CMU Athletics COVID-19 FAQs and Spectator Policy – Updated March 28
The following FAQ document is intended to serve as a resource for the Carnegie Mellon Athletics community. This update was posted March 28, 2022 and it will be updated as more information becomes available.
Is Carnegie Mellon testing its student-athletes and coaches (Tier 1)?
As of March 7, fully vaccinated and boosted student-athletes and coaches will no longer be required to test weekly for COVID-19. Student-athletes and coaches with vaccine exceptions will continue to be expected to test weekly, for as long as it is consistent with university policy and expectation. Carnegie Mellon will also expect symptomatic individuals to test when the need arises.
Will spectators be permitted to attend competitions?
As of March 28, 2022:
Spectators are permitted at all events. Spectators who are not fully vaccinated will be required to wear facial coverings indoors.
How will I know if there are any changes to the current schedule?
The Carnegie Mellon Athletics website will have the latest updates to any changes or cancellations to any of our competition schedules.
Will events be webcast?
Yes, whenever possible. We will have live webcasts or home events and they will be streamed on our website.
If a student-athlete is not vaccinated, can they participate in intercollegiate athletics?
Those who are not fully vaccinated (e.g., two weeks have passed since the final vaccine dose) or who have received an approved exemption from the vaccine requirement will be permitted to engage in intercollegiate athletics provided they uphold the following mitigation requirements: completing the Daily Self-Assessment, participating in weekly Tartan Testing, wearing facial coverings in all indoor settings (or maintaining physical distancing of 6 feet when eating) and wearing facial coverings in outdoor settings whenever physical distancing of 6 feet or more cannot be maintained.
Are vaccinated individuals who are close contacts of an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 required to quarantine?
No, vaccinated close contacts are not required to quarantine if they are asymptomatic. They will be required to obtain a test through University Health Services, not Tartan Testing, on day 5-7 after being defined as a close contact, and must wear a mask until a negative result is received, including during practice and competition.
Will student-athletes be expected to wear facial coverings in the varsity weight room?
No. The only student-athletes who must wear facial coverings are those who are not fully vaccinated.
Will student-athletes be expected to wear facial coverings during team travel?
No. The only student-athletes who must wear facial coverings are those who are not fully vaccinated.
Will intercollegiate laundry services resume?
Yes. The athletics department will resume its laundry services for varsity athletes.
Are visiting teams following NCAA protocols?
Yes. All teams that come to compete at Carnegie Mellon University must comply with the NCAA Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: 2021 Fall Training and Competition.
Should student-athletes report if they have tested positive for COVID-19?
Yes. Student-athletes are expected to report any positive test that they have had to their athletic trainer if they plan on participating in intercollegiate athletics this year. The athletic training staff will coordinate required notifications to the university to initiate contact tracing and to provide ongoing support and care.
Whom should I see about any eligibility questions I may have due to the blanket waivers the NCAA has provided?
Please contact Kim Kelly, Associate Director of Athletics in charge of Compliance. She will be able to help with any eligibility questions a student-athlete may have.
Are prospective student-athletes allowed to visit?
Yes, prospective student-athletes are permitted to schedule visits with coaches and follow approved university protocols for those visits.
What are the protocols for athletics facilities?
Protocols for athletics facilities can be found here.
NCAA COVID-19 Resources:
Division III COVID-19 Q&A - pdf
The New Normal: Stories from Campus
NCAA Sport Science Institute updates resocialization guidelines
Carnegie Mellon COVID-19 Resources: