Dear UVU Community,

Today, Governor Gary Herbert moved the cities of Orem and Provo to the orange (moderate restriction) level for COVID-19 effective Wednesday, September 23, at 11:59 p.m. This action was taken to curb the escalation of both the number of COVID-19 cases and the percentage of positive test results in these communities.

With the shift to the orange phase, we want to remind you of the state parameters and what it all means for our campus.

Student course delivery:

Under the state’s orange level criteria, campuses may remain open for some level of in-person instruction. Our face-to-face courses were already compliant with orange-level guidelines, which include reduced room capacity, social distancing, required masks, contact tracing, and regular cleaning, according to CDC recommendations. Contact tracing is occurring for students, faculty, and staff who are self-reporting positive COVID-19 test results, and individuals who may have been exposed are being contacted.

Work schedules:

Supervisors continue to have the authority to approve remote work or alternative work schedules through the end of the calendar year for employees who have completed the Temporary Remote Work Agreement.

Facilities and events:

Our facilities will remain open with the same hours of operation. We will continue to adhere to the state’s event guidelines and encourage all those involved in planning or participating in campus events to review the guidelines for the orange phase.

As COVID-19 circumstances evolve, the FAQs listed on the Return to Campus and Fall 2020 webpages will continue to be updated for your information and resource.

We remain in close collaboration with state and local health officials and are constantly monitoring cases and safety on campus. We are at a critical point in time when the behavior exhibited while off campus will impact what we can offer on campus. We again implore you to follow the recommended health and safety guidelines. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings, and if you become ill, stay home. If you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, please get tested. If you receive a positive test result for the virus, please notify campus by submitting a COVID-19 Self Reporting Form for Illness or Exposure.

We share the governor’s hope that we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and return to the yellow phase, and eventually the green phase. Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and dedication during this unusual time.

 

Sincerely,

Wayne Vaught
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Val Peterson
Vice President of Finance and Administration