UA’s Fall 2021 Operations Plan

UA COVID-19 Update IconBelow is the content (complete with links) of an email sent to all UA faculty and staff on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, discussing the university’s expectations around UA’s return to classes in the Fall 2021 semester.

REL faculty and staff have taken the risks of COVID-19 very seriously since early in 2020 and we hope that all students, as they return to campus, comply with the various requirements and recommendations outlined below.

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The University of Alabama System released today its Fall 2021 Operations Plan. In accordance with the System plan, The University of Alabama updated its COVID-19 plan with guidelines for Fall 2021. Widespread utilization of the life-saving COVID vaccine has helped UA officials plan for our Fall semester experience. Every member of our campus community is strongly encouraged to be vaccinated to keep you and our campus safe and Protect Our Herd

What’s Required

  • All faculty, staff and students must report COVID-positive test results to the UA COVID-19 Support Program, follow required instructions, and isolate in accordance with public health guidance.
  • Unvaccinated individuals who test positive or who have known exposure to COVID-19 must quarantine/isolate in their legal residence.
  • In the event of a suspected increase in exposure at a specific location or among an identified group, unvaccinated individuals in those locations/groups are required to take part in “for-cause” testing.
  • Masks are required in clinical settings.

What’s No Longer Required

  • Faculty teaching in-person classes are generally not required to offer online options for students.
  • Reentry or sentinel testing, COVID-19 training, physical distancing and masks (unless in a clinical setting) are not required.

Recommendations

  • Students, faculty and staff should report vaccines received off campus to help UA better plan for the semester. Participating students will receive a reward (details to come as they’re available). Any false reporting of vaccine status will be considered a code of conduct violation.
  • Unvaccinated individuals are expected to protect the campus community by continuing to wear masks indoors and practice physical distancing wherever possible.

Acknowledgements

  • All faculty, staff and students must comply with the health and safety guidelines. Failure to comply with guidelines may subject individuals to disciplinary actions.
  • There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any place where people are present. Participation in on-campus activities, programs, work and events may expose individuals, especially those who are unvaccinated, to a risk of contracting COVID-19.
  • The UA System Health and Safety Task Force will remain active and continue to monitor data on campus and in the community. The health and safety guidelines are subject to change.