UVU COVID-19 Update: Classes, Events, Travel

   

Attention: For the latest coronavirus summary, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

For the latest from UVU on the coronavirus, go to the UVU Safety coronavirus website. For UVU’s full plan, click here.

Faculty, for assistance in transitioning your courses online, visit the Academic Continuity webpage.

UVU FAQs by topic:
Employee FAQ
Events FAQ
Travel FAQ
Faculty FAQ
Students FAQ

 

Dear University Community,

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a serious but manageable threat to our community and state. As leaders of Utah Valley University, and in coordination with the Governor’s Office and the Utah System of Higher Education, we are taking thoughtful and deliberate action regarding COVID-19. Our primary objective is to protect your health and safety, especially those who are most vulnerable to this illness.

The following actions are being taken to slow the spread of the virus, while maintaining our mission to provide an exceptional educational experience. We understand that implementing these decisions will not be without challenges, but we are committed to the well-being of those we serve.

 

  • UVU is now at Code Yellow Alert

There are no recorded cases of coronavirus among the UVU community, but due to current circumstances within Utah we are raising the level of alert to Code Yellow. All campus locations remain open while practicing social distancing. For up-to-date information about alert status, protective measures, and communication about COVID-19 contingency plans, please visit uvu.info.

 

  • Classes

Effective Monday, March 23, Utah Valley University will begin offering most of its current face-to-face courses in an online format (Canvas) for the duration of spring semester, including final exams. Faculty are asked to begin that transition immediately. Online courses will continue uninterrupted. To allow transition time, modified courses will resume no later than Wednesday, March 25. Faculty will remain available for online consultation with students. Faculty must communicate their plans via Canvas announcements by March 18. If you have questions or concerns, send an email to [email protected].

Faculty: For guidance and answers on how to move your classes online, please refer to the Office of Teaching and Learning. OTL will offer multiple training opportunities, including Canvas, Microsoft Teams, and Kaltura video recording. View training times and sign up for a spot. If you desire additional training, please contact OTL. Expect more detailed information from Faculty Senate President Anne Arendt in an email that will follow. Exceptions to online instruction may exist where classes require technical, hands-on, or laboratory instruction. Your dean, in consultation with Academic Affairs, will make decisions on which courses will continue to meet face-to-face.

Students: Please log in to Canvas and check announcements to determine if your courses are being taught online or within the usual classroom setting. Instructors will post the status of each course by Wednesday, March 18, in Canvas announcements.

 

  • Events, Conferences, and Gatherings

Effective Monday, March 16 through Friday, May 1, all university-sponsored events, conferences, and large gatherings are postponed or cancelled. Additional information will be forthcoming before that deadline. Visit uvu.info for more.

No decision has been made regarding Commencement 2020 and related activities at this time. Expect more information regarding end-of-semester activities via email, Canvas, and uvu.info.

 

  • Travel

All non-essential university-related travel, whether domestic or international, must be cancelled immediately through May 1, 2020. All study abroad and other educational programs that require travel after May 1, 2020, are currently under review. Visit uvu.info for more.

 

  • Faculty and staff expectations

At this point, all UVU campuses will remain open. All faculty and staff should continue to work as scheduled.

 

  • High-Risk Employees
    Those with elevated risk should work with Human Resources (HR) and supervisors for appropriate accommodations. Supervisors will consider job duties and individual circumstances when approving or assigning employees to telecommute. For more information, please visit the UVU HR Coronavirus (COVID-19) Employee Guide.

 

  • Campus Services
    All campus services will remain open, except for the testing center, while exercising necessary precautions. Visit uvu.info for more.

 

  • Performances

Effective Monday, March 16, all performances at The Noorda and all other performing arts venues are cancelled through Friday, May 1.

For the most up-to-date information regarding performances at the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, visit The Noorda’s website. You may call the center’s Box Office at (801) 863-7529 for ticket information.

 

  • Athletics

All Western Athletic Conference (WAC) competitions are cancelled until further notice. For updates and to continue following Wolverine sports, visit gouvu.com.

 

Students, we understand that our responses to COVID-19 dramatically disrupts your academic year, social aspects of your college experience, and schedules. We are empathetic to these concerns, but are taking these measures to protect you and those you care about. We appreciate the additional efforts our faculty and staff will make to ensure that, despite these trying circumstances, our students receive the best education possible. We are also grateful for our hardworking staff and their assistance in the implementation of these measures and the support provided to our university community.

We understand these changes and the uncertainty created by COVID-19 may have an impact on the emotional and/or mental well-being of some individuals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shared resources regarding mental health and coping. Students may seek assistance through UVU’s Student Health Services if needed. Employees may seek help through the Employee Assistance Program.

Our campus is a welcoming environment, a tight-knit community of people who genuinely care for one another. It is within our mission to ensure the success of each of you. We know that while physical distance is necessary at this time, together we will endure this unique challenge.

Sincerely,

 

Astrid S. Tuminez
President
Utah Valley University

Wayne Vaught
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Utah Valley University