University Covid-19 Community Standards
Throughout the pandemic, Hilltoppers have worked together to maintain the health and safety of our campus community and all those on our campus. St. Edward’s continues to encourage personal responsibility to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19. We will continue to evolve our safety guidelines as necessary for us to continue to maintain a safe and caring learning environment.
Here's what you need to know for our return to campus.
St. Edward’s will continue to require that all faculty, staff and students be fully up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccinations – or have an approved exemption on file. Everyone must ensure they have submitted their Covid-19 vaccination paperwork.
If you have previously submitted proof of vaccination or already have an approved exemption on file with the university, you do not need to submit that information again. While we encourage everyone to remain up-to-date for Covid boosters, we only require proof of vaccination for the primary series.
For questions concerning the vaccination or health insurance requirements please contact Isabel Evans at the Health and Counseling Center at 512-448-8538 or isabelhe@stedwards.edu.
Mask wearing is optional in all indoor and outdoor spaces, We ask that everyone be considerate of campus community members who may still choose to wear masks or may not be comfortable around others who are not wearing masks.
Please note: Individuals may not independently require masks for campus events, gatherings or courses.
Students who are experiencing academic or other concerns due to Covid-19 are encouraged to complete a Student of Concern form.
The Centers for Disease control recommends that you should isolate yourself from others when you have Covid-19 and do the following:
Austin Public Health has a variety of testing resources available on their website.
I'm feeling sick or I think I may have been exposed to Covid-19. Where can I get tested on campus?
Health services are available for students, staff and faculty Monday - Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Health & Counseling Center provided through our partnership with Ascension.
Students, faculty, and staff who are sick, experiencing Covid-19 symptoms can call the HCC at (512) 324-4940 or make an online appointment. This will be charged through your insurance carrier; typically, there is no charge to you for this testing.
Student wellbeing is essential for success. This statement is even more critical during a pandemic. As such, the university will continue to require that all registered students (enrolled in 6 or more hours) have health insurance. Students are automatically enrolled in the university's health insurance unless they successfully complete the waiver process documenting a private healthcare plan. Learn more about SHIP.
Health Services
Partnering with Ascension Medical Group Seton (AMG), the HCC provides convenient, affordable and quality health care. Services include a range of medical, medication management and nutrition services. Currently enrolled students, faculty and staff are all eligible to receive care through HCC’s Health Services. Learn more.
Counseling Services
Counseling services will prioritize crisis availability, remote support and drop-in workshops at no cost to students. A St. Edward’s clinical case manager will connect students to specialty services in Austin, as needed. Licensed counselors will be available 24/7/365 to provide immediate support for student concerns and refer any student who needs regular counseling to the HCC. Call the Hilltopper Helpline at 833-434-1217. Please visit the Health & Counseling Center for the most up-to-date information.
The St. Edward’s University Covid-19 planning and response is led by a team of cross-campus leadership with guidance from a panel of local, regional and national medical advisors and organizations.
The university continues to closely monitor local conditions and recommendations from the CDC, APH and our medical advisors, and uses this guidance to determine our level of operations for classes, student housing, campus events and activities, and any other adjustments to protect the health and safety of our campus community. Any significant adjustments in university health and safety protocols or resources will be clearly communicated to our entire community.
Updated August 21 2023