May 21, 2021
Dear RVU Family:
Nationally, COVID-19 cases have risen 1.79% from last week. Reported positive cases in Colorado have increased 1.25% over last week and cases in Utah are up .57%. These numbers are very similar to what was reported last week. During this week’s meeting, the CRT approved two policies (noted below) to help move the RVU Community closer to normal. The sooner our employees and students become vaccinated, the sooner we can remove our masks and see everyone’s smiling faces!
Save the Date
The next CRT Town Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16th at noon. An invitation will be sent out shortly. This employee-focused meeting will include important information regarding the reintegration process and moving forward to Phase Green in light of the updated CDC guidelines.
Vaccines
Nationwide 47.9% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 35.4% have been fully vaccinated. In Colorado, 51.1% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 39% are fully vaccinated. Forty-three percent of Utah’s population has received at least one dose and 28% are fully vaccinated. Currently, 57% of our student body is fully vaccinated. RVU employee vaccination compliance is at 58% for Utah and 56% for Colorado. In recognition of the revised CDC guidelines, the CRT determined that masking and physical distancing restrictions will be lifted on-campus when 85% of our students and employees achieve full vaccination status. Let’s get ‘er done!
If you haven’t been vaccinated and don’t have a medical or religious exemption: Students and employees who still aren’t vaccinated and who intend to get one of the two-dose vaccines, must start that process quickly as we are nearing the deadline for compliance. Members of the RVU Community who have not yet received their vaccination may do so at our vaccine clinic (remember the clinics are also open to the community, so please invite friends and family to make an appointment as well). In Colorado, the Rocky Vista Health Center is still available to administer your COVID-19 vaccine. Slots are now open for the dates of May 26th and June 3rd. To register, visit www.rockyvistahc.com, and invite your friends and family as well! The Utah vaccine clinic has suspended its vaccines for the next week or two due to a lack of demand. The RVU Community will be notified as additional dates may be added in the future.
If you have been fully vaccinated, please ensure you upload your proof ASAP. Employees upload their proof of vaccine on the iNet: Log in to the iNet, go to Faculty and Staff tab, then Forms. Complete the Proof of Vaccination Form located under the COVID-19 Related Forms section. The form is found here. Employees seeking a vaccine accommodation for religious or medical reasons may access the applicable forms on the iNet. They can also be found in the COVID-19 Related Forms section here as stated above. Please contact the HR Department with any questions.
Students are to upload a copy of the vaccine record at the SentryMD site found here. If an exemption for medical or religious reasons is needed, please complete the exemption form found at the bottom of the page at Rocky Vista University | Sentry MD.
Policy for masks and social distancing for fully vaccinated employees and students
Upon the implementation of Phase Green on July 1, 2021, or at the time that 85% of our RVU Students and Employees achieve full vaccination status, (whichever comes first) masks and social distancing will no longer be required for fully vaccinated employees and students who have provided proof of vaccination.
Policy for group meetings
As of June 1, 2021 - Group meetings are permitted in formalized, enclosed meeting spaces without masks and social distancing when all in attendance are fully vaccinated and have uploaded proof of vaccination. Masks and social distancing will continue to be required in common areas until Phase Green.
The CRT is developing a process to easily identify those who have uploaded their proof of vaccination (additional information will be released shortly).
For information on how to protect yourself and others after you have been fully vaccinated, please see the CDC guidelines here.
We look forward to sharing additional information with you at the upcoming CRT Town Hall as we work together to achieve a less restrictive environment while maintaining safety for all.
Professionally yours,
The COVID-19 Response Team