Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Happy New Year, and welcome back to UVU.

We are looking forward to a healthy and productive semester. During the holiday break, we have been monitoring the current cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant in our community and coordinating with our local health agencies. With a continuing focus on the safety and well-being of our campus community, we wanted to provide some updates and reminders of our safety protocols and procedures that remain in effect during spring 2022.

“Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather.” — Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC director

 

On-site testing and vaccinations

Free vaccinations

Vaccination provides the greatest opportunity to limit the risk of COVID-19 and maintain a relatively normal campus experience this semester. Vaccination and booster shots will continue to be offered during spring semester 2022. We encourage everyone to utilize this free benefit for your protection and allay the disruption caused by illness from the virus.

Free COVID-19 testing

Regardless of vaccination status, we encourage all students and employees to test for COVID-19. Free testing is available on the second floor of the Sorensen Student Center above the Grand Ballroom. Those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to utilize drive-thru testing located in the L-10 parking lot on campus. As a reminder, on-campus testing appointments are available only to students, faculty, and staff.

It is vital for the health of the campus community that those who test positive report their illness and isolate according to CDC recommendations. Instructors and supervisors are asked to be flexible with those who are sick. Even if only mild symptoms are experienced, those who are ill are asked to stay away from campus.

Ongoing classroom monitoring

UVU will continue monitoring classes, programs, and buildings for exposure and illness to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Instructors and students may be contacted if case counts hit a “trigger point,” and classes may be moved online at that time. Students diagnosed with COVID-19 should isolate. A class may move to remote delivery only if a specific trigger point is met.

Masks strongly encouraged

Masks are strongly encouraged at UVU and will be available, as a courtesy, at locations throughout campus on the first day of the semester. By Utah state law, masks are currently not required. Please be respectful of an individual’s choice regarding this topic. If you feel unsafe in an unmasked environment due to health concerns, it is acceptable to ask those around you to wear a mask.

Exposed to COVID-19

If you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you will need to fill out the self-reporting form and quarantine according to CDC guidelines. If you develop symptoms during your quarantine period, please get tested.

Feeling sick? Stay home

Students enrolled in face-to-face classes who test positive for COVID-19 or develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should not physically attend their courses until they have passed their isolation period. As in fall 2021, in most cases, face-to-face classes will be recorded and made available to students via Canvas. Students are encouraged to check with their instructors regarding the availability of this option or other accommodations offered.

Faculty members should also prepare to conduct classes online or plan for course coverage during isolation if they become ill with COVID-19.

We encourage staff to work directly with their supervisors if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for the virus.  

In summary, please do not come to campus if you are symptomatic.

Other safety measures

The university continues to provide enhanced air filtration throughout campus buildings, and cleaning protocols remain in place to ensure a healthy environment. We encourage everyone to continue to maintain personal healthy hygiene habits to prevent illness.

The health and safety of our campus community continue to be our top priorities as we provide a flexible and high-quality learning environment for our students.

We will keep you posted on any necessary changes. For more information, visit the UVU COVID-19 page.

We appreciate your cooperation and are pleased to see you all back at Utah Valley University.

Sincerely,

Wayne Vaught
Provost
Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

Val Peterson 
Vice President of Administration and Strategic Relations

Robin Ebmeyer
Director of Emergency Management and Safety

Hilary Hungerford
Faculty Senate President

Beka Grulich
PACE President