving public health situation.
Registration is required for the webinar.
As previously stated, Stetson expects every member of the university community to be vaccinated, but the following applies regardless of vaccination status.
Modified Tier 2.5: Current requirements.
Testing:
- Gateway Testing required for unvaccinated people
- Ongoing optional and mandatory (select higher-risk groups, i.e., student ambassadors, athletes) COVID-19 testing on campus

- Required in:
- All classrooms
- All meetings, including group meetings of four or less
- All shared office space, even if 6 feet apart
- All indoor events, common areas and shared offices
- Outdoor events if so indicated
- Not required:
- Inside your own residential room or apartment with no guests present
- Inside your individual, non-shared office with no guests present
- Outside when distancing is possible
- Classroom capacity restricted to 3 feet minimum distancing, masks required for everyone present
- Self-cleaning supplies available for use between classes
- Supplemental devices installed in classrooms to reduce transmission of airborne pathogens; UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) lights used in HVAC systems across Stetson’s campuses
- Medical accommodation process remains in place, through HR, for faculty who seek temporary adjustment of modality
- Start date for all classes at all campuses remains in line with published academic calendars

Residential Living and Learning:
- One Stetson guest permitted per room, masks required for everyone present
- No overnight or non-Stetson guests permitted
- Capacity limits in common spaces, community kitchens and laundry rooms
- College of Law: Community kitchens, lounge and food pantry open to all students; Sidebar and JD’s Café open with limited seating and capacity
- 24/7 online access at stetson.edu/library or stetson.edu/law/library
- In-person library support with 3 feet physical distancing
- Occupancy limits on small spaces, such as Innovation Lab and study rooms
- Reduced hours possible due to COVID-19 staffing shortages
- No public access
- Reservations required for study rooms at College of Law
- Virtual platforms and outdoor venues preferred
- Registered events and audience sizes restricted to 30 people with physical distancing
- External outside groups permitted in DeLand and College of Law (Gulfport and Tampa) only with permission of vice presidents, athletic director or academic deans, and limited to mission-centric groups
- Only prepackaged or Chartwells snacks allowed; attendees will remain at their seats 6 feet apart from one another
- No alcohol permitted; individually packaged refreshments (bottled water, soft drinks, juice, etc.) only
- College of Law will only host large groups outdoors due to available space

Athletics Events:
- Intercollegiate competitions continue in alignment with national league (NCAA) and regional conference (ASUN, Pioneer) guidance
- Decreased indoor and outdoor spectator capacities under review
- Hollis Center through preregistration to students and employees only
- Individual space occupancy to ensure physical distancing
- Facial coverings encouraged during activity and required otherwise
- Face-to-Face group exercise classes operating with capacity limits and reservations
- Intramural sports to occur with restrictions
- At College of Law, Gym assistants during all open hours, with limited capacity and appointment scheduling
Dining:
- Four-person table capacities
- Line distancing extended to 6 feet
- Employees are to-go only
- Breakrooms and common office spaces open with occupancy limits to building members only
- Only two passengers per:
-
- Elevator
- University vehicles and golf carts
-
- Card swipe access only (DeLand only)
- Workplace meetings limited to 50 minutes with 3 feet minimum distancing
- Encourage virtual meetings where possible, and required for meetings longer than 50 minutes
- 6-foot distancing required in shared workspaces

Student Employment:
- Both on-site and remote work are permitted where possible
- Medical exemptions may be requested from the Office of Student Employment
- University-sponsored domestic and international travel limited and must be approved by cabinet level supervisor
- International travel must be registered with the Office of Risk Management a minimum of 15 business days prior to departure
- Tours limited to 30 guests for each session
- Tour group sizes limited to two alternating groups of 15 people each with a tour guide for each