Chancellor's Message, Commencement Plans, Safety Protocols, Vaccines, Self-Reporting, Testing, Masks & Events

May 19, 2022

A Message from Chancellor Elliman

Staying Safe as COVID Conditions Shift

As you may be aware, COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise in Colorado and in many parts of the country. The latest report from the Colorado COVID-19 Modeling Group, led by our own Colorado School of Public Health, projects 500 or more hospitalizations in Colorado by mid-June. The report also forecasts a likely continuation in the upward curve of cases in our state as the highly transmissible BA.2.12.1 omicron subvariant becomes predominant.

On our campus, the number of self-reports has tripled since this time last month, and the test positivity rate and number of confirmed cases have grown exponentially. Many have been surprised by a positive test result, given their adherence to CDC vaccination and booster guidelines. Others have attributed symptoms to other potential causes such as seasonal allergies, flu or the common cold ‒ only to find out they have COVID-19. 

Given current trends, we are implementing temporary measures to celebrate commencement activities safely. We are also taking this time to share reminders on the standing protocols in place on campus to help safeguard the health of our community. 

Celberating Spring Commencement 2022 Safely

As we celebrate our graduates at Spring Commencement 2022 on May 26 and May 27, we will welcome thousands of family members and loved ones to our campus. All attendees have been asked to be vaccinated at the time of the commencement events, and livestreams will be available for those unable to attend in person.

In an abundance of caution, we will ask that all students, employees and campus visitors involved with commencement activities wear masks when indoors over the course of those two days. This decision was made with the concurrence of the deans. A limited supply of masks will be available at the building entrances, and guests are encouraged to bring their own mask if possible. Signage will be posted to ensure all are aware of the temporary mask requirement. 

In addition, all of our commencement ceremonies and activities will take place outdoors. The Graduate School ceremony originally planned to take place in Ed 2 South on Friday, May 27, will now take place at the Central Green, located across Montview Boulevard from the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Strauss Health Sciences Library buildings. More information will be coming soon to those participating in the Graduate School ceremony.

Thank you for helping us safely send off our spring graduates as they embark on their careers.

Campus COVID-19 Protocols & Reminders

As COVID conditions evolve, it is important to stay vigilant. Please take a moment to reacquaint yourself with campus protocols and safety measures.

• Ensure you stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
• Stay home and self-report if you have symptoms or feel sick, test positive or may have been exposed. Even if you think your symptoms may not be COVID-related, err on the side of caution.
• Take advantage of free COVID-19 testing through our partner COVIDCheck Colorado or other testing options.
• Consider wearing a well-fitting mask and physical distancing when indoors, in crowded spaces or in the company of others who may prefer to take these precautions.

Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself and your community. We will continue to assess our protocols against changing conditions, and we will update you via email of any further updates. 

With your help, we will keep #CUAnschutzTogether and moving forward.

Sincerely,

Don Elliman

Chancellor

Stay Updated on Vaccines & Boosters

Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines by getting recommended boosters is one of the best ways to protect yourself from severe illness. Check the CDC’s guidelines to ensure you are up to date on the vaccines and boosters for which you are eligible.

The CU Anschutz vaccine requirement remains in place, and COVID-19 boosters are highly recommended for all eligible students and employees. Individual units, programs or schools may require boosters depending on specific circumstances.

Know the Symptoms, Stay Home & Self-Report When Sick

The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely case by case, and sometimes mimic symptoms of seasonal allergies, flu or the common cold. 

Regardless of vaccination status, err on the side of caution. If you feel sick: stay home, self-report your status and get tested for COVID-19. Our contact tracing team will follow up with support and resources.

You can help protect others by staying vigilant and taking the right steps when you become ill.

COVID-19 Testing Options

Many free COVID-19 testing options are available for you and members of your household, including testing through our partner COVIDCheck Colorado at numerous area locations. Individuals with an approved COVID vaccine exemption from the campus are still required to do weekly testing.

Additional testing options include free at-home tests available through the U.S. Postal Service and convenient testing at community sites across Colorado.

Mask Reminders

Masks are not currently required of vaccinated and boosted individuals* on campus ‒ except when in clinical environments or when otherwise required by a specific unit, program or school. While not required, masks remain an effective tool for prevention. 

*All students, employees and visitors involved with Spring Commencement 2022 activities on campus May 26 and 27 are asked to wear masks when indoors as an added safety measure during this large campus event.

• Anyone may choose to continue wearing a mask and is encouraged to do so at their discretion.
• Individual units, programs and schools may implement restrictions including masking and additional protections should they so choose.
  • A printable poster is available for those units, offices or work areas wishing to request masking in their areas.
• When in university clinical environments, vaccinated individuals must wear masks. When in affiliate hospital facilities or other off-site clinical locations, please follow the protocols of that facility.
• Vaccinated individuals who have not received a COVID-19 booster, and unvaccinated individuals with approved exemptions to the campus vaccination requirement, must continue to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing.
• Campus visitors must follow the same mask protocols as students and employees. Visitors who are vaccinated but who have not received a COVID-19 booster, as well as unvaccinated visitors, must wear a mask and maintain physical distancing.

Event Reminders

Events are permitted on campus at this time, and details are available on the campus protocols webpage. 

It is the responsibility of the event organizer to confirm that attendees are fully vaccinated and adhere to campus protocols. Event organizers may ensure vaccination status however they see fit. 

Vaccinated event attendees who have not received a COVID-19 booster, and those who are unvaccinated, must wear a mask and observe physical distancing. 

*All students, employees and visitors involved with Spring Commencement 2022 activities on campus May 26 and 27 are asked to wear masks when indoors as an added safety measure during this large campus event.

Campus Resources & Reminders

• Mental health resources are available on campus and off for members of the CU Anschutz community.
• Online tool FindHelpNow quickly matches you with relevant services and resources when you need them, completely anonymously.
• Keep up with Colorado’s latest COVID-19 guidance.