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.
Federal COVID-19 vaccine requirements
President Joe Biden’s newly announced federal actions on COVID-19 vaccine requirements for businesses do not include higher education. At this time, there are no changes to the university’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement process. CU will continue to monitor any potential impacts on university operations and requirements. CU is not requiring COVID-19 testing at this time.
Monitoring booster information
As national discussions on COVID-19 vaccine boosters continue, the university will continue to monitor the latest information.
Governor Jared Polis provided an update this week on Colorado’s response to the pandemic, including the state’s plans to provide boosters once they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, the state of Colorado advised vaccination providers to offer third doses to immunocompromised individuals in mid-August. To break down barriers to immunocompromised Coloradans getting their third dose, the state has made it so Coloradans can self-report their conditions, including stating they have a weak immune system due to age and preexisting conditions. A third dose of the vaccine allows the immunocompromised to achieve the same level of protection from the COVID-19 virus that healthy people have with two doses.
Campus infrastructure mitigation efforts
While vaccination now offers the greatest protection against transmission of COVID-19 in, many mitigation measures at campus facilities are continuing this fall as an added precaution. This includes the mitigation measures employed in all our campus buildings for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to maximize airflow, filtration and outdoor air. Enhanced cleaning measures will also continue. Read more about infrastructure mitigation efforts.
Vaccination requirement
The deadline for all CU Boulder students, staff and faculty to complete the COVID-19 vaccine requirement process was Wednesday, Sept. 15. Please see the instructions below on how to provide proof of the vaccination or complete the vaccine exemption process to complete the vaccine requirement:
- Vaccine requirement instructions for faculty and staff.
- Vaccine requirement instructions for undergraduate and graduate students.
If you submitted your first dose information by the deadline:
- Get your second dose in the necessary time frame and submit the information to Medical Services.
- You will need to submit information on the second dose within the applicable timeframe to meet this requirement.
- If you do not submit information on your second dose, you will be considered not in compliance with the requirement.
Missed the deadline?
- Students: Submit your information as soon as possible. You will have a fee assessed and a hold on spring 2021 registration. Complete the requirement to have the hold removed.
- Employees: Submit your information as soon as possible. Employees who do not complete the requirement 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.
For the latest vaccine requirement data for students and employees, please visit the COVID-19 dashboard.
Vaccination compliance notification
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 from immunizations@colorado.edu when 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 student vaccination requirements have been met, not just the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
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.
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 students can schedule an appointment through the MyCUHealth portal. Symptomatic students will need to meet with a provider to assess symptoms and provide the best care and tests for their situation.
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.
If a student notifies you of a diagnosis
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
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
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.
Boulder County indoor mask public health order
Masks are required indoors in public spaces throughout the county. The public health 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.
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.
