Dear Howard University Community,
 
Thank you for your ongoing support, collaboration and understanding as we continue to take steps to assure the safety of our community. The Bison SAFE app is a key component of the mitigation strategies that have been implemented to affirm the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Every member of the Howard University community who is on campus for any reason must complete the daily Bison SAFE attestation. 
 
We are pleased to report that the Bison SAFE application has been updated to also reflect COVID-19 testing status.
 
Based on the weekly testing alphabetical schedule, if an individual misses a scheduled test, the Bison SAFE pass will automatically convert to YELLOW to indicate a caution and notify others as to the pending COVID-19 status.
 
Individuals will have to be tested within five days of this notification. After five days from the missed test, if the individual has not taken a COVID-19 test and received a negative result, the Bison SAFE pass will automatically convert to RED, indicating that the person is not allowed access to campus buildings and various University services.
 
Anyone who tests positive will automatically be reflected with a red Bison SAFE pass. This pass will remain red until 10 days have passed or until a negative test is received after at least five days of quarantine.
 
The University will provide ONE free test for those in quarantine after five days and before 10 days. Any additional tests in this period must be done at the person’s expense.
 
Failure to Complete the Bison SAFE App 
 
Effective the week of January 31, 2022, the following disciplinary actions will be implemented for failure to routinely complete the Bison SAFE app or participate in required weekly testing.
 
Students
 
Missed test: After one day, the Bison SAFE pass will automatically convert to yellow. After five days, the Bison SAFE pass will automatically convert to red. This will result in denied access to various University buildings and services. Continued lack of response will be referred for disciplinary action secondary to the University Code of Conduct. If a student is not responsive for three testing periods, potential disciplinary action will include suspension for the remainder of the semester.


Faculty and Staff
 
Missed test: After one day, the Bison SAFE pass will automatically convert to yellow. After five days, the Bison SAFE pass will automatically convert to red. This will result in denied access to various University buildings and services and potential suspension of compensation.
 
Employees who are non-compliant with the University’s policy after the January 31 deadline will face progressive discipline that is described in full here.
 
Outside Test Results
 
The integration of the University testing results with the Bison SAFE app requires utilization of the University testing process and internal COVID-19 testing laboratory. As a result, we will not be able to accept external laboratory results or home testing results as a substitute for the University testing process. If you receive a positive test from an external laboratory or home testing kit, please immediately schedule a test utilizing the University-outlined process for validation, and do not report to work or classrooms pending that result.
 
As a member of the Howard University community, we all must work together to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff members. Thus, we expect each member of the community to comply with all COVID-19 related policies outlined here: https://howard.edu/pandemic-response.
 
These policies include but are not limited to the following:

• Participating in weekly testing as required;
• Wearing masks indoors regardless of vaccination status;
• Completing the daily Bison SAFE app attestation; and
• Complying with the University requirement for vaccination and booster shots.

 
Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Excellence in Truth and Service,
 
Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D., R.Ph.                     
Provost & Chief Academic Officer    

Hugh Mighty, MD, MBA
Senior Vice President for Health Affairs & Dean College of Medicine