Chancellor’s Message, Critical COVID-19 Guidance, Boosters, Thank You Wall & Food Pantry

December 30, 2021

Please check your CU Anschutz email and our website over the holidays for potential vaccine booster requirement details and campus updates as COVID-19 conditions continue to shift rapidly.

A MESSAGE FROM CHANCELLOR ELLIMAN
An Update on COVID-19 & Campus Operations

As we ring in 2022 together, we want to provide an update on the impacts of the continued spread of COVID-19 on our campus operations. 

As of last week, the highly transmissible omicron variant was responsible for 90% of cases in the state, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The state's seven-day testing positivity rate as of yesterday was an incredible 15.51%.

In our last COVID-19 update, we strongly recommended that CU Anschutz employees consider working remotely through January 9, if not already doing so, with your supervisor’s approval. We reiterate that recommendation now as we strive to minimize unit-level presence on campus. If you must come to campus, please remember wearing a mask indoors and following distancing guidelines continue to be required on campus, and if you have symptoms, please stay home and test. 

We know many of our students are returning to coursework in the coming days and weeks. We are deeply committed to keeping our educational mission on track while also safeguarding the health of our campus community. Students, you will receive guidance from your school, college or program in the event of any changes. 

Testing remains available at no cost through our partner - COVIDCheck Colorado - at numerous area locations including the APS Professional Learning and Conference Center, located only three miles from campus. While spots have been limited during the holiday weeks, many testing locations have expanded appointment hours and added weekend availability so continue to check the site for up-to-date information. 

The CDC has recently shortened  its recommended isolation and quarantine guidelines ‒ a change made in recognition of most viral transmission occurring early in the course of illness. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the updated guidelines, which we will adopt and ensure you self-report if exposed, symptomatic or test positive. Our contact tracing team will reach out with one-on-one support and guidance. 

We continue to closely monitor the evolving conditions and will update you via email as new information with bearing on our operations and/or protocols becomes available. 

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we assess how best to keep our campus moving forward in the new year.

Don Elliman

Chancellor

Critical COVID-19 Guidance

• Please get your COVID-19 vaccine booster if you haven’t already.
• Get tested as often as needed following exposure and/or onset of any symptoms.
• Follow safety protocols, and please continue to be safe in your gatherings and activities off campus. 
• Academic buildings which include Education 1 and 2 (North and South) remain open for classes. Students wishing to study please use the library. We ask that you study one person per room.

Get Your Booster Shot As Soon As Possible

COVID-19 vaccine boosters provide added protection against waning immunity. 

Schedule your free COVID-19 booster shot today through UCHealth My Health Connection, another medical provider or any vaccine provider. You are eligible if you completed the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series at least six months ago, or if you received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. All Coloradans 16+ are eligible for boosters. Learn more.

It is likely that our campus will soon mandate boosters, so get yours today to ensure you are protected and prepared.

Boosters are an essential tool for preventing serious illness.

• A booster brings your vaccine’s effectiveness level up to more than 75%. Without it, the vaccine’s effectiveness may be as low as 35%.
• Coloradans who have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster are 47.5 times less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than people who haven’t been vaccinated.
• Early studies have shown that booster doses of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) significantly improve the body’s ability to fight off the omicron variant.

Already gotten your booster? Employees can now enter their booster details in the campus vaccine verification system. Log in here to add your booster information today. Ensure you are connected to the VPN if you are logging in from off campus.

Take Part: Virtual Thank You "Wall"

As we close out another year of keeping our mission moving forward amid a global pandemic, it is a fitting time to share gratitude with the members of our community who have made that forward momentum possible.
 
Visit the virtual thank you “wall” to read words of appreciation and encouragement shared by students, faculty and staff. Add your own note of thanks and support as we continue our work to keep #CUAnschutzTogether during these extraordinary times.

Campus Food Pantry Serves Students, Faculty & Staff

The CU Anschutz Food Pantry serves all students, faculty and staff. You may visit for free food, hygiene items and pet supplies during open hours of 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays (closed on CU Anschutz holidays).

There are no restrictions on the number of visits or items taken. The food pantry is located in the University Police building; press the buzzer for access.

Campus Resources & Reminders

• Mental health resources are available on campus and off for members of the CU Anschutz community.
• Students: Have input or ideas for campus leadership? Share them using the CU Anschutz Listens form.
• Keep up with Colorado’s latest COVID-19 guidance.