An update on the spring semester and returning to campus
Dear Temple students,
Due to the surge of the highly transmissible omicron variant, Philadelphia has experienced unprecedented growth of new COVID-19 cases. Hospitalizations are on the rise and positivity rates have reached all-time highs. This has led us to further evaluate the best measures for keeping our Temple University and North Philadelphia communities healthy and safe as we prepare for the start of the spring semester. These are the actions we are asking of students.
- Delay move-in
Out of an abundance of caution, the university will delay move-in for undergraduate residential students by two weeks. Move-in for undergraduate students will now begin on Saturday, Jan. 22. Students needing to return earlier may request approval for early arrival. Following this message, residential students will receive an email from University Housing and Residential Life with essential information and details.
- Test before return
Testing continues to be an important measure to help keep our community and neighbors safe. As noted in our previous communication, any student residing in on-campus housing for the spring semester will be required to complete a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after arrival and is strongly encouraged to take a test immediately prior to returning to campus. All students are encouraged to test before they return to their off-campus housing, as well as immediately after they arrive. Beginning Monday, Jan. 3, testing is available at Student Health Services for all students. Be sure to schedule an appointment in advance through the Patient Health Portal.
- Get boosted as soon as you can
If you are eligible, we strongly urge you to get your booster shot as soon as possible. If it has been six months or more since your last dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or two months since you received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, you are eligible for a booster shot. Please upload your booster shot information at temple.edu/vaxupload.
If you are not able to get your booster shot over the winter break, Student Health Services will resume vaccine clinics on Main Campus beginning the week of Monday, Jan. 10. You can schedule an appointment through the Patient Health Portal. Temple Health System is also offering COVID-19 boosters.
More information about spring semester operations, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on our website, temple.edu/coronavirus.
I am optimistic for the spring semester as we work together through the challenges brought by the unpredictable circumstances of the pandemic. We will, of course, continue to assess as information evolves and may need to adjust further based on input and guidance from our medical and health experts.
Thank you for your patience and for once again doing your part to help keep our community safe. I wish you the very best for the remainder of your break.
Sincerely,
Gregory Mandel
Senior Vice President and Provost