As the university moves forward with a more traditional semester for fall 2021, the safety of UW students, faculty, employees and staff remains a top priority.
The fall semester plan, approved by the UW Board of Trustees, implemented safety precautions including mask requirements, strong encouragements to receive the vaccine and mandatory COVID testing for students and employees before returning to campus.
Random sample testing will continue during the school year and applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Requirements for wearing masks indoors will be upheld until at least September 20. Careful surveillance on case numbers and vaccines will determine if these requirements need to be extended further into the school year.
A mandatory education seminar on COVID-19 is also part of the fall 2021 plan to increase safety awareness on the virus.
UW student Taylor Graham said that extending the mask mandate throughout the entirety of the school year would be a more thorough safety precaution and that she practices several safety measures on campus.
“I wash my hands often, I wear my mask indoors and in crowded areas, and I avoid large groups indoors and socially distance,” Graham said.
The fall 2021 plan will provide more in-person experiences for students, including classes, student engagement activities and athletic events.
“I think students can still attend outdoor events, but refrain from gathering in large groups indoors,” Graham said.
According to UW’s campus return website, six main steps to take to stay healthy this year include getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, washing hands, staying home if feeling sick, complying with required testing, and reporting vaccinations.
In terms of student wellness, the University Counseling Center will provide support for all students both in person and over the phone. Student Health Services will remain open on campus as well.
Half Acre Gym will also remain open to students and adhere to mask requirements.
Students and other members of the UW community can stay up to date on UW’s COVID-19 news at the following link: https://www.uwyo.edu/alerts/campus-return/covid-news.html
If you have not read the full fall 2021 plan, you can do so at the following link: https://www.uwyo.edu/alerts/_files/docs/uw-fall-2021-plan_final_8.16.21.pdf
