Oxford Forward
Based on the current COVID-19 conditions in metro Atlanta, and in consultation with public health experts on and off campus, Emory University has developed guidelines and resources for a continued safe learning environment this spring. Classes for the spring 2021 semester will begin on January 25. (Updated January 19, 2021.)
Spring 2021 Update
Please see the Emory Forward website for the most recent information about our spring 2021 plans. Please check our site regularly as we will continue to feature Oxford-specific updates and details as soon as that information becomes available.
Student Spring Onboarding Process
If you are a student living on campus or in the area and plan to access campus, you are required to complete the onboarding process. Even with our safety measures in place, it is important for Emory to maintain a low density on campus.
If you are not planning to return to campus any time during the fall or spring term, you DO NOT need to complete this clearance process.
Steps for the onboarding process include:
- Agreeing to the Emory Student Community Compact
- Completing the “Putting Our Health and Safety First” online training
- Completing a confidential health assessment
- Ensuring your Emergency Notification contact is updated
- Providing contact tracing info
- Scheduling return to campus COVID-19 test
- Complying with immunization requirements
- Receiving a flu shot
Once you have completed all required steps, you will receive a confirmation email that you are cleared for campus activities.
Flu Vaccinations Required for Campus Return
Emory University now requires that all students returning to campus for the spring semester receive a flu shot. Anyone who has not yet received a flu shot should make sure to get one preferably at least two weeks before returning to campus. Students should work with Student Health Services to ensure the appropriate flu shot documentation is on record.
If you already received your flu shot from Oxford Student Health Services, no action is needed.
Here is how you can get a free flu shot through your health plan coverage:
- OPTION 1: Visit any in-network retail pharmacy such as CVS, Walgreens, Target, Publix, or Kroger. You will need to present your Emory CVS/Caremark prescription drug card or provide another insurance card if you are not covered by Emory’s plan.
- OPTION 2: Get a flu shot as part of your preventive exam at your doctor's office (in-network providers).
- FOR OPTIONS 1 and 2: After getting your flu shot, remember to keep your receipt and send a copy to oxfordshs@emory.edu
Individuals who need a medical, religious, or other exemption from the flu shot requirement will have the opportunity to note that when completing the onboarding process.
Students who do not adhere to the new requirement will not be eligible to return to campus.
Spring 2021 Move-In
Oxford's Spring 2021 move-in will be Friday, January 22, through Sunday, January 24. Before coming to campus, all residential students must sign up for COVID-19 testing and a move-in date and time.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 “return to campus testing” is required for students who plan to live in a residence hall during the spring term. The rapid nasal swab will be administered, and you will receive your results within the hour. Students should schedule their return to campus appointments to align with the day they move in. Weekly screening will be required after move in.
Students who have remained on campus over winter break will not be required to schedule a return to campus rapid nasal swab appointment, but rather should continue their weekly COVID-19 saliva-based screening.
If you are living off campus, but plan to access campus during the spring term, you are required to participate in the return to campus COVID-19 screening and complete the full onboarding process.
Updated Visitor Policy
To mitigate the risks of transmission of COVID-19, Emory is committed to maintaining a reduced density with minimal population on campus, and now will permit a few essential visitors under the revised Visitor Policy.
Permission for visitors to campus must be APPROVED and align with all health and safety measures currently in place. If a type of visitor is not specifically delineated in the guidelines, then those visitors are not permitted on campus.
Campus Living
The university-wide approach allows students living on campus this semester to continue living in their current rooms spring semester, and we will invite to campus those first-year students and other international students who were not able, or chose not, to come to campus this fall. We are also able to host a limited number of sophomores for academic reasons related to in-person research or work that cannot be done virtually. In addition, there will be a request process for sophomores to live on campus who otherwise would not have a suitable learning environment to make academic progress.
View Campus Services and Resources List
Emory COVID-19 Dashboard
The Emory COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily to keep our community informed about reported cases of COVID-19 among faculty, staff, and students on and off campus.
Learn about our Operating Condition Status Meter that guides our behavior on campus.
Follow the Event and Gathering Policy guidelines for in-person meetings.
Classes for the spring 2021 semester will begin on January 25. Classes will end on May 3 and exams will conclude by May 14. To accommodate this expedited schedule, there will be no spring break. We are working to build in days that offer students a respite during the semester.