• Highly recommend getting a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as one is available to you.
• Masks MAY still be required in certain locations.
• Student-athletes will adhere to all South Atlantic Conference and NCAA COVID-19 protocols.
• Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

VACCINATED

• Students/Faculty who have been vaccinated against COVID-19
  1. Get tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings until a negative test result.
  2. No quarantine necessary after a close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, as defined by social distancing for over 15 minutes.
  3. Isolate for 10 days if they have tested positive for COVID-19.  Encouraged to go home, if feasible, while they recover.
  4. No re-entry testing required for vaccinated students.
  5. PCR (swab) testing required if symptomatic.

UNVACCINATED

• Students who have NOT been vaccinated against COVID-19
  1. PCR (swab) testing required if symptomatic or as a result of positive antigen test.
  2. PCR re-entry testing required. Cost will be $65 with testing administered on campus following a schedule to be communicated prior to student check-in.
  3. Isolate for 10 days if they have tested positive for COVID-19.
  4. Quarantine away from campus for a period for 10 days after the last close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, as defined by social distancing for over 15 minutes.  Quarantine may be shortened by a negative PCR test on day eight of quarantine.
  5. Wear mask in public indoor settings.

Campus News

July 12th, 2021

Limestone Announces COVID-19 Protocols For the 2021 Fall Semester

Charles Wyatt

Limestone University has announced its on-campus protocols related to COVID-19 for the Fall 2021 semester.

Limestone President Dr. Darrell Parker has revealed that while the coronavirus vaccine is being strongly encouraged, it will not be mandated by the Gaffney-based institution.

However, prior to arrival on campus, students will be asked to provide Limestone with proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within a specified amount of days prior to coming to campus. For the previous three semesters, Limestone students have been required to provide proof of a negative test prior to moving into campus housing and starting classes.

Based on current health projections, Limestone expects protective face masks and social distancing will not be required this fall, but those who feel more comfortable wearing protective face masks and social distancing will be welcome to do so, Parker noted.

“We are looking forward to the Saints family being back on campus in August – including our students, faculty, and staff,” Parker said. “For those who have been fully vaccinated, the risk for COVID-19 infection is very low. Because of the prominence of the vaccine, we will not be requiring protective face masks on campus for the upcoming fall semester. If someone decides to wear a mask, we will certainly respect that decision. For those who are unvaccinated, it is going to be recommended that they do wear masks because there are still risks of infection out there.

“There are some dangerous variants of the virus floating around,” Parker continued. “For those who are unvaccinated, the potential practices for quarantining and isolation, if they are exposed, may be different. Knowing that people will be making different choices when it comes to vaccinations, it is going to be important for Limestone to know the status before the year starts for students, faculty, and staff members. While the risk of exposure for someone who has been vaccinated is minimal, we will be contact tracing and then informing those who are unvaccinated if they have been possibly exposed. Of course, we will continue to monitor the evolving conditions and adjust as necessary.”

Contact tracing will be conducted for unvaccinated close contacts (any unvaccinated individual within six feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more) of laboratory-confirmed or probable COVID-19 patients, and those unvaccinated individuals identified as close contacts will require a period of self-quarantine. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be isolated from the campus community for the appropriate period of time.

Student-athletes at Limestone who are not vaccinated may be subject to testing protocols as determined by the NCAA and respective conferences. Parker said student-athletes might want to take testing procedures into consideration when making their vaccination choices.

Limestone students, especially those from foreign countries, who are in areas where vaccinations are not readily available will have the opportunity to receive the vaccine once they get to campus.

“Because of the dedication and commitment of our entire campus, we have been as successful as any institution in protecting our university community throughout the coronavirus pandemic, diminishing the impact of the virus, and continuing to provide a meaningful educational experience for our students,” Parker said. “We take great pride in how our Saints responded to those past challenges, and we feel confident our campus community will remain just as diligent in the months ahead.”

Classes for the Fall 2021 semester at Limestone will begin on Monday, August 23.

The South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC) reported recently that 94 percent of the COVID-19 cases during the time of June 1-14 were among people who were not fully vaccinated. DHEC also reported that each of the 11 deaths attributed to COVID-19 during that period were among those not fully vaccinated against the virus.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II Information

April 2, 2021

COVID-19 VACCINE SHOTS: Available at Limestone April 6 - Students, Faculty, Staff

April 1, 2021

A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held at Limestone University tomorrow, Tuesday, April 6, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., inside the Timken Center.

The single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be administered (with this vaccine, a second shot is not necessary).

Those interested should contact Limestone University Human Resources Director Janie Corry for the required paperwork: jcorry@limestone.edu.

The vaccines are being administered by the Medicine Mart Pharmacy, with assistance from the Limestone Health Center, and with approval from DHEC.
 
The COVID-19 vaccine shots are available only to Limestone University students, faculty, and staff members who are interested.
 
For more information, please contact Human Resources.

Limestone University Faculty, Staff, and Students: Sign-Up For Free COVID-19 Testing

February 18, 2021

Limestone University’s Timken Center parking lot will be the site for free COVID-19 testing on Monday, February 22, and Tuesday, February 23, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day.

Free testing is available for Limestone’s faculty, staff, and students.

Both walk-up and drive-thru options will be available. Results from the testing will be available in approximately two to three days.

Members of the local community can also show up to be tested (Limestone Health Center appointment is not necessary for members of the local community).

Limestone’s Campus Safety and the National Guard will be on-site to handle traffic flow in the area.

The testing is being made available through Limestone’s partnerships with DHEC and Healthy Me, Healthy SC.

The Limestone community is reminded that masks are mandatory in all classrooms and across campus. To help limit the spread of COVID-19, do not share drinks; do not share masks; clean your hands often; cough or sneeze in your bent elbow - not your hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; limit social gatherings and time spent in crowded places; void close contact with someone who is sick, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

COVID Testing Requirments for Spring Semester 2021 Reminder

JANUARY 6, 2021

To protect the health and well-being of the campus community, it is essential that Limestone University students have a COVID-19 diagnostic test no later than 10 days prior to the start of the spring semester that begins in January of 2021. Students must submit online the necessary testing results prior to moving back into residential housing or attending classes on the Day Campus in Gaffney.

As was the case prior to the beginning of the current 2020-2021 academic year that started this past August, Limestone Day Campus students are required to show proof of COVID-19 testing before moving into residence halls (for residents) or before attending the first day of classes (for non-residents). Testing information must be sent to healthcenter@limestone.edu (non-athletes) or submitted to Athletics (athletes) and can include one of the following:

• Proof of positive COVID-19 test in last 90 days;
• Proof of presence of COVID-19 antibodies; or
• Proof of negative COVID-19 test results which was taken within 10 days of your scheduled move-in day (for residents) or the start of classes (for non-residents).

Limestone University expects all students to be tested for COVID-19. Individuals should obtain a test shortly before their return to campus, by a method of their choosing. Testing may be obtained through community-based testing sites (many at no charge), commercial providers, or a primary care physician. If a student cannot obtain a test in the needed window, one can be administered upon arrival on campus for a fee. Please contact the Health Center to schedule.

Spring Move-in Information

JANUARY 4, 2021

New students may move into campus housing on Friday, January 8. Please refer to the Orientation Schedule for details:

limestone.edu/admissions/undergraduate/orientation
Returning students may move back into campus housing on Saturday, January 9 and Sunday, January 10 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
 
L-Cards will be automatically activated for those students who have submitted their Covid-19 test results to the Student Health Center and have paid their respective bills with the Business Office. If not cleared medically and/or financially, students will need to visit those respective offices prior to moving back into campus housing.
 
The first day of classes is Monday, January 11, 2021.
 
Students who need to make adjustments to their class schedules should contact their Academic Advisor.
 
If any student does not plan to return to Limestone University for the spring semester, please contact Stacey Mason at smason@limestone.edu.
 
Thank you for your cooperation, and thank you for being SAINTS!

Covid Testing Requirements for SPRING SEMESTER 2021

Limestone University Makes Changes To 2021 Spring Semester Calendar

DECEMBER 7, 2020

Due to the unique challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Limestone University has made changes to the academic calendar. The changes support our efforts to minimize exposure and the probability of infection spread on campus by reducing travel during breaks. Please see the PDF file below for details!

Spring Semester 2021
Covid Testing Requirements

November 13, 2020

To protect the health and well-being of the campus community, it is essential that Limestone University students have a COVID-19 diagnostic test no later than 10 days prior to the start of the spring semester that begins in January of 2021. Students must submit online the necessary testing results prior to moving back into residential housing or attending classes on the Day Campus in Gaffney.

As was the case prior to the beginning of the current 2020-2021 academic year that started this past August, Limestone Day Campus students are required to show proof of COVID-19 testing before moving into residence halls (for residents) or before attending the first day of classes (for non-residents). Testing information must be sent to healthcenter@limestone.edu (non-athletes) or submitted to Athletics (athletes) and can include one of the following:

• Proof of prior COVID-19 infection;
• Proof of presence of COVID-19 antibodies; or
• Proof of negative COVID-19 test results which was taken within 10 days of your scheduled move-in day (for residents) or the start of classes (for non-residents).

Limestone University expects all students to be tested for COVID-19. Individuals should obtain a test shortly before their return to campus, by a method of their choosing. Testing may be obtained through community-based testing sites (many at no charge), commercial providers, or a primary care physician. If a student cannot obtain a test in the needed window, one can be administered upon arrival on campus for a fee. Please contact the Health Center to schedule.
 
Thank you for your cooperation, and thank you for being SAINTS!
 

Limestone University Off To Strong, Safe Start To Fall Semester

August 27, 2020

Limestone University students and faculty are back in the classroom, and the Saints are returning to the playing fields as the 2020 fall semester gets ready to wrap up its second week.

The new term officially got underway on Monday, Aug. 17, and according to Limestone President Dr. Darrell Parker, spirits are high as the institution enjoys its first semester as a university.

“To say our students are thrilled to be back on campus would be a huge understatement,” said Parker. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, like most schools across the country, we moved to remote learning during the spring semester. A lot has happened on our campus since then, including the new three-story library and student center coming out of the ground, the start of construction on a new front campus amphitheater, all the new signage, and of course, the name change to Limestone University. Everyone has been so excited about all the improvements – and they’re obviously happy to be out of their houses back at home and here on campus with their friends and classmates.”

Limestone is randomly testing 125 students per week for COVID-19, and during its first week, there was only one positive test that caused an asymptomatic student to be isolated. That case led to Limestone’s contact tracing protocol that resulted in additional students being quarantined.

“In our first week, we started testing on that Tuesday, so we tested 100 students and had just one positive case,” Parker explained. “That’s a positive rate of only one percent, which means our students are doing the right things when they are on campus and off-campus as far as washing their hands, wearing their face masks, and social distancing as much as possible.

“Compared to the big public schools that have tens of thousands of students, here at Limestone we can test a large percentage of our student body in a short amount of time,” he continued. “There have been some rumors that Limestone has over 100 positive cases, most likely because the word has gotten out that we are testing over 100 students per week. And because students are being quarantined due to contact tracing, that, of course, does not mean any of those tested positive, but that misconception has certainly been out there.”

In addition to classes resuming on campus, the NCAA recently approved for athletic teams to begin conditioning drills, with on-field practices to be phased-in soon.

“We have protocols in place for dealing with positive tests and quarantines and they are working,” Parker said. “But more than anything, it takes buy-in from the students and the entire campus community to keep us here with face-to-face classes and activities, instead of returning to remote learning. Our students really are being Saints.”

In an effort to mitigate exposure to COVID-19, Limestone opted to cancel fall break for its students, and in-person classes will end prior to Thanksgiving, with all final exams taking place online.

Accompanying Photo: Limestone mascot "Bernie" wearing his protective face mask on campus.

COVID-19 TESTING POLICY FOR LIMESTONE UNIVERSITY

July 29, 2020

Limestone University’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic needs the support of our students to be successful.

To protect the health and well-being of the campus community, it is essential that Limestone University students have a COVID-19 diagnostic test prior to the new 2020-2021 academic year that begins in August. Students must submit online the necessary testing results prior to moving into residential housing or attending classes on the Day Campus in Gaffney.

Limestone Day Campus students are required to show proof of COVID-19 testing before moving into residence halls (for residents) or before attending the first day of classes (for non-residents).  Testing information must be uploaded using the Student COVID-19 Response Questionnaire (non-athletes) or submitted to Athletics (athletes) and can include one of the following: 

Limestone University expects all students to be tested for COVID-19. Individuals should obtain a test shortly before their return to campus, by a method of their choosing. Testing may be obtained through community-based testing sites (many at no charge), commercial providers, or a primary care physician.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by the Department of Student Success for guidance. 

If a student tests positive for COVID-19 after coming to campus and/or beginning face-to-face classes, Limestone’s response actions will include health monitoring, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine, as well as a heightened disinfection of classrooms and other necessary areas.

Limestone University remains confident in its plan to reopen. Our Crisis Response Team has worked diligently to develop our plan that embodies best practices in risk mitigation and provides clear indicators of when and how to adapt to changing conditions. We will be re-evaluating our plan regularly to create the safest possible conditions in which to study, work, and live together at Limestone. 

Our plan to mitigate risk and limit the spread of COVID-19 on campus and in the local community will succeed only if every student, faculty, and staff member commits to appropriate public health behavior both on and off-campus.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

If you have questions regarding the necessary COVID-19 testing, please send an email covidresponse@limestone.edu.

LETTER FROM THE LIMESTONE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT:

“It’s Going To Be A Great Year, But An Unusual Fall”

July 13, 2020

Your pursuit of a degree at Limestone is important. Limestone University transforms students’ lives.  Your time in college will influence not only your future career, but also the communities you help and future generations of your families.  There are risks of bringing students, faculty, and staff together for the fall.  However, the risks are manageable, acceptable, and lower than many other environments and occupation.  We will not lose the educational future of your generation from a lack of risk management and planning. 

We are doing things to reduce the risk on campus, but Limestone is not an island.  The risks of our community, state, and nation will intrude.  Limestone has been safer than most places and can continue to be so.  However, I do not want confidence in our ability to manage risk and reopen to create the illusion that you are immune to the state of the planet.  It is important to stay aware, acknowledge, and manage your risk. 

1. The virus is widespread and will be present.  That means it will be present at different times on our campus and in our community. Our challenge is to reduce and manage the risk to you and our community.
2. While social distancing helps, you will come within six feet of another person on a college campus.  Claims to the contrary are not a credible promise.
3. Risk management is relative.  Six feet is safer than four feet, but still riskier than seven feet or self-isolation.  Going to work, going to school, and going in public involves accepting those risks.  The CDC guidance encourages six feet distance where practical but acknowledges it will not always be practical or expected.
4. Many people with COVID are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms.  Point in time testing does not prove a community is safe and will not effectively catch all asymptomatic cases.  An effective response to COVID requires symptom awareness and contact tracing response for those with symptoms to find those without.  

The Limestone University campus crisis response teams and various task forces and working groups, as well as cabinet, have been developing plans to reopen with improved safety, cleanliness, and social distancing in the fall.  However, you manage your risk by being informed about the risk and modifying your behavior to reduce the risk.

1. Your risk management starts with your awareness of how to protect yourself - wash your hands and protect your face, engage in social distancing, and maintain a conscious awareness of your circle of contacts.
2. The use of our health center, athletic training center, and strength and conditioning rooms will help monitor symptoms and identify those students who are symptomatic.  However, each student must focus on their own health and behavior.
3. Face coverings are recommended by CDC and will be expected on campus both in buildings and when in close contact with others.  Every student will receive a reusable mask with a Limestone logo.  Faculty are going to be provided with face shields to wear while lecturing in class.  The good news is that many different types of wardrobe options are emerging that allow flexible face coverings including masks, scarves, neck buffs, and shields.  Consider your choices for enhancing your fall wardrobe.
4. Faculty and staff will monitor their own symptoms and model risk management behavior.  Everyone in the community needs to be respectful of the actions others are taking through this journey.  
5. The biggest fear for colleges is the potential for large gatherings.  Examples in the media reference lecture halls, residence halls, and events with hundreds of people.  Fortunately, at Limestone University we have no large classes.  Many of our student housing choices were already as safe as private apartment complexes.
6. Within the residence halls, the athletic teams, and even some classes, you will create contacts.  When you have a roommate, you establish a household.  That will be true of some team activities.  The good news is that you can dine with someone already in your network and be within six feet of each other without creating new contacts.  Your responsibility is to recognize that every contact increases potential exposure.  Athletic teams create a structure with well-defined contacts and lower risk.  Time in practice and training is safer than unstructured time with multiple unknown contacts.

How will Limestone respond when someone tests positive and move to prevent an outbreak?

1. We have doctor’s orders in place to obtain a COVID test when someone has symptoms.  Anyone who tests positive will quarantine following guidance from CDC and the doctors.  If they can safely travel, they will be allowed to go home for the quarantine.  If not, we have plans for quarantine housing and meal delivery.
2. Contact identification begins immediately.  The person being tested will identify their contact network.  Those individuals will be notified to self-isolate until test results are confirmed.  If someone in your contact circle tests positive, you will be tested as well.  We will test and trace until any spread is fully identified and contained.
3. You will need to know your contacts.  For contact tracing purposes, a traceable contact involves 15 minutes of contact within six feet in the past 48 hours.  How many contacts do you create during a 48-hour period?   When someone tests positive, they are expected to identify defined contacts.
4. Campus offices can manage risk through the length of visits and the distance maintained during conversations.  Offices are sufficiently private to allow a relatively safe space for interaction. 
5. Density of classrooms will be lowered.  The faculty will have safe space at the front.
6. In our classrooms, every student should be aware of who is nearest to them.  Perhaps you choose to sit by a roommate or teammate to keep your contact list from growing.
7. Some students are choosing a hybrid schedule with some online courses instead of a full face-to-face schedule.  With our years of experience in online education, students can choose the level of residency at Limestone.

Awareness and acceptance of the responsibility of risk management by each individual is the key to campus safety.  It is going to be a great year, but an unusual fall semester!  Thank you for choosing Limestone University! 

Dr. Darrell Parker

President, Limestone University