Protocols & Policies
Symptoms to monitor
According to the Center for Disease Control, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. These symptoms or combinations of symptoms include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- New loss of taste or smell
Students/Employees who have symptoms, including a fever of 100.4 degrees or greater, must be tested and self-isolate until the testing results are back.
Support and care
Accessibility Services/High Risk
Students or Employees who believe that they fall into a high-risk category may seek accommodations through Accessibility Services (students) and Human Resources or their respective Vice President, Dean, or Director (employees).
Mental Health
The University offers a number of support systems for the mental and emotional well-being of all members of our community. These support systems include free counseling at the Clinical Mental Health Center (counselors in the master’s program, supervised by licensed therapists), the provision of pastoral care through our Campus Pastor and other key employees on campus, and work with members of our student support team including members of the Office of Student Life staff.
covid-19 testing
Students who have symptoms related to COVID-19 or have determined that they need to be tested based on potential exposure are encouraged to immediately contact their respective advisor or resident director. Employees should contact their direct supervisor. Individuals who need emergency care should contact 911 for ambulance transport to the nearest Emergency Department. Individuals should not visit the Emergency Department for mild symptoms or to obtain a COVID-19 test unless emergency care is needed.
Individuals who need testing should contact their primary care provider for COVID-19 testing locations in their area. Persons without a Primary Health Provider are referred to the COVID-19 Testing in Oregon website, which allows for search of local health care facilities that are providing COVID-19 testing.
If an Employee believes they have contracted COVID-19 after exposure to a known COVID-positive person on campus and/or while providing job duties, they are asked to immediately return to their residence and/or remove themselves from campus, even if they are not showing symptoms and to notify their respective supervisor.
campus space & cleaning guidelines
General Cleaning Protocols
The Bushnell University Custodial Team has received COVID-19 cleaning certification and will continue to clean classrooms, restrooms, office spaces, workspaces, and public spaces based on protocols developed with CDC guidance in mind. Students/employees are asked to take additional care to wipe down commonly used surfaces after use and always wash hands before eating or touching their face.
The campus custodial team will clean and disinfect at least daily (or more, depending on use patterns) frequently touched surfaces and objects such as:
- Doorknobs and handles
- Classroom desks and chairs
- Cafeteria tables and chairs
- Handrails
- Light switches
- Buttons on vending machines and elevators
Shared Computers
In campus spaces where shared computers exist, ‘keyboards’ and ‘mice’ will be considered a shared surface. Keyboards and mice will be treated as if they have been handled by others and every user ought take care to wash their hands before and after use, as well as avoid touching their face or eating while using the shared computer.
Office Spaces/Reception Counters
Common surfaces will be wiped down nightly by the Custodial Team. Where possible, multi-user touchpoints have been eliminated. Users will be mindful of shared objects in their office space that they touch. Copy machines and other technology equipment will not be wiped down by users, but rather after using a device a user should consider their hands contaminated and wash them.
Sanitizing Stations
The entrance of each building/key high-traffic areas are equipped with a hand sanitizer stations. We encourage frequent hand washing. Offices allowed public visitors continue to provide desktop bottles of sanitizer in meeting/reception areas.
Face Masks/Coverings
Beginning March 12, 2022, face masks will not be required at University events and in most indoor and outdoor spaces. Masks may be required in specific ‘medical settings’ such as the Athletic Training room and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Center.
We do expect that many in our community will choose to continue to wear face coverings some or all of the time. Let us continue to work together to ensure that everyone’s personal choices are met with respect and we each make the choices that are right for us as individuals.
NOTE: Specific guidelines may be given to specified employees/students associated with key programs and activities with regard to the wearing of a face mask/covering.
Handwashing/Sanitizing
Students/employees are asked to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after they have been in a public place or used the restroom; after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing; and before and after eating. If soap and water are not readily available, the expectation is to use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Sanitation stations are located at the main entry of every campus building.
Coughing/Sneezing Hygiene
Students/employees in a private setting not wearing a face mask/covering are asked to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze or use the inside of their elbow, throw used tissues in the trash, and immediately wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.