CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION

As we all return to campus, I want to provide some updates and reminders regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Face coverings are required on campus and social distancing guidelines are still in place.

The Protect the Nest plan has been updated. Every section has been updated or reviewed, and we have even added some new sections. Here are some highlights:

• A vaccine information section was added. It has links to key state and local resources and general information about the vaccination process. This section will be updated as new information becomes available.
• There is a Spring 2021 checklist for students on things they should do to prepare for the new semester, such as making sure your emergency contact information is up to date.
• I ask that everyone (faculty, staff and students) become familiar with the Face-to-Face instructional Guidelines for Spring 2021. It is important that all of us know, understand and follow these guidelines so we can continue to have live classes on campus.

Guidance and information about COVID-19 has been voluminous and rapidly changing in the new year. It is a constant challenge trying to determine how much information to share and when in such a dynamic environment. Our approach to dealing with this challenge is to:

• Have a single source of information available 24/7, which is the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information section of our website. The Protect the Next plan, our COVID-19 dashboard, latest news and an archive of communications are just a few of the things found here.
• Refer to and stay in contact with experts. Many of our communications have links to state and local websites. These sites are constantly updated by the experts and government entities charged with testing, vaccinations and other activities.
• Balance communications so we do not overwhelm our community. Some of you may want more communication and some of you may want less. Know that I, our University's Emergency Response Team and other representatives from the University are meeting or discussing with state agencies and local entities about the safety and well-being of our campus community on a daily basis.

Thank you again for all that you have done and continue to do to keep the Redhawk community safe. I too have felt what has been referred to as “COVID fatigue.” However, we must remain vigilant. Vaccines are now available and being distributed across the country and within our community. I am hopeful and optimistic for the future. For now, we must stay the course and support each other.

I am so glad to have everyone back on campus and excited for the new Redhawks joining us. Let’s have a great semester.

Best,
President Vargas