Vaccinations

All students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to become vaccinated prior to arriving on campus for the spring semester. Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe, effective and help protect yourself and those around you by reducing the ability for the virus to continue to develop variants. The ability to remain fully open is dependent on a high rate of vaccination in all members of the Cumberland community.

All individuals over the age of 12 are now eligible to receive the vaccine across the state. Use VaccineFinder to search for and schedule appointments. 

For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, visit https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/. 

Exceptions

While the university is not requiring vaccines for students, faculty and staff, specific programs and/or schools, such as nursing, may be subject to more stringent requirements as deemed necessary by external factors. Individuals that may be affected by these additional requirements will be notified directly.

Masks

All are expected to wear masks when indoors on campus unless in a residence hall room, a private vehicle, an enclosed office or other private space with no other individuals present. Masks must be properly worn, covering your nose, mouth and chin area. 

Guidelines for Vaccinated Individuals

You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. If you are fully vaccinated you:

• Are expected to wear masks while indoors on campus unless in a residence hall room, a private vehicle, an enclosed office or other private space with no other individuals present.
• Should continue to maintain social distancing when possible.
• If exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual, and are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, are not required to follow quarantine procedures.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should immediately stay home away from others and contact health services.
• Should continue to practice proper hygiene and act responsibly and respectfully.

Guidelines for Individuals Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated

You are considered not fully vaccinated  if you have not received either the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, have not received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or it has not been two weeks since your last dose of your vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated you:

• Are expected to wear masks while indoors on campus unless in a residence hall room, a private vehicle, an enclosed office or other private space with no other individuals present.
• Should continue to maintain social distancing when possible.
• If exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual, whether experiencing symptoms or not, you should immediately stay home, away from others and contact health services.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should immediately stay home, away from others and contact health services.
• Should continue to practice proper hygiene and act responsibly and respectfully

Reporting or behaving falsely as a fully vaccinated individual is subject to suspension/termination.

Symptom Monitoring:

While Cumberland is not requiring students, faculty and staff to use the daily symptom tracker on the Cumberland App, it is still strongly encouraged that all members of the campus community monitor their own symptoms daily and stay home if you are feeling ill. University health services should be used as a resource to you, whether your symptoms are those of COVID-19 or not. For questions or guidance, you can reach out to health services at any time at healthservices@cumberland.edu.