COVID-19 mitigation protocols to begin the fall 2022 semester

Marquette University remains committed to mitigating the spread of COVID-19 to ensure the high-quality and safe in-person learning experience students expect — a hallmark of a transformational Catholic, Jesuit education. As we did successfully last year, proactive, flexible strategies and a community that demonstrate care for one another will enable us to return to a more typical university experience with classroom instruction and labs, robust student activities, visitors, and opportunities for community involvement. 

The following COVID-19 mitigation protocols will be in place for the fall 2022 semester to protect the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Members of the Marquette University COVID-19 Response Team provided recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team. The executive committee of the University Academic Senate provided input to the provost.  

It is important to note that the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and subvariants currently circulating in Wisconsin and across the country are significantly more transmissible than all previous variants, meaning it spreads more easily, especially in crowded spaces. Omicron and its subvariants have the ability to evade immunity from vaccines or prior infections, which can cause breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals, and can reinfect individuals even if they have recently recovered from COVID-19 infection. To protect each other and our community, we must continue to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions. 

The university continues to consult with the COVID-19 Response Team as well as local and national public health experts. Protocols will be reevaluated as conditions change. 

Mitigation protocols for fall 2022 semester: 

Masks 

Community spread remains high in Milwaukee County, with the city issuing a mask advisory in July that recommended wearing a well-fitting mask in indoor public settings. Students are encouraged to bring disposable or KN95/N95 respirator masks to campus to ensure they are able to follow mask guidance. 

  • Classrooms and labs: Our goal is to remain safe and provide a meaningful in-person learning experience. Instructors teaching in-person classes or labs this fall may encourage students to wear masks in alignment with our university recommendation and city guidance. Students are asked to comply with any such request in the spirit of fostering a respectful, inclusive community.  
  • On-campus clinical settings: Masks are required. 
  • Marquette University Child Care Center: Masks are required for anyone aged three or older. 
  • Elsewhere on campus: Masks are strongly recommended indoors if Milwaukee County is at a “High” CDC Community Level or when the city issues a mask advisory. Anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask is encouraged to do so.  

Free masks are available on campus 

Students are encouraged to bring disposable or KN95/N95 respirator masks to campus to ensure they are able to follow mask guidance. In addition, disposable masks and nonmedical grade N95 respirator masks for voluntary use are available at the AMU Information Desk and Raynor Memorial Libraries. Each school, college and residence hall also have a supply of masks to distribute. 

For departments, all mask styles can be ordered by submitting a requisition form to the Dental Store by emailing dentalstore@marquette.edu. Access to the requisition form is located on the Purchasing Department website. Schools and colleges should place consolidated mask orders for their faculty, staff and students instead of individual academic departments ordering masks on their own. For COVID-related purchases, use your department RC along with the COVID natural 6202. 

CDC definition of up to date with COVID-19 vaccination 

You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible. Read more on the CDC website. Please note that the CDC has updated booster recommendations for individuals aged 50 and older to include a second booster at least four months after the first booster. Individuals are considered up to date immediately after getting all recommended boosters. 

COVID-19 vaccination for students 

The primary series and booster (if eligible) are required for students. Upload proof of vaccination and booster online. Exemptions must be submitted to the Medical Clinic. 

  • Students who are not update to date on COVID-19 vaccination and those who have an approved exemption must complete the daily COVID Cheq screening. 
  • Students who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations or who are exempted are required to quarantine if exposed.  
  • Any student who has not provided proof of vaccination or received an exemption within 30 days of the start of their first semester/term will receive a medical hold preventing future class registration.   

COVID-19 vaccination for faculty and staff 

The primary series and booster(s) (if eligible) are strongly encouraged for faculty and staff. Upload proof of vaccination and booster online. Those who are not vaccinated or not up-to-date with booster(s) should follow quarantine procedures if determined to be a close contact. Individuals who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccination do not have to quarantine following an exposure, unless symptoms are present. (See section on symptom screening below for guidance on what to do if symptomatic.) 

Important note for individuals aged 50 and older: The CDC has updated booster recommendations to include a second booster at least four months after the first booster. Individuals are considered up to date immediately after getting all recommended boosters. Read more on the CDC website. 

On-campus testing and self-disclosure 

Free PCR testing is available for symptomatic students and their close contacts at Coughlin Hall. Students are urged to use the on-campus testing clinic to ensure contact tracing and inclusion in the Marquette COVID-19 dashboard of case counts. Appointments can be made by calling the Medical Clinic at 414-288-7184.  

Surveillance or required testing for the campus community is not planned at this time; however, the university will consider reinstating required testing if conditions change. 

Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, regardless of whether you were on campus, should self-disclose using this form and provide a copy of the test results. Having this information on file with the Medical Clinic will ensure inclusion in the COVID-19 dashboard and may impact the need to quarantine if exposed.  

Off-campus testing options 

The City of Milwaukee offers free PCR testing at various locations. The federal government continues to offer a limited number of free at-home tests to each household.  

All individuals on Marquette’s medical plans can purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 tests authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that will be covered at a reimbursement rate of up to $12 per test. 

Call center and contact tracing 

Marquette’s COVID-19 call center remains active to help students assess symptoms and schedule an appointment for testing, if indicated, and to help support the contact tracing process. Contact the Marquette University Medical Clinic at 414-288-7184. 

Quarantine and isolation 

The protocols for students, faculty and staff from spring 2022 remain in effect. Please revisit the detailed guidance.  

  • A limited number of quarantine and isolation rooms are available on campus. Families should discuss their plans for quarantine and isolation prior to returning to campus. 
  • The GetWell Loop resource from Froedtert Hospital will remain available for students in  isolation on campus. 

Symptom screening/use of COVID Cheq 

Stay home if you feel sick. Individuals who develop symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection, should self-isolate, get tested and complete their daily COVID Cheq noting their symptoms. 

COVID Cheq will continue to be used as a symptom screening tool, to aid in supporting the COVID-19 attendance policy for students, and for managing quarantine or isolation requirements. A COVID Cheq green badge is no longer required for entry into campus buildings.  

  • Students
    Students will continue to use COVID Cheq, as it is a key tool to support the COVID-19 attendance policy for academic purposes and for managing students who are in quarantine or isolation.Students with vaccine exemptions or those not up to date will be required to complete the COVID Cheq daily screening.Students who are up to date on vaccinations will receive the COVID Cheq daily green pass automatically. If a student develops symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection, they should self-isolate, get tested and complete their daily COVID Cheq noting their symptoms.
  • Faculty and Staff 
    For faculty and staff, COVID Cheq will only be used for those who must quarantine or isolate based on campus exposure or self-disclosure. The daily green pass will no longer be required or emailed. If a faculty or staff member develops symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection, they should self-isolate and get tested. 

COVID-19 dashboard 

The university will publish new case counts each Thursday. Cases are reported through campus testing, self-disclosure forms submitted by students, faculty and staff, and area health departments. 

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