COVID-19 Operations at Southwest

Current Southwest Covid-19 Protocols

Updated and Effective March 7, 2022

Austin/Travis-County was downgraded to Stage 2 of the COVID-19 risk-based guidelines on March 4, 2022.  Informed by CDC and Austin Public Health guidance, the seminary has issued updated COVID-19 protocols effective March 7.  They are summarized and restated as follows:

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

  • All students, faculty, staff, and administration are required to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.  According to the CDC, up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.  Fully vaccinated means a person has received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (all vaccines prior to boosters).
  • All students, faculty, staff, and administration are required to submit to the seminary documentation of their vaccination status at the following online portals:

MASKING, REPORTING, AND GATHERING

MASKING

For all persons who are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations:

  • Masking indoors in all campus buildings and outdoors is optional for all gatherings of any size.
  • Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.
  • Howell Dining Hall will be reopened for in-person dining without masks.

For all persons who are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations: 

  • Masking indoors at all times in all spaces is required.
  • Masking is optional outdoors.
  • Continue to dine outdoors without a mask.

Reporting COVID-19 Infection and Direct Exposure

  • All students, faculty, staff, and administration are required to inform the seminary when they become infected with COVID-19 by submitting an online report at this portal. 
  • The seminary has adopted CDC guidance for quarantine and isolation for all students, faculty, staff, and administration who become infected with or experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 or who come into direct contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19.

GATHERING

Classroom Instruction — Classes are held in person.  Masking is optional for persons who are up to date with their vaccinations.  Those not up to date with their vaccinations are required to wear a mask at all times.

Christ Chapel — Chapel services are held in person.  Masking is optional for persons who are up to date with their vaccinations.  Those not up to date with their vaccinations are required to wear a mask at all times.

Booher Library at the Deanery– Masking is optional for persons who are up to date with their vaccinations.  Those not up to date with their vaccinations are required to wear a mask at all times.

Special Events and Food Services — Food services and catering have resumed in Howell Dining Hall and elsewhere on campus.  Masking is optional for persons who are up to date with their vaccinations.  Those not up to date with their vaccinations may continue to dine outdoors.  

Guest Suites —All guest suites, except those reserved for visiting prospective students, are available for reservation and rental.  

Campus Visitors —Visitors are welcome on campus.  Masking is optional for persons who are up to date with their vaccinations.  Those not up to date with their vaccinations are required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces while on campus.  The seminary will observe this protocol on the honor system.

Wellness Facilities — The swimming pool at College Court and gymnasium at Austin Seminary are open to all students, faculty, staff, administration, and their invited guests.  Masking is optional for persons who are up to date with their vaccinations.  Those not up to date with their vaccinations are required to wear a mask at all times.

AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH RISK-BASED GUIDELINES