Weekly updates will be available at CU Boulder Today for at least the first six weeks of the semester. Information will continue to be shared on the campus COVID-19 information page.
Action required by Sept. 15: Submit COVID-19 vaccine info
The deadline for all CU Boulder students, staff and faculty to complete the COVID-19 vaccine requirement process is Sept. 15, 2021. There are two ways to complete the vaccine requirement:
- Provide proof of vaccination
- Complete a vaccine exemption
How to complete the requirement:
- Vaccine requirement instructions for faculty and staff
- Vaccine requirement instructions for undergraduate and graduate students
Note: Those who complete their requirement by the deadline will be entered into a drawing with a chance to win many different prizes. Click the requirement instructions above to learn more.
Masks required in public indoor spaces on campus
CU Boulder requires masks in public indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status. Read more about the temporary masking measure.
Mask requirement FAQs for faculty and staff
Frequently asked questions from faculty and staff regarding the mask requirement and more have been updated and published on the Human Resources webpage.
Form available for requesting mask exemptions
The Public Health Office is the resource for requesting mask exemptions. Mask exemptions will be made based on a clear and compelling need in alignment with public health guidance. All exemption applicants will need to complete a risk assessment conversation with the Public Health Office. A form is available for individuals and departments to submit exemption requests.
Boulder County Public Health urges mask use indoors
On Aug.11 Boulder County moved into high transmission, which is the highest level of transmission of COVID-19 under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) transmission tracker. The CDC recommends that all individuals, including vaccinated individuals, wear masks indoors in public in counties with substantial or high transmission. Read more from Boulder County Public Health.
Buff Pass continues to be available
The option to use the Buff Pass health questionnaire continues to be available while the application undergoes updates. Visit the Buff Pass webpage to log in.
Reminders from the Public Health Office
Review information from the Public Health Office for students, staff and faculty members who will be providing in-person opportunities including classes, events, programs and other activities that involve gatherings of people (any size). Important reminders include:
- Encourage students, staff, faculty and non-CU affiliates to stay home if they are feeling sick or have COVID-19-like symptoms.
- Adhere to public health guidance and policies.
- Opt to have events, programs and gatherings outdoors when possible.
Campus vaccine clinics through Sept. 10
CU Boulder students, staff and faculty can receive a free Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine through one of the following mobile clinics on campus. The clinics will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (hours may be extended based on assessment and need). Appointments are not required. Masks are required when inside the bus.
- Aug. 19 and 20 at 1669 Euclid Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Aug. 23, 24, 26 and 27 at 510 30th St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (hours may be extended).
- Sept. 7, 9, and 10 at 1669 Euclid Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (hours may be extended).
Additional vaccination clinic options can be found at Boulder County's COVID-19 vaccines webpage and Colorado’s find out where you can get vaccinated webpage.
Case investigation and contact tracing
CU Boulder’s Public Health Office will continue to provide COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing this year. Any person who tests positive on campus will have an investigation conducted within one day. Based on case investigation and contact tracing, the Public Health office will provide guidance on quarantine and isolation as well as any classroom management, if appropriate.
Please follow official public health guidance provided by the Public Health Office or local authorities; do not create your own. Visit the Public Health Office webpage for information on contact tracing, quarantine and other guidance.
Fall 2021 Reminders
COVID-19 testing
COVID-19 monitoring testing ended Aug. 6. Diagnostic testing is available for free by appointment through Medical Services. If you have had a known exposure and/or are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, you are encouraged to get tested.
Campus facilities
Enhanced cleaning protocols remain in place for the fall semester, including supplying classrooms with disinfectant wipes. We are continuing with mitigation measures for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) that maximize airflow, filtration and outdoor air.
Building access
Campus building access will emphasize safety and building security while still providing convenient access for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
How to Stay Informed
The Buff Info team is available to answer questions on a wide variety of topics related to CU Boulder, and help faculty, staff, students and parents connect with the appropriate campus office for additional information or assistance as needed.
Buff Info liaisons can be reached at 303-492-INFO (4636) or via email at buffinfo@colorado.edu, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The university will extend these hours when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I require a mask to be worn in my private office?
A: The campus requires facial coverings or masks to be worn in all indoor public areas. Everyone who uses or visits a shared office space (including cubicles, research labs, huddle spaces, etc.) will need to be masked. Requests for exemptions can be directed to the Public Health Office. Those who have private offices may wear masks and may request that visitors wear masks, including posting signage with that request if desired.
Q: Can I designate my private office as a public space?
A: If another individual enters a private office, the office owner can decide that designation based on business needs. Examples may be advising, counseling or office hours.
Q: If I sit in a group of cubicles, do I have to wear a mask?
A: Yes. If you are in a publicly accessible space and not in a private office, masks will be required.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions by faculty and staff.
