FAQs

After you read the following FAQs, contact the following departments if you have further questions: Office of Health Services

Why isn’t Lincoln University requiring students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

• The COVID-19 vaccine is currently the most effective method for managing the transmission and effects of the corona virus. The vaccine has been approved for emergency use and is still awaiting full FDA approval. Should the FDA move forward with approving the vaccine, the University will reevaluate its position. At this point we are STRONGLY ENCOURAGING our community to get the vaccine.

What are the benefits of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

• (From the CDC Website) Vaccination is the leading prevention strategy to protect individuals from COVID-19 disease and end the COVID-19 pandemic. Current COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States are safe and effective, widely accessible in the U.S., and available at no cost to all people living in the U.S. Learn more about the Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine.

What is the difference between a “fully vaccinated” and “mixed campus.?

• A campus is considered fully vaccinated when everyone on campus has completed the COVID-19 vaccine series with the exception of those who are unable to take the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons. Mixed campuses are those where some but not all eligible persons have completed the vaccine series.
• A university that has achieved “Fully Vaccinated Campus” status prior to the start of the semester can return to full capacity in-person learning, without requiring or recommending masking or physical distancing for people who are fully vaccinated (though it still needs to apply any applicable masking, distancing, or other requirements to any individuals that due to disability/religious exemptions have been reasonably accommodated and are on campus).

I already got the vaccine in May and have proof so do I have to get it again?

• Students who have already been vaccinated should be prepared to provide a copy of their vaccination record and/or other proof of vaccination.

Who should I speak to in regards to me not taking the vaccination?

• Please contact Mr. Gerard Garlic in the Office of Institutional Equity if you have not received the vaccination.

Is the vaccine mandatory to return to campus?

•  The vaccination is strongly recommended. Safety protocols are being enacted to protect the health and safety of all students in the living learning environment.

If I do not take the vaccination, will I have to withdraw from the school?

• The vaccination is strongly recommended. Safety protocols will be enacted to protect the health and safety of all students in the living learning environment.

Is there a remote option this semester?

• There is no remote learning option this semester.

What are the instructions for commuting students regarding COVID-19 and on campus?

• The vaccination is strongly recommended. Safety protocols are being enacted to protect the health and safety of all students in the living learning environment.

After you read the following FAQs, contact the following departments if you have further questions: Residence Life 

What will housing be like in the Fall?

• Lincoln plans to open at full occupancy this Fall. Residence Life will likely continue to have some health and safety precautions in place this Fall, but much will depend on the state of the pandemic, state and local guidelines, and the CDC.

Will there be COVID rules, regulations, and restrictions in place for the 2021-2022 academic year?

• At this time, students should assume that some restrictions may be in place. Lincoln University is hopeful that with the mitigation orders being lifted, housing will be able to revise protocols for students living on campus this Fall. What happens if I test positive for COVID while living on campus?
• Students will be asked to promptly quarantine/isolate at designated locations until Health Services clears them to return to campus.

 What will dining look like in the fall?

• At this time, we expect all dining locations to be open on a normal schedule, including venues at the Wellness Center and Student Union Building.
• Any modifications or restrictions impacting levels of service, seating capacity, etc. will follow CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines in place at the end of August and will be adjusted as new guidance is provided.

After you read the following FAQs, contact the following departments if you have further questions: Counseling Services 

I'm feeling anxious. Who can I talk to? Can I meet with a counselor if I have symptoms?

We recognize the anxiety and emotional strain that these circumstances may place on all of us. Remember that Lincoln's Student Health Insurance Plan and employee health plans offer comprehensive coverage for both physical and mental health care for those who are enrolled. If you would like to speak with a counselor or a mental health professional, employees may contact Lincoln's Employee Assistance Program, and new or existing student clients may contact Counseling Services. Lincoln University Counseling Center is dedicated to meeting the needs of students who need support.

To protect our students' and staff's health and safety and provide mental health services to students, the Counseling Center has moved to a telehealth model of care. A secure and confidential platform for video telehealth via HIPPA-compliant Zoom. All contact, except crisis consultations, will be made via telehealth. According to the American College Health Association, the American Psychological Association, and National Association of Social Workers, it is more clinically effective and safer for students to have telecounseling sessions

To schedule an appointment

Our staff are ready to support you remotely throughout the day and to assist you with your needs Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Students can contact the Counseling Center at 484 365-7244 to request a telehealth consultation. At the time of the appointment, the clinician will work with the student to resolve the presenting issue or assist the student with identifying possible local referrals. The clinician with the client can determine whether additional appointments are appropriate. We also support and encourage self-care during these stressful times. Remember that sleep and exercise promote immune system capacity.

I am a student. If I experience a crisis, will I have access to a person, telephone, or walk-in services?

Our staff are here to help you. Students experiencing a mental health emergency can access crisis mental health support during daytime business hours Monday –Friday 9:00 a.m-4:00p.m.by contacting our office at 484 365-7244. Staff will provide next steps which will include obtaining basic information.  At this point you will be able to talk (tele-counseling) with a clinician as soon as possible. After hours students can contact Valley Creek Crisis Intervention at 877 918-2100 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). 

Students who would like to continue with ongoing treatment are encouraged to email their therapist to schedule a phone consultation to discuss telehealth as an option. If you do not know your counselor’s email contact Counseling Services at 484 365-7244 during regular business hours or check the Counseling Services web page under staff.

Are any web-based resources available for students seeking outside assistance?

Counseling Services will continue to have our web resource, WellTrack app, an Interactive Self-Help Therapy available for students. We encourage you to check it out. To access it, download (on the App Store or Google Play) the WellTrack app and register for an account with your Lincoln email address.

After you read the following FAQs, contact the following departments if you have further questions: COVID Incident Task Force Leader: Chief Marc Partee

Is testing still required?

• Testing will be available for any student in the Fall. Non-vaccinated students are not required to test. Testing will be required for symptomatic or known exposure.

When will testing be available on campus?

• Testing is available on campus at Health Service. Please visit their page at https://www.lincoln.edu/departments/health-services

Is the Covid-19 vaccine required for students?

• The COVD-19 vaccine is not required, but highly recommended. Students are encouraged to consult Student Health Services, their private medical provider, or local department of health when making decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.
• While Lincoln will continue to study this issue, at this time Commonwealth state-related universities do not have the legal authority to mandate COVID vaccines for students. Should there be a change in the law authorizing us to mandate COVID vaccines, we will reevaluate the University’s position.

How will Lincoln University handle outbreaks among students?

• CDC and American College Health Association (ACHA) will be used as guidance for returning students to campus. However, we will be working with PA Department of Health and Chester County health department when dealing with outbreaks among students. This guidance includes monitoring the number of positive cases rates to determine if Lincoln meets the thresholds that would be used to determine the type and size of in-person events that will be allowed to take place (i.e campus students attending games, fraternity/sorority socials, student club meetings, campus tours, etc).

How will Lincoln University track exposure?

• Depending on the level of exposure, we will still follow CDC guidance on ensuring those who are exposed adhere to still wearing facial coverings and monitoring their signs and symptoms. Those with exposure of a direct contact with a positive case for 30 minutes or more without any facial coverings will be advised to quarantine for 10 days with the option of testing out after day 5 with a negative test per PA Department of Health.
• Only isolation and quarantine cases will be tracked

After you read the following FAQs, contact the following departments if you have further questions: Public Safety

Lincoln University is welcoming visitors to campus at this time. This includes for move‐in day, sports games, and other community events. Non‐vaccinated visitors are asked to wear a mask when indoors, except while actively eating or drinking, and when outdoors when they cannot maintain physical distancing. Visitors and spectators must follow all COVID‐19 health and safety protocols in place at the University at the time of their visit.  

Please note, that these guidelines are based on the University’s best understanding of the law and best practices at the time of their drafting. Please be aware that these guidelines may change with or without notice depending on factors outside of the University’s control.  

As we have learned over the past year things change and develop rapidly and so we must work together to prevent the spread of COVID‐19 among the students, faculty, and staff, and to ensure the health and safety of everyone at our University.  

For that reason, we encourage every member of our community to get vaccinated. If the University can achieve a Fully Vaccinated Campus, we can all enjoy a more normalized and enriching educational and residential environment. And, more importantly, achieving such status should enhance the actual health and safety of the entire campus.  

After you read the following FAQs, contact the following department if you have further questions: Office of Human Resources

May employees travel for work or pleasure?

Domestic

• If your business-related travel plans or conference is canceled, follow the refund procedures that the conference communicates to you.
• For airfare, several airlines continue to offer no change fees or cancellation fees on travel. Each airline is unique in its offerings.
• If travel was booked through the University’s approved travel agent, please contact the dedicated travel agent at 610-925-3922.
• If you booked airfare directly through an airline or other travel booking agent, please contact them to assess your options.