If I'm exposed to COVID-19, what should I do?
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19: QUARANTINE.
If you have been boosted or have completed two doses of Pfizer or Moderna within the last six months or have received the J&J vaccine in the last two months.
If you have completed the first two doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are NOT boosted,
OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are NOT boosted,
OR are unvaccinated.
If any symptoms even mild appear immediately quarantine, stay away from campus, and get tested immediately. If positive isolate (see isolation protocol). If negative return to campus when feeling better and consider wearing a mask with any respiratory illness (flu, common cold).
What is the definition of a “close contact” or “significant exposure?”
Exposure occurs when an individual has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for a cumulative 15 minutes of more within a 24-hour period.
What does it mean to quarantine?
When should I get tested if I am in quarantine but do not have symptoms?
If I get sick with COVID-19-like symptoms, what should I do?
Does UVU require that I test negative to return to work?
Is there a form I should fill out when I am exposed or sick?
What is the isolation period if I get sick with COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms?
If you test positive for COVID-19: ISOLATE (regardless of vaccine status).
What is the quarantine period if I am exposed?
It depends on your vaccination status.
If you have been boosted or have completed 2-doses of Pfizer or Moderna within the last 6 months or have received the J&J vaccine in the last 2-months.
If you have completed the first two doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are NOT booster,
OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are NOT boosted,
OR are unvaccinated.
If any symptoms even mild appear immediately quarantine, stay away from campus, and get tested immediately. If positive isolate (see isolation protocol). If negative return to campus when feeling better and consider wearing a mask with any respiratory illness (flu, common cold).
What if I test positive for COVID-19?
What if I test positive but have no symptoms?
If you test positive for COVID-19: ISOLATE (regardless of vaccine status).
What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
CDC states the following as symptoms:
What if I only have intestinal issues?
Because of the pandemic, we suggest you check in with a health care provider and follow their advice.
How do I decrease my chances of getting COVID-19?
Evidence has changed over the course of this pandemic, but today we know that the tried-and-true infection control measures absolutely work. Get vaccinated. Stay away from large gatherings, wear a mask when in public or common areas shared by others, keep your distance (six feet at least), wash your hands, and don’t touch your face. These precautions cannot be overstated.
What if my symptoms are not very bad? Do I really need to stay home from school or work?
Yes, in this environment especially. There is a risk of spreading the virus to others inadvertently. The virus looks different on each person it encounters. Some people have only slight symptoms, while others get very ill and at times need to be hospitalized.
When am I contagious? When am I more likely to pass the virus to another person?
Currently, evidence suggests the most contagious timeframes are 1-2 days before you begin to show symptoms and the first few days when the symptoms are the worst. After that, it decreases quickly.
Can I get this virus from touching objects that are touched a lot by others?
Theoretically, it is unlikely; however, we still encourage you to frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and to not touch your face. Your hands would be the vehicle spreading this virus from an object to your face (e.g., mouth, nose, eyes).
What is the most common way to spread this virus?
The most common way to spread the virus is to be in the breathing space of a person who is infected. Close contact (i.e., being within six feet of an infected person for longer than 15 minutes with or without a mask) is the easiest way to spread the virus.
If I have more questions, how can I get more information?
Contact the COVID question line at 801-863-4913.
Is there a mandate for staff and faculty to be tested?
It depends on the class being offered. Check with your professor for more information.
Masks are NOT required on campus. We encourage those not vaccinated to wear a mask when around people; this is a CDC recommendation. The local health department has the authority to mandate mask-wearing in certain places and under certain circumstances, and we would take direction regarding masks from them.
What if I am harassed, threatened, or bullied by anyone regarding mask decisions?
Visit the Remote Work Information section of the Human Resources Website within myUVU for additional information.
View the Travel FAQ for information about travel guidelines.
Will I test positive after receiving the vaccine?
What is the policy on COVID-19 vaccines at UVU?
All registered students, with the exception of those participating in high school concurrent enrollment, must be fully vaccinated before spring semester 2022 or have declared an exemption for religious, medical, or personal reasons.
Why is there a vaccine requirement now?
Why is there a vaccination requirement and not a mask mandate?
How will UVU know if I am vaccinated?
When does this policy go into effect?
Does the policy require vaccination for all students or only those who participate in on-site activities?
Does this policy apply to employees of the university who are also students?
Is this a one-time mandate, or will I be required to get boosters or annual shots?
What does “fully” vaccinated mean? Does it include a period of time after the dose for the immune response?
How do I document proof of vaccination? Who will maintain the student documentation?
A questionnaire is provided through the myUVU student portal. Students complete the survey by providing an image of the vaccine card with the date and type of vaccine received or filling out an exemption request within the survey. Data from the survey is stored securely with other student records. The data is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and will not be shared with unauthorized individuals.
Will I have to complete this survey every semester?
What about students who register late?
Are medical or personal exemptions allowed?
Will I be required to prove that an exemption is needed?
Will those who ask for an exemption be subject to early detection methods (frequent COVID-19 testing) in order to participate in in-person courses, events, and activities?
I was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and had an antibody test that shows I have natural immunity. Does this support a medical exemption?
Yes. There is immunity to COVID if you have had the disease. We know that the immunity is greatest during the first 90 days after the illness. After that, the immunity starts to wane. We do not know how long this immunity lasts, which is why vaccines are encouraged. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a positive result from an antibody test does not mean you have a specific amount of immunity or protection against COVID-19. In both cases, vaccination is still recommended.
Will a vaccine under emergency use authorization and not final FDA approval satisfy the vaccine requirement?
Who will pay for the vaccine, and where can I get one?
Vaccines are free. Moderna, Pfizer, and J&J vaccines are available by appointment at the UVU clinic.
What if I experience flu-like symptoms as a result of the vaccine and cannot attend classes?
Will I have to quarantine if I get a vaccine and people around me are sick with COVID-19?
If you have been boosted or have completed two doses of Pfizer or Moderna within the last 6 months or have received the J&J vaccine in the last 2 months:
Isn’t requiring vaccination records a violation of HIPAA?
What if I refuse to participate in the recording of my vaccination status?
Isn’t this a form of discrimination? How is this allowed?
Will UVU-approved housing, meaning apartment complexes that require students to sign leases and the UVU code of conduct, require vaccination as well?
Are COVID-19 vaccines dangerous?
The COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe and effective. There can be side effects, but very few poor outcomes. To read more about the COVID-19 vaccine safety, visit the CDC website.
You can still get COVID if you are vaccinated, so why is vaccination necessary?
No vaccine is 100% effective at preventing illness. It is expected that some people will get a breakthrough case of COVID — however, it is just a fraction of those who are vaccinated that are able to avoid illness because they received the vaccine.
Since UVU is mandating vaccines, will the university be liable for any bad reaction I have as a result of the vaccine?
Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate is personal; the liability lies with the individual. Utah state law has always indicated if vaccines are mandated, exemptions of medical, religious, and personal beliefs must be allowed. If a person does not wish to vaccinate, they may select an exemption.
If I have COVID-19, can I still get vaccinated?
It is recommended that you have no symptoms before you get vaccinated. You can be vaccinated if you are feeling well 10 days after your first day of symptoms. Those who were treated for COVID-19 with antibody therapy should wait 90 days before receiving their vaccination. For more information and recommendation please visit the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination page.
Can booster vaccines be mixed and matched?
Yes, the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines may be used for a booster vaccine regardless of the vaccine administered during an individual’s primary series.
Will UVU begin to require other vaccines as well?
Are classes being taught in person?
Yes. State legislation passed in 2021 requires UVU to offer at least 75% of the number of in-person courses that UVU offered in Fall 2019.
Can classes that begin in person switch to online later?
The majority of students in a class ask that the course be switched to remote delivery. Can the course modality be changed?
Can I divide students into groups based on whether they will wear a mask or are vaccinated or not?
No. The health benefits of segregating students in a classroom are not proven. We suggest encouraging students to wear their masks and not attempt further classroom manipulation.
My instructor switched my face-to-face course to remote delivery — what can I do?
Face-to-face courses should be taught in the modality as listed in the spring 2022 schedule. If an instructor permanently switches a course to a different modality, you may ask the instructor for an explanation. You may also contact the department chair or write to us at askacademics@uvu.edu and we will review the situation.
My instructor has temporarily moved my face-to-face course online — what can I do?
Will all classes be recorded this year?
Why are we automatically recording all classes this fall?
What if an instructor does not want a course recorded?
Can an instructor limit access to course recordings to only those students who have COVID-related absences?
Not easily. Canvas functionality is all or nothing — all students have access, or no students have access. It is possible that a recording could be downloaded by the instructor and shared with select students, but this would require additional effort and technical skill from the instructor.
Why should I livestream a class if it is recorded?
If a face-to-face class is shifted to remote delivery, can an instructor still use the classroom to deliver the course?
My instructor requires me to participate to prove I have viewed the recordings. Is that allowed?
Yes, instructors may require students to demonstrate through various assessments that absent students have viewed the recordings and are learning the required content.
What if my instructor does not allow access to the recordings and does not have another means of providing access to course content?
Can instructors force students to wear masks in the classroom?
No. However, masks are encouraged on campus. We can no longer require them in accordance with Utah state law. Please be respectful of an individual’s choice regarding this topic. If you feel unsafe in an unmasked environment due to your health concerns, it is acceptable to ask those around you to wear a mask.
Is it possible that there could be a mask mandate?
Can instructors ask students in a classroom to wear masks?
Do I have the right not to wear a mask? Why should I even be asked to wear one?
Currently, masks are not required and will not be required unless the health department mandates that masks be worn. If you are asked to wear a mask, the request is to be respectful of the health concerns of those around you. You have the right to choose not to wear a mask and assume any personal health consequences for doing so. We are not trying to restrict anyone’s rights — we are asking that you respect the rights of others and be sensitive to the health and safety of the UVU community.
Are vaccinations required to be on campus or in classrooms this spring?
As announced on August 30, 2021, COVID-19 vaccination is required for UVU students starting spring semester 2022. Read the full statement here.
Can an instructor ask students if they have been vaccinated?
Are vaccinations strongly encouraged?
Can students, faculty, and staff get tested for COVID and vaccinated on campus?
Can I give extra credit to students who show evidence of being vaccinated?
No. Some students cannot be vaccinated due to health or other issues. They cannot be discriminated against. Further, it is not appropriate to ask students their vaccination status as that is private health information.
What if a particular class has an outbreak of COVID-19?
UVU will continue monitoring classes, programs, and buildings to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Instructors and students may be contacted if case counts hit a “trigger point,” and classes may be moved online at that time.
If a student is (or several are) diagnosed with COVID, will the entire class have to quarantine, and will the class be moved to remote delivery?
Can students be required to socially distance in the classroom?
If space permits, students may be asked to spread out to allow for as much social distancing as is practical.
I am teaching a face-to-face course but have health-related concerns. What should I do?
Contact Cameron Evans in HR immediately for consideration and possible accommodations.
Will accommodations be made for students who are sick or otherwise have health concerns?
We ask everyone to be as accommodative as possible for students with health concerns. Ill students, faculty, and staff should remain off campus. Students who are ill and absent for more than two weeks should contact the Office of Accessibility Services to determine whether they are eligible for accommodation.
My question is not answered here. What do I do now?
Check with your instructor or department chair, or send us an email.
