Dear Seattle University Community, 

We are excited to begin fall quarter and join the School of Law in opening our 2022–2023 academic year in person. It is encouraging that current COVID transmission rates in King County are low and trending in a good direction. As you may have seen, Governor Inslee announced last week that the State of Washington will be ending its remaining COVID-19 emergency orders and state of emergency by Oct. 31. Seattle University is reviewing the state’s guidance and will update the campus community on any changes to its COVID response. In the meantime, we ask that you review the university’s current COVID-19 protocols.  

• Vaccinations | Seattle University has committed to being a fully vaccinated campus under Governor Inslee’s Proclamation for Institutions of Higher Education, and therefore able to operate in-person. All students, faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with an authorized vaccine, unless the individual has an approved exemption. Students, faculty, and staff are also expected to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and therefore to receive any authorized COVID-19 vaccine booster dose(s) when eligible to do so. The CDC has developed an online tool to help determine if you are up to date with the COVID-19 vaccination. SU’s full policy is available at Vaccinations.   

• Face Coverings | Consistent with the State of Washington’s guidance, the university is currently not requiring that face coverings be worn on campus. At the same time, masks continue to be an important tool in helping to limit the spread of COVID-19, and all community members are asked to respect one another’s decisions concerning the use of face coverings. Those who do wear face coverings are encouraged to use well-fitting, high-quality masks such as KF94s, KN95s and N95s. Please note that masks are required in certain campus spaces such as the Student Health Center (SHC), the Seattle University Counseling and Psychological Services office (CAPS), the Athletic Training Room, the Disabilities Services office and at any COVID-19 testing or vaccination site or clinic. You can learn more about SU’s policy at Face Covering Policy.  

• Reporting a Positive Test Result | We ask that community members report a positive COVID-19 test result to covid-19-report@seattleu.edu. Sharing this information with the university helps us to track the number of cases among community members and to respond with information and resources. After a person reports their positive test result, they will be asked to complete an online form that will generate notifications to close contacts.   

• Isolation and Quarantine | In line with the CDC’s guidelines, those who test positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate for a minimum of five days. More details on what to do if you test positive and when to end isolation can be found here. If you come into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID you are NOT required to quarantine as long as you are not exhibiting any symptoms, but please consult our COVID response site for recommended steps to take.  

• Testing | At this time the university is not conducting entry testing of students or surveillance testing of students, faculty and staff; however, those with symptoms should take a diagnostic test. For testing options available to students, faculty and staff—including a Curative kiosk located on campus—please visit the Student Health Center website. The State of Washington’s Department of Health continues to offer free at-home antigen tests. Please also note that the FDA has granted an expiration extension for some at-home tests. If you have a kit(s) marked as expired, please visit FDA to see if its shelf-life has been extended.  

• Cleaning, Ventilation and Filtration | The university continues to follow enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Through HVAC upgrades or portable filtration units, most campus spaces are capable of three air exchanges per hour. If a portable filtration unit in your space has a flashing filter indicator light or ceases operation, please submit a Facilities Work Order with the location and a brief description. Please reach out to the Facilities Resource Center (FRC) at 206-296-6996 if you have a question about the enhanced cleaning, ventilation, or portable filtration unit in a particular space.  

The latest information and resources can be found on SU’s COVID-19 Response site. Our Seattle University community has done a wonderful job of keeping one another healthy and safe these past few years. We know that commitment will continue. We wish you all the best for a great fall academic term.  

Sincerely,  

Shane P. Martin, Ph.D.
Provost 

Jerron Lowe, JD
Vice President for Human Resources