General FAQs

Updated August 2022

Masks

Can a faculty member still require masks in their individual classroom? Are there consequences for not wearing a mask?

Some faculty and staff may continue to request (not require) that others wear a mask in individual classrooms, research labs, or offices. Please continue to carry a mask to wear in these situations to protect the health of vulnerable people in our community and respect the Miamians who make these requests. However, there will be no consequence if you decline the request.

Illness/Testing

What are the attendance policies if I feel ill with COVID-19 symptoms?

Students. You should not go to classes or come to campus if you are ill. It is the prerogative of the individual faculty member to set attendance policy for each individual course, and it is the responsibility of the individual faculty member to inform students of that policy in the course syllabus or other written documents at the first class meeting.

Faculty are strongly encouraged to work with students who miss class due to a death in the family, serious illness, or other critical circumstance. Students needing assistance regarding absences due to death, illness, or other critical circumstance should contact the Office of the Dean of Students (Oxford) or the Student Services (regional campuses).

Employees. You should not come to work if you are ill. Employees who come to work and display symptoms like those associated with COVID-19 described above will be sent home. Supervisors may ask employees who report feeling ill at work, or who call in sick, questions about their symptoms to determine if they have or may have COVID-19.

Are you testing students for COVID-19?

This semester students and employees who think they may have symptoms of COVID-19 should either contact their healthcare provider to arrange a test or complete an at-home antigen test. Miami University will not be conducting surveillance testing (for asymptomatic persons) this semester. 

If you test positive for COVID-19 on an at-home antigen test, you do not need to confirm your diagnosis with a laboratory test offered by a healthcare provider. Instead, please isolate immediately and follow guidelines set forth by the Butler County General Health District. 

Learn more about testing

Vaccination

How do I submit proof of vaccination?

If you have already submitted proof of vaccination (e.g. a vaccination card), you do not have to submit it again. However, please update your records to reflect current status, such as a second dose or a booster shot. Although COVID booster shots are not required, it is helpful to have this information on file.

What are the reasons for exemptions?

Exemptions may be granted for the following reasons:

  • Medical, with documentation; or
  • Sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances, or reasons of conscience, including philosophical and ethical beliefs.

To request a non-medical exemption for religious beliefs or for reasons of conscience, students and employees must complete a form affirming a sincerely held belief, acknowledging the risks of COVID-19, and agreeing to comply with campus health, educational, and safety requirements.

Your exemption request must include an articulated ethical, philosophical, or religious basis for refusing the vaccine that demonstrates you are making an informed decision.

What is the Exemption Process?

Students

If you are requesting an exemption for one or more vaccines, you will receive a link to the exemption form after you submit the Proof of Immunization form electronically. There is space on that form to indicate your intent to request an exemption.

Exemption reviews typically take 7-10 days.

Employees

Employees may request an exemption through a separate process using one of the following forms:

What health conditions qualify for a medical exemption?

Your health care provider should help you determine whether you have a health condition preventing you from getting vaccinated. They can provide documentation to support your request.

What if I already have a medical or religious exemption for other vaccines?

You do not need to submit an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccination if you already have a medical or religious exemption on file for other vaccinations.

If I get an exemption from Miami, does that apply to my internship, clinical, or practicum?

No. Students engaged in internships, student teaching, nursing practicums, and other similar engagements will need to work directly with those organizations to comply with their specific requirements. An exemption from Miami will not fulfill any requirement that an external organization has in place.

Why are you allowing individuals to be exempted from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for religious beliefs and reasons of conscience?

In following Miami University policy, Miami already requires students to meet immunization requirements for a number of vaccines. Exemptions from these requirements have always been considered for certain medical conditions and documented religious convictions. This has been expanded to include ethical and philosophical reasons. The process for requesting an exemption requires an individual to complete documentation affirming a sincerely held belief and acknowledging the risk of serious illness.

Quarantine/Isolation

If I test positive for COVID-19, how long will I need to isolate?

You should refer to the Butler County General Health District’s guidance to determine isolation or quarantine requirements for your own situation. You are asked, but not required, to complete this student self-report form to share your positive diagnosis with the University. In this form you can request that your instructors are notified of your absence, as well as request housing for on-campus students.

As general guidance, for isolation, the duration is at least 5 days from the onset of your symptoms or the date of your COVID-19 test (if asymptomatic).

You may return to campus on day 6 as long as your symptoms have improved and you have had no fever for 24-hours (without the use of fever reducing medication). A well-fitted mask must be worn on days 6-10 around others at all times (except while sleeping). If symptoms haven't improved or you still have a fever after 5 days, you should continue to isolate until you are fever-free and your symptoms have improved, up to 10 days.

If I'm in Oxford when I find out I have to be isolated, can I just go home and isolate at my permanent residence?

If you are an on-campus student and need to isolate or quarantine, you may choose t an on-campus space designated by Miami University (isolation only, space permitting) or your family home (permanent residence). You may also choose to isolate at another off-campus location of your choice such as with a friend or family member or a hotel.

If you are an off-campus student and need to isolate or quarantine, you may choose to stay in your off-campus residence (e.g., apartment, house), go home to your permanent residence, stay with a friend or family member or go to a hotel. Students who live off-campus may not spend their isolation period in a housing space provided by the University.

What should I do if I am a close contact and start experiencing symptoms?

According to Butler County General Health District guidelines, if you know that you were a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVIDovid-19, you should isolate yourself away from others immediately. and take a Covid-19 test. Please remain isolated away from others until you know the results of your test. If you cannot separate yourself from others, please wear a well-fitted mask while around others. If you are not up-to-date on your covid vaccines, you should quarantine according to CDC guidelines. If it is a medical emergency, call 911. If it is not a medical emergency and you are in the Oxford area, call Student Health Service (SHS) to make a phone consultation appointment. Tell them you were a close contact and are experiencing Covid symptoms. SHS will schedule a phone consultation with a provider or nurse who will determine your next appropriate steps.

What information will be shared with others about my isolation status?

Personally identifiable student information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Your privacy is important, and we will not share any personal medical information except as described below.

  • In the event of isolation, you may request to have your faculty members informed that you are absent due to illness (will not specify the type of illness) and your expected date of return, if known. This process and the link to the request form are contained in an email attachment you received from Miami covid case managers.
  • Personally identifiable information will be shared as required with public health officials.
  • Miami University will be notified by health authorities of on-campus students who test positive for COVIDovid-19 at healthcare facilities. These students will then be notified by the University to leave their residence hall for their isolation period.

If I live off-campus will I be required to isolate?

If you live off-campus and test positive, you are expected to isolate and follow public health guidelines. You can self-report your positive COVID-19 diagnosis using this form. The CDC's guidance to determine isolation or quarantine requirements for your own situation. If you inform Miami or the Butler County General Health District of your illness or are seen at Student Health Services, someone from Miami may reach out to you with additional guidance.

What are your quarantine and isolation policies?

Read about our Quarantine and isolation policies.