Fairleigh Dickinson To Students: 'Please Get A Booster Shot'

TEANECK, NJ — Fairleigh Dickinson University students should expect to provide a negative COVID-19 test, or expect to complete a test, once they return to campus after winter break.

University officials recently issued an update to the campus community, providing a bird's eye view of a semester which saw limited COVID-19 cases until after Thanksgiving, when more than 50 percent of all semester-long cases were reported.

On-campus testing "ramped up" after that spike, according to Senior Vice President for University Operations Robert Pignatello, who added that university officials will likely update the campus coronavirus protocols.

"We are optimistic that our protocols will continue to be effective and enable us to once again enjoy a successful semester in person this spring," Pignatello said.

"But, due to the rapidly changing nature of this pandemic, there will be precautions and policies that we will need to once again emphasize, and there could be some updates and new requirements to our protocols."

Though he was short on specifics, Pignatello did say that "many if not all students" will be asked to test for COVID-19 upon their return to campus, or at least provide proof of a negative test.

Some colleges in New Jersey have already taken strong steps toward ensuring that students get the booster shot before returning to campus.

Fairleigh Dickinson isn't yet among those to do so, but Pignatello did urge his students to consider it while off campus.

"Please continue to take the necessary precautions while off campus and please get a booster shot as soon as you are eligible," he said.

"As the more contagious Omicron variant spreads throughout the country, the booster appears to be an increasingly necessary precaution. Many experts say it is an absolute necessity."

In total, 285 students at the Metro and Florham campus tested positive for COVID-19 this semester. For more on the totals, and to read the full letter, click here.