Aug. 20, 2020
As students begin to return to campus, we look forward to welcoming you back for a COVID-ready fall semester. Campus has not been the same without you!Ìý
In order to remain on campus and have a successful fall semester, faculty, staff, students and visitors all need to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As much as we all wish we could go back to how things were last fall, COVID-19 is not going away soon. In the last week, we have seen universities across the country change plans and shiftÌýto fully remote learning because students were not following health and safety guidelines.Ìý
We have heard from you that you want in person and hybrid classes. The reality is, hosting or attending large social gatherings will jeopardize our ability to maintain an in-person campus environment. This virus still poses significant risks to our community, and failure to take action and follow expectations could lead to increased restrictions on campus and in the city.
We all have a personal responsibility to be diligent in following public health orders - both on and off campus. We want to make sure, as students, that you understand the expectations for the fall semester.
Expectations for the fall semester
Being a Buff means that we are a part of a family and that we look out for each other. We have an individual and collective responsibility to follow campus health and safety policies to keep ourselves and each other safe.Ìý
As a student and a member of the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder community, you are required to:
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Follow .
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Follow the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder COVID-19 Health and Safety Policy.
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Follow university expectations for social and physical distancing while on campus, such as expectations posted in buildings.
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Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth at all times when not in your private residence.
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Follow public health guidelines for events and social gatherings.ÌýÌý
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Follow all city ordinances and state statutes. With , the use and possession of fireworks is banned.Ìý
These expectations have all been added to the Student Code of Conduct, which as a ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ student, you are required to follow.Ìý
Consequences
If members of our Buff family do not wear face coverings, plan large in-person gatherings and parties or fail to follow other health and safety expectations, there will be individual consequences, as well as the potential to return fully remote.
We are partnering with the City of Boulder, the Boulder Police Department, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Police Department and Boulder County Public Health to address these behaviors. When we receive reports, we will take swift and timely action, and use the tools available to us within the scope of the law. This includes enforcing the changes to the Student Code of Conduct when able. Consequences could include educational sanctions, a warning, probation, exclusion from areas of campus such as your classes, and suspension.Ìý
I want to emphasize that serious or repeated violations could likely result in exclusions or suspension. During a public health crisis, we must maintain a healthy and safe environment for all. This is serious.
Alleged violations can be reported through the Ìý
Living and socializing with others
It’s important to do what you can to keep yourself and our community safe - both on and off campus. When it comes to interacting with others outside of your residence, here are some reminders:
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Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth. Whether you’re inside or outside, always wear a face covering if you are within 6 feet of others.
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Distance yourself. At restaurants, ask to be seated away from other parties. If you’re waiting in line at a store, leave space between you and the people around you. Follow the directional signs in buildings, and learn their new traffic flow. Pay attention to store hours reserved for senior citizens and find other times to do your shopping.
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Keep gatherings small. If you decide to meet up with friends, limit the number of people you interact with to ten or less, and ask them to wear face coverings. Plan activities outside and away from others as much as possible, and plan ahead on how to create physical distancing. Do not gather in large groups outdoors or indoors. Get to know your neighbors, as some may be working remotely, or in school online so you will interact with them more frequently, and they may be very impacted by excessive noise.Ìý
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Enjoy the outdoors, safely. If you enjoy being outside, be strategic about your adventures. For example, find trails that allow you to remain 6 feet away from those not in your group, or find times that are less trafficked. Wear a face covering when able, and follow all of the expectations of the area.Ìý
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Wash your hands. Regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.Ìý
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Stay home if you’re sick. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and do not interact with others. Remember to complete the Daily Health Form each day you intend to be on the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder campus.Ìý
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Keep track of who you interact with. If you or a friend does get sick, it is important to participate in the contact tracing process. Keeping a list of interactions will make this easier. Information shared with a contact tracer will not get you in trouble, even if you are afraid you violated policy. Contact tracing is one of the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 when outbreaks do occur.
Following public health orders on and off campus will play an important role in maintaining a safe environment this semester. We believe in you and know that as Buffs you will meet and exceed these expectations! To learn more, visit the Protect Our Herd website.Ìý
Devin Cramer
Assistant Dean of Students
Division of Student Affairs
Editors note: Campus policies and guidance will continue to adapt in response to changing health and safety needs. Please review the COVID-19 Health and Safety PolicyÌýfor the most current information.