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:

• Stay home if you are ill. Employees experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not come to work. UVU provides a generous leave policy for full-time employees, and we encourage you to use your accrued leave to recover from illness.
  If you need to quarantine because of exposure to COVID-19, we encourage you to work with your supervisor to allow temporary remote work.
• Masks are encouraged on campus. We can no longer require them by Utah 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.
• UVU will continue COVID-19 testing and administering the vaccines into the fall and most likely throughout the academic year. Any vaccine mandate is under the control of state and local officials.
• State legislation passed in 2021 requires us to be at a minimum of 75% capacity in terms of face-to-face courses offered this fall relative to the number offered during fall 2019. That means a majority of our students will be on campus and in need of our support.
• If you cannot work in a face-to-face environment because of health-related concerns, you must seek accommodation through HR.
• We will continue monitoring classes, programs, and buildings as we did last year to help mitigate the spread of the virus. You will be notified if you have been exposed on campus. Those who are not vaccinated may be required to quarantine.
• Cleaning protocols put into place to keep our environment safe will continue. We encourage you to continue to keep practicing good health hygiene and utilizing the hand sanitizer stations.
• Domestic travel is back open per normal guidelines. International travel is based on current situations both here and at your destination. Please work with your supervisor to determine if university-related travel is an option.
• As always this is a fluid situation, so things can and probably will change. We will be in touch on a regular basis.

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

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:

• 97% of those who are becoming ill right now have not been vaccinated.
• 99% of those who are currently hospitalized have not been vaccinated.

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

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

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

• Those traveling in UVU or personal vehicles on UVU business are encouraged to carpool with other vaccinated individuals and do not need to wear a mask.
• You do not need to be tested for COVID-19 before or after travel.
• UVU employees and students are expected to comply with all national, state, and local safety guidelines — such as wearing a mask over your nose and mouth where applicable on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation.

    Not vaccinated

• It is recommended that those traveling in UVU or private vehicles wear a mask and practice social distancing.

• Those traveling overnight must be tested for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their trip and tested again upon their return. (There is no longer a requirement to quarantine.)

• UVU employees and students are expected to comply with all national, state, and local safety guidelines — such as wearing a mask over your nose and mouth where applicable on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation.

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

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

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.

• The CDC updated its guidelines for individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. According to the new protocol, those who have been vaccinated can resume activities without wearing a mask or socially distancing, where allowed by law and business regulations.
• Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced state employees and visitors to state buildings would no longer be required to wear a mask as of May 15.

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

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

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:

• 7-day average percent positivity (how many people out of 100 test positive)
• 14-day case rate per 100,000 population (how many people test positive)
• Statewide ICU utilization, two parts:
• ICU occupancy overall 
• Percentage of ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients 

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 in your class, area, or department becomes ill or thinks they have been exposed to COVID-19, they should complete the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form for Illness or Exposure.
• If someone (student or employee) is ill, instructors or supervisors should ask them to leave campus.
• Continued social distancing and masking precautions are very effective measures that lower the risk when interacting with people at work.
• Employees (full time and part-time) are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources to discuss leave options if needed.

If someone you live with or have close contact with becomes ill

• If someone you live with or have continued close contact with becomes ill or tests positive, you have likely been exposed and should stay home. Employees should notify their supervisors and complete the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form for Illness or Exposure.
• Close contact is defined by CDC as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. (updated to new CDC definition Jan  2021)

What happens next?

• Departments should not shut down on their own if someone is ill, or if a co-worker was exposed to someone outside of the department who is ill. Instead, instructors or supervisors should send the affected individual home. Ask them to complete the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form for Illness or Exposure. Consult with Robin Ebmeyer, director of emergency management and safety, and the dean or AVP of the affected area to make an action plan. It is essential to continue to provide services, but ensuring health and safety remains the first priority.
• If someone in an area, department, or office recently tested positive for COVID-19, let Custodial Services know, and they will conduct deep cleaning. The classrooms are thoroughly cleaned every night. 
• UVU’s Contact Tracing Team will review self-reporting forms, and a representative from the team will contact these individuals and any who meet the criteria of close contact with more information. 
• Completing these forms helps the university identify and notify other students, faculty, and staff who may have interacted and possibly exposed. No identities will be revealed. This is one way to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep UVU open. If close contact occurred with someone who tested positive, the contact tracers will notify the respective individuals and give specific instructions. 
• If a student receives an email stating someone in their class has tested positive, this is informational and provided to help them make their own action plan. 

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.