Cumberland Valley News

Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School issued the following announcement on Jul. 8.

Shippensburg University is ready for a return to a pre-COVID normal for the fall 2021 semester. As COVID numbers continue to decrease and vaccination numbers continue to rise, the university announced updated mitigation protocols and the lifting of most COVID restrictions.  

Enhancements to the campus experience include the elimination of masking and social distancing mandates for vaccinated individuals and the return to in-person instruction, cheering fans at athletics events, and gatherings for the hundreds of individual clubs and activities across campus.  

The fall semester features the highly anticipated traditional homecoming celebration and a joyous kick-off of the institution’s 150th anniversary in service to the region, which includes a full calendar of events featuring dazzling live concerts and entertainment, blockbuster movies, enriching trips and travel, exciting contests with valuable prizes and much more.

The pandemic may have slowed down the world, but it did not phase the mighty Ship and its dedication to serving the student body with a rich array of academics and activities.  

“We welcome faculty, staff and students to enjoy the campus experience they’ve longed for and missed.  It’s been a challenging year, and I thank and commend everyone for doing their part. We’re ready to see smiling faces enjoying a vibrant campus rich with clubs, activities and a return to learning both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Dr. Charles E. Patterson, interim president of Shippensburg University. 

“Our campus community rallied and did their part to maintain the health and well-being of all during the COVID-19 pandemic, while still fulfilling our mission to students. Now is the moment we’ve waited for, and we’re ready to bring back the full Ship experience,” said Chris Clarke, associate vice president for operations. 

Ship remained open during the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters, offering in-person and remote options for students with masking, social distancing and other COVID mitigation protocols. With enhanced testing abilities and warming temperatures, the university saw the return of some campus activities in the spring including limited athletics competition and in-person commencement ceremonies. 

Non-vaccinated individuals are asked to continue with masking and social distancing protocols. Non-vaccinated residential students will be subject to surveillance testing requirements.  

Complete information regarding the fall 2021 semester can be found online at raiderrespect.ship.edu.  

Original source: https://news.ship.edu/2021/07/08/its-masks-off-at-shippensburg-university-campus-sets-sail-to-a-pre-covid-normal-for-fall-2021/