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Marching Forward

Fall Semester

As we gear up for our fall semester, protocols are being put in place to help ensure a safe and healthy return to campus.

House Bill 702 (HB 702) enacted by the Montana State Legislature this past spring, precludes Carroll College from mandating vaccines for our students, faculty, and staff. 

Recognizing that we are returning to campus from various locations across the country and with COVID variants on the rise, we are implementing several initiatives to give us the best opportunities available to return to a robust and healthy campus and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the outset of the semester.

Vaccinations (Free on-campus vaccination clinics)

To provide the best protection for yourself and the community, please strongly consider getting vaccinated. We plan to have several free vaccination clinics on campus both at the start and during the semester. However, please consider getting your vaccination now, (it takes 2-6 weeks to reach full immunity based on the vaccine administered), in order to afford you the greatest chance of protection from the virus and prevalent variants by the time classes start this fall. If you are only able to get your first dose of the vaccine before leaving home, you will be able to obtain your second dose in Helena. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your healthcare provider.

Testing (COVID testing for all students)

We are asking all of our students, regardless of vaccination status, to get tested. Upon arrival, we will have testing available on campus and will share testing times and locations in subsequent communications.

Masks (Masks required in the classroom for the first two weeks)

As we return from various locations and to add extra interim protections, we will be requiring that all students and faculty wear masks in the classrooms for the first two weeks of class (regardless of vaccination status). Masks will also be requested for all large indoor orientation events during the first two weeks of the semester.

These are our mitigation protocols as they stand today and are subject to change at any point. We will continue to monitor the situation as well as recommendations of our local, state and federal health professionals in determining our best courses of action in keeping our community safe, healthy, open and in-person.

We are eager to return to the vibrant, close community Carroll is known for and we hope everyone will do their part to help ensure this happens. It’s what Saints do!

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our most commonly asked questions by expanding the categories below:

Vaccinations FAQs

Q: Where can I get a vaccine?
A: Carroll College will be hosting vaccination clinics on our campus at the start and during the semester. We will share times and locations when plans are finalized.

However, in order to afford you the greatest chance of protection from the virus and prevalent variants by the time classes start this fall, we encourage you to please consider getting your vaccination now, (it takes 2-6 weeks to reach full immunity based on the vaccine administered).

If you are only able to get your first dose of the vaccine before leaving home, you will be able to obtain your second dose in Helena. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your healthcare provider. To find out where you can get the vaccine, visit vaccines.gov.

Q: Is Carroll requiring the vaccine?
A: Carroll is not requiring students to be vaccinated for COVID-19. House Bill 702 (HB 702) enacted by the Montana State Legislature this past spring, precludes Carroll College from mandating vaccines.

However, we strongly recommend that all students and members of the campus community get the vaccine while it is free and widely available this summer. More people vaccinated will keep our campus community safer and means fewer chances for the virus to spread.

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about the vaccine?
A: Information about the COVID-19 vaccines is published on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Other questions dealing with your unique health situation should be directed to your healthcare provider. If you are a student, you can contact the Wellness Center.

Test FAQs

Q: Is Carroll testing all students for COVID-19 at the start of the semester?
A: Yes, we are asking all of our students, regardless of vaccination status, to get tested. Upon arrival, we will have testing available on campus and will share testing times and locations in subsequent communications.

Q: What type of testing method is Carroll using?
A: The same saliva testing method utilized in the spring will be used once again this academic year. SalivaDirect, developed by the Yale School of Public Health, is easier to administer, provides faster results, and is comparable in accuracy to nasal swab tests. Test results are available in 24 to 48 hours.

This protocol is intended for the collection of the normal saliva that naturally pools into the mouth. No coughing or sniffing prior to sample collection is required. Water should be avoided 10 minutes prior to collection. Other drinks, food, and nasal sprays should be avoided for 30 minutes before sample collection.

Q: Will testing be available throughout the semester?
A: Yes, symptomatic and asymptomatic testing will be available through the Wellness Center. Details will be shared in future communications. There are also various locations in Helena which provide COVID-19 testing. Visit the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Locations map on the Lewis & Clark Public Health COVID-19 Hub for locations.

Q: What are the isolation and quarantine protocols should I test positive or be identified as a close contact of a positive case?
A: Carroll will continue to have isolation and quarantine spaces available on campus for students living on campus similar to last academic year. Further details will be shared in future communications.

Masks FAQs

Q: Are face masks required at Carroll?

A: As we return from various locations and to add extra interim protections, we will be requiring that all students and faculty wear masks in the classrooms for the first two weeks of class (regardless of vaccination status). Masks will also be requested for all large indoor orientation events during the first two weeks of the semester.

This requirement may be extended based on the transmission rate of the Delta variant and recommendations of federal, state, and local health officials.

Marching Forward Plan

The Carroll College Marching Forward Plan is a phased approach of policies and protocols that serve as a guide for the college as we continue our valued mission of providing a safe, in-person educational experience for our students.

We have all learned a great deal about managing COVID-19 during the past year and a half, and we are implementing new procedures and protocols based on what we have learned as well as where we stand currently in regards to COVID-19 and public health. Students, staff, and faculty following the established guidelines and caring for each other led to a successful in-person 2020-21 academic year and we are confident that we can continue this throughout this fall. With vaccines widely available, continued on-campus testing, masking in the classroom and following general health guidelines, we feel well prepared to create an effective plan to help students achieve their educational goals.

What you should do to keep Carroll College safe:

Prevalence Report:

With the academic year having been completed, Carroll College will not be updating the prevalence report throughout the summer.

Please note:

  • Numbers reflect faculty, staff, and students.
  • The "current active cases" number includes the "new COVID-19 case(s)."
  • All individuals have received guidance and assistance regarding proper isolation protocols and are in contact with healthcare professionals.
  • Due to federal regulations, we will not be providing any information beyond the number of new and active cases.
  • This report will be updated each Friday during the semester by 1 p.m.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been identified as a close contact, you must fill out the COVID-19 Reporting Form.

Campus Updates

Contacts:

St. Charles

If you feel ill

If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, immediately call your primary healthcare provider or the Carroll College Wellness Center at 406.447.5441 - do not go to the center before calling first. After assessing your symptoms, your healthcare provider or the Wellness Center may order a COVID-19 test. You will be contacted directly for instructions on how to receive a COVID test.

Until test results are obtained – please adhere to the following protocols:

  • Students – Contact the Wellness Center at 406.447.5441 to report that you have been tested and determine the best course of action.  Notify your faculty members, supervisors, coaches, etc. to report that you are sick or suspect you may be sick and will not be attending class/work/practice.
  • Employees: Contact your supervisor to report that you are sick or suspect you may be sick and will not be attending work.
  • Stay home until instructed otherwise by Lewis & Clark Public Health or your healthcare provider.

When test results are obtained:

  • An interviewer from Lewis & Clark Public Health or your health care provider will contact you if you test positive for COVID-19.
  • If you have a confirmed case of COVID-19, the interviewer or health care provider will help you understand what to do next, what support is available, as well as let you know how long you should isolate yourself.

If you are a confirmed contact

Lewis & Clark Public Health or a College representative will directly contact anyone who has been identified as a close contact by someone who has a confirmed COVID-19 case. A close contact as defined by Public Health is someone who has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19:

  • Closer that six feet;
  • For more than 15 minutes;
  • In enclosed space;
  • During the 48-hour period before or after testing.

The Public Health officer or College representative can help provide information about testing, or you may work with your healthcare provider.  The Carroll College Wellness Center may be able to provide some general guidance as well by calling 406.447.5441. If you are a confirmed close contact, you should take the following steps:

  1. Fill out the COVID-19 Reporting Form
  2. Students: If the call comes from Lewis & Clark Public Health, contact the Wellness Center at 406.447.5441 to report your positive case.  If you live on campus, immediately contact Residential Life & Housing at 406.459.0540 so they can facilitate your move into isolation. Notify your faculty members, supervisors, coaches, etc. that you are a confirmed contact and that you will not be attending class/work/practice.
  3. Employees: Contact your supervisor to report that you are a confirmed contact and will not be attending work.
  4. If you become ill, contact your healthcare provider, the Wellness Center at 406.447.5441 or if it is after hours, call St. Peter’s Urgent Care Line at 406.442.2480.
  5. Stay home until instructed otherwise by Lewis & Clark Public Health or a healthcare provider except to get medical care.  Do not go to work, school or public areas.
  6. Ask friends or family members to do your shopping or use a grocery delivery service.
  7. Practice frequent hand washing, wearing a mask when in spaces others use, disinfect surfaces you touch, and keep your space clean.
  8. Isolate yourself from people and animals in your home - stay in a specific room away from other people and use a separate bathroom, if available. Limit contact with pets and other animals. If possible, have a member of your household care for them. If you must care for an animal, wear a face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

Returning to normal activity after being a confirmed contact

You can return to normal activity according to the Lewis & Clark Public Health Department:

  • If you do not develop symptoms, you can return to normal activities 14 days after your last direct contact with the COVID-19 positive person.
  • If you meet any of the following criteria, you DO NOT need to quarantine:
    • You have had COVID-19 within the previous three (3) months AND;
    • You have recovered AND;
    • You remain without COIVD-19 symptoms.
  • If you become symptomatic, please refer to "What to Do If You Are Ill."

If you are COVID-19 positive

Lewis & Clark Public Health, your healthcare provider or the Carroll College Wellness Center will directly contact anyone who has been tested and is confirmed positive for COVID-19. If you have tested positive, all students and employees should take the following steps:

  1. Fill out the COVID-19 Reporting Form.
  2. Students: If the call comes from Lewis & Clark Public Health, contact the Wellness Center at 406.447.5441 to report your positive case.  If you live on campus, immediately contact Residential Life & Housing at 406.459.0540 so they can facilitate your move into isolation.  Notify your faculty members, supervisors, coaches, etc. that you have tested positive and that you will not be attending class/work/practice. 
  3. Employees: Contact your supervisor to report that you are COVID-19 positive and will not be attending work.
  4. If you become ill, contact your healthcare provider, the Wellness Center at 406.447.5441 or if it is after hours, call St. Peter’s Urgent Care Line at 406.442.2480.
  5. Stay home until instructed otherwise by Lewis & Clark Public Health or your healthcare provider, except to get medical care. Do not go to work, school or public areas. 
  6. Ask friends or family members to do your shopping or use a grocery delivery service.
  7. Practice frequent hand washing, wearing a mask when in spaces others use, disinfect surfaces you touch, and keep your space clean.
  8. Isolate yourself from people and animals in your home - stay in a specific room away from other people and use a separate bathroom, if available. Limit contact with pets and other animals. If possible, have a member of your household care for them. If you must care for an animal, wear a face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
  9. Returning to normal activity after testing positive: You can return to normal activity according to the CDC guidelines after:
    • At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND;
    • At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication AND;
    • Symptoms have improved.
    • If you had no symptoms at the time of testing, you can return to normal activity 10 days after your COVID-19 test date as long as you remain asymptomatic.