PLANNING FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY ACADEMIC YEAR

DURING COVID 19

Mercyhurst University administrators have instituted a number of guidelines and precautions to allow for our students, faculty, and staff to experience a successful academic year. This plan requires a shared commitment to health and safety, adjustments to policies and practices, and new risk mitigation strategies embraced by every member of the Mercyhurst community. Our sense of responsibility to ourselves and one another compels us to embrace resilience and resolve in the face of these challenges.

The safety and well-being of the Mercyhurst community remains our top priority, and this operating plan — newly updated for Spring Semester 2021 — aligns with local, state, and federal health guidelines. You can access much of the newer information via the link to COVID-19 FAQs, below. This website serves as the official outline of the university's policies and guidance in regards to COVID-19 response. All elements of the university plan are subject to change based on our evolving understanding of COVID-19 and its effects. 

The phone number 814-824-3600 will serve as a hotline to which you can report potential exposure, as well as direct all COVID-related questions and requests. It is critical you call the hotline immediately if you suspect you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or you begin exhibiting symptoms. This line offers a 24/7 response from someone who will direct you on how to proceed, including potentially coordinating a COVID-19 test. You can also call the hotline for non-health reasons (in operation from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) if you need a new face covering, notice an empty sanitizing station, or have any other COVID concerns. You may also email your inquiries to covid19@mercyhurst.edu.

What You Need to Know

Resolve to Be Ready

Campus Blueprint Video Series

Note: This content was originally designed for Mercyhurst's Fall 2020 return to campus but is still being provided, as much of the information remains relevant to the Spring 2021 semester. University policies regarding COVID-19 have evolved based on guidance from federal, state, and local authorities. Be sure to review this site for the most up-to-date policies and procedures. 

Site Information

COVID-19, the virus responsible for the current global pandemic, is a highly contagious and potentially lethal virus. Current research suggests that the virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. However, the full extent of how the virus transmits is unknown.

Community spread of COVID-19 is occurring nationally, including in Erie County, Pennsylvania, meaning the virus is spreading through the community in a way that cannot be attributed to travel to a specific location or exposure to a person known to be infected. In addition, many people who contract the virus may be asymptomatic and unknowingly spreading the virus. There is no vaccine currently available for the virus. There is no known treatment for all of the adverse effects attributed to COVID-19.  

The University is engaged in numerous efforts to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses. Efforts include increased cleaning, implementation of mask-wearing protocols, social distancing measures, and other recommended mitigation strategies. 

Despite the University’s best efforts, it is impossible to eliminate the risk of positive cases or an outbreak on our campuses. We cannot guarantee that people present on our campuses will not be exposed to and become infected with COVID-19. The risk of exposure and possible infection is real and present in any community environment where large numbers of people are regularly interacting, including college campuses.