Updated: 2/3/2023 

We are committed to keeping our conference guests safe!

Although the State of Ohio has lifted all COVID mandates, the Steubenville Conferences will continue to employ certain protocols at our 2023 summer events to promote a great and healthy experience for all our guests. Here is a summary of these procedures:

• At this point in time, Franciscan University does not anticipate any COVID-related restrictions for its 2023 summer conferences.
• Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test will not be required to attend a conference.
• Masks will not be required. However, masks will be available to conference participants upon request.
• Hand sanitizer will be available throughout campus.
• Touchless water refill stations will be available in dorms and at the large conference venue. All guests are encouraged to bring a personal water bottle. There will be limited common water coolers available.
• Rapid antigen tests will be available during the conference weekend for participants who experience COVID symptoms during a conference. (See “Monitoring Symptoms” below.)

• People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms – from being asymptomatic to having mild or severe symptoms. Symptoms may arise 2-14 days after exposure. Loss of taste or smell, congestion, runny nose, fever (over 100.4) or chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle/body aches, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, and/or diarrhea are common symptoms. You can access the CDC’s “Self-Checker” tool here as a guide to help you make decisions regarding seeking care.
• All conference guests will need to sign a COVID liability release form as part of the registration process.
• Upon arrival to campus, each guest will provide attestation to questions pertaining to potential COVID symptoms or related exposure.
• If symptoms arise, the guest should go to First Aid on the top floor of the JCWC. If the individual with symptoms is a youth, he/she needs to be accompanied by an adult.
• The EMT will make an assessment.
• If symptoms show that a guest may have COVID, the EMT will administer an “at home” COVID test to obtain results.
• If the test results are “positive”, the guest will then be asked to take a more thorough PCR test that is administered by the University COVID team or by a local medical facility.
• Results from the PCR test (and any related further health directives) will be provided to the guest once obtained.
• Individuals with “positive” test results will either need to leave the conference or enter a designated quarantine room on campus for the remainder of the conference.
• If the individual is a youth, proper communication of the situation will occur with a parent/guardian.
• Arrangements will be made to ensure all individuals quarantined receive meals and other appropriate hospitality.