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.
Boulder County indoor mask mandate
Boulder County Public Health enacted a new indoor mask mandate at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3. Masks are now required indoors in public spaces throughout the county of Boulder. The new order applies—regardless of vaccination status—to persons age two and up. This does not change the current mask requirement on campus.
CU Boulder mask requirement
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.
If you see someone not wearing a mask, 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 an individual from wearing a mask.
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.
CU Boulder experts give scientific update
Roy Parker, Director of the BioFrontiers Institute, and Kristen Bjorkman, Director of Interdisciplinary Research at the BioFrontiers Institute, provide a scientific update presentation on the status of the delta variant in the United States, takeaways from the latest data on vaccines and breakthrough COVID-19 cases, and how the campus is approaching its sustainable response to the pandemic.
Vaccination requirement deadline Sept. 15
The deadline for all CU Boulder students, staff and faculty to complete the COVID-19 vaccine requirement process is Wednesday, Sept. 15. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 spread and protect yourself and your loved ones. There are two ways to complete the vaccine requirement:
- Provide proof of vaccination.
- Complete the vaccine exemption process.
Those who complete their requirement by the deadline will be entered into a drawing with a chance to win multiple different prizes. Winners will be contacted directly by Health and Wellness Services the week following the drawing. Click the requirement instructions below to learn more.
How to complete the requirement
- Vaccine requirement instructions for faculty and staff.
- Vaccine requirement instructions for undergraduate and graduate students.
If you have only the first Pfizer or Moderna shot by Sept. 15
Although you will not be in compliance until you receive both doses, we recommend you upload your vaccination card before Sept. 15 and then again when you have completed the requirement.
If you fail to meet the deadline:
- Students who fail to meet the deadline will be charged a fee and will be unable to register for spring classes.
- Faculty and staff who fail to meet the deadline will be subject to disciplinary actions, potentially up to and including termination. For faculty and staff in a merit-eligible position, future merit could also be withheld. Note: If you are on an extended leave of absence, you will be given time to comply when you return before disciplinary actions are considered.
Vaccination compliance notification process
You will not receive a confirmation until your submission is verified. Every submission is verified, which can take approximately 7 to 10 business days. You will receive an email if Medical Services confirms you met the requirement or if there is an issue with your submission. Note: Students will not receive a confirmation until all vaccination requirements have been met, not just the COVID-19 vaccination.
Local COVID-19 vaccination opportunities
Medical Services is providing free COVID-19 vaccines to CU Boulder students, staff and faculty. Drop-in vaccine clinics and appointments are available at Wardenburg Health Center:
- Dates: Aug. 30 to Sept. 17.
- Times: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments can be scheduled through the MyCUHealth portal. Medical Services is currently administering the Pfizer vaccine.
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.
COVID-19 testing
COVID-19 testing on campus is open to all CU Boulder undergraduate and graduate students through the Public Health Clinic. Asymptomatic faculty and staff may be eligible for on-campus Public Health Clinic testing based on certain criteria. Symptomatic faculty and staff are not eligible to be seen at the Public Health Clinic and should schedule an appointment with their personal medical provider.
Free COVID-19 testing is also available in several locations in Boulder County.
What to expect if diagnosed with COVID-19
Employees
An employee who tests positive should receive resources from their county public health office. You can also connect with the Public Health Office on campus (303-735-0017 or contacttracing@colorado.edu). We encourage employees to disclose the diagnosis with their supervisor to facilitate sick leave requests. Employees can also connect with leave@colorado.edu to understand how to implement the directives from contact tracing. COVID-19 leave information can be found on the COVID-19 HR Processes page.
Students
When you have a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result, connect with the Public Health Office (303-735-0017 or contacttracing@colorado.edu). They will ask you about your symptoms, health concerns, possible exposures and current situation. The case investigator will provide you with a timeline for isolation and recommendations based on your situation, as well as other resources as needed to support you and those around you.
Reminder: There are no isolation spaces on campus because COVID-19 vaccinations are widely available and CU Boulder has a vaccination requirement. COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19, including the delta variant. We also recommend all roommates discuss challenging topics and create a roommate agreement. 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.
Study spots on campus
Reserving study spaces is no longer required; however, you always have the option to do so if you so choose. Visit Find Your Study Spot for more information.
Fall 2021 reminders
Student Emergency Fund
The fall 2021 application for the Student Emergency fund is open. The Student Emergency Fund provides support to CU Boulder students experiencing a crisis that could adversely affect their semester. The intent of the funding is to support students experiencing a temporary financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
The funds are limited and not intended to provide ongoing relief for recurring expenses. Not all applications will be approved, even if a student meets the eligibility criteria.
Rec Center COVID-19 protocols
Gameday COVID-19 protocols
Regardless of vaccination status, masks are required to be worn in any indoor space at Folsom Field on gameday, beginning with the season opener on Sept. 3.
At this time, there is no general vaccination requirement for Folsom Field at CU Boulder, however as a campus we are strongly encouraging people to be vaccinated when they come to campus. Unvaccinated guests are strongly encouraged to wear a mask during their entire visit to campus, unless they are actively eating or drinking. All patrons should bring a mask with them to campus.
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.
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.
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), through Live Chat 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.
