Vaccinations
All students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to become vaccinated. 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
Beginning Monday, March 14, masks are optional in all campus buildings, with the exception of McFarland Hall.
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:
- 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:
- 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:
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.