Mask Policy

Mars Hill University has moved to a mask-optional status for all areas outside of instructional spaces. This means that masks will still be required in classrooms and labs, where we most frequently have high concentrations of individuals together for extended periods. As the semester progresses and we continue to monitor CDC guidance, we may revisit this stance. Wearing masks does help contain the spread of disease, and so we also encourage wearing a mask outside of the classroom if one is so inclined to do so, and we ask that we all be courteous and respectful of anyone who elects to wear a mask.

Surveillance Testing

• The university will continue to require testing of individuals who are not up to date on vaccinations. Up to date means that an individual has received a full series (1 J&J, or 2 Moderna or Pfizer) AND the booster.
• The weekly testing period will be on Tuesdays from 10am until noon during the spring semester.
• Fully vaccinated individuals will continue to be exempted from weekly surveillance testing. (Note vaccination status definitions below.)

Vaccination Status

• We anticipate adopting the latest definitions for full vaccination on February 1. As such, fully vaccinated will be defined as follows:
  • Those who have received a booster shot with Moderna, Pfizer, or J & J.
  • Those who have been vaccinated with Moderna or Pfizer within the last 6 months or Johnson & Johnson within the last 2 months.
  • Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days.
    • Look for updates from Human Resources and Health Services about updating your information, if you have not already done so.
  • If you have not yet been vaccinated, the University continues to recommend vaccination for all who are able to do so.  Visit this website to find the latest information on vaccination locations and availability in North Carolina.

Boosters

• If you are eligible for a booster and have not yet received it, please consider getting boosted in order to continue to be considered fully vaccinated. We hope to hold at least one and possibly two vaccination/booster clinics on campus prior to February 1. We will announce those dates and times as soon as they are available. Vaccines and boosters are also available at local pharmacies and the health department.

Quarantine

• Unless they are exhibiting symptoms, fully vaccinated individuals will be exempted from quarantine when they have been identified as a close contact.
• We will adopt the most recent guidance on quarantine, which will allow for return to campus after a 5-day quarantine for individuals without symptoms who have been fever-free for at least 24 hours. However, returning after 5 days will require screening and approval by Health Services.

FAQ