Fall Semester Royals Back Together Plan Announced

The University of Scranton announced its Royals Back Together plan for the return of in-person classes and activities for the fall 2021 semester, which begins on Monday, Aug. 30. The plan incorporates the University’s previously announced COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students and employees.

The plan also takes into account the latest health and safety recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH), including flexibility to adjust the plans masking and other health requirements based on the virus spread within the local community.

Vaccinated individuals do not need to participate in COVID-19 surveillance testing. Following CDC guidelines, the University will adjust indoor masking requirements for vaccinated individuals based on community spread. A Mask Status tile on the Royals Back Together webpage will indicate if masks are required indoors for vaccinated individuals. (Currently, the University is following its summer plan, which requires all individuals to wear masks indoors.) Throughout the semester, masks can be worn by individuals if they prefer, and faculty and staff can require masks be worn in their offices, classroom or labs if desired.

In accordance with Pennsylvania law, students and employees may request a waiver to the vaccine requirement for religious or medical reasons. For students or employees who are granted a vaccine waiver, the Royals Back Together plan requires weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing, mask requirements when indoors or in crowded spaces outdoors where social distancing cannot be met, daily health screenings via a wellness app, as well as specific quarantine and isolation instructions and other health and safety guidelines.

Students who are required to quarantine or isolate must do so off-campus during the fall semester. The University will provide temporary areas for quarantine and isolation if needed while off-campus arrangements are being made.

The Royals Back Together plan reminds members of the University community of their individual responsibility to follow guidelines to protect the health and well-being of themselves and others.

The Royals Back Together plan also addresses cleaning protocols, health services, student life, athletics and a number of other critical areas, including contact tracing procedures. The plan also recognizes the need to continue to adapt to changing circumstances.

Move-in for the fall semester is Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 and 29. Classes resume on Monday, Aug. 30.

More information about the plan is available on the Royals Back Together webpage.