COVID-19 AND OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY

The university’s Emergency Preparedness Plan and its COVID-19 Pandemic Response Guidelines have been reviewed by the State Council of Higher Education and has been found to be compliant in containing the required components of the “Higher Education Reopening Guidance,” which was developed in consultation with the Virginia Department of Health.

FXUA is currently operating under extreme caution to support our learning community’s safety and wellbeing. FXUA is beginning to re-open operations, while maintaining a safe environment.

FXUA will be resuming in-person instruction in Fall 2021. All individuals who are unvaccinated will be requested to wear a mask.

Community members are expected to self-screen and isolate themselves if they experience any of the symptoms defined by the CDC and the Virginia department of Health. These are regularly updated and everyone should refer to the guidelines here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus/what-to-do-if-you-have-confirmed-or-suspected-coronavirus-disease-covid-19/

In addition to self-monitoring, the following can be used as self-screening questions:

• Have you been in contact with anyone who may have, or has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
• Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms? Loss of smell? Fever? Chills? Cough?
• Have you traveled out of the state in the past 14 days?

While vaccines provide certain levels of protection, even vaccinated individuals should take certain precautions. This includes wearing a mask in areas of high infection rates, as well as continuing mitigation practices related to hygiene. See more information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

FXUA does not provide university-sourced counseling services at this time. FXUA recommends students to reach out to resources available on https://www.fxua.edu/student-life/resources/health-clinics/

For anyone experiencing anxiety or stress related to COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health offers a free call or text line related to COVID-19. The VA COPES line is a free and confidential COVID-19 response warmline, at 877-349-6428. They are available from Mon-Fri 9:00am to 9:00pm and Sat – Sun. 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Spanish speakers are available.

The Virginia Department of Health offers information on getting the vaccine at NO COST TO YOU. See here: https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/

Students, staff, faculty, or campus visitors who feel ill should contact the local department of health. Given the location of the university in Fairfax, Virginia, the Fairfax County Health Department is provided here:

Fairfax County Health Department – Administration & Environmental Services

10777 Main Street Fairfax Virginia 22030

Phone: 703-246-2411 Fax: 703-653-9463

Email:

The Virginia Department of Health also hosts valuable resources related to health and well-being of those in Virginia.

Virginia Department of Health

Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

Health Department Locator: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/health-department-locator/

The Virginia Department of Health has issues specific information on the current pandemic as outlined below.

• Virginia-specific COVID-19 Information: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
• What to do if you are sick: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus/what-to-do-if-you-have-confirmed-or-suspected-coronavirus-disease-covid-19/

If you or someone around you thinks that they may be sick, complete the screening questions below:

• Have you been in contact with anyone who may have, or has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
• Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms? Loss of smell? Fever? Chills? Cough?
• Have you traveled out of the state in the past 14 days?

There are many health services and clinics in our area. Some of these clinics can be found here: https://www.fxua.edu/student-life/resources/health-clinics/

There are a variety of tests that are available. FXUA would accept rapid test results, which can be obtained from local pharmacies. Otherwise, there are many other means of getting tested. You should start first with your health provider. If needed, there are testing sites in our community as well: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus/what-to-do-if-you-have-confirmed-or-suspected-coronavirus-disease-covid-19/

The Department of Health and Human Services also hosts information on testing in other states: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html/

There are many health services and clinics in our area. Some of these clinics can be found here: https://www.fxua.edu/student-life/resources/health-clinics/

FXUA does not require its students to have insurance, but health insurance is strongly recommended since healthcare can be expense. Here are some resources/information on health insurance: https://www.fxua.edu/student-life/resources/health-insurance/

FXUA is committed to ensuring that continuity of instruction is assured. If students need to stop their enrollment, they must complete a withdrawal form (for those who may need to be out of school for a period longer than six months) or a leave of absence (for a period of less than six months).

All students are encouraged to contact the Accounting and Finance Department as soon as they experience any issues with payment. Students can contact , with specifics about their circumstances. Communicate with the accounting department as early as possible to discuss any potential options.

Many parts of the world have different vaccination rates and levels of spread. Your individual needs will vary based upon your own circumstances and the location(s) from which you have travelled. Individuals who will or have travelled recently should consult the CDC for information on COVID-19 related health notices: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

Students are permitted to complete their internship hours if their workplace remains open (either physically or virtually). Please contact your course instructor and advisor to work with them on any other tips or suggestions. Students are still expected to submit their course hours and coursework as defined by the course syllabus

After completing the Institutional Withdrawal form, your SEVIS will be terminated. You will be asked to leave the country 15 days after your SEVIS is terminated: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/completions-and-terminations/terminate-a-student

USCIS is still processing OPT applications within the parameters given. Students can apply for OPT 90 days before graduation and up to 60 days after graduation. Students applying for STEM OPT can apply for an extension up to 30 days prior to the expiration date on their EAD. If application for an extension is received after the EAD has expired the student will lose their extension.

USCIS and SEVP has not provided any extension for the 90-day unemployment grace period. If you are unable to start working by the day 90s of unemployment, it is advised that you depart the USA or enroll in another program.

SEVP provides the following online resources:

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/blog

https://www.ice.gov/coronavirus

https://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Document/2020/COVID-19FAQ.pdf