Honoring Healthcare Workers

Last night, first responders including federal and local police, fire departments and other law enforcement officials held a procession on campus. The motorcade, planned by University of Colorado Police, saluted hospital staff, with a display of lights and sirens, on a route that passed by UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center. The Fitzsimons Building was lit up blue for the event, which served as a special tribute to the healthcare providers and workers on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.

Commencement Plans

Spring commencement will take place virtually, with the main ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 22, at 9:30 a.m. In addition, the School of Medicine, CHA/PA Program, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Colorado School of Public Health and Graduate School will hold virtual recognition events May 21 and 22. The College of Nursing and School of Dental Medicine will hold in-person ceremonies later in the year. Details on celebrating the Class of 2020 can be found on the spring 2020 commencement website.

Remote Working Extended

Yesterday, we announced an extension of remote working past April 30, lasting until further notice, for those non-critical faculty and staff currently approved to work remotely. For many, this may extend into the summer months, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Clinical faculty should check with their clinical supervisors.

Gradual Research Reconstitution

Plans are underway for a gradual, phased reconstitution of select research activity on campus, starting with a pilot next week of a limited group of representatives from some of our research cores and support services. Those included will be contacted, and a formal approval process is in place for all research activity. A committee has been working to ensure robust health and safety protocols are operationalized prior to any on-campus activity, and a comprehensive Return to Campus training course in Skillsoft will be required prior to reentry for anyone invited back to campus for onsite work.

Campus Resources & Reminders

• Summer Courses: Students should plan to continue remote learning through the summer months; those with clinicals or other in-person course requirements will be notified of alternative plans by their school or college.
• Summer Events: All university-sponsored in-person events and official functions are suspended through at least the end of August, including on- and off-campus activities and gatherings. Questions may be directed to events@cuanschutz.edu. 
• New Mental Health Series: Mind the Brain: Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19 is a new series launched by the Department of Psychiatry to address mental health topics and the psychiatric aspects of the pandemic. The department’s COVID-19 Support website also contains resources and tools.
• Mental Health Support:
  • The Student and Resident Mental Health team is here for students, residents and fellows. Call 303-724-4716 or email smhservice@ucdenver.edu.
  • The Office of Case Management is here to ensure students have access to the resources and support they need to maintain safety, health and well-being.  
  • The Phoenix Center at CU Anschutz is a free and confidential resource for students, faculty and staff affected by interpersonal violence and abusive relationships.
  • Faculty, clinicians, PRAs and staff can call the Well-Being Support Line at 303-724-2500 for guidance and resources.
• COVID-19 Research Funding Opportunities: You can find known research funding opportunities related to the novel coronavirus on a website updated daily. 
• COVID-19 in Colorado: Find the latest updates from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, as well as links to resources, FAQs and ways to help, at covid19.colorado.gov.

In addition to these Friday afternoon updates, we will continue to send communications as the rapidly changing situation warrants. Please visit www.cuanschutz.edu/coronavirus for the latest information.