UCCS will continue its phased reopening of campus buildings as the next step in the university’s Returning Stronger Together plan begins July 27. As more individuals begin to visit campus in accordance with department plans, new resources are available for faculty, staff, students and visitors to review for a safe and healthy environment.
Face coverings and masks are part of larger health and safety efforts at UCCS in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Protect the Pride principles to maintain safety for students, faculty, staff and visitors, the following guidelines are in place for anyone coming to campus:
- Everyone will be required to wear a face covering, mask or shield, with limited exceptions.
- Take a self-screening survey before going to campus.
- Faculty and staff will need to take the Skillsoft course “CU: COVID-19 Return to Campus-UCCS” before returning to campus for the first time.
- If signage is needed for an area, a series of signs are available for download at covid19.uccs.edu.
“Protecting the Pride is our utmost priority this semester,” said Chancellor Venkat Reddy. “The continued ability of our students, faculty and staff to safely pursue their goals rests on our commitment to doing our part to keep our campus safe. The reason I wear my mask, wash my hands and watch my distance is because I care about their safety, and the safety of our entire Mountain Lion community.”
UCCS required anyone visiting campus to wear a face covering before Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a 30-day statewide mandate starting July 16. While the mandate is scheduled to expire before classes begin Aug. 24, UCCS will continue to require coverings on campus for the fall semester.
The UCCS Student Code of Conduct will be updated and available on the Dean of Students website before the semester begins with expectations specific to public health orders. Compliance for faculty and staff will follow existing procedures with Human Resources for workplace expectations.
Failure to comply with new campus guidelines or the Student Code of Conduct regarding personal protective equipment, such as masks and face coverings, may result in one or more of the following measures: written warning, removal from class, disciplinary probation, suspension and/or expulsion from the university through the Office of the Dean of Students.
How will UCCS enforce public health recommendations for face coverings or masks?
There are two options available to faculty and staff when encountering anyone in non-compliance: instruct the person to the nearest mask distribution location and pick up a mask for free and return to class or work, or leave campus.
If someone refuses to leave, contact UCCS Police at (719) 255-3111 to report the disruption and request assistance. Or, if the disruption occurs in the classroom, the instructor may cancel the class session entirely.
If the person is a student, as soon as time allows, report the student to the Office of the Dean of Students via email or phone at (719) 255-3091. Be sure to include student first and last name, and student ID number if possible. Additionally, follow any departmental/college guidance and report to appropriate parties, like the department chair or associate dean.
Individuals unable to wear a face covering or mask for medical reasons may request to wear a face shield instead. Students can submit a public accommodation request through Disability Services, and employees can contact Human Resources for disability accommodations or Institutional Equity for protected class accommodations.