REOPENING September 8, 2021 Version 17 - Point Park University
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1 REOPENING September 8, 2021 Version 17 Morris University’s early thinking about potential strategies for
2
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………..…………………………………….………….….1
CURRENT FACE MASK REQUIREMENTS .……………...………………………….………….…………….1
VACCINATION INFORMATION ……………………………..…………………………………….………….….2
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION …………………………………………………………………………..………….3
UNIVERSITY-WIDE COMMUNICATION ……………………………………………………….………….….3
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS ………………………………………..…………………………………….…….…….….4
THE STUDENT HEALTH CENTER ………………………………………………………………………………….5
CONTACT TRACING ……………………………………………..…………………………………….………….….6
ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE ………………………………………………………………………………... 7
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS DURING COVID-19 …………………………………………….………….…. 9
REQUIRED STUDENT INFORMATION AND PLANNING ………………………………………….….10
INSTRUCTIONAL CAPACITY & TEACHING MODALITIES …………….…..………………………....10
TELEWORK POLICY ………………………………………………………………………………………………….12
VISITORS, VENDORS AND GUESTS …………………………………………………….. ………………..…12
COVID-19 TRAVEL POLICY …………………………………………………..………….………….….12
CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION …..…………………………………..……………………………..……….….13
POINT PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT …………..……………………………………………….………….….13
BUILDING SPACES…………………………………………………………………………………………………….13
RESPONDING TO A RESURGENCE OF COVID-19 ACTIVITY ………………..…………………….….14
CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………..…………………………………….………….….141
INTRODUCTION
Point Park University (PPU) plans to return to on-campus operations including fully in-person
classes, student life experiences, and social activities for the fall term of 2021. PPU’s plan for
campus operations continues to follow the guidance from Governor Wolf, the PA Department
of Health (DOH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Allegheny County
Health Department (ACHD), and the PA Department of Education (PDE).
Due to recent increases in variant cases and based on CDC guidelines, Point Park has reinstituted
masking requirements for everyone while inside University buildings regardless of vaccination
status. Additionally, other mitigation policies on campus, including lifting social distancing
requirements, limits on meeting sizes, restrictions for visitors to campus, and space
requirements have been revised.
Our primary concern is the health and safety of students, faculty and staff while continuing to
provide innovative undergraduate and graduate education in a dynamic urban setting. PPU
remains dedicated to its mission of academic excellence and community engagement,
preparing students of diverse backgrounds with the knowledge, skills, and experience to lead
meaningful lives as informed citizens and successful professionals.
The pandemic is not over. This manual continues to evolve as more information becomes
available and is subject to change at any time. Any updates will include a new effective date
and will be communicated to the University community.
CURRENT FACE MASK REQUIREMENTS
As stated previously in this manual, PPU has implemented and will enforce a policy mandating
that face masks be worn by students, faculty, staff, and visitors regardless of vaccination status
when inside PPU facilities.
Exceptions to Point Park University masking requirement are listed below:
AROUND THE UNIVERSITY
• When outside.
• When eating or drinking in dining areas.
• When alone in a private office or campus residential room.
LIBRARY:
• Masks must be worn in the library at all times.
COPA DEPARTMENTS AND PLAYHOUSE
• When actively engaged in in-person music, dance, and drama
courses/productions/rehearsals.
o Masks must be worn when not actively participating in these activities.
o Please see departmental student handbook/protocols for specific details on
when/where these exceptions may be allowed
• During student activities where there are musical/theater performances/practice.
o Masks must be worn when not actively participating in these activities.
o Please see departmental student handbook/protocols for specific details on
when/where these exceptions may be allowed2
• CINEMA - During cinema productions (soundstage, other interior campus locations, interior
off-campus locations).
o Crew must wear a mask at all times during interior productions.
o Actors may remove masks at an interior location during a take if they are on camera.
Actors must put their mask back on as soon as the take is complete.
o At all exterior locations both on and off campus, crew and cast may be unmasked if
social distancing (6ft.) can be maintained. If social distancing is not possible, then
the cast and crew must abide by the same rules as an interior location.
o Please see departmental student handbook/protocols for specific details on
when/where these exceptions may be allowed.
• DANCE DEPARTMENT-
o In daily technique classes, masks should be worn with no exceptions.
o 90-minute classes will be shortened to 70 minutes to allow time for transitions and
breaks.
o During the weeks of technical rehearsal and performance, dancers cast in
performances will be required to participate in COVID-19 testing. Upon testing
negative for COVID-19, vaccinated dancers may be unmasked during the run of the
work.
CENTER FOR MEDIA INNOVATION
• When appearing on camera in the CMI, television studios or other interior locations.
o Crew must wear masks at all times.
o Actors must be masked when not filming.
ATHLETICS
• During athletic events and club sports practice and competition.
o Masks must be worn in team locker rooms, during indoor team meetings, in other
gatherings when distancing is not possible, when in fitness, training or weight rooms
and during team travel.
This policy will be updated based on guidance from the PA Department of Health (DOH),
Governor Wolf’s office, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the
Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD).
Click here for current information on face masks from the CDC.
VACCINATION INFORMATION
Based on the success of the COVID-19 vaccinations now widely available, and to protect the
University community from the spread of COVID-19, Point Park will require COVID-19
vaccinations for all students participating in face-to-face classes or campus activities for the
2021-2022 academic year. Point Park University currently requires students to be
immunized for a number of other viruses mandated by the federal government including
measles, mumps and rubella and meningitis. You can see the full COVID-19 vaccination plan
pertaining to students here. Student COVID-19 Vaccine Information for 2021-2022 Academic
Year
Point Park University strongly encourages all faculty and staff to be vaccinated against
COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines have shown to be safe and highly effective at reducing illness
and the spread of the virus. Click here for vaccination information.
According to the CDC, “Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without
wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state,3
local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and
workplace guidance.”
You are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after either:
• Receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines
• Receiving your singe-dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson
Post-COVID immunity is not the same as being vaccinated.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Point Park embraces, supports and actively pursues a policy of inclusiveness that recognizes,
values and reflects the diversity of the campus, community and world. To thrive as an
academic institution, the University fosters a learning and working environment that
encourages multiple perspectives and the open exchange of ideas in an unbiased and
nonprejudicial way. Visit PointPark.edu/Diversity for more information.
UNIVERSITY-WIDE COMMUNICATION
PPU has sent a series of announcements to update the University community regarding
COVID-19 and will continue to do so throughout the semester. These are the official sources
for information:
PointPark.edu/COVID
Visit PointPark.edu/COVID for the latest official information from Point Park
University about on-campus learning and operations in consideration of
COVID-19.
Point Park University Email
Students, faculty, and staff should check their University email on a regular
basis as notifications are sent when necessary about important updates to
learning and operations. A reminder that Point Park email is for official
communication related to the University.
PointPark.edu/Safety
The campus PointALERT system provides emergency notifications critical to
safety and wellbeing. Students, faculty, and staff should visit
PointPark.edu/Safety to sign up for notifications.
questions@pointpark.edu
Email questions@pointpark.edu with questions or concerns about the
University’s on-campus learning and operations described in this guide
studenthealth@pointpark.edu
The Student Health Center email is checked routinely during business hours by
the nursing staff. Students, faculty, and staff should contact the Student Health
Center if they have tested positive for Covid-19, are awaiting test results, or
have come in close contact with a positive individual. The nursing staff can
answer questions about COVID-19, quarantine and isolation.4
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
The information in this section is provided to PPU by WorkPartners, within the UPMC health
care system; it is subject to change based on evolving guidelines from the CDC and the DOH.
COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough or sneeze.
Transmission of illness may occur up to 48 hours before symptoms are present. All community
members, especially those not vaccinated, should continue to closely monitor their health,
and practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizer with at
least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
SYMPTOMS:
o Fever or chills
o Cough
o Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
o Fatigue
o Muscle or body aches
o Headache
o New loss of taste or smell
o Sore throat
o Congestion or runny nose
o Nausea or vomiting
o Diarrhea
For vaccinated individuals:
If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, you should not come to campus. Please notify
the Student Health Center for further instructions.
If you have been around someone who has been diagnosed with Covid-19, you do not need
to quarantine unless you have symptoms.
For non-vaccinated individuals:
If you are sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19, you should not come to campus. You
should stay home and notify the Student Health Center (412 392-3800) for further instructions
regarding quarantine, testing, etc.
Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 must stay home and notify the Student Health Center.5
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THE STUDENT HEALTH CENTER (SHC) (412)-392-3800 or x3800
As stated elsewhere in this manual, PPU has developed its response based on the health and
safety protocols of the CDC, and the PA DOH. The Student Health Center is dedicated to
helping students get well and stay well. PPU has enlisted WorkPartners, within the UPMC
health care system, for guidance and support for the Student Health Center.
1. General Services
The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and managed by a
registered nurse with clinical experience and supported by dedicated staff. All students
may get help at the center with a variety of services, such as:
1. First aid.
2. Illness and injury assessment.
3. Health screenings.
4. Physician appointments.
5. Community health referrals.
6. Wellness education.
The SHC also collaborates with local facilities to meet the health care needs of students.
The University has an established coordination-of-care partnership with UPMC physicians
at their downtown location. The facility is in walking distance of campus; appointments
are available throughout the week, reserved specifically for PPU students. . UPMC offers
virtual appointments both in office and private. All scheduling is done through the office.
2. COVID-19 Services for Students and Employees
Any student or employee feeling ill on campus should phone the SHC at 412-392-3800.
Based on symptoms, an illness assessment is completed, and next steps determined. If
symptoms of COVID-19 are suspected, the SHC will work with the student or employee
to arrange for testing and treatment.
Throughout the treatment process, the SHC provides assistance:
1. Facilitates visits with practitioners to assess symptoms and possibly order a
COVID test.
2. All COVID tests ordered through the UPMC practitioners will result to the SHC
staff.
3. If an individual gets tested on their own, proof of the test results should be
emailed to studenthealth@pointpark.edu. All emailed results must be followed
with a phone conversation for further assessment and tracking.
4. Anyone who is symptomatic, exposed, or positive will be assessed by a SHC nurse
to determine their individual plan of care.
5. All individuals in quarantine or isolation are followed by the SHC throughout the
period and must be cleared by the nurse prior to returning to campus.
6. No testing is completed in the SHC.
7. The SHC supplies quarantine and return-to-campus information to the affected
student or employee based on CDC guidelines and PPU protocols.
8. Any individual can initiate quarantine based on exposure or illness, but must follow
up with a call to the SHC. Only SHC can quarantine and isolate, provide return to
campus dates and release individuals from quarantine or isolation.6
When to phone the Student Health Center:
1. If you feel ill on campus.
2. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19.
3. If you had exposure to a COVID-19 infected individual or someone with
suspected symptoms who is being tested.
4. If you are notified by a local or state health department or the CDC to self-isolate.
5. If you have traveled from an area with a stay-at-home order imposed by the local,
state, or federal government in the previous 14 days.
6. If you have traveled from a destination outside the United States.
3. After-Hours Care
For emergency care when the Health Center is closed, students should phone
University police at 412-392-3960.
For nonemergency care when the Health Center is closed, students should phone a local
urgent care center. Urgent care contact information can be found at
PointPark.edu/Health.
4. Confidentiality
The Health Center staff is bound by the medical ethics of confidentiality. Information
provided by the student or employee cannot be released to a third party, including
parents, without written authorization from the student or employee unless legally
required or permitted.
PPU is permitted to receive information regarding the condition of the student or
employee related to COVID-19. Staff conducting contact tracing will not share personal
details about the patient with anyone spoken with during the investigations.
CONTACT TRACING
Contact tracing is an important component for controlling COVID-19. Tracing determines close
contacts defined as any individual who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15
minutes up to two days prior to the onset of symptoms. Trained PPU staff will initiate contact
tracing.
Contact tracing begins by interviewing the confirmed case using structured questions to
identify close contacts who may have been exposed. Potentially exposed individuals are
informed they have come in close contact recently with someone who has COVID-19 and
asked to quarantine for 10 days and self-monitor to prevent the spread of the disease.
Resident students will quarantine in designated University facilities. Employees and
commuter students will do this at home.
.7
ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE
Addressing the need to separate and protect the campus community, PPU has identified
facilities for the temporary housing and care of students who cannot go home and must be
isolated or quarantined. This is a critical strategy to mitigate further spread of the virus.
As part of basic safety and health principles, all individuals who feel sick (appear to have
symptoms) are advised to stay at home. For much of the population (employees, visitors and
commuter or local students), going home is a viable option. However, a plan for the smaller
population of students who cannot or should not go home is in place.
Rooms are identified to isolate students who are infected with COVID-19. Additionally, areas
are identified to quarantine students who are asymptomatic but have come in close contact
with a diagnosed person. Accommodations for these students include meeting basic needs,
medical support, food service and facility maintenance.
PPU will attempt to respond quickly when presented with a probable or confirmed case of
COVID-19. Situations are triaged on a case-by case basis. A designated team of individuals
(Student Health Center, Dean of Students Office, and local Health Provider Partner – UPMC)
will assess each case and, subsequently, implement established response protocols. The plan
addresses several aspects associated with a suspected or confirmed case, including but not
limited to:
1. Initial investigation and coordination with health services and medical
provider(s), the local health department, and outside medical partners (UPMC
Downtown and Mercy Hospital)
2. Testing
3. Contact tracing
4. Cleaning of affected area(s)
5. Isolation, as appropriate
6. Removal from campus if necessary
When a resident student needs transported to a medical facility for diagnostic services related
to COVID-19 or for a COVID-19 test
1. Students will arrange for transportation to the nearest testing site. If an ambulance is
needed, the dispatcher will be told the transport is Covid-19 related.
2. Those assisting in transportation will have the appropriate PPE to assist (N95 respirator,
gloves, goggles, disposable gown and be trained in the use of that PPE).
When a resident student tests positive for COVID-19
When a student is required to move into quarantine/isolation, they will do so on their own. The
following steps will be taken during this move:
1. Students will be given a short window of time to go to their room and pack all necessary
items while in quarantine. (Students will have a chance to get additional items later if
needed.)
2. While a student is packing and moving to quarantine, they are required to wear a N95 mask
and gloves at all times. Both items will be provided to the student.8
3. While packing up their belongings, all roommates will be asked to vacate the
room/suite/apartment.
4. After the student has collected all necessary belongings, Housekeeping will disinfect and
sanitize the student’s room/suite/apartment.
5. Once properly sanitized, roommates will be permitted back into the room/suite/apartment.
6. The student will be provided access and instructions to the freight elevator to get to the
19th floor of Lawrence Hall.
7. The room assigned on the 19th floor will be unlocked and ready prior to the student arriving.
The room key will be waiting in the room for the student.
8. Once settled in the room, a member of Student Affairs will work with the student to make
meal plan and classroom participation arrangements.
9. Students who have tested positive will receive a daily check-in from SARA Alert. This is a
program used by the Allegheny County Department of Health to track both positive and
exposed individuals.
10. Students will receive a plan of care from the SHC and a tentative release date. All students
must be cleared by the nurse prior to release from isolation and returning to their original
housing assignment.
Students living off-campus
PPU recommends students living of campus have conversations on safety and expectations with
roommates about mutual expectations in your living space, including cleaning schedules, guests
to the apartment, limiting social interactions, and contingencies if someone should be
diagnosed with COVID-19. PPU also recommends planning with family members if you should
be diagnosed with Covid-19. Student’s living off-campus should not use public transportation
to get to a testing site.
Students who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will need to isolate in their off-campus location for
at least 10 days. If a student has been identified as having close contact with an infected person,
they will need to quarantine for 10 days in their off-campus location. Student will receive a plan
of care from the Student Health Center on a tentative release date. All students must be
cleared by the nurse prior to release from isolation and returning to their original housing
assignment.
Commuter students
Commuter students should not use public transportation to get to the testing site. Commuter
students who test positive for Covid-19 should isolate at home and report their positive status
to the Student Health Center so the contact tracing process can begin.
Employees
Employees are responsible for their own transportation to a testing site and should not return to
campus until the results are known and they receive approval from the nurses at the Student
Health center to return to campus. Employees need to notify Natalie Rice in H.R.
(nrice@pointpark.edu or 412 -392-4770) if they have to quarantine and/or isolate.9
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS DURING COVID-19
PPU’s goal is to continue educating students in a dynamic urban setting. When able, it is PPU’s
intent to offer on-ground classes and student experiences. Given the challenges and
unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, students are expected to be cautious while on
campus and at all PPU-related events. To achieve this, we need the cooperation of every
community member. All students are required to follow the published policies and guidelines
related to COVID-19.
PPU intends to follow all local, state, and federal guidelines associated to this pandemic.
Please understand that these guidelines may be altered at any time. To stay up to date,
community members will receive messages about the current set of guidelines to their PPU e-
mail account. It is their responsibility to regularly check their email to stay up to date. PPU will
also post throughout campus signage directing students on what protocols they must follow
within those specified areas. If students need exceptions to any published policy or guidelines
related to COVID-19, they are to contact the Vice President of Student Affairs. Students found
in violation of any published policy or regulation related to COVID-19 are taken through the
Student Conduct process.
Policies to charge students for COVID-19 related violations:
Article 1: Offenses Related to Persons
h. Exhibits behavior of any kind that imperils or jeopardizes the health
and safety of any person or persons. This includes any action which
could be injurious to self or others.
k. Creates a hostile educational, living, or work environment through
harassing or other bullying behaviors.
Article 3: Offenses Related to the Operation of the University
a. Fails to comply with the directive(s) of a classroom instructor or
causes disruption of the classroom atmosphere; including but not
limited to the classroom, fieldtrips, group projects, and electronic
correspondence.
e. Fails, without just cause, to comply with the lawful directions of a
University official acting in the performance of his or her duties and
authority.
k. Violates any other published University policy or regulation.
l. Exhibits conduct unbecoming a University student.
Article 4: Offenses Related to Welfare, Health, or Safety
c. Refuses to vacate buildings, sidewalks, driveways, or other facilities
of the University when directed to do so by an official of the University
having just cause to so order, unless official government actions be
declared.10
REQUIRED STUDENT INFORMATION AND PLANNING
All students are to provide essential information to the Office of Student Life/Residence Life
prior to move-in, to be utilized if an isolation or closure of campus residence halls become
necessary. Students will send this information, and the recognition of the acknowledgment,
electronically to the Office of Student Life. Student Information must include the following:
1. Updated/recent Emergency Contact Information filed in the Office of Student
Life/Residence Life.
2. Willingness to return home, or to another off-campus location if determined
necessary – the location and address of that off-campus location.
3. Approval to be placed in isolation if determined necessary (Acknowledgement of
Understanding).
4. Transportation to the off-campus location – supplied by the University.
Students who do not agree to recognize the acknowledgement will not be permitted to live
on campus.
INSTRUCTIONAL CAPACITY & TEACHING MODALITIES
A. Faculty
1. All faculty who are teaching in on-campus programs this year will hold class on-campus.
2. Students are asked to isolate if they test positive for COVID-19. Faculty will make all academic
accommodations prescribed by Accessibility Services as required by law. The Dean of Students will verify
all cases that require a quarantine or isolation period (typically ten days), and Accessibility Services will
facilitate short-term accommodations (such as proctored make-up exams).
3. Faculty who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their department chair, the
Student Health Center and HR immediately and remain off campus. Seek medical help and return to
campus when medically advised to do so.
4. Meetings with students or colleagues should be held in compliance with public health guidelines,
specifically the requirements for social distancing and the wearing of masks. Virtual office hours may be
preferable for many.
5. Department meetings and other meetings of faculty may be held virtually.
6. All faculty should remember that The Center for Inclusive Excellence, Point Park Online, and the IT
Help Desk are available to provide pedagogical and technical support and guidance.11 B. Faculty/Students in the Classroom PPU supports instructors as they provide a positive learning environment for all students. The University has recommended guidelines for managing classroom disruptions and these guidelines allow instructors to draw on University support in quickly and effectively addressing disruptions. These guidelines can be applied to a wide range of situations and have been adapted to help instructors maintain a safe classroom environment with COVID-19 requirements. Related to COVID-19 requirements, instructors should: 1. Include a University statement of classroom behavioral requirements in all course syllabi. COVID-19 related requirements include masking for all persons regardless of vaccination status. Depending on the classroom and the nature of the course, instructors may add other requirements in accordance with University policies. 2. Orally review classroom requirements at the beginning of the semester. A sample COVID-19 Syllabus Statement: In accordance with PA Department of Health regulations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PPU has determined that persons will be required to wear a face mask in university buildings, including classrooms regardless of vaccination status. You MUST wear a mask appropriately (i.e., covering both your mouth and nose) in the building if you are attending class in person. Students who test positive for COVID-19 should not attend class in person and are must contact Student Health Services. C. Transition to Remote if Needed Faculty should be prepared to create online, remote learning versions of their classes to be prepared for a possible public health mandate to end in-person instruction. D. The Center for Student Success The Center for Student Success (CSS) provides comprehensive academic support resources for current PPU students to include undergraduate advising, tutoring, and student intervention. The CSS prides itself on the close relationships we form with students, assisting them with registration; degree progress; navigating academic processes; finding a manageable school/life/work balance; and holistic development of the student, person, and professional-to-be. The Tutoring Center offers academic coaching services which help students to develop skills such as time management, organization, and accountability. Disability services provides students with accommodations to support their unique learning needs whether classes meet online, or virtually. The CSS works closely with faculty and staff partners across the University using FinishLine early alert system. FinishLine allows us to quickly connect students to the resources they need to get back on track and provides valuable information on what our students need so that we can continue to create and improve upon our programs and processes as a University. In particular, any student considered part of a high-risk health group who needs special accommodations, or any student with disabilities and concerns on accessibility, should contact: Amy Avampato, Assistant Director of Accessibility, Office of Equity & Inclusion, aavampato@pointpark.edu
12
TELEWORK POLICY
As you are aware, a telework policy was approved during the pandemic and made available on the intranet.
However, since the start of the pandemic, employees have been approved for telework without completing
the steps required in the policy.
Effective August 15, 2021, all current telework plans are being discontinued, and anyone who would like to
continue with telework on hybrid schedule must complete the Telework Plan and Agreement Form in
accordance with the Telework Policy, which has been updated.
Managers have received detailed information on the Telework Policy and should work with employees in
their department to determine a plan that meets the needs of the students, employees, and the University.
If you have questions about the Telework Policy, please reach out to a member of Human Resources, or
speak with your direct manager.
Telework Policy and supporting documents, updated July 23, 2021:
• Telework Policy
• Telework Plan and Agreement Form
• Telework FAQ
• Resources for Success While Teleworking
Click here for information on COVID-19 PAID SICK Time benefits
VISITORS, VENDORS AND GUESTS
Visitors and guests are welcome to campus. PPU will no longer require temperature checks and
other screenings upon arrival to campus.
All visitors are required to wear a face mask inside any University facility regardless of
vaccination status.
Anyone who is ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not come on campus.
COVID-19 TRAVEL POLICY
PPU follows the CDC guidelines for domestic and international travel. Anyone wishing to travel
for university-sponsored purposes must obtain prior approval from their Department Chair or
Department Manager in writing.
Click here for CDC guidelines for domestic travel.
Click here for CDC guidelines for international travel.
Employees must use accrued vacation, sick leave, personal leave, or leave without pay for any
quarantine/isolation required unless their supervisor/department chair has approved telework at
the time of the initial vacation/personal travel request.13
CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION
The University’s transportation company complies with social distancing and enhanced
cleaning requirements. Shuttle routes and capacities are adjusted for social distancing as
needed. Passengers and drivers (vaccinated or unvaccinated) will continue to wear face
masks while on the shuttles.
POINT PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Point Park Police Department is committed to abiding by the CDC recommendations to
reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus by safeguarding the health of our police employees,
continuing to protect the health and safety of the University and ensuring the high standard
of service delivered to our community.
Point Park police officers will continue to provide all members of the University community
with a safe and secure environment in which to work, learn and live. The department has
sworn police officers and dispatchers. Police officers respond to criminal, security, fire, and
medical emergencies, and are on duty 365 days a year.
Police officers patrol University-owned buildings by foot, vehicle, and bicycles. When
requested, the Police Department provides escorts for anyone on the PPU campus to parking
garages or to any destination on campus, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.
BUILDING SPACES
Each building is flushed with fresh air based on the design of the makeup/outside air system.
More efficient (MERV 13) air filters are installed based on guidance from the CDC and industry
standards. Systems are adjusted to bring in more outside air or increase exhaust.
Housekeeping will conduct enhanced sanitation and disinfection in high-use, high-touch areas
and common areas as needed following CDC guidelines. Hand sanitizers are located
throughout campus. Cleaning supplies are in each classroom to be used by faculty and
students.14
RESPONDING TO A RESURGENCE OF COVID-19 ACTIVITY
In the event of an outbreak or resurgence of the virus, PPU will assess and adjust operations based
on the most current guidelines from Governor Wolf, the DOH and CDC.
This process is executed in accordance with the PPU’s existing Emergency Response Plan. An
appropriate course of action will ultimately be based upon preventing further spread of the virus
and protecting health and will include the following:
1. Information, considerations, and measures relative to health advisories, increased
reporting of fever/ acute lower respiratory illnesses, academic schedules, absenteeism,
current travel & travel restrictions, internal/external communications, essential
personnel, etc.
2. Modification or suspension of non-essential University activities and events.
3. Modification or suspension of University services (student recreation, library, etc.).
4. Modification or suspension of classes, research, and similar academic programs.
5. Stabilization, modification, or closure of residence halls.
6. Support and/or follow-up with ill individuals.
7. Suspension of University operations.
8. Maintenance of critical and/or essential functions.
CONCLUSION
PPU continues to monitor health and safety directives issued by the CDC, the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, and other government authorities.
Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Initiatives
This policy affirms Point Park University's commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity
and the pursuit of diversity. Point Park University does not discriminate on the basis of: sex, race,
ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age (40 years and over), ancestry, individuals with
disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, height, weight, genetic
information, marital status, caregiver status or familial status, in the administration of any of its
educational programs, activities or with respect to employment or admission to the University’s
educational programs and activities.
This policy is in accord with local, state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age
Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Pittsburgh Human Relations Act. Inquiries regarding these
regulations and policies, or complaints of discrimination, should be referred to the vice president
of human resources, phone number 412-392-3952. Inquiries regarding Title IX and the Title IX
regulations should also be referred to the Title IX coordinator or to the deputy Title IX
coordinators: the associate provost, the vice president of human resources or the vice president
of student affairs. The Title IX coordinator, Vanessa Love, may be reached
at vlove@pointpark.edu, 412-392-3980 or 201 Wood Street, Student Center, Room 703,
Pittsburgh, PA 15222.You can also read
