Student FAQ's

Spring 2021

What's different for the spring semester compared to the fall? The same policies that protected the campus in the fall are largely unchanged for the spring with the exception of modifications to our arrival testing policy, travel policy, and campus dining. Please read the whole page for complete information.

Will students be tested when they arrive? The exact arrival testing processes from the fall are no-longer available to us for the spring semester. As a result, all students must arrive to campus with a negative test result (antigen or PCR) received within the previous 72 hours (test can be preformed more than 72 hours previously). You will be scheduled for a test on-campus within a short period of your arrival.

Where can I get pre-arrival testing? Please visit our testing resources page for more information. If you are unable to get a test in your area or if there are financial / other barriers preventing you from getting a test, please contact the Dean of Students office.

What off-campus travel is allowed? Travel within Huntingdon is allowed, but any travel outside of Huntingdon is prohibited unless you have a pre-approved job, college sponsored extra-curricular activity, internship or student teaching assignment, or emergency family situation. Any travel outside of these parameters will not be approved and unauthorized travel is subject to strict disciplinary action. Upon return from off-campus travel, students will quarantine for 5 days before taking a COVID test. Students may travel slightly outside Huntingdon to local parks / forests for same-day outdoor recreation without needing a travel form.

What's different about dining? Due to the anticipated increase in demand for in-person dining within Baker, reservations are no-longer required. Students must dine in groups of no larger than four and submit their dining-groups form. Hours will remain the same, but there will no-longer be A/B seating.

General

Will the use of face masks be mandatory for faculty, staff, and students? Yes. Face masks will be required in public spaces on campus. Face masks are widely recognized by epidemiologists as the most significant tool available to reduce risk and the spread of COVID-19. For some community members whose own health or wellbeing might be compromised by the use of a mask, alternative PPE or protective measures will be employed. Consistent and correct use of masks, frequent hand washing, and proper social distancing can substantially reduce the potential for transmission of COVID by 95%. In addition, individuals must stay home and/or consult with Health Services when they feel ill or exhibit (even minor) symptoms of illness. To maintain the safety of our campus and protect ourselves, other students, and faculty and staff, we all must engage in these personal protective behaviors with all others on campus.

Are there exceptions to the use of facemasks in certain circumstances? It is understood that closer contact with some peers, or through some activities, is inevitable: with roommates in the privacy of a shared living space; with significant partners; at meals with regular dining companions; music rehearsals. In these instances, reasonable efforts to protect oneself and others should remain in place: Lab partners may continue to wear masks, although maintaining a 6-ft distance may be impossible; students will consistently take meals with a small group of pre-selected peers in coordination.

What procedures will be enacted to identify and respond to illness? Students will self-assess health and symptoms daily and will be expected to respond to testing requests and procedures. Juniata will use a mobile solution in support of our efforts. Through text messages and web access, we will facilitate daily symptom checks, provide access to campus facilities and services, check individuals in to in-person gatherings to assist with contact tracing, and maintain an awareness of the overall health and wellbeing of our community. The mobile solution does not actively track movement, or record or store information about location. Interaction with the mobile solution is necessary, and requires the following:

  • Your current mobile number must be accurate in the self-service portal
  • A charged and accessible mobile device
  • Responses to daily symptoms survey prompts and related communications or instructions
  • Participate in campus health services screening or COVID testing as directed
  • Maintain your “access pass” for entrance to campus facilities and services
  • ‘Opt-in’ to receive text messages
  • Enable location services

What do I do if I feel sick?  Individuals who feel ill or exhibit symptoms will need to self-isolate and seek consultation with Health Services. Based on symptoms, Health Services staff will work to determine the cause of illness and may direct the student to testing (for COVID-19, flu, strep, etc.) that contributes to diagnosis and a treatment plan. More specific directions for assessing and addressing illness will be provided as students arrive on campus.

What if my COVID-19 test results in a positive? In the instance of a positive COVID-19 test, students will follow health directives, their individual safety plan, and assist with contact tracing to identify potential additional exposures. Minimally, those who test positive will be isolated from further campus interaction until the individual is well again and released from isolation by their physician. The campus has set aside residential spaces to house and support infected students in isolation if the individual safety plan requires continued campus housing.

You have submitted a personal safety plan that lists your emergency contacts, and documents the essentials of your recovery plan in case you test positive for COVID at some point this fall. This plan includes details of your plans to quarantine on campus or another location. Review this plan to assure that it is thorough, thoughtful, and meets your needs. Make sure your family is aware of the specifics of your plan, too! Upon your return to campus, we will discuss your plan with you to assure mutual understanding and sufficient detail.

Will students be required to get a flu shot? Yes. Annual influenza vaccination has been added to our list of required vaccinations until such time as a COVID-19 vaccine is available.

Academics

Do I have to wear a mask during class? Yes. Face masks will be required in all public spaces on campus.  Students who need an accommodation to wear a different face covering must submit a formal accommodation request through Patty Klug in Student Accessibility Services: https://www.juniata.edu/academics/quest/student-accessibility-services/index.php.

How will social distancing be practiced in the classroom? Every classroom space has been assessed for reduced occupancy and re-arranged to provide feasible social distancing. Considerations taken into place include room size, space between occupants, HVAC and air flow, among others.

Can I eat or drink in class? You can briefly adjust your mask to consume drinks in class. Taking bites of a snack while maintaining the presence of your mask is allowable. Eating a meal in class is prohibited because doing so requires the removal of a mask for a more extended period, and increasing the risk of exposure to others in the classroom.
Eating is not allowed in the Library. Other areas may post guidelines or limitations. Please be aware and mindful of these expectations.

What is hybrid/flexible (HyFlex)learning? It means that students are able to make progress in a class in-person or online, and that transitions between in-person and online instruction are seamless. More details on HyFlex are available here.

Does this mean students have the option of attending face-to-face or online? In general, no. Your professors have created two different pathways to access the same course content and you should use the one that corresponds to the public health or your personal health circumstances. Should health circumstances not allow you to attend class in person, you will be able to continue your academic work online. More details on HyFlex are available here.

Am I able to take all of my classes online if I am not able to live on campus? Students who cannot return to campus due to an inability to receive their visas or are immunocompromised should complete the Distance Learner Request application in Eagle’s Nook. Students who are seeking to complete classes all online will be considered on a case-by-case basis and should also complete the application.

Will my professors have in-person office hours? Professors will hold office hours and remain available to meet with students individually and in groups. Each faculty member will determine, with the student, the best way to conduct that meeting, be it in-person or through a technological solution such as Zoom.

Can I meet with my advisor in-person or do I have to have a virtual meeting? Students always have the ability to reach out and connect with Juniata advisors as they need guidance, advice and mentoring.

Campus and Residential Life

Will individuals and groups be able to travel outside of campus? Travel outside of campus and broader interactions accompanies increased risk. It will be critical that we consistently follow guidelines for personal travel that prioritizes the safety of our community. Any travel outside of Huntingdon is prohibited unless you have a pre-approved job, college sponsored extra-curricular activity, internship or student teaching assignment, or emergency family situation. Any travel outside of these parameters will not be approved and unauthorized travel is subject to strict disciplinary action.

  • Travel/movement within the Borough of Huntingdon is allowed, but masks must be worn, and distance from others maintained. Individuals should avoid interactions with others who choose not to wear masks, or presence in businesses where state required mask-wearing is not consistently enforced..
  • For commuter students who reside outside of Huntingdon, efforts to reduce unnecessary contact with others, reducing/reporting potential instances of exposure, consistent masking on and off campus, and social distancing are essential. Commuter students will be incorporated more frequently into random testing pools to account for additional risk that accompanies living off-campus.
  • Any sssential travel due to a family emergency should be coordinated with Public Safety to assess risks encountered and to develop a plan to return to campus interactions safely. The travel disclosure form must be completed no later than 72 hours prior to any travel outside of the Borough of Huntingdon. Travel forms received within 72 hours will not be approved:  Travel Disclosure Form
  • Upon approval, the return to campus will require a self-quarantine period of five (5) days prior to a COVID test being administered. Quarantine period will continue until a negative test result is received. Distance learning is required during this quarantine period
  • Students are not allowed to travel to other colleges or universities except for official curricular purposes organized by Juniata College.
  • Students are not allowed to host guests on campus, including parents. 
  • If a student’s movement or travel falls outside of these guidelines, or if a student believes that they have been exposed to COVID during travel, strict isolation must be maintained until the student can consult with Public Safety or Health Services to develop a plan to return to safe campus interactions.
  • Traveling from campus without prior approval is subject to disciplinary actions, including restitution fees for required additional testing, under the student code of conduct.

What happens if on-campus housing closes for the Spring semester? Students will create individual safety plans to help frame the strategy that will be employed if the student becomes ill, or if government mandate or circumstances would require that students depart campus. Safety plans address isolation and travel options. In the case a student becomes ill or the campus is required to close on-campus operations, students will be asked to deploy the safety plan.

If students are required to return home, will there be reimbursement for room and board? If Juniata is required to send students home during the spring semester, we will issue Room and Board refunds based on the following schedule, which will be updated for all semesters moving forward. While a significant number of schools are altering contracts to not refund room and board this year if required to go to remote teaching, we are committed to issuing refunds based on this schedule:

  • Move home on or before Tuesday, February 8, 2022 – 80% refund
  • Through Friday, March 11, 2022 – 50% refund
  • Through Monday, March 25, 2022 – 25% refund
  • On or after Saturday, March 26, 2022 – 0% refund

Please be advised that changes to cost of attendance can change a student’s need‐based financial aid.

The college has spent the past few months preparing to provide, and will provide, the same high‐quality core educational experience regardless of method of delivery. As such, our cost structure is already tiered to reflect costs associated with residential or remote learning.

Are there any social distancing guidelines for living on campus? Yes. Life on campus will be different and require students to practice personal and community responsibility by:

  • Wearing masks in common area spaces, including restrooms, laundry rooms, and hallways. Students will be expected to provide their own masks and personal sanitary supplies.
  • Students will be expected to continue to pay attention to and practice good hygiene, through frequent and thorough hand washing and other personal protected behaviors. A training before arrival will help highlight these opportunities and expectations and campus signage will reinforce them.
  • Students will self-assess symptoms daily and temperature checks may be made at various campus locations. Students who experience COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath are expected to self-isolate and report to Health Services for assessment.
  • Guests will not be allowed in residence halls, or in individual rooms.
  • Occupancy, use, and hours of building lounges and common area kitchens will be adjusted to afford for social distancing and routine cleaning. Spatial indicators and signage in restrooms and laundry rooms indicating occupancy limits. Similarly, elevator capacity may be reduced.
  • Stairwells, sidewalks and hallways may be designated as directional. Signage will indicate the spacing and flow of patrons at administrative offices and retail locations.
  • Rooms will be checked by hall staff occasionally for a minimum standard of cleanliness such that the overall health of the community is not jeopardized.
  • Bathroom and common areas will be cleaned more frequently according to CDC guidelines with disinfectants sufficient to address COVID-19. Hand soap, hand sanitizer and other materials will be made available to students to assist in maintaining sanitation.
  • Hall and campus programming will be adjusted to meet physical distancing guidelines and policies.

For the 2020-2021 academic year, or until guidance and health information related to the COVID-19 pandemic indicates otherwise, guests will be considered anyone who is not a resident of a specific Juniata residential space. Juniata’s guest guidance is based in the mitigation of risk and for ensuring a healthy and safe campus community. As you encounter challenges or questions on how to be social within the context of the pandemic, please reach out to the Office of Campus Life. We’re happy to partner with you finding the best balance possible this year.

Traditional doubles, triples, and quad occupancy rooms

  • Residents/roommates may be present with one another within their room.
  • With the permission of a roommate, a resident can spend time in their room with their significant partner.
  • There may be no more than one significant partner in a room at a time.
  • All other guests should be entertained in lounges.

East Suites

  • Suitemates may be present with one another within the suite.
  • significant partners may be present within an individual room with the permission of the roommate. There may be no more than one significant partner in an individual room at one time.
  • significant partners may not be present in the common area of the suite.
  • All other guests should be entertained in building lounges and common areas.

Juniata-Owned Houses and Apartments

  • Housemates may be present with one another within the house.
  • significant partners may be present within an individual room with the permission of the roommate. There may be no more than one significant partner in an individual room at a time.
  • Due to the lack of a lounge for these spaces, houses and apartment common spaces have been assigned occupancy limits. Please note, not all houses and apartments are able to accommodate additional individuals beyond residents. House and apartment residents are responsible for knowing and following the posted occupancy limits. Masks are to be worn whenever there is a guest or romantic partner in the common space.

Residential Common Areas

  • Occupancy limits, and other restrictions, have been established for all common areas and should be adhered to. They are posted in each common area.
  • Masks must be worn when in common areas.
  • We encourage wiping down of surfaces before and after use.

General Guidance for our Residential Areas

  • Avoid hugging or close physical contact.
  • Never share a cup, drinking vessel, or utensils.
  • Avoid individuals who appear ill or have symptoms.
  • Avoid singing, especially indoors, as it causes a higher level of respiratory aspiration.
  • Make an effort to remember who you spend your time with in case of a positive identification of COVID-19.
  • Be aware that many cases are asymptomatic and you are not able to identify who is positive by observation – be vigilant in protecting yourself and others.

Social Gatherings

  • Students may gather in small outdoor social gatherings (15 students or less) on weekend evenings. Locations are identified and posted by Friday evenings at 9pm. Students must follow all posted guidelines.
  • Students may register small indoor social gatherings through the Office of Campus Life on weekend evenings. Requests must be placed by noon on Thursday each week

What if students fail to follow safety practices or community standards? Students who consistently or flagrantly jeopardize the health and safety of themselves or others through disregard for practices expected and required to maintain our community’s well-being will be subject to disciplinary process as described in the Code of Conduct. The ability to attend and participate in the Juniata campus community is a privilege, and as such can be revoked.

What are the steps to keep the residence halls clean? In addition to our revised cleaning protocols, we will continue to add additional protocols to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces routinely in accordance with CDC guidelines. The addition of a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant (OXIVIR TB) with a CDC-rated 1-minute kill claim against COVID-19 that is also safe to use with no PPE will strengthen current protocols.

Has Juniata made provisions to house students who are positive for COVID? Yes. For students whose individual Safety Plan would require campus accommodations, space has been designated that allows students to remain in isolation, and plans are in place to provide food, support and daily needs during the duration of illness and recovery. The HyFlex instructional mode will allow students in isolation to continue, as possible, to maintain academic progress and course presence.

What happens if my roommate contracts COVID-19? Your roommate will deploy their individual Safety Plan and will remain isolated for the duration of their illness. You will take a Covid-19 test to ensure you remain well.

Dining

What can I expect in Baker and Dining Services? Reductions in overall occupancy of Baker will be take place. Students will select dining groups of 1-4 and dine only with those selected. Tables and chairs have been arranged to maximize distancing and cannot be moved. Seating for dine in will be first come, first serve. Dining groups will find an open table for seating. If there are no open tables available, students will wait until one opens and is properly disinfected, or take-out meals can be selected. Students must only sit with their dining groups and not join tables with empty seats. 

  • Signage and floor decals will direct students in their use of stations and help to guide physical distancing standards.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available and its use expected upon arrival and departure from dining facilities; 
  • Patrons will be masked when they are not seated and dining.
  • Green, Yellow, Orange passes are all eligible for sit down dining. Purple and Red passes are only eligible for take-out.
  • All students must scan QR codes once seated
  • Seating times are 45 miniutes maximum to allow for others to dine

How can I identify the others in my dining group? Dining groups may be up to 4 students. Students may only eat with others in their dining group in Baker Dining Hall to reduce the risk of COVID spread from close contact interactions, such as those consistent with sitting and eating together. You can record the members of your dining group on this shared spreadsheet. Juniata College Dining Group Sign-up

What are meal hours and reservation times in Baker?
Dining hours are posted here: Dining-Services Hours of Operation
There will no longer be A/B seating, and each seating is a maximum of 45 minutes to allow for proper disinfecting of seating areas and for others to dine.

What will I need to know to find my table and get settled in Baker?
When you arrive at Baker:

  • Swipe in with your gold card
  • Show your  access pass on your mobile device
  • Find your table first to ensure there is seating available, get your food, scan the QR code once seated, and eat
  • Depart promptly at the conclusion of your seating time so that tables can be sanitized for the next seating.

What if my plan is to get take-out in Baker? Access to take-out in Baker is on a first-come, first served basis based on the overall maximum number of persons allowed in Baker. As such, a limited number of individuals will be allowed in at a time for take-out. This means individuals may have to wait for a previous take-out patron to leave before being allowed in themselves.  The reusable take-out container program is back.  Simply purchase a reusable takeout container from the Baker cashier using DCB.  Containers cannot be handled by serving staff, so food will need to be given on a plate or paper tray to fill.  Next time in, return used and rinsed container and exchange at Baker cashier for a sanitized one or turn in container for a token to receive a sanitized container for the next time you wish to get one.  

What if I want to change dining groups? You will contact the Dean of Students Office to make a change. We want to transition people from one group of close contacts to another in a way that reduces risk as much as possible, and so a process will be explained and followed at the time of the request. Changes will not be immediate.

How can I use my block plan at Jitters or BAC? Beginning Monday, 1/25, the Pick 3 Meal Exchange will be available for those students with Meal Plans. This replaces the previous Advanced Meal Plan boxed lunches. Stop by a retail location, pick your 3 items, and you will then be charged for 1 block meal and you’re good to go!

What options are available in the Pick 3 Meal Exchange?

Choice 1- Entrée:

  • Pick any sandwich, wrap, salad, or microwaveable meal

Choice 2- Side:

  • Pick either chips or cookies

Choice 3- Beverage:

  • Pick 1 of the pre-designated beverages

There are microwaves available at all retail outlets for your convenience. The menu is based on availability and subject to change.

When and where is the Pick 3 Meal Exchange available?

  • Simply to Go- BAC: Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Jitters- Von Liebig: Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (while supplies last)

Can I eat with others who are not in my dining group? Students can eat with others who are not in their dining groups if: they eat outdoors, and maintain a greater distance than indoor dining allows, replace their mask as soon as eating is completed.

How will meal plans change? Coordination of meals hours and access to Baker Dining Hall will make all-access dining impossible. Instead, we will use a block plan until health and safety conditions allow a return to all access dining. Through the block plan, students will have a semester’s allocation of meals to use throughout the term. Each visit to Baker Dining Hall,  or exchange meal obtained at Jitters or BAC will reduce the block count by 1. Students will have additional DCB to use at retail. Additionally:

    • During lunch hours to reduce Baker density and provide flexibility, students will be able to use a block meal at Jitters or BAC in exchange for a meal selected from among grab-and-go options (entrée, sides, etc.).
    • Grab and go menu items at Jitters and BAC will feature more variety and meals that can be heated for a hot lunch or dinner.
    • Seniors and those living in campus apartments where a kitchen is available will have an alternative block plan that reflects fewer meals and a reduced overall cost.
    • For late-night dining between 9-11 p.m., multiple times per week, Baker will offer  take-out of items like pizza or wings. Interest/demand will drive how the program evolves.

What is being done to enhance guest and team member safety throughout the dining halls? We are following all CDC and local official guidelines to ensure your safety as well as our own.  We will be “Safely Serving Smiles” as all Team Members will be wearing masks until otherwise instructed from local health departments and practicing social distancing in the service areas and kitchen, as much as possible.

How has service changed with new regulations and requirements? Self-service areas have been adjusted to serve you in a safe manner.  To help you navigate the dining areas as safely as possible, we have installed signage to communicate effective social distancing practices.

What is being done to ensure areas are clean and sanitized? Enhanced disinfection and sanitization practices are in action, frequently cleaning all areas of the dining venues, high traffic areas, and any touch points.  We are thoroughly sanitizing all service areas after the completion of every meal period, and conducting a “deep clean” sanitizing and disinfection of each station on a weekly basis, at the least. In the instance where an individual reports or identifies as positive for COVID-19, the deep cleaning protocols are performed immediately for all areas where that staff person was present to assure the cleanliness of preparation and service areas in accordance with CDC and local official guidelines.

How is team member health being monitored each day? We’ve also used this opportunity to re-train our team members on our existing safety procedures such as proper handwashing, disinfection and sanitation practices, and staying at home if they are not feeling well.  We are also performing daily health screenings with all team members before each shift which includes temperature checks.

What are some ways I can help? Maintain 6 feet of distance from other people in line and throughout the dining area.  Avoid gathering in close proximity while waiting for food or others to complete their selections. Only dine in Baker or Eagle's Landing with those in predetermined dining groups and do not join other tables. Utilize QR codes on tables when dining in Baker or Eagle's Landing. Adhere to predetermined table adn chair placement. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  Stay at home if you’re not feeling well.  Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap & water or use hand sanitizer.  Please cover coughs and sneezes.

Events and Services

Will there be a standard for student organization meetings? Will student organizations be able to host events on campus? Student organizations will be able to meet and hold events within the college’s standards and guidelines for social distancing. There will be limits to how many individuals can gather in a room, requirements for PPE, maintaining attendance at meetings and events, and limits on the ability to travel off-campus for organization events.
We are exploring possibilities of having some outside meeting spaces designated for gathering that would reduce risk associated with gathering indoors and take advantage of the temperate Pennsylvania weather.

Are students permitted to engage in in-person (face-to-face) service and volunteer activities in the community? We are exploring possibilities for this important work, but at this time, plans remain undetermined.

Will the Health Services be open? Yes. Procedures may be in place for pre-screening by phone or tele-health contact, with in-person nursing or physician care arranged by appointment in the Health Services facility on Moore Street.

Will the Health Fee increase to cover testing and COVID-19 related support? Possibly. Final determinations on the protocol for ongoing/surveillance testing and monitoring are underway, but the cost of COVID-19 testing is considerable, and our frequency of testing may require an increase in the health fee to alleviate those additional expenses. More details on the health fee will be distributed in several weeks along with details about Fall bills.

Will the counseling center be open? Yes. Counselors will work with clients to determine whether traditional in-person or remote sessions are best suited for the clinical work that is being undertaken.

Will the fitness center be open? Yes.  Please use the following web address to access the reservation link for the Brumbaugh Fitness Center at the Kennedy Sports + Recreation Center as well as the Pool at the Binder Natatorium:  https://services2.juniata.edu/athletics/reserve/

Will athletic teams be permitted to travel off-campus? Juniata’s Athletics Director and Coaching Staff are working internally, and with the Landmark Conference, Centennial Conference and Continental Volleyball Conference to make determinations about how our athletic teams will compete and practice safely.
For more information, see this announcement by the Landmark Conference: https://www.landmarkconference.org/general/2019-20/releases/06102020-return-to-play-statement

Are club sports able to practice and participate this year? We will have a gradual phasing in of club sports during the year as health and safety standards allow. Club sports teams should not anticipate traveling off-campus for matches at the start of the year. Club sports will be asked to provide guidance from their leagues and national associations and create an outline for practice within healthy and safety standards once club sports are able to resume on-campus.

What will happen with intramurals? In recognizing the importance of physical activity in improving immunity, mental health, and overall well-being, an assessment of possible intramural offerings will be conducted. Each sport offering and/or activity will be evaluated based on risk and in accordance with the general considerations for athletics. Intramural contests may be modified to initially focus on individual skill-based games while the safety of close proximity, team sports with frequently shared equipment become clearer.

Communication

How are new students and parents being alerted of these plans? Additional details are posted and will continue to be updated on the college’s Coronavirus Updates and Information page. Additionally, critical information is being shared with students at their @juniata.edu email account, and with parents and families through the Facebook group.

Have any decisions been made about the Spring Semester? Decisions related to Spring 2021 have been made and are posted online: Academic Year Fall 2020 - Spring 2021 - updated 9/30/20

Community


What preparation has been made by Juniata to handle COVID-19? Juniata College has assembled a contingencies planning group that draws faculty, staff, and administrators from across the college to leverage expertise in the context of health and safety practices and guidance from the CDC, PA Department of Public Health, and other professional associations. Our thinking and planning continues to evolve as we receive updated information about COVID-19 and governmental guidelines. Our plan draws upon science and reflects our primary concern for the safety of all campus constituents as it comports with our mission of providing a vibrant on-campus learning and living environment for the students we serve.

What measures will be in place to ensure everyone's health and safety upon returning to campus? Through a strategy of testing and monitoring, addressing and monitoring illness quickly, implementing social distancing and risk mitigation efforts, and enhancing campus cleaning protocols, among other measures, we feel confident in our ability to return to the campus for residential education. 
The campus will deploy safety practices that protect the community, such as: Surveillance testing and universal masking; directing the flow of persons on sidewalks, through stairwells and hallways, and other campus spaces to facilitate social distancing; enhancing cleaning practices and providing sanitary supplies and PPE; adjusting occupancy, layout and fixtures in classrooms, offices and gathering spaces on campus; changing administrative procedures to support essential in-person interactions while reducing burdensome manual processes.  Additionally, students will be expected to curtail activities when ill; to undertake daily symptom self-checking and to consult with Health Services on concerns; wash hands frequently; bring and wear masks outside of their rooms; eliminate recreational travel and consult with the College on essential travel and return to campus; avoid large gatherings; respect limitations on use and occupancy of campus spaces. 
More details on many of these plans follows through specific answers to questions below.

Will all students, faculty and staff be tested for COVID-19? Previously, Juniata announced a partnership with Contamination Source Identification, LLC (CSI), a CLIA-certified COVID-19 testing lab founded by Dr. Regina Lamendella, Valko Professor of Biological Sciences, Justin Wright ’14, and Gary Shope ’73 and located adjacent to campus. Random and targeted testing will take place throughout the semester based on a mathematical probability model developed by Professors Kim Roth and Gina Lamendella to identify and address the potential emergence of the infection early and avoid further spread.

What test is used to detect COVID-19 infection? CSI® employs the FDA-recommended, TaqPath RT-QPCR COVID-19 test system. This test system has been validated on site by CSI® for both Oropharyngeal (OP) and Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabbing techniques.  It is important to note that CSI® has been certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA Lab ID Number: 37318) to perform COVID-19 testing as of March 24, 2020. CSI® is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988 (CLIA Number: 39D-2180522 ). 
The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is considered the gold standard of tests currently available, as it provides an indication of the presence of the coronavirus by looking directly for its genetic material. Such tests can determine if someone is carrying the virus and whether or not symptoms are present.

How will my privacy be maintained? As per guidance of Pennsylvania Department of Health, CSI® will report all COVID-19 test results, positive and negative, to the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System. As per CLIA regulations, all specimen-associated data will be retained in CSI®’s secured, L7-Informatics Enterprise Science Platform Laboratory Information Management System, which is deployed in a HIPAA-compliant secured environment.

What has the College done to sanitize the campus? Since March, Facilities Services has thoroughly reviewed their cleaning schedules and protocols, the disinfectant products and materials used to maintain and sanitize campus spaces, and the training provided to staff responsible for this work. These efforts draw from guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the PA Department of Public Health, and the PA Department of Education. Currently, all spaces on campus have been cleaned and disinfected, and regular and routine sanitization procedures are in place. 
In addition, as staff, faculty and students return to campus, hand sanitizer and wipes are being made available for individual use, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as the use of masks will be expected.

What technology improvements will be implemented for online and hybrid learning? Faculty and instructors teaching will facilitate their course through our course management system, Moodle. Through the use of Zoom, MS Teams, and other lecture capture solutions, students will be able to interact both synchronously and asynchronously with their instructors, classmates, and course content. To support this, classroom technology, such as webcams and microphones are being added as needed to connect and engage online students and record classroom activity. WiFi is being upgraded in academic buildings and residence halls and we are upgrading our Internet connection to ensure a more robust connection to online communication tools and digital content. Faculty are also working to adopt new digital solutions and technology tools that support course learning outcomes.

How will issues of equity and inclusion be addressed as it relates to students’ return to Huntingdon? Outreach is taking place to Borough community leaders and community members to address concerns of bias or stigma that have accompanied conversations about COVID-19 and that target groups based on race, place of residence or origin, or other identity characteristics.