If I'm exposed to COVID-19, what should I do?
Exposure occurs when you have been in close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 15 minutes) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure. If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider. Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
What is the definition of a “close contact” or “significant exposure?”
Being within six feet for longer than 15 minutes with or without a mask to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has COVID-19-like symptoms.
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?
What is the quarantine period if I am exposed?
Will I have my temperature taken before reporting back to campus?
What if I test positive for COVID-19?
What if I test positive but have no symptoms?
What happens when someone at UVU tests positive for COVID-19?
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. 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?
This answer changes as the evidence becomes clearer —currently, studies suggest the most contagious timeframes are one day before you begin to show symptoms and the first few days when the symptoms are the worst. After that, it decreases quickly.
What does contact tracing mean? Why should I care about this?
This is generally a function of the local health department — however, during pandemic times, other groups get involved. UVU is assisting the local health department with this obligation. When someone becomes sick on campus, we look at where they have been starting two days before they became sick with symptoms to the first few days of symptoms. We then figure out who they have been in “close contact” with. We trace where they have been on campus. We then contact people who meet the criteria of a “close exposure,” and we send them home for 14 days to quarantine. The sooner we can do this, the better chance we have of not spreading the virus to others on campus.
Can I get this virus from touching objects that are touched a lot by others?
Theoretically yes, which is why we ask 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.
Scenario: If my spouse’s co-worker gets sick, should I stay home and let everyone at work know they should stay home?
If your spouse meets the criteria of a “close contact” with their coworker, they would be exposed and would need to quarantine (i.e., stay away from all people and wait to see if they get sick). You and your coworkers do not need to quarantine unless your spouse becomes ill or tests positive.
Scenario: If my roommate tests positive for COVID-19 and we share a room and bathroom, should I quarantine?
Possibly. You would most likely meet the criteria of “close contact” due to sleeping in close quarters all night and sharing breathing space. If the room were well-ventilated (e.g., open windows, fans) with a lot of space between the beds, you may be OK. You would likely need to quarantine.
Scenario: If I have exchanged a prolonged kiss with a spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend and they have symptoms during this time, what should I do?
You have met the criteria of a close contact and would quarantine for 14 days.
Scenario: If a person I work with or know tests positive and shows symptoms of COVID-19 and I have not seen or talked with them, but I walked into their office or workspace and touched some common objects, what should I do?
Wash your hands, and don’t touch your face. It is much harder to spread the virus this way.
Scenario: If my symptoms are not that bad, is it OK to come to work if I stay away from everyone?
No, it is not OK to come to work. Please stay home. This is exactly how we are spreading the virus by thinking the precautions do not apply to us.
Testing will continue throughout the summer semester. 9:00 am - 2 pm Monday-Friday in the Science Bld. Atrium, but you need to
Symptomatic Testing in parking lot L-10 Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Students currently experiencing symptoms must make an appointment for drive-thru testing. To schedule a testing appointment (only available to UVU students, faculty or staff), visit https://www.uvu.edu/campuscovidtest.
Testing will be done using the Abbot BinaxNOW rapid antigen COVID-19 test. This test only requires an anterior nasal swab, making it more comfortable than previous COVID-19 testing. This is not an antibody test. Participants can leave at the completion of the nasal swab procedures. Results will be emailed within a couple of hours. Your results will be sent to your UVU email. The testing process should take no more than ten minutes. Testing is free and only available to UVU students, faculty, and staff. Individuals must have an active UVID and sign in to be tested. Symptoms and/or exposure are not required for testing.
Please make an appointment for all testing services. Photo identification and your university ID number are required.
If you are not a UVU student, faculty, or staff member, you may visit the Test Utah website to determine a testing location.
Is there a mandate for staff and faculty to be tested?
There is no mandate at this time, although we encourage them to be tested.
Where can I go for more information?
To sign up for testing on campus, go to uvu.edu/campuscovidtest
Please contact the Department of Workforce Services to determine resources. You can also dial 211 to access the United Way of Utah County.
What if I can’t pay a bill or have an urgent, unexpected expense?
You may be eligible for institutional emergency funds. Visit the Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.
You may also be interested in working with UVU’s Money Management Resource Center, which can help with managing money. Virtual appointments are available.
How do I access Financial Aid?
Schedule an appointment via website, email, or call (801) 863-8442. Students can also meet with a counselor by visiting BA 103.
Beginning May 24, masks will be recommended in UVU facilities. As a mask friendly campus, individuals may choose to wear a mask in any setting, however they will no longer be required. Per health guidelines, UVU may require masks and/or social distancing at large gatherings or specific events.
What is an approved face covering? Do I have to wear it in my office?
What if I am harassed, threatened, or bullied by anyone regarding mask decisions?
Do you have disposable masks available?
Who do I talk to if I have questions about acquiring a face mask?
UVU Wellness Programs can answer your questions. They can be reached at 801-863-7579 or [email protected].
I have a medical condition and can’t wear a face mask. Who do I need to talk to?
Students will need to talk to the Office of Accessibility Services. They can be reached at 801-863-8747 or [email protected]. OAS will work with you to find a suitable alternative.
I have a medical condition and can’t wear a face mask. Who do I need to talk to?
Students will need to talk to the Office of Accessibility Services. They can be reached at 801-863-8747 or [email protected]. OAS will work with you to find a suitable alternative.
I have a medical condition and can’t wear a face mask. Who do I need to talk to?
Students will need to talk to the Office of Accessibility Services. They can be reached at 801-863-8747 or [email protected]. OAS will work with you to find a suitable alternative.
Is UVU’s air system filtered for viruses?
UVU has a filtering system, MERV, in all large buildings. Systems vary, since some areas such as the science buildings have traditionally needed higher levels of filtration. UVU will increase air exchange rates to push the air through the filters and slightly over-pressurize the buildings to help exchange the air. Filters are changed on a rigid schedule. Even before COVID-19, UVU was changing air filters more often than recommended.
What happens if, during the semester, the State of Utah declares an orange or red level?
How often will our departments’ public spaces and offices be cleaned?
Do faculty need to fill out a Work from Home Agreement?
No. Faculty members who are teaching in the spring can do so from campus or their homes, per their agreement with their departments and deans. This means they do not need to fill out the form.
Do employees need to speak with HR to request continued remote work if they believe they are high risk?
What if I do not have the necessary tools (computer, software, etc.) to work from home?
What do I do if I am not high risk but would still prefer to work from home?
How can I access food resources?
Please visit the UVU Food Pantry website for details.
If you have children, all area school districts have been authorized to offer free
grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches for all children ages 0–18. For a list of locations,
please contact your child’s school district.
Are there community resources available to students who are facing food or housing insecurity?
Yes. Please visit the Student CARE website to access community resources or dial 211 to access the United Way of Utah County or visit their website to help support food or housing insecurity.
Can I get out of my housing contract?
In consultation with federal, state, and local officials, UVU made the determination to offer a variety of course delivery options, including face-to-face, livestreaming, and online. This was not an easy or light decision, as UVU is aware there are many affected by this decision, including students who signed housing contracts for the 2020-2021 academic year. The UVU community understands what a difficult situation this creates, but the safety and security of UVU students, faculty, and staff are of the highest importance. COVID-19 has created is unprecedented challenges. It has disrupted almost every aspect of daily life. Since UVU is not a party to the rental agreements, UVU unfortunately cannot provide legal advice or representation for students to cancel their housing contracts. We have reached out to several apartment complexes encouraging them and are hopeful the apartment managers will be willing to work with students as their living arrangements have changed. UVU apologizes for any inconvenience. The Ombuds can assist with housing issues if needed.
What is the federal CARES Act?
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The act provides financial compensation and support to multiple layers of the U.S. economy, including businesses, individuals, unemployment benefits, and education.
How much money did UVU receive?
Why did UVU receive these funds?
How did UVU determine where to use the funds?
I heard $11 million were allocated from CARES Act funds. Where did they go?
$7,590,850 were distributed to 7,676 students. $3,883,754 were used by UVU to move to online course offerings and make other adjustments.
If awarded, how will students be notified and receive funds?
Do students have any limitations on how they can spend the money?
Which students have received money?
All students who received this funding had to be eligible for federal financial aid. CARES Act funds were made available to students in one of three ways:
If the state is at the yellow or green level, may I choose whether I teach remotely, online, or on campus?
Yes. Faculty members who wish to teach remotely or online may do so. Their courses must be as robust as their department’s typical face-to-face (F2F) courses and provide the same learning outcomes as the F2F version of the course. Faculty members should work with the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) to make sure their courses are set up to be clear and easy to navigate for their students and themselves. There are a few types of courses faculty can teach:
Will offering my classes online and offline double my workload?
If I teach F2F, remotely, or online, am I expected to use Canvas?
Am I required to livestream and record my courses?
What technology is UVU using for course delivery?
The technology trio of Canvas, Microsoft Teams, and Kaltura Lecture Capture forms the backbone of a virtual campus that operates in concert with UVU’s physical campuses. Over the summer, dozens of information technology (IT) and Academic IT (AIT) staff worked tirelessly to add livestreaming and lecture capture technology to 327 classrooms. The goal was to create the best possible experience for students and faculty while a) maintaining social distancing in the physical classrooms, b) engaging remote students, and c) implementing what was feasible given time, financial, human, and other resource constraints. For access, maintainability, and support purposes, it became clear to IT and AIT that one video conferencing tool should be adopted at UVU for fall 2020 and beyond to improve student learning and experience as well as faculty support. Therefore, Microsoft Teams will be the standard for UVU (not Zoom or Kaltura Live Room), primarily for its potential to digitally transform our university. With many added features in Teams and the classroom automation work, we believe the student learning experience has been greatly improved over what it was in spring and summer 2020.
Learn more by reading the Office of Teaching and Learning newsletter.
Will all students have access to computers to complete their courses?
How can I let students know about the course setup before I publish my Canvas course?
What will happen to concurrent enrollment classes? Will faculty members be required to visit the high schools to conduct faculty mentoring visits?
What will happen with live interactive classes if I am unable to teach on campus? How will they be broadcast to students?
Am I required to hold face-to-face (F2F) office hours and participate in F2F general and department meetings?
How do I move grades into Canvas (if stored outside currently)?
What are our grading options specifically by college and school?
What happens if I get ill and cannot teach my classes?
What do I do if students refuse to keep an appropriate distance in class?
How often will classrooms be cleaned?
Will students be able to have internships off campus?
Yes, in many cases. Please refer to the COVID-19 information on the internships website.
Will students be able to have service-learning opportunities off campus?
Will students have access to advisors?
Will students have the option to take courses credit/no credit again?
What if I know of other student questions?
What resources are available at Student Health Services?
How can I access Student Health Services (SHS)?
Do you have tips to help me manage my stress and anxiety related to COVID-19?
Yes. SHS has resources available to help students that are dealing with stress and anxiety related to COVID-19.
If you are experiencing emotional distress related to COVID-19, you can also call Intermountain Healthcare’s COVID-19 Emotional Health Relief Hotline at 833-442-2211. There is no cost to call, and the hotline will be staffed every day from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.
If you are in crisis, please access the SafeUT app, which will connect you to licensed counselors who are ready to respond 24/7 at no cost. You can text, call, or submit a tip anonymously.
Here are additional resources:
Will the fall semester start as scheduled?
Yes, fall semester begins on August 23. See all semester dates and deadlines.
What if I need to drop my classes? When is the last day to drop?
The drop deadlines for spring semester are as follows:
September 2: First block classes
September 15: Full semester classes
September 20: Weekend classes
October 25: Second block classes
Check out all registration dates and deadlines on the Registrar page.
Will Fall Break be cancelled?
How is tuition handled at UVU?
How are classes being offered for the semester?
How will I know how my course will be delivered?
When you register, you will see each course designated as “face-to-face,” “online,” or “livestream.” Be sure to check the delivery method for each of your courses.
Do I need specialized equipment to access my classes?
Will I need to go to the Bookstore to buy my textbooks?
All textbook purchases have been moved online, and you can now order your textbooks via Bookmatch. Your required textbooks for classes will automatically upload so you can easily add them to your online cart for purchase.
Some courses, including labs, may be difficult to take online. How will these courses be offered?
We are making every possible effort to keep labs and certain courses as face-to-face delivery to provide the best possible mode of instruction. When you register for the course, you will see the course delivery method.
If I take an online or livestreamed course, how do I access a webcam?
You purchase a webcam online or through a number of retailers. If you cannot purchase one, webcams are now available to check out from the Fulton Library. Please go to the first floor Circulation Desk during the FL modified hours. To check out a laptop or tablet, you must provide your UVU ID and be a current undergraduate or graduate student registered for classes. This service is only available to actively enrolled students.
What’s the difference between live interactive and livestream?
Live interactive classes are held live but students join via broadcast at a UVU remote site or classroom. Livestream classes are also held live but students join from home or wherever they want.
Do I need a different login to access my online or livestreamed course?
No. You will log in to myUVU with your UVU ID and password, then click on the Canvas link.
What if I do not have a computer to participate in online classes?
If you don’t have a computer, laptop, tablet, or hot spot, laptops and tablets are now available to check out from the UVU Fulton Library. Only the student signing the agreement is allowed to pick up a laptop or tablet at checkout. Each student is limited to one laptop or tablet to check out at a time. Laptops and tablets are subject to availability.
What do I do if I don’t have access to internet at home and I’m taking an online class?
If you don’t have a reliable internet connection at home, you can use student study areas on campus or visit other places where the internet is publicly available.
What should I do if I need assistance with my computer?
Contact the UVU Service Desk for technical support. Call (801) 863-8888. Help is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Are there resources to help me in becoming an online student?
Please visit the Office of Teaching and Learning's Being an Online Student page, which provides tips to help you adjust. You can also contact a student success specialist for additional assistance. You can also contact a student success specialist or academic tutor for additional assistance.
What should I do if I need academic accommodations due to the changes from the pandemic?
Students who need accommodations due to a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility via email at [email protected] or (801) 863-8747 located in Losee Center 312.
Examples may include needing accommodations due to hearing impairment from professors' wearing a mask, an inability to wear a face covering due a health condition, difficulty testing at home for your online class due to a disability, or concern attending face-to-face classes due to being in a high-risk category.
Are athletic events cancelled?
Are in-person clubs and student organization events cancelled for the foreseeable future?
Are Noorda or similar performances cancelled for the foreseeable future?
Which UVU campuses are involved with the cancellation of events?
Are private functions at UVU being cancelled?
Is the SLWC open?
Which campus services are available?
Will the Fulton Library and open computers in the library remain open?
What hours are UVU's satellite campuses open?
Lehi Campus:
Monday and Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Thursday: 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Wasatch Campus:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Provo Airport Campus:
ES Building: Closed (including UFRA)
The airport is open for flight operations including night flights. Please contact
dispatcher for details.
Canyon Park Building L:
Monday & Friday: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Open by reservation
Which dining options are open?
For information about dining options and hours, visit Dining Services
When is the Bookstore open?
The Bookstore is currently located at Center Stage during their remodel. Visit the Bookstore website for hours
Will I be able to use UTA to get to the Orem Campus?
UTA continues to offer full services to UVU students and dependents with use of the free UVU UTA Transit Pass. UVX weekday buses run approximately 7 a.m.–7 p.m. every 10 minutes. UTA requires all riders and employees to wear face coverings system-wide until further notice.
View the Travel FAQ for information about travel guidelines.
Am I allowed to travel out of the state/country on personal travel?
We encourage you, when considering your personal travel choices, to follow travel advisories issued by the CDC and local and state authorities. Refer to the Travel FAQ for guidelines and more details.
Can I travel for business purposes?
All University-related travel is restricted and must be cancelled until further notice. As an exception to this restriction, travel considered business essential for the university must be approved by the divisional vice president prior to making travel arrangements. Please read the COVID-19 Travel Guidelines for additional details. Please contact the UVU Travel Office at [email protected] or ext. 8965 with any questions.
When will I be able to get a vaccine?
There is no current prioritization for university students, faculty, or staff. To find out when a vaccine will likely be made available to you, visit the Utah Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution website.
Will vaccines be required?
Will I test positive after receiving the vaccine?
What if I decline to adhere to social-distancing guidelines in the classroom?
Classroom spacing has changed to 3-feet this will remain until the county moves to a Low Transmission Level. Classroom seating will be arranged to promote social-distancing guidelines and students are encouraged to leave the seating arrangements where they are. Should you decline to adhere to social-distancing guidelines, faculty may ask you to leave the classroom and not return until you have met with the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.
