The following FAQs reflect the Seminary’s current coronavirus guidelines and resources. These FAQs will be updated as needed.
What do I do if I feel sick or had possible exposure to the virus?
If you are fully vaccinated:
If you are unvaccinated:
What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
If you receive notification of positive test results, you should get medical guidance from a physician. We do not provide health services on campus. In addition to following medical care instructions, please complete the COVID-19 Notification Form. Exposure or positive test results will be reported to the health consultant, who will determine contact tracing, isolation, or quarantine protocols. You may also be contacted by your local health officer for contact tracing and further guidance.
What are the protocols for quarantine and isolation?
Even in a fully vaccinated community, a positive test for COVID-19 is still possible in breakthrough cases.
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or tested positive yourself, please complete the COVID-19 Notification Form. Exposure or positive test results will be reported to the health consultant, who will determine contact tracing, isolation, or quarantine protocols. If you test positive for COVID-19, you may also be contacted by your local health officer for contact tracing and further guidance.
Per current CDC guidelines, vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 should be tested three to five days after of exposure and should wear a face covering when around others. Unvaccinated individuals will need to quarantine for 14 days after exposure, per local public health guidance.
Routine maintenance of Seminary residences will not be scheduled when someone in the residence is on health quarantine, isolation, or travel quarantine.
Health quarantine is the term used for a situation when someone has been exposed to COVID-19, is experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19, or has recently traveled under certain circumstances. A health quarantine requires the individual remain in their residence except to seek medical care. Individuals with roommates must maintain a face covering in common areas and not share utensils or meals. The health consultant can help arrange for groceries if needed.
Isolation is the term used for a situation when someone has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual must also remain in their residence except for medical treatment. They must have essentially no in-person contact with others in the residence. The health consultant can help an individual create a plan for managing isolation and groceries. Quarantine apartments are available through the health consultant in certain situations.
Some accommodations for coursework will be available for any student who needs to quarantine or isolate as a result of COVID-19 exposure or positive test results. The student can contact academic.support@ptsem.edu.
Will my positive test results be shared?
The Health and Wellness Team will need to communicate with the community if there are individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. However, your name will not be shared with the community. Everything will be done to assure your privacy and confidentiality.
Note that positive tests results will be reported to the local Board of Health by testing sites. They will be in touch with you regarding contact tracing, as well as the Seminary’s health consultant regarding contract tracing in our community.
What if I was instructed to quarantine as a precautionary measure?
If you are instructed to quarantine as a precautionary measure, you should remain in your residence except for removing trash or recycling, getting medical care and groceries, or exercising outside on your own. You must wear a face covering, maintain physical distancing, and practice rigorous hand washing.
Is there a vaccination requirement for students?
Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for all students and employees beginning in the fall semester unless a medical or religious exemption has been given. Vaccination cards may be uploaded through the secure vaccination form. The Human Resources office is maintaining the list of vaccinated employees and those who are exempt. The Office of Student Life is maintaining the list of vaccinated students and those who are exempt. This information is essential for any contact tracing that may need to be done in the community. Vaccinations are strongly recommended for spouses and eligible children who are in residence. A health consultant will be available to assist all members of the community with questions regarding exposure, contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine. The health consultant may be reached through health@ptsem.edu.
I am fully vaccinated. What does this mean in the context of the Seminary’s guidelines?
You are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after you have received the second dose of a two-dose series or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine (i.e., Johnson & Johnson).
I am not vaccinated. What does this mean in the context of the Seminary’s guidelines?
Community members who are unable to be vaccinated must abide by additional health measures.
What is defined as exposure?
Exposure is defined as being within six feet, for a period of ten minutes or more, of a person who has tested positive. It may also be defined as being in an indoor classroom setting with a person who is positive. If you have been exposed to a positive case, please complete the COVID-19 Notification Form and adhere to the guidelines for vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals based on your vaccination status.
What safety measures are being taken to provide a safe environment?
We are taking measures across campus to provide a safe campus environment. This includes:
Are face coverings required?
We will begin the semester requiring face coverings indoors for all people on campus, regardless of vaccination status. This is due to the current surge in cases and the fact that we will be welcoming people from many different parts of the country and the world to campus at the start of the year. We will regularly review this policy through the semester.
Whether indoors or out, we would like to create a culture where fully vaccinated individuals feel comfortable to choose to wear a face covering for their own comfort and protection. We ask that you please do not form judgments about the vaccination status of those who wear face coverings. We hope individuals will be able to decide to wear a face covering based on their personal health status and comfort level in all contexts.
What does daily self-monitoring for symptoms entail?
Based on CDC guidance, it is expected that all members of our Seminary community will practice daily self-monitoring for symptoms that may be compatible with COVID-19. Even fully vaccinated individuals may experience a breakthrough infection. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may be mild to severe.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please do not come to campus and complete the COVID-19 Notification Form:
It may be recommended that you follow up with your health care provider for guidance and testing
I have a compromised immune system. Is there specific guidance I should follow?
Individuals with certain health conditions or taking certain medications may have weakened immune systems. Even those who have been vaccinated may not be fully protected. We encourage these members of our community to take all precautions for unvaccinated individuals, including wearing a well-fitting face covering, unless advised otherwise by your health care provider.
If you are a fully vaccinated member of our community who has a compromised immune system, we invite you to notify the health team confidentially so that we may keep you informed of any possible exposure in the community.
I have an unvaccinated child. Is there specific guidance we should follow?
Our younger children have not yet been vaccinated. It is expected that children two years and older wear a face covering in indoor public spaces on campus. Please follow the guidelines for unvaccinated individuals.
Until young children are able to be vaccinated, or there is diminished impact from variants, we recommend gatherings for young children be held in outdoor spaces rather than the children’s lounges, which will remain closed.
Will fall classes be in person or online?
We are planning for all courses to meet in person in the fall semester. Classrooms will function at normal occupancy without physical distancing, unless otherwise indicated. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend class and complete the COVID-19 Notification Form
Who can I contact when I need support or accommodations for specific challenges?
Some accommodations for coursework will be available for any student who needs to quarantine or isolate as a result of COVID-19 exposure or positive test results. The student can contact academic.support@ptsem.edu.
What are classroom protocols?
Classrooms will function at normal occupancy without physical distancing, unless otherwise indicated. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend class and complete the COVID-19 Notification Form.
Face coverings are required for all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in classrooms and indoor common spaces. This will regularly be evaluated. Instructors will be invited to remove face coverings in the classroom while they are teaching. For classes meeting outdoors, all individuals are encouraged to wear a face covering as determined by their personal health needs, vulnerable household members, and comfort level.
Can I bring outside guests to campus?
Guests are permitted on the Seminary campus. All guests are expected to be vaccinated and to wear face coverings.
Students may welcome guests from outside of the Seminary community to their residences. It is expected that all guests be vaccinated and wear face coverings in common indoor spaces. Ensuring the vaccination status of your guests is an act of care and responsibility for the entire community.
What are the Seminary’s requirements for travel?
For international travel
We will follow CDC guidelines for travel quarantine policy. Currently, for international travel CDC recommends testing three to five days after travel for all people, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals will also need to quarantine for seven days following international travel regardless of test outcome.
Please submit the Travel Notification Form after international travel, regardless of your vaccination status.
For domestic travel
For domestic travel, CDC recommends all unvaccinated individuals delay nonessential travel. If an unvaccinated individual travels to an area in the United States where there are elevated numbers of COVID-19 or if they participated in a large event where vaccine status of participants is unknown, they may be asked to quarantine for seven days with a test three to five days after their return.
Unvaccinated individuals are required to submit the Travel Notification Form after domestic travel.
At this time, no quarantine is required following domestic travel for vaccinated individuals.
A travel quarantine means that you remain in your residence except for removing trash or recycling, getting medical care and groceries, or to exercise outside on your own. A face covering is required whenever leaving your residence. If a student with a roommate is keeping a travel quarantine, it is their responsibility to keep distance from and wear a face covering around their roommate(s).
I’m moving to campus. Are there specific guidelines to keep in mind?
Given that students will be moving in from across the country from areas with varying numbers of COVID-19 cases, all students, guests, and staff are required to wear a face covering when in outdoor and indoor public/shared spaces during move-in days.
All family members and guests assisting with move-in are expected to be vaccinated before coming to campus. Fully vaccinated students may assist other students with move-in as long as a well-fitting face covering is worn.
What are my responsibilities when quarantining?
A travel quarantine means that you remain in your residence except for removing trash or recycling, getting medical care and groceries, or to exercise outside on your own. A face covering is required whenever leaving your residence. If a student with a roommate is keeping a travel quarantine, it is their responsibility to keep distance from and wear a face covering around their roommate(s).
Health quarantine is the term used for a situation when someone has been exposed to COVID-19, is experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19, or has recently traveled under certain circumstances. A health quarantine requires the individual remain in their residence except to seek medical care. Individuals with roommates must maintain a face covering in common areas and not share utensils or meals. The health consultant can help arrange for groceries if needed.
What’s happening with the fitness center, fitness classes, and sport events?
The fitness center at CRW will be open. Face coverings will be required. Outdoor intramural sports will resume. Further information regarding fitness and intramural sports will be sent from the Dean of Student Life.
Who can I contact for emotional support and care?
We are returning to our common life after a very stressful year. Though we look forward to the year with anticipation and gratitude, we understand that there will be a season of adjustment. We will essentially welcome two new classes to campus life this year, those who started in September of 2020 and those who are starting this year. We ask that you please commit to be a community of welcome, kindness, patience, and grace. For anyone who is having difficulty adjusting, we invite you to reach out to Wanda Sevey, director of Student Counseling, or Jan Ammon, minister of the chapel and pastor for students and families. There are many avenues for support and encouragement.
How do I address concerns?
We hope that the Seminary’s Health and Wellness Guidelines will enable us all to navigate this complex season. However, if you encounter a situation that raises any concerns for your health and wellness or the health and wellness of others, we ask that you please consider the following:
Please do not call Security for concerns about the health guidelines.
What are the hours of operation for the mailroom?
The mailroom will be open and staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Outside these hours, Seminary faculty and staff may access the mailroom via card key access until 6 p.m. Students will have card key access from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Please enter the mailroom via the student lounge door, on the side of Mackay Campus Center near the steps. Please be sure to remember your mailbox key.
Mailroom staff will go to the post office daily.
What are the protocols for events and gatherings?
Seminary-sponsored events will be permitted for the fall, with the following guidelines:
Until young children are able to be vaccinated, or there is diminished impact from variants, we recommend gatherings for young children be held in outdoor spaces rather than the children’s lounges, which will remain closed.
What are the dining protocols?
Dining Services will be open to the community for lunch from Monday through Friday. Food services guidelines from the Princeton Board of Health will be followed. There will be no buffets or salad bars, which require multiple touch points for delivery. No physical distancing will be required in the dining room. Cleaning and disinfecting of the space will occur daily.
All members of the community will please wear face coverings in the dining room, except while eating.
What’s happening with lounges?
Study lounges in residential spaces will open beginning September 2. Face coverings are required. Children’s lounges will remain closed, at least for the beginning of the fall semester.
How can I help keep our community healthy?
Keeping our community healthy is a responsibility that belongs to each one of us. Please be sure to:
Are there guidelines specific to campus transportation?
In accordance with current state guidelines for public transportation, all people regardless of vaccination status should wear face coverings on Seminary shuttles. A schedule for transportation between the CRW and Main Campus will be distributed prior to orientation.
What are the guidelines for chapel services?
In-person worship services will resume. Face coverings will be required in the chapel. Worship leaders may remove face coverings when speaking. Singing and other health protocols will be determined later in August after local health guidelines and statistics are reviewed.
Are there guidelines specific to the library?
The library will remain open to all students and employees of the Seminary community and will follow the same guidelines as in classrooms. Face coverings will be required indoors.
What do I do if I feel sick or had possible exposure to the virus?
If you are fully vaccinated:
If you are unvaccinated:
What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
If you receive notification of positive test results, you should get medical guidance from a physician. We do not provide health services on campus and you should not come to campus for any reason. In addition to following medical care instructions, please complete the COVID-19 Notification Form. Exposure or positive test results will be reported to the health consultant, who will determine contact tracing, isolation, or quarantine protocols. You may also be contacted by your local health officer for contact tracing and further guidance.
Will my positive test results be shared?
The Health and Wellness Team will need to communicate with the community if there are individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. However, your name will not be shared with the community. Everything will be done to assure your privacy and confidentiality
Note that positive tests results are reported to the local Board of Health by testing sites. They will be in touch with you regarding contact tracing, as well as the Seminary’s health consultant regarding contract tracing in our community.
What are the guidelines if I am living in quarantine as a precautionary measure?
If you are instructed to quarantine as a precautionary measure, you should remain in your residence except for removing trash or recycling, getting medical care and groceries, or exercising outside on your own. You must wear a face covering, maintain physical distancing, and practice rigorous hand washing.
What are the protocols for quarantine and isolation?
Even in a fully vaccinated community, a positive test for COVID-19 is still possible in breakthrough cases.
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or tested positive yourself, please complete the COVID-19 Notification Form. Exposure or positive test results will be reported to the health consultant, who will determine contact tracing, isolation, or quarantine protocols. If you test positive for COVID-19, you may also be contacted by your local health officer for contact tracing and further guidance.
Per current CDC guidelines, vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 should be tested three to five days after of exposure and should wear a face covering when around others. Unvaccinated individuals will need to quarantine for 14 days after exposure, per local public health guidance.
Routine maintenance of Seminary residences will not be scheduled when someone in the residence is on health quarantine, isolation, or travel quarantine.
Health quarantine is the term used for a situation when someone has been exposed to COVID-19, is experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19, or has recently traveled under certain circumstances. A health quarantine requires the individual remain in their residence except to seek medical care. Individuals with roommates must maintain a face covering in common areas and not share utensils or meals. The health consultant can help arrange for groceries if needed.
Isolation is the term used for a situation when someone has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual must also remain in their residence except for medical treatment. They must have essentially no in-person contact with others in the residence. The health consultant can help an individual create a plan for managing isolation and groceries.
I’ve been vaccinated. Whom should I notify?
We request that all students, student spouses, and employees who are completely vaccinated please submit a copy of your vaccination record to the health team through the vaccination form. All information will be kept confidential.
Is there a vaccination requirement for employees?
COVID-19 vaccination will be required for all employees beginning in the fall semester, with exemptions possible for documented medical or religious grounds. Employees can submit their vaccination record through this secure form. Employees must have received the final dose of the vaccine (either the second of a two-dose series or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) and submit a completed vaccine card by September 1. All employees are eligible to use work time to receive their vaccinations without taking PTO.
Employees who intend to apply for an exemption should contact Human Resources at hr@ptsem.edu. Those who are not able to receive the vaccine and are granted exemptions will be expected to comply with additional health measures, including wearing face coverings indoors, participating in COVID-19 testing as requested, and maintaining quarantine after travel as necessary.
I am fully vaccinated. What does this mean in the context of the Seminary’s guidelines?
You are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after you have received the second dose of a two-dose series or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine (i.e., Johnson & Johnson).
I am not vaccinated. What does this mean in the context of the Seminary’s guidelines?
Community members who are unable to be vaccinated must abide by additional health measures.
What is defined as exposure?
Exposure is defined as being within six feet, for a period of ten minutes or more, of a person who has tested positive. It may also be defined as being in an indoor classroom setting with a person who is positive. If you have been exposed to a positive case, please complete the COVID-19 Notification Form and adhere to the guidelines for vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals depending on your status.
How can I help keep our community healthy?
Keeping our community healthy is a responsibility that belongs to each one of us. Please be sure to:
What safety measures are being taken to provide a safe environment?
We are taking measures across campus to provide a safe working environment. This includes:
Are face coverings required?
We will begin the semester requiring face coverings indoors for all people on campus, regardless of vaccination status. This is due to the current surge in cases and the fact that we will be welcoming people from many different parts of the country and the world to campus at the start of the year. We will regularly review this policy through the semester.
Whether indoors or out, we would like to create a culture where fully vaccinated individuals feel comfortable to choose to wear a face covering for their own comfort and protection. We ask that you please do not form judgments about the vaccination status of those who wear face coverings. We hope individuals will be able to decide to wear a face covering based on their personal health status and comfort level in all contexts.
What does daily self-monitoring for symptoms entail?
Based on CDC guidance, it is expected that all members of our Seminary community will practice daily self-monitoring for symptoms that may be compatible with COVID-19. Even fully vaccinated individuals may experience what is called a breakthrough infection. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may be mild to severe.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please do not come to campus and complete the COVID-19 Notification Form:
It may be recommended that you follow up with your health care provider for guidance and testing.
I have a compromised immune system. Is there specific guidance I should follow?
Individuals with certain health conditions or taking certain medications may have weakened immune systems. Even those who have been vaccinated may not be fully protected. We encourage these members of our community to take all precautions for unvaccinated individuals, including wearing a well-fitting face covering, unless advised otherwise by your health care provider.
If you are a fully vaccinated member of our community who has a compromised immune system, we invite you to notify the health team confidentially so that we may keep you informed of any possible exposure in the community.
I need to bring an outside guest to campus. What is the protocol?
If an employee needs to bring an outside guest, consultant, or contractor to campus, please continue to consult with the Health and Wellness Team to establish safety protocols.
What are the guidelines for gatherings?
Seminary-sponsored events will be permitted for the fall, with the following guidelines:
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend gatherings and complete the COVID-19 Notification Form.
How do I address concerns?
We hope that the Seminary’s Health and Wellness Guidelines will enable us all to navigate this complex season. However, if you encounter a situation that raises any concerns for your health and wellness or the health and wellness of others, we ask that you please consider the following:
What happens if I incur a significant amount of absences due to illness?
Employees should reference the salary continuation policy in Section III of the employee handbook under “Disability Leaves of Absence.” For questions regarding work policies, employees can contact Human Resources.
What are the Seminary's requirements for travel?
For international travel
We will follow CDC guidelines for travel quarantine policy. Currently, for international travel CDC recommends testing three to five days after travel for all people, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals will also need to quarantine for seven days following international travel regardless of test outcome.
Please submit the Travel Notification Form after international travel, regardless of your vaccination status.
For domestic travel
For domestic travel, CDC recommends all unvaccinated individuals delay nonessential travel. If an unvaccinated individual travels to an area in the United States where there are elevated numbers of COVID-19 or if they participated in a large event where vaccine status of participants is unknown, they may be asked to quarantine for seven days with a test three to five days after their return.
Unvaccinated individuals are required to submit the Travel Notification Form after domestic travel.
At this time, no quarantine is required following domestic travel for vaccinated individuals.
Travel for Seminary business may resume, subject to budgetary considerations.
What are the hours of operation for the mailroom?
Please see below for times when you can receive services, including pick-up of mail and packages:
Mon: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Everyday from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., employees will have access to their mailboxes using their Seminary ID cards. Please enter the mailroom via the student lounge door (on the side of Mackay Campus Center near the steps). Please be sure to remember your mailbox key.
Mailroom staff will go to the post office on Mondays and Thursdays only, therefore all outgoing USPS mail will go to the Post office on those days.
Mail will not be delivered to offices or departments.
What are the dining protocols?
Dining Services will be open to the community for lunch from Monday through Friday. Food services guidelines from the Princeton Board of Health will be followed. There will be no buffets or salad bars, which require multiple touch points for delivery. No physical distancing will be required in the dining room. Cleaning and disinfecting of the space will occur daily.
All members of the community will please wear face coverings in the dining room, except while eating.
Do I have to wear a face covering in my office?
Face coverings will be required in all office spaces, except when someone is alone in their office space
Can I attend chapel services in person?
In-person worship services will resume. Face coverings will be required in the chapel. Worship leaders may remove face coverings when speaking. Singing and other health protocols will be determined later in August after local health guidelines and statistics are reviewed.
“To be in a community where I got to hear so many different perspectives—that was profound for me. I’m grateful for the curiosity, for the practice of learning that was cultivated for me at Seminary.”