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.
COVID-19 dashboard
The COVID-19 dashboard has been updated for the fall 2021 semester. Diagnostic testing results will continue to be updated on the dashboard. In general, dashboard information is updated by 8 a.m. with results from the previous day of testing.
COVID-19 monitoring testing information has been removed as monitoring testing ended on Aug. 6. Isolation information has been removed as campus isolation spaces are no longer available.
COVID-19 vaccine requirement data have been added to the dashboard. The information will continue to be updated as the university is in the process of collecting and verifying COVID-19 vaccine information from students, faculty and staff in advance of the Sept. 15 compliance deadline.
FDA fully approves Pfizer vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. The FDA continues to approve emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines. The FDA grants EUA approval for vaccines after extensive safety analysis. The FDA determined that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in minimizing risks to public health.
For those who were waiting to get a COVID-19 vaccine until it was formally approved, you can get a Pfizer vaccine through CU Boulder Medical Services at a drop-in clinic or by making an appointment.
Medical Services vaccine clinics
Wardenburg Health Center will host drop-in vaccine clinics—open to students, staff and faculty—during the following days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no charge for the vaccines and appointments are not necessary.
- Monday, Aug. 30
- Tuesday, Aug. 31
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. Appointments are not required. Masks are required when inside the bus.
- Aug. 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).
** Please note hours have changed based on low turnout rates.
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.
Action required by Sept. 15: Submit 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 the vaccine exemption process.
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 multiple different prizes. Click the requirement instructions above to learn more.
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. To access the Daily Health Tracker, click “Get today’s Buff Pass.” If you have not used the feature before, you will be prompted to update your contact information first.
Fall 2021 Reminders
Masks required in public indoor spaces
CU Boulder requires masks in public indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status. Read more about the temporary masking measure. Find more answers to frequently asked questions by faculty and staff.
Form available for requesting mask exemptions
The Public Health Office is the resource for requesting mask exemptions. Mask exemptions will be granted 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 CU Public Health Office. A form is available for individuals and departments to submit exemption requests.
What to do if you see someone not wearing a mask
You can politely remind people of the mask requirement or point out nearby signage. Please do not force anyone to wear a mask. There are necessary exceptions in place. The best way to prevent COVID-19 spread is to get the vaccine; masks are a supplemental measure to help ensure we can maintain in-person operations.
Follow Public Health Office guidance
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 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.
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.
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: Why are there no isolation spaces on campus?
A: COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19, including the delta variant. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available and CU Boulder has a vaccination requirement. We also recommend all roommates discuss challenging topics and create a roommate agreement.
Q: My roommate has COVID-19 and there are no isolation spaces. What are my resources to ensure I do not become ill?
A: In addition to having discussions with your roommate(s) in advance about how you’d like to handle illnesses (of any type), you can contact Contact Tracing for information on how to proceed if you feel you have been exposed to COVID-19.
Q: If the CU Boulder campus vaccination rate is not high enough, will there be more restrictions?
A: The campus monitors vaccination rates and infection rates, however restrictions on campus operations would be most likely due to changes to local conditions or public health orders.
Q: Why are masks not required in common areas in dorms?
A: Residence halls are controlled-access facilities and not considered public indoor spaces due to the nature of the facility. Residence halls are considered private homes. We encourage anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask to do so.
Q: I’d like to report someone not wearing a mask. How can I do so?
A: In most instances, the person has forgotten or has an approved exemption. You can politely remind people of the mask requirement or point out nearby signage. Keep in mind that there are medical reasons that may prevent someone from wearing a mask.
Q: I have some remote classes this semester. Is this because of COVID-19?
A: Most classes this semester are in-person. There are classes, mostly larger lecture-style classes, that are remote this semester. Many students said they like having the option to take online classes to increase flexibility and accessibility. Increased online and remote class offerings will continue as part of the standard course options for students.
