UVU continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak domestically and internationally. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to us. More details including the COVID-19 Recovery Plan are on the COVID-19 information website.
Thank you for your efforts to help the university fulfill its education mission while adhering to public health recommendations to keep our community healthy. The best way to protect yourself is to be educated and prepared while using basic preventative measures.
WAYS TO PROTECT AGAINST COVID-19 COVID-19 self-Reporting Form for illness or exposure returning to work after illness or exposure form ManagemenT Return to campus Guidance
Please see additional resources and forms below under "UVU Employee Resources."
This list includes the most recent updates specific to Employees.
08-09-21: Updates for Fall 2021
Dear Colleagues,
We are now just a couple of weeks away from welcoming everyone back to our campus. While the beginning of the academic year is always filled with excitement and anticipation, there is also a need to clarify expectations regarding the management of COVID-19.
There has been encouraging progress in our ability to return to normalcy since last year. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are readily available at UVU to all employees and students. We encourage you to protect your health and the health of others by getting vaccinated.
Still, the pandemic continues — and much of what was put in place in the past academic year will continue into this one, impacting the way we interact on campus and how we educate students.
Some of the basics for the new school year include the following:
More information can be found on the COVID-19 site. Please contact your supervisor if you have any questions or concerns.
We appreciate you and the support you provide to our faculty, students, and each other. Your efforts are making a difference. As we move forward, please be aware of your own needs and well-being. We have many resources and are adding to those all the time, so please reach out. The events of the last year are hopefully subsiding, but we will all feel the effects for years — we need to be mindful of and help each other.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Meyer
Vice President of People and Culture
Wayne Vaught
Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Provost
06-22-21: COVID-19 Update
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
While Utah County transmission rates of COVID-19 remain moderately high, our top priority is ensuring your health and safety. We encourage anyone in the
UVU community who has not yet been vaccinated to take advantage of our free clinic.
Students, staff, faculty, and their immediate households are welcome.
Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available by appointment or on a walk-in basis.
Vaccine clinic
Science Building Atrium
Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Free COVID-19 rapid testing is also available throughout the summer by appointment or on a walk-in basis.
Testing services for those not experiencing symptoms
Science Building Atrium
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Testing services for those with symptoms
Parking Lot L10 (corner of 1200 West and 800 South)
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m–noon (UVU community only)
Wednesday, 2 p.m.–5 p.m. (community testing)
Please stay home if you are ill, and report COVID-19 exposure and cases.
We are pleased to see low numbers of transmission at UVU this summer but remain concerned about the transmission rates
in Utah County. Data from the Utah Department of Health shows:
For your safety, we recommend that those who have not been fully vaccinated wear masks. Please do your best to protect yourself and others around you.
Sincerely,
Robin Ebmeyer
Director of UVU Emergency Management and Safety
Utah Valley University
05-21-21: UVU Travel Update
The transition to a post-pandemic campus community necessitates changes to travel and event policies. Safety and health remain our top priorities. In accordance with CDC and local health guidelines, the following modifications take effect on Monday, May 24.
Domestic travel:
Domestic university-related travel restrictions will be adjusted. When certain criteria are met, administrative approval will no longer be necessary when traveling within the continental United States. All established university policies and procedures related to travel prior to the pandemic also remain in effect.
We will follow the CDC-established safety criteria for those who are and who are not vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated
Not vaccinated
Anyone experiencing symptoms of illness should refrain from traveling and should avoid contact with others.
Those in contact with someone who has the symptoms of COVID-19 or who tests positive for the virus should complete the self-reporting form.
International travel:
International travel remains restricted and requires the approval of the vice president over the division and department of the individual requesting permission to travel.
Events:
University facilities are open for in-person gatherings. UVU will remain in accordance with Utah County’s moderate transmission level as designated by the Utah Department of Health. Under CDC guidelines, masks are recommended for those who are not fully vaccinated.
Anyone interested in holding an event must continue to apply using the State Event Planning Form. For questions regarding event protocol, please contact eventservices@uvu.edu.
We are grateful for your continuing efforts to keep our campus healthy and safe and for your patience as we continue to implement changes as they become feasible based on the advisement of local, state, and national health and government leaders.
Sincerely,
Wayne Vaught
Provost
Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Val Peterson
Vice President of Administration and Strategic Relations
Several changes to public health guidelines have been made by national and local health and government leaders in the past two weeks due to the wide availability of free vaccines and low COVID-19 case numbers.
Utah County continues to be designated by the state as an area of moderate-level transmission.
Based on the recent health guideline changes and UVU’s low COVID-19 cases, UVU is implementing the following changes:
MASKS: Reflective of new CDC guidelines, beginning Monday, May 24, masks will be recommended in UVU facilities but no longer required. Utah County remains at a moderate transmission level, and masks are recommended for those who are not fully vaccinated. As a mask-friendly campus, individuals may choose to wear a mask in any setting. Remember, we are inclusive at UVU and ask that such personal decisions be met with respect and compassion.
Per health guidelines, UVU may require masks and/or social distancing at large gatherings and specific events and work environments. Further, UVU will comply with all local government and state requirements as conditions potentially change.
VACCINES: Free vaccines are available to all students, faculty, staff, and their immediate family members at UVU in the Pope Science Building atrium and are also readily available throughout Utah. We strongly encourage members of our campus community to become vaccinated against COVID-19. Doing so will allow us to move forward with goals to return to a pre-pandemic status.
SOCIAL DISTANCING: Three feet is now the CDC-recommended distance in classroom settings.
TESTING: Free COVID-19 testing will continue to be available throughout the summer semester. Testing will also take place in the Pope Science Building atrium.
STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK: To protect everyone on campus and in our community, please stay home if you are not feeling well. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have tested positive for the virus, please complete the self-reporting form. It is also essential to continue to practice good hygiene while on campus.
Thank you for your efforts these past many months to provide a safe learning and working environment. The health and safety of UVU students, faculty, and staff continue to be a top priority.
We look forward to continuing the transition toward a greater sense of normalcy with more opportunities to interact, participate in engaged-learning experiences, and enjoy the events and traditions that we have all missed.
Sincerely,
Wayne Vaught
Provost
Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Val Peterson
Vice President of Administration and Strategic Relations
A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will open at UVU on April 29. We are excited to offer the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to all students, faculty, staff, and immediate family members who are 18 and older.
The vaccination clinic is being held in conjunction with the Utah Department of Health and will be in the Sorensen Student Center Ballroom until May 10. It will then move to the Science Atrium in the Pope Science Building. Asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 will also move to that location at that time.
Please utilize the sign-up form provided to make an appointment to receive your vaccine. The form is also accessible from the UVU homepage.
We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to get your free vaccination. By protecting yourself, you are also protecting the UVU community and helping us resume normal activities.
Sincerely,
Robin Ebmeyer
Director of Emergency Management, Environmental Health, and Safety
Colleagues,
This past year has brought many changes to UVU. Thank you for your dedication and hard work during this time. We have seen many exceptional results throughout the university because of your efforts, care, and resilience.
Prior to the pandemic, we formed a task force to help us enhance our culture of trust by shifting to more remote work. As I announced in Talk with Tuminez today, a more permanent process is now in place.
By providing an option for either part- or full-time remote work for many positions, we help support Governor Cox’s A New Workplace: Modernizing Where, How and When Utah Works and show exceptional accountability with our resources. This will offer more flexibility and help with traffic, parking, and office space on campus.
Utah’s workforce is rapidly changing. Allowing additional remote work options will position UVU as a leader, which helps us acquire and retain the best possible faculty and staff. Thanks to our Digital Transformation division, many tools have been put in place to support more remote work.
If you have a desire to work remotely, please start a conversation with your supervisor to discuss if your position is approved to work remotely. Additional information on this process and agreement can be found on the Remote Work page in myUVU. For more detailed information, register for one of the trainings that will begin on April 23. The agreement will be available to fill out beginning May 1.
I want to thank Vice-Presidents Linda Makin and Val Peterson, our HR leadership, and everyone on the task force for their exceptional results in setting us up for a culture shift in how we work.
With warm regards,
Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez
President
Utah Valley University
Exceptional Care, Exceptional Accountability, Exceptional Results
Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Governor Gary Herbert announced a new COVID 19 response system, which took effect last Thursday. The state has moved from a color-coded restriction system to a level of transmission system that designates each county as at a high, medium, or low transmission level. It’s based on the following data:
Counties that meet two of three criteria of case rates, positive rates, and ICU utilization will be moved to the appropriate transmission level. Counties may move from lower to higher transmission levels weekly, but those ranked as high transmission areas will remain at that level for two weeks. Reporting will occur every Thursday.
How does this impact Utah Valley University?
We will match the new high, moderate, and low categories, corresponding with our directives found in red, orange, yellow, and green statuses. Our model was created in conjunction with state and local health departments and the system of higher education. It is more specific to our campus but aligns with the state’s new guidelines.
Movement from one level to another will change restrictions such as mask-wearing, physical distancing, social gatherings, etc. Utah County is currently categorized as a high-transmission area. UVU has monitored public health metrics during the pandemic and will continue to do so. We can all help our county move to a lower level by being proactive, wearing masks, social distancing, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding contact with others when sick. We also request students and employees fill out the self-reporting form, whether ill or exposed, as this helps us mitigate clusters of the virus and make care recommendations. Controlling campus spread keeps our campuses open.
With highest regards,
Robin Ebmeyer
Director of Emergency Management and Safety
Utah Valley University
Dear Colleagues,
Like you, we are watching the spike in COVID-19 cases in Utah, and particularly in Utah County, with concern. We remain committed to the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. We are working closely with both state and local health departments daily to determine appropriate protocol.
CAMPUS SAFETY GUIDELINES:
Remember, we need to “Stay Safe to Stay Open,” so please continue to be vigilant in following health and safety guidelines.
GUIDELINES SHOULD SOMEONE TEST POSITIVE:
During this time of uncertainty, we understand there may still be questions regarding appropriate actions if you test positive to the COVID-19 virus, or it is detected in your area.
Please follow these procedures:
If someone in your area becomes ill
If someone you live with or have close contact with becomes ill
What happens next?
We hope this guidance clarifies procedures and assists you in your efforts to continue to deliver a quality experience for our students who are relying on all of us to provide a safe, productive, and supportive campus environment. Thank you for your tremendous efforts and exceptional care.
Sincerely,
Wayne Vaught
Provost
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Val Peterson
Vice President of Finance and Administration
Refer to the HR COVID-19 Archive for the full list of COVID-19 employee related communications. Please note COVID-19 communications are dated, and may no longer be relevant to the current COVID-19 situation. Please visit the Return to Campus website for campus updates.
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve, the safety and well-being of our UVU colleagues continue to be at the forefront of our thoughts.
It is important to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and/or uncertainty is normal when dealing with unusual circumstances that are out of our control. Maintaining good mental health can help you and your family better cope with COVID-19 and the uncertainty it is creating. HR Benefits has compiled a list of resources available to help you during this uncertainty.
Current information regarding medical and pharmacy benefits related to COVID-19 can be found under COVID-19 Documents.
COVID-19 testing is covered at 100% in-network and out-of-network for covered employees if medically necessary and ordered by a physician. Testing is not covered by insurance for personal travel. Refer to the Intermountain Healthcare testing locations or call Mountain Point Medical Center in Lehi. It is encouraged to call ahead to see if testing is advised or available. On Campus testing for students, faculty, and staff is free and can be scheduled on UVU's testing page.
For additional questions contact the Human Resources Benefits Office.
Sick employees should refrain from coming to campus if feeling sick. If illness is due to COVID-19 symptoms, an employee might be requested to quarantine. Please review the Current COVID-19 Quarantine/Isolation Process for guidance on if quarantine is recommended. Employees can also fill out the COVID-19 Self Reporting form and a contact tracer will reach out to discuss next steps.
UVU provides eligible employees with Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) for authorized situations related to COVID-19 in accordance with UVU Policy 369 Emergency Paid Sick Leave. Employees will need to enter their own accrued paid leave for additional leave needed beyond the approved Emergency Paid Sick Leave. Please see Policy 361 Leave of Absence.
As of October 1, 2021, UVU will no longer provide Emergency Paid Sick Leave. Employees will need to use their own accrued leave time, as per Policy 361 Leave of Absence, to cover any time missed due to COVID-19 situations. If an employee does not have any leave time accrued, leave due to COVID-19 will be unpaid.
If you believe that you may qualify for accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are encouraged to contact Human Resources at 801-863-8207 concerning your rights and obligations.
REMOTE WORK AGREEMENT FORM uvu COVID-19 Self-REPORTING FORm for illness or exposure Returning to work after illness or exposure FORM RETURN TO CAMPUS INFORMATION
Please see additional resources and forms below under "UVU Employee Resources."
Office of Information Technology (OIT)
UVU Emergency Information (uvu.info)
Centers for Disease Control COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 - Preventing Spread in Communities
Center for Disease Control COVID-19 Travel Guidance
Department of Labor Family First Coronavirus Act
Utah Department of Health COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control Quarantine Video
Centers for Disease Control Isolation Video
Policy 360: Family Medical Leave Act
Policy 152: Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
UVU COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form for Illness or Exposure
Returning to Work after Illness or Exposure Form
EAP & Additional Resources List