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Important Guidelines

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)Summary Information

Updated May 11th, 2023
 

Welcome to the COVID-19 Resources webpage for American University. Here you will find health and safety information, relevant AU Forward Fall 2021 documents, frequently asked questions, and other information that supports our community of care. The university is operating under normal status including all academic and residential activities.

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As we conclude the third year in responding to COVID-19, the pandemic is rapidly moving to an endemic phase. President Biden announced the public health emergency will end on May 11, 2023. We have consistently evolved our response as conditions changed over the past three years to best support our community. We will continue to use the latest information and conditions to inform our decisions. Our approach moving forward is to support community health and safety within the context of the overall public health situation, advance good health choices and behavior by our community members, and recognize that individual response elements will continue to change.


Getting Tested

Free rapid tests will be available on main campus, at WCL, and in the Spring Valley and 4401 Connecticut Avenue buildings. PCR tests will no longer be available on campus but can be obtained through your health care provider.

 


Getting Vaccinated

COVID vaccinations and boosters will be strongly recommended, but not required for AU community members and guests, including commencement attendees in May. Vaccination and booster shots are readily available near campus, including pharmacies and grocery stores, and can be located on the CDC’s vaccine location webpage.

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Masks

Masks will continue to be optional, including in classrooms. Masks will be available at the MGC Information Desk, the AU Welcome Center in the Katzen Arts Center, the Spring Valley Building, the WCL Warren Reception Desk, and the first floor reception desk at 4401 Connecticut Avenue. If a member of our community asks others to mask when in close contact with one another, please treat these requests with respect and give them full consideration. Masks will be required in the Student Health Center, Center for Well-Being Services, and the Academic Support and Access Center. Anyone who tests positive for COVID should wear a mask when in public or in proximity to others.

 

 

Isolation Protocols

Community members who test positive should continue to isolate in their personal residence. When the new protocols go into effect in May, on-campus residents will continue to isolate in their current residence halls room, but can acquire food and supplies, attend medical appointments, and conduct other necessary activities. Beginning in May, university staff will no longer proactively reach out to individuals who test positive.
 

Good Health Practices

To support our community and your personal health, you are strongly recommended to stay home when you are sick, get tested if you exhibit COVID symptoms or have been exposed to a confirmed case, and wash your hands often.

We know there are community members who are immunocompromised, and we are committed to providing support. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends immunocompromised individuals consult with their physician, adopt a regular booster/vaccine regimen, and wear masks. We also have processes for requesting reasonable accommodations for students and for faculty and staff.

We have developed updated FAQs that provide additional information about the new protocols that begin in May. If you have questions, please contact covidhealth@american.edu. Thank you for your continued support for the health and well-being of our AU community.


FLU SHOTS

Our community of care offers flu shots!

Students may go to the Student Health Center.

Staff and faculty may register for on-campus shots.


WHO TO CONTACT

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