Campus COVID-19 Weekly Update

Oct. 8, 2020 @ 4:52 p.m.

To keep our community safe and supported this fall, we will be providing weekly updates on COVID-19-related news, resources, announcements, and more. You will also find these updates in our weekly CU Denver News e-newsletter.

For Everyone

Spring Classes Update

To prepare for the likelihood that the public health situation will not have significantly changed, we are planning for the spring semester to look very much like the current one, with a mix of in-person, remote, online, and hybrid courses.

Spring registration opens on Monday, Nov. 2, and we hope that students will sign up for classes that are taught in formats that meet their needs and comfort level. Learn more in a campuswide email.

Get Your Flu Shot

We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to get a flu shot this season. Under the Affordable Care Act, if you have insurance you are able to get a flu shot for free. For those who don’t have insurance, the Health Center at Auraria is offering free flu shots on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m. Appointments are required and need to be made by phone (303-615-9997). Members of the campus community must wear masks, practice social distancing, and follow health and safety protocols.

As a reminder, we are entering flu season, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between the common cold or other illnesses and COVID-19. If you’re sick, please stay home. During this time, it’s essential to practice good hygiene. Continue to wash your hands, wear your mask indoors and outdoors if you’re coming to campus, and practice social distancing.

December 2020 Commencement Update

We will virtually celebrate the class of 2020 on Saturday, Dec. 12. Details on how to view the ceremony will be shared with the graduates by the week of Dec. 7. In the meantime, please review the virtual celebration details and take steps to register to participate in the ceremony.

Report COVID-19 Symptoms or Positive Tests

You must self-report your status if you fall into any of the following groups. This is especially important in enabling us to monitor the impact of COVID-19 within the community and beyond.

  • You believe you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
  • You have had prolonged contact of 15 or more minutes, in close proximity of 6 feet or less, with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19.
  • You are under quarantine or isolation by direction of a public health agency or medical provider, and/or awaiting test results for COVID-19.
  • You have been informed by a public health agency or a medical provider that you have tested positive or are presumptively positive for COVID-19.

If you fall into any of these groups, please take the following steps.

  1. Let the head of your unit know immediately (or your professor, if you’re a student).
  2. Do NOT come to campus
  3. You must follow CDPHE guidance   and self-quarantine for 2 weeks if you have had prolonged contact of 15 or more minutes, in close proximity of 6 feet or less, with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19.  If you have a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19, you must isolate and follow  CDPHE guidance
  4. Contact the Auraria Health Center   at 303-615-9999.

If you know someone who needs support or are concerned about something happening in regards to COVID-19, submit a referral form  to get assistance.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing

Faculty, staff, and students who are interested in an asymptomatic COVID-19 test may sign-up for an appointment through our $10 self-pay site. 

Mental Health Resources

Caring for our mental health during these challenging times is essential. CU Denver and the Auraria campus offer a number of resources to support students, faculty, and staff in addressing their mental health needs, as well as training opportunities for how to help others. 

For everyone: 

  • Coronavirus Consultation: If you are experiencing undue stress or anxiety, or sense any type of discrimination to your presence on campus, but do not have any symptoms associated with COVID-19, we encourage you to call the Health Center at Auraria to talk to a medical professional or counselor. Simply call 303-615-9999 and indicate that you would like to schedule a “Coronavirus Consultation”. There will be no charge for this visit.
  • Lynx Connected: Free Suicide Prevention Training & Mental Health First Aid certification (free for students, $30 for CU Denver faculty / staff)
  • 24/7 Crisis Support for all: Utilize the Colorado Crisis Services by calling 1-844-493-8255 or texting “TALK” to 38255.
  • Well-being resources for CU Denver: YOU@CUDenver

For students:

  • Counseling Center: Counseling therapy is free and available to CU Denver students at the Counseling Center. The Counseling Center is currently offering virtual telehealth sessions. Call 303-315-7270 to schedule an appointment. For after-hours support, call 303-615-9911.
  • Free online training: You Can Help a Friend 

For faculty and staff: 

Daily Attestation Update

We continue to see roughly 950 people complete health check-ins each day of the week. As a reminder, every morning before coming to campus you should take your own temperature and then complete a daily health attestation.

For Students

Student Work Spaces

As a reminder, there are approximately 420 work spaces available for students on campus. Check out the computer labs in North Classroom (NC-1207, NC-1003, NC-1005), and use the EMS scheduling system to find and reserve a space on campus to Zoom into classes.

If you haven’t already, make sure to request an EMS account as soon as possible to start reserving spaces. Visit OIT’s Student Labs and Printing webpage for hours and locations

  • 69 centralized computer stations with drop-in and reservable options through the EMS scheduling system
  • 56 centralized landing zones without computers
  • 233 school/college computer seats

Students who need more than three hours, which is the maximum time allowed at the reservable spaces, may use open public spaces, with safe distancing in place, at the atrium of the North Classroom Building and the Auraria Library. 

Students who request a mask exemption at a student work space for medical reasons must contact the Disability Resources and Services. 

For Faculty and Staff

October Virtual Town Hall

Faculty and staff are invited to join Chancellor Marks and other CU Denver leaders for a virtual town hall on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., where they’ll discuss equity action steps, leadership searches, resources for employee self-care, budget, plans for spring semester, and next steps following the chancellor’s listening tour.

Register for the town hall, and submit questions by Monday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m., or ask them at the event.

Employee Survey Update

About 30% of all CU Denver employees, for a total of 740, responded to the survey on well-being and support. To validate and review the data, and identify some potential solutions, focus groups will be held for faculty and staff the week of October 19. If you would like to participate in one of these focus groups, please email Shelby.Vue@ucdenver.edu.

Save the Date for State of the Campus Address

This year's State of the Campus address will be conducted virtually on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m. More information will be shared in a later announcement.

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