No, we are not requiring students to quarantine for 14 days before arriving on campus. Students will instead quarantine on campus after they arrive on March 6-7.
While we appreciate that many students living abroad will have a COVID-19 test prior to traveling to the United States, we are still asking that all students take a COVID-19 PCR test within 10 days prior to arrival and submit the negative test to the Health and Wellness Center. Students will then take another COVID-19 PCR test when they arrive on campus March 6 or 7.
Returning F-1 visa students who are still in the United States should remain in the country and come to campus for in-person learning. Your child’s F-1 visa is their access for entry into the country and does not impact their active SEVIS status. They can study on campus with an expired visa.
We are aware that many countries are seeing delays in scheduling visa appointments and/or that previously scheduled visa appointments are being canceled or rescheduled. A full online learning program will be in place for any students who are unable to arrive on campus prior to the start of school. That program will be in place as long as is needed. The Office of Admission will update your child’s SEVIS record and Form I-20 accordingly. Please continue to communicate any updates about your visa interview appointment with Michelle Shuman, primary SEVIS representative, and Anna Crouch, director of admission.
Yes, if a student has elected to purchase the health insurance provided through UnitedHealthcare, it will cover the cost of FDA-approved testing given in the U.S. Any hospitalization costs, including those for COVID-19, are covered under the insurance as well.
Mercersburg will continue to carefully monitor all travel restrictions that could potentially impact students while they are on campus. Should any concerns arise, including a sudden travel ban, the school will do everything it can to accommodate affected students on or off campus.