July 21, 2022

Move-in guidelines for Fall 2022
1:04 PM

Dear Fisk Students,

While COVID-19 guidelines continue to be everchanging, we have updated our move-in plan for the fall semester to support a successful move-in process. The reminders below are designed to give you a timeline of your move in.

General Check-In and Move-In Information

1. July 24, 2022 – Student Leaders Check-In (Only approved student leaders will be able to check-in)
   • 9am-5pm (All Students)
2. July 30, 2022- New Students, Transfers and Graduate Students
   • 9am-12pm – Jubilee Hall and New Livingstone
   • 1pm-4pm – Crosthwaite and Mary D. Shane
3. August 4, 2022- Returning Students
   • 9am-5am (All Buildings)
4. New students will check-in in the residence halls with Admissions counselors.
5. Appropriate masks and social distancing are required by everyone in the buildings.

 COVID-19 Testing - Mandatory 

1. All students must be vaccinated or submit an approved COVID-19 exemption to move on campus.
2. All students must also submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test to check-in to the LLCs. Tests can be taken up to 7 days prior to your arrival on campus.
3. You will not be allowed to move into the residence hall without the negative result and/or vaccination card.
4. It is recommended that you maintain both a hard copy and an electronic copy of your result.
5. Students unable to submit a negative test, will be tested on site during their check-in. If you have any specific questions, please email studentaffairs@jmswierski.com.

We look forward to seeing you on campus this week. Please be sure to adhere to the aforementioned guidelines. Remember to practice social distancing, continue to wear your masks, wash your hands and travel safely. We ask that you take every step to protect yourself and the Fisk community. For specific questions regarding move in contact residencelife@jmswierski.com.

January 2, 2022

Move-in guidelines and adjusted move-in date
9:48 AM

Dear Fisk Students,

While COVID-19 guidelines continue to be everchanging, we have spent a great deal of time considering a move in plan for the spring semester that will keep density down on campus during this critical time. Additionally, we have heard your concerns regarding the move in date and flight cancellations. As a result, we are extending grace on arrival times. The reminders below are designed to give you a timeline of your move in.

I. General Move-In Information – January 5-6, 2022

1. Jubilee Hall and New Livingstone Hall 9:00 am -Noon
2. Shane Hall and Crosthwaite Hall: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
3. All students must have a negative COVID-19 test result to move in or attend classes (If you live off campus you must submit a negative COVID-19 test result to attend classes in person) All students will be tested after the quarantine period.
4. Only two individuals will be allowed to accompany the student into the Residence Hall
5. Appropriate masks and social distancing are required by everyone on campus
6. Students will enter a mandatory quarantine period beginning January 9, 2022, at 7:00pm as a result, all students residing on campus must be checked in by January 9^th.

II. COVID-19 Testing - Mandatory  

1. Students must complete PCR testing and provide proof of a negative result.
2. You will not be allowed to move into the residence hall without the negative result and/or vaccination card.
3. Submit a copy of your test results here (make sure your name and the date are visible)  Test should be taken 72 hours prior to arrival.
4. It is recommended that you maintain both a hard copy and an electronic copy of your result.

We look forward to seeing you on campus this week. Please be sure to adhere to the aforementioned guidelines. Remember to practice social distancing, continue to wear your masks, wash your hands and travel safely. We ask that you take every step to protect yourself and the Fisk community. For specific questions regarding move in contact residencelife@jmswierski.com.

December 27, 2021

COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Requirement Update - Spring 2022
8:09 AM

Dear Fisk Students,

I hope that you are enjoying winter break and finding the time to rest and relax.

I write today to let you know that Fisk University will require all students, except those with medical exemptions, to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccine when they are eligible to do so. Students are eligible for the booster dose six months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, or two months after completing the single-dose COVID-19 vaccination of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen.

In the past few days, several colleges with very high vaccination rates have experienced large outbreaks on their campuses, and some have sent students home, closed their campuses, and switched to remote learning. The omicron variant has been identified in a significant number of the cases, and many positive cases have occurred in vaccinated individuals. Although we still have a great deal to learn about the omicron variant, the evidence to date indicates that this variant is highly transmissible. Based on the evidence so far, the booster appears to provide significant protection against both infection and serious illness in individuals who are exposed to COVID-19, whereas the two initial rounds of vaccine have reduced efficacy due to immunity waning over time.

As a residential university that offers congregate housing and dining — both of which increase the risk of transmission — it is particularly important, as the omicron variant continues its spread, that students receive the booster as soon as they are eligible. Our addition of the booster requirement is based on the evidence to date that the booster will give us the best chance of preserving the in-person student experience in the face of a highly transmissible variant.

During the first two weeks in January, students will be required to provide the college with an updated image of their vaccine card which notes their booster information. The upload process will be like the process we used this summer.

If you are eligible for the booster shot and have yet to get it, I urge you to use your time over the winter break to get the booster. You can find places to get the booster shot here. For those not yet eligible, or unable to obtain the booster shot over break, there will be opportunities to obtain the booster once you return to campus. Given the transmissibility of omicron and the increased risks from holiday gatherings and travel, however, I strongly encourage you to obtain the booster in the next couple of weeks if you can, so that re-entry to campus runs as smoothly as possible.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in keeping the Fisk family safe and healthy. Further information can be found in this FAQ. As a reminder, the university is currently closed and will reopen on January 4, 2022. Move in day is scheduled for January 6, 2022. Please direct questions related to the booster shot to studentaffairs@jmswierski.com. We will begin responding to inquiries and providing assistance on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

Happy winter break.

September 15, 2021

3:55 PM

Dear Fisk Family,

Next week marks the midpoint of the fall 2021 semester and responding to challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate the tremendous efforts of our students, faculty, and staff in reaching this milestone. We have collectively demonstrated resilience, flexibility, and patience. We recognize that reaching this milestone has been very taxing on our Fisk family. Living, learning, and working during a pandemic continues to challenge all of us. To this end, we wanted to take a moment to share an update on testing data, vaccination rates, and our current safety procedures.

Testing Data

• Current Active Cases on campus – 6
• Current Active Cases off campus - 1
• Total Cases for Fall 2021 semester – 19

*August 26, 2021- to date, including Faculty, Staff and Students

• Total Tests Administered to date – 759

Campus Vaccination Rates

• Faculty and Staff -100%
• Students- 83% (We are still striving for a 100% vaccination rate from students. Vaccinations are available Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm at Meharry Medical College).

*This data represents the percentage of faculty, staff, and students who have submitted proof of COVID-19 vaccination or an eligible exemption.

Current Safety Procedures

• Vaccination Policy - On June 9, 2021, President Newkirk transmitted a memo which stated that “to protect the University community; faculty, staff, and students must be vaccinated prior to the fall semester.”  Full vaccination is to be completed as soon as possible, and proof should be submitted by 5:00 p.m., July 30, 2021.
• Mask Mandate - Effective July 29, 2021, Fisk University requires all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings.
• Bi-Weekly Testing Notification – August 13, 2021
• Mask Mandate Update-Effective August 27, 2021, face coverings must be worn inside and outside on the campus of Fisk University.
• Athletes Mandatory Vaccinations – Notice sent September 7, 2021, requiring all student-athletes to submit proof of vaccination. All sporting events require proof of vaccination for attendance.
• Fall 2021 Quarantine and Isolation Procedures - Sent August 23, 2021
• Daily Testing Update- August 25, 2021, Students, Faculty, and staff may be tested at Meharry Monday-Friday 9 am-2 pm if they are experiencing symptoms or have come in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case.
• Jubilee Day and Homecoming Announcement- Sent September 14, 2021

We know the midpoint in the semester can be challenging for all, especially this year as we continue to navigate the pandemic. Please consider your wellbeing and reach out to the university counseling center if assistance is needed.  We remain hopeful that students, faculty, and staff will continue to be cautious and committed to mitigating the spread of the virus. Please adhere to all mandates, policies, and procedures regarding COVID-19.

Stay safe and well. Fisk Forever!

August 27, 2021

1:12 PM

Mask Policy Update

Dear Fisk Family,

The Fisk University Covid Task Force has determined that face coverings must be worn inside and outside on the campus of Fisk University. Face coverings are in addition to and is not a substitute for social distancing. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for students, faculty, or staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face-covering for documented health reasons.

NATARA K. GARVIN, Ed.D. Associate Provost for Student Affairs Student Affairs | Fisk University

June 29, 2020 COVID Update