Coronavirus

Our care for students is holistic; it extends to each student’s spiritual, academic, emotional and physical health. We believe residential instruction under caring professors and trusted mentors is the best option to keep our on-campus students on the path to becoming Christ-centered, career-ready graduates. 

To accomplish this goal while keeping health and safety a top concern, CSU leadership has created the Safe on the Summit plan to put in place the most responsible and least disruptive strategy. This plan is designed to protect students, faculty, staff and the greater community while delivering the best possible education for our students in a caring environment. 

The plan detailed on these web pages has been created using the guidelines provided by the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

An individual commitment to adhere to these guidelines will keep one another’s best interest in mind and to help us make the CSU campus as safe as possible. All on-campus students and employees are asked to follow the Safe on the Summit COVID-19 plan, which is detailed on multiple pages of this section of the website. 

• Students and employees care for one another by following the guidelines outlined in the CSU Safe on the Summit plan. 
• Individuals (students and employees) complete regular health checks and report symptoms or exposure to a medical professional for further guidance. 
• Students and employees are asked to follow preventative measures and hygiene practices that limit the spread of COVID-19. 
• Designated spaces are reserved for isolating individuals who have symptoms or confirmed cases of COVID-19.
• Vaccination is not required. CSU encourages all eligible students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated.

CSU’s campus is open to visitors. Campus access for visitors and most vendors shall only be between the hours of 6 a.m.–midnight. 

Recreation Center 

CSU’s Recreation Center remains open to students, staff and faculty. The Recreation Center will offer limited access to the general public for groups and events, and individual memberships are now available.  Hand sanitizer is available, and enhanced cleaning and sanitizing take place regularly.  

Underground Café 

The Café will be open during posted hours for students, employees and the general public. 

Murphy Memorial Library 

The physical library is open, and online resources are always available here.  

CSU’s Safe on the Summit plan is guided by recommendations from the CDC and PA Department of Health. Access more information from these sources below. Please review these items for your safety and the safety of others to prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19. 

Quick Links 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus main page 
• Pennsylvania Department of Health coronavirus main page 

Prevention and Safety 

• CDC: How to protect yourself and others 
• PA DOH: Help stop the spread 
• CDC: Face covering dos and don’ts 

COVID-19 Symptoms and Care 

• CDC: Know COVID-19 symptoms 
• CDC: What to do if you are sick 
• PA DOH: Symptoms and testing 

Mental Health and Wellbeing 

• CDC: Mental health and coping during COVID-19 pandemic 
• The Foundations Christian Counseling Center is located conveniently on the CSU campus; their services are offered to CSU students at a discounted rate. Start by contacting CSU’s associate dean of men or the associate dean of women. 
• In addition, for help and guidance regarding your mental health and wellbeing, please contact your respective associate dean of students. 

More Resources from the CDC 

• CDC: How to wear a face covering 
• CDC: How to wash your cloth face covering 
• CDC: How to properly wash your hands 
• CDC: How to keep a safe distance  

• Sanitizing measures have been increased across campus, including frequent sanitization of high-traffic areas. 
• In classrooms, high-touch areas are sanitized. 
• Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout campus. 

Q: Is the university campus open?
A: Yes! Please see below for more specifics.
Main Campus: Offices are open during regular hours.
Recreation Center: CSU’s Recreation Center remains open to students, staff and faculty. The Recreation Center will offer limited access to the general public for groups and events, and public memberships are available.
Underground Café: The Café will be open to the public during posted hours.
Murphy Memorial Library: The physical library is open, and online resources are always available here. 
Prospective Student Visits: Schedule your in-person visit here.

Q: Are residential students required to get a COVID-19 vaccination?
A: No. CSU is not requiring students to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. If Pennsylvania or another official agency requires student vaccinations in the future, CSU will need to abide by those requirements. At this time, the commonwealth and CDC recommend students receive the vaccine, but it is not required. 

CSU does encourage all eligible students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated, since it is the most effective way to prevent getting COVID-19 and for diminishing its symptoms when infected (with lower rates of serious symptoms, hospitalizations and deaths). 

If you would like to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine, you can start here to find a vaccination site near you.

Q: When will I need to wear a face covering?
A: CSU encourages following recommendations in place from the Centers for Disease Control and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Anyone who chooses to wear a mask, whether fully vaccinated or not, is free to do so and must not be shamed, pressured or intimidated for doing so.  

Because Lackawanna County is not a substantial viral transmission region at this time, wearing a mask is optional.

There may be certain circumstances in which masks will be required; students and employees will be made aware of those circumstances if needed.

Q: What can I do to protect myself?
A: Please find information from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. 

Q: Can CSU guarantee that I won’t be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 on campus?
A: No community or institution can eliminate all risk of exposure to COVID-19; however, the Safe on the Summit plan uses strategies recommended by the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the PA Department of Health as best practices to prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19 on campus. Please follow their current guidelines to learn steps you can personally take to lower your risk. 

Q: How can I stay up to date on emerging announcements?
A: General information is posted at ClarksSummitU.edu/coronavirus. Student-specific information will be communicated via Schoology, Remind and/or student CSU email account. Employee-specific information will be communicated via employee email. Please check all of these regularly. 

Q: What is CSU using to create these guidelines?
A: All CSU policies are guided by and comply with recommendations for higher education by the CDC, the PA Department of Health and the PA Department of Education. 

Q: If I need to take a COVID-19 test, where can I find options for testing?
A: While there are many options that may vary by location, you can consider these options: 

• RiteAid.com 
• CVS.com 
• Pennsylvania residents can call Geisinger’s COVID hotline (570.284.3657) to see if there is a testing location nearby 
• Search for local PCR COVID-19 testing sites near you 
• Order one online to test yourself at this FDA approved site: https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/covid-19 

Q: What happens with my academic responsibilities if I become infected with COVID-19 or have to self-quarantine during this period?
A: Online and residential students, please communicate with your professors if you are physically unable to complete coursework due to COVID-19 or other health issues. They will be sensitive to your health needs and will work with you on a plan related to academics. You also need to contact the Academic Office (academics@ClarksSummitU.edu) to make them aware of your situation regarding COVID-19 issues you are experiencing. Students who are sick will be allowed to use remote options to attend class; the student will need to take initiative to arrange that service in advance. Please find the COVID-19 Class Attendance policy. 

Q: Do I need to bring my own health supplies and PPE?
A: You do need to bring face coverings in case they are needed. 

You might also want to consider bringing other supplies such as: 

• A digital thermometer (a thermometer will be provided to each new student, but you are welcome to bring the thermometer you prefer for your own personal use.) 
• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes (sanitizing cleaner is provided in the residence halls, and hand sanitizer will be available in public areas across campus, but consider bringing other items if you would like additional supplies for your residence hall room or your own personal use.)

Q: What will I need to do if I have symptoms or a confirmed case of COVID-19?
A: Please see the posted signs for instructions. You’ll also want to have a health care plan in place that you’ve discussed with your parents and physician. 

Q: Will we still have athletics?
A: CSU participates in NCAA Division III Colonial States Athletic Conference, and we will be following NCAA and CSAC guidelines regarding athletic contests. Announcements regarding athletics will be posted at GoCSUDefenders.com. 

Q: I have more questions. What is the plan for…?
A: Because of the unique, rapidly changing nature of COVID-19 and corresponding guidelines, plans can change at any time. Employees and students will follow the recommended guidelines from the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education regarding health and safety.