Franklin University Switzerland strongly encourages the entire Franklin community to complete their COVID vaccinations. While we understand this might not be possible for everyone depending on your location and personal situation, we encourage you to do what you can to keep our community safe. We are working hard to put the pandemic behind us and create a 2023-2024 campus environment that is both safe and vibrant.
Together, we can create a safe and dynamic Franklin experience!
Below are frequently asked questions about the COVID vaccine to help students better understand the situation at Franklin and in Switzerland. We will update these answers and information as conditions changes, but please keep in mind that our experience with COVID-19 has taught us that things can change quickly.
What can I do to contribute to the health and safety of the Franklin Community?
The most important step is to complete your COVID vaccinations before coming to campus if you can. The entire Franklin community is asked to stay informed and to follow the current Franklin and Swiss guidelines to protect the Franklin community. These policies and guidelines may change as the epidemiological situation shifts. We ask students to recognize their social responsibility towards their community to stop the spread of COVID-19 by following campus guidelines and being held accountable for their actions.
Is the COVID vaccine required at Franklin?
Students are currently required to demonstrate proof of vaccination in order to participate in Academic Travel. Complete the Vaccination Form and upload scans/PDFs as proof of your vaccination status (information sent via email). We are taking this measure to help ensure your safety and the safety of others. An alternative Swiss academic travel course may be available for students who have not been vaccinated, but that is not guaranteed at this time.
What are the types of COVID vaccines authorized in Switzerland?
If an individual was vaccinated outside of Switzerland, it is possible to obtain a Swiss COVID Certificate with a QR code to use for travel outside of Switzerland. The COVID Certificate can only be issued after a Swiss permit is authorized and the individual is considered a resident of Switzerland. In addition, the vaccination must meet the following conditions:
- You were vaccinated abroad.
- You are fully vaccinated.
- You received a vaccine that is approved by the European Medicines Agency
- Comirnaty® / BNT162b2 / Tozinameran (Pfizer/BioNTech)
- Spikevax® / mRNA-1273 / COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
- Nuvaxovid® / NVX-CoV2373 (Novavax)
Students who are not able to get one of the vaccines listed above should contact the Coordinator of Student Medical Services, to discuss your situation and if appropriate to set up an appointment for your free vaccination in Switzerland after your arrival.
If I get my first vaccine dose in my current location, can I get the second dose after I arrive at Franklin?
Franklin strongly recommends that students obtain the full doses of the COVID vaccine in their current location before arriving at Franklin. If this is not possible, students should be aware that Ticino only offers two types of vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna). Students who need to obtain the second dose or booster after arriving at Franklin must obtain one of these two vaccines. Students who need to obtain their second dose or booster in Switzerland should contact Coordinator of Student Medical Services for assistance.
What if I am not able to get the COVID vaccine due to a medical exception?
Students with a medical exception should complete the Vaccination Form (information sent via email) to indicate that they are not vaccinated. They should upload their medical certificate documenting their situation. Students with a medical exception may need to change their Academic Travel class and follow other conditions (i.e. take a COVID test) depending on the requirements of Academic Affairs and the Academic Travel country.
What if I test positive for COVID or have close contact with someone who tests positive, how will that affect my classes and on-campus housing?
Individuals who test positive for COVID and have symptoms are to self-isolate until symptoms subside. Students who test positive for COVID will not be allowed to attend in-person classes or campus activities and need to request to attend classes online; students have to provide their professors and the Coordinator of Student Medical Services with proof of a positive COVID test. Students who test positive may return to class and campus activities after they self-isolate for at least five days and are symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
Individuals who have close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID should monitor their health for any flu-like symptoms reduce contact with others for a few days if possible, especially with individuals at especially high risk. Immediately report any symptoms to medicalservices@fus.edu. Individuals at especially high risk should get tested after close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID.
If I am not vaccinated for COVID-19, will I have to quarantine upon my arrival in Switzerland?
Franklin follows the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) COVID mandates and guidelines that can change quickly to adapt to the epidemiological situation. On the FOPH site, there are general rules on entering Switzerland that might apply to your entry, in addition to health-related measures at the border. Franklin encourages students and their family members to complete the Swiss TravelCheck prior to arrival to verify the conditions for your entry to Switzerland.
What if I am vaccinated, do I have to wear a mask?
All members of the Franklin community are expected to wear a mask if they are having any respiratory or flu-like symptoms in an effort to keep our campus healthy and safe. Wearing a mask at other times is currently optional. A Franklin requirement to wear a mask indoors or when social distancing is not possible could be implemented if the epidemiological situation changes.
How can I make an appointment for a COVID test to travel?
To make an appointment for a test at a local testing center, please visit the reservation site as far in advance as possible. We strongly recommend that students traveling during university breaks and vacation periods make an appointment as soon as possible so they do not have to scramble to get an appointment at the last minute. COVID tests for travel purposes are not covered by the federal government or Swiss health insurance. Individuals should research the testing and entry requirements for the places to which they intend to travel to be sure their appointment falls within the required testing window before their departure. Use the IATA Travel Centre site to view the latest travel regulations and guidance for the country where you will travel.
How do I register to get a booster in Switzerland?
Moderna and Pfizer / BioNTech mRNA vaccines have been approved by Swissmedic for the booster vaccination of people who have been fully vaccinated for at least four months. (If a person received a vaccine in two doses, they may get a booster in Switzerland four months after the date of second dose.) Vaccination should be done with the same vaccine used for the first two doses. For people under 30, booster vaccination is recommended preferably with the vaccine from Pfizer / BioNTech.
The booster vaccination will be carried out at the cantonal center in Quartino or at a pharmacy or medical office. We recommend that Franklin students visit the Swiss Vaccination Check site to register for an appointment. Individuals may also go in person for a walk-in appointment at the cantonal center in Quartino on certain days as indicated on the cantonal vaccination site.
Individuals may book an appointment for their booster vaccination on the cantonal vaccination site or by calling 0800 128 128 (every day from 8.00 to 17.00).
Important: At the time of the booster vaccination it will be necessary to show one's vaccination certificate, health insurance card, and photo identification.
For more information about booster vaccination, please visit the FAQ on the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health's website. The Federal Office of Public Health has also issued a brief information sheet that may also be helpful.
My IB exams have been cancelled and I was hoping to get academic credit for those courses, what can I do?
Although FUS receives updates from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and other international examination boards, you should continue to inform us about the status of your final exam results. We will work with students to complete enrollment on a case-by-case basis. IBO is currently working with schools to make sure students receive either diplomas or certificates based on their past coursework. FUS will evaluate any assessment provided by IBO and/or your school and FUS’s current advanced standing policy will apply. If your school issued your IB predicted grades, please send them to info@fus.edu. We understand not every school provides predicted grades, so note this is not mandatory.
My SAT or ACT testing date has been cancelled. What should I do?
FUS is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT exams.
All my current high school/college courses have moved to virtual learning and may impact my grades. How will this affect my application/admission to Franklin University Switzerland?
If you feel this is your case, please provide a brief statement explaining the situation to info@fus.edu or directly to your admissions counselor. We understand these are trying times with many changes to course delivery and assessment implemented in a short period of time. We do encourage you to continue to do your best with your virtual classes.
Will Franklin University Switzerland be able to extend the application deadline since my high school/college is closed?
Yes, we accept applications on a rolling basis and the Committee is showing flexibility with regards to deadlines. For Fall we are accepting applications through June 1st, so you may submit the basic online application form by then and any missing/official transcripts at a later date. Please email info@fus.edu if you have specific questions or requests pertaining to your individual situation.
Can I still meet with an admissions counselor?
Our admission counselors are still working and are available to answer your questions. We are hosting virtual information sessions for prospective students throughout the year and will add additional dates as needed. You are welcome to schedule an individual virtual meeting by phone, Zoom, or Skype with your admissions counselor.
Can I come to campus and do a self-guided tour?
Yes, we are welcoming visitors!
To ensure the safety of our visitors, as well as our students, faculty and staff on campus, we ask that all visitors respect our current policy:
- all appointments for visits must be made in advance and confirmed via email by the Admissions team;
- all visitors must fill out our visitor form.
At this time, class visits will not be offered and we may not be able to show our residences in person. You can request a tour and/or admissions meeting by filling out this form.
If you can't make it to campus we offer a virtual campus tour.
Will the May 1 enrollment deposit deadline be extended?
At this time, the enrollment deposit for students admitted for the Fall semester remains May 1st. If you need more time to decide or have specific concerns, please email your admissions counselor who will get back to you within 24 hours with your options. We want you to take your time to decide whether FUS is right for you.
If I am offered admission to FUS and a travel ban prevents me from enrolling for Fall, will I be able to change my enrollment term to the next Spring?
Yes. FUS is committed to having you join our community. If you have already been admitted, you may request a deferral to Spring. We do encourage you to keep in contact with us.
What is Franklin University Switzerland and the country of Switzerland doing to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and faculty?
Switzerland provides a remarkably safe and welcoming place where the whole community watches out for the collective good.
The University Counselor and the Coordinator of Student Medical Services and Well-Being continue to meet with and provide support for Franklin students via phone and video chat, and in-person on an appointment basis. In addition, Franklin students have access to a 24/7 confidential HelpLine for in-the-moment emotional support from anywhere in the world. Student clubs and organizations, like the Student Government Association, continue to hold regular meetings and the Office of Student Life offers a variety of virtual social events (and in-person while adhering to safety measures), cooking demonstrations, and sport challenges to keep the Franklin community engaged.
Will I have to self-isolate after I arrive in Switzerland?
At this time, there are no entry restrictions to Switzerland. No proof of vaccination, recovery or testing is required for entry into Switzerland. You may find the official information on the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) webpage.
We do also encourage you to check the Covid-19 resources for student and the Coronavirus Update pages for more information.
Who should I contact with questions or concerns?
We are here to assist you in any way possible. If you have any questions regarding undergraduate or graduate admissions, please contact us directly by email at info@fus.edu.
