Shenandoah Conservatory Spring 2022 Safety Measures

UPDATE May 2, 2022

In an email sent on March 7, the university president announced new COVID-19 masking guidelines, which will go into effect later this month. This change was based on lower community levels of COVID-19 and updated masking guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Following the lead of Shenandoah University and remaining in line with CDC guidelines, beginning March 28, 2022, Shenandoah Conservatory will implement the following revised masking protocols and safety measures.

Conservatory Classes, Lessons & Rehearsals

Shenandoah University’s Spring 2022 course delivery mode for undergraduate and graduate students is largely in-person instruction with a small number of non-traditional options. The majority of conservatory classes for the Spring 2022 semester are being held face-to-face requiring students to attend class on campus.

• Masks: Per university policy, beginning March 28, masking in Shenandoah Conservatory classes, lessons and rehearsals is optional. Note, masking with appropriate material remains the best way of reducing potential infected aerosols from circulating in an indoor space. Those who are more comfortable wearing a mask should feel free to continue to do so, and we still strongly encourage unvaccinated individuals to wear a mask whenever they are indoors. There may continue to be specific close-quarter academic situations in which industry standards recommend continued masking.
• Bell Covers: Beginning March 28, 2022, bell covers will be optional for rehearsals, lessons and performances. It should be noted that bell covers made from appropriate material remain the best way of reducing potential infected aerosol from circulating in an indoor space.
• As an extra precautionary measure, voice and wind instrument studios will be equipped with air purifier units containing HEPA filters, ultraviolet light and ionic air cleaners.

Official Conservatory Performances & Recitals

• Following the lead of Shenandoah University and remaining in line with CDC guidelines, beginning March 28, 2022, masks are strongly encouraged, but optional, for patrons, visitors, students and staff during all indoor performances taking place at Shenandoah Conservatory. Should community levels in our area elevate to a high level in the future, masking requirements may be reinstated as a matter of public health.
• As circumstances change or new recommendations from the CDC become available, we will continue to adapt and update our policies on our COVID-19 Safety web page.

Voluntary testing for Shenandoah University faculty, staff and students can be arranged by emailing salivatesting@su.edu.

Students who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, should report their symptoms on the ShenandoahGo app and contact the Wellness Center.

Visit www.su.edu/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information, FAQs, additional resources and more. Shenandoah University is regularly adding to and updating the list of COVID-19 FAQs. If you have questions that are not answered, please email omc@su.edu.