Effective August 2, “Saint Xavier University will require indoor masking for everyone on campus regardless of vaccination status.” This policy change was announced by SXU President Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., in an email sent to students, faculty, and staff on August 1.
This announcement follows a previous email sent by Joyner to the campus community on July 22, where she addressed SXU’s reopening policy for the 2021-2022 academic school year. “SXU encourages vaccination for community members, but it is not required.”
Joyner stated in the August 1 email: “We continue carefully monitoring developments associated with new variants of COVID-19, as well as associated public health guidelines,” Joyner continued, “and will adjust campus protocols as necessary to mitigate health risks to our community.”
“Saint Xavier University’s plans for fall 2021 have been made with the full consideration of local, state and national public health guidelines, as well as the needs of our campus population and thoughts shared by the community in surveys and planning sessions,” Joyner said in the emailed announcement on July 22.
Joyner continued: “We envision a more typical fall semester, but we are planning for a range of scenarios, given the unpredictable nature of COVID-19.”
However, Joyner is hopeful that recording high COVID-19 vaccination rates and low COVID-19 positivity rates would bring a sense of normalcy.
As of July 26, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports that 50.42% of Illinoians are fully vaccinated. “SXU strongly encourages the vaccine and does not feel it is necessary to enforce it, but some specific programs may require it for participation.”
“Each of us carries the responsibility of doing all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including encouraging vaccination against the disease,” Joyner said. She further suggested, “For those who are hesitating, we encourage you to discuss the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination with your health care provider or the SXU Health Center.”
Additionally, the Department of Residence Life is preparing to welcome SXU students back on campus. “Visitors outside the SXU community will be allowed in residence halls and will follow past guidelines outlined in the Residence Life Handbook,” Breeanna Villalpando, a Media Relations Manager in University Relations stated.
Since COVID regulations are relaxed, Visitor Consent Forms will no longer be required.
“If social distancing is not possible indoors and outside, mask-wearing applies to non-vaccinated individuals who are not yet vaccinated,” said Villalpando. “These masking rules also include common areas of residence halls.”
Dr. Brad Nelson, an Adjunct Professor from the Department of History and Political Science, is skeptical about these reopening plans.
“It’s a tough call. I can understand why the administration wants everyone to get back to campus and resume life as normal. However, given the tenaciousness of the virus and the new Delta variant, along with the corresponding uptick in covid cases and deaths around the U.S., I can also see why some students and faculty and staff would be wary about trying to reopen fully at the moment.”
Nelson adds, “Attention and compassion will have to be given to individuals in the SXU community who continue to have health issues and concerns. It’s clear that this is still a time for adjustment and accommodation, and we all need to be flexible.”
Mason Nafziger, a sophomore Orientation Leader and RHA Resident Assistant, notes, “Meeting in person feels to me in my opinion much more safer considering that we all care so much more about our health. With the vaccine that stops the spread ultimately, many people believe and trust in science.”
“Believing in science gives a common ground that we can safely do social things without the haunting stigma that someone could carry and spread the virus,” Nafziger realizes, “As a student who has been vaccinated, life has been so much better with diving back into social settings.”
Unlike last year, a majority of classes will be held in person, with Villalpando saying, “SXU will follow its standard academic calendar for the fall 2021 semester and will return to normal levels of in-person teaching and learnings, with classrooms and labs returning to normal capacity.”
“SXU encourages community members to contact their health care provider, reach out to the SXU Health Center by emailing healthcenter@sxu.edu, or book an appointment on ZocDoc.”
Students who object to getting the vaccination based on medical, religious or personal beliefs and do not intend to participate in in-person classes or activities should complete the Student Request for Learning Adjustments Form by August 6, 2021.
Those who wish to seek reasonable workplace accommodations should refer to the Office of Human Resources. Please contact humanresources@sxu.edu to discuss vaccination information and other options.
Source: IDPH. (2021, Jul 26). COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Data. Illinois Department of Public Health. https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccinedata?county=Illinois
*Correction*: In a previous version of this story we stated: “According to the university’s website, SXU is currently in Phase 4.5, meaning social distancing and mask-wearing are strongly recommended but not required. For now, Illinois remains in Phase 5 of reopening.” We deleted this sentence because of the Aug 2 announcement requiring masks being worn on campus.
*Correction*: In a previous version of this story we stated: “Breeanna Villalpando, a Media Relations Manager in University Relations, echoed Joyner’s statement. “SXU is a mask-friendly environment, but mask-wearing should not be considered an indication of vaccination status. The Campus Clear App will still be used as a helpful resource, but daily check-ins are not mandated.” We have deleted this sentence because as of Friday July 30, SXU is no longer using the Campus Clear App and to reflect the changes as of Aug 2.
*Correction*: This article has been updated to have Breeanna Villapando full name and title added to Residence Life paragraph.