As the start of the fall semester approaches, the normal excitement of the beginning of a new academic year is somewhat tempered by our safety and health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.  Following the guidance of the UA System Health and Safety Task Force, UAH has put into place specific requirements to help promote the health and safety of our campus community.  The best way for us to keep everyone safe and healthy is for each of us to commit to abiding by the health and safety requirements stated in our interim policy 02.01.71 Safety and Health Requirements for Presence on UAH’s Campus during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Next week we are starting re-entry COVID-19 testing for faculty and staff who are returning to campus after being away for the summer.  Testing will be conducted on campus in Spragins Hall at no charge to faculty, staff, or students. Please watch your e-mail to schedule your appointment for the re-entry COVID-19 test and make certain that you make the appointment sufficiently early so that the results are available before classes start.  The results from the re-entry COVID-19 testing will give us baseline information about the health of our students and those of us faculty and staff who are returning to campus

An easy way to remember all of the things that we need to do to be safe and remain healthy during this pandemic is to follow the attached Re-Entry Checklist for All Students, Faculty & Staff, also available at https://www.uah.edu/return-to-campus. The checklist is divided into two categories: Prior to re-entry and after re-entry to campus. 

Prior to re-entry to campus, we need to

  • Complete applicable COVID-19 testing for faculty/staff who have not been regularly on campus this summer.
  • Complete all required training through Canvas - COVID-19: Basic Safety and Awareness course, Charger Healthcheck course, quiz and attestation statement.
  • Complete Charger Healthcheck, a COVID-19 Assessment Tool to assess if you are safe to return.
  • Employees: Pack up any university technology equipment and any other university materials you took home that will be needed when you return to work.
  • If experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms, do not return to campus. Contact Human Resources for guidance

After our re-entry to campus this fall, we all need to:

  • Use technology for meetings and office hours and minimize face-to-face meetings.
  • Before starting work and before leaving a work area, disinfect the workspace.
  • Wear a cloth mask/face covering at all times when on campus unless you are in a private, enclosed space, or outdoors where distancing requirements are met.
  • Complete the Charger Healthcheck every three days https://www.uah.edu/return-to-campus/charger-healthcheck.
  • Do not come to work or class if you are sick. If you experience any of the COVID-19 symptoms, contact Human Resources.
  • Wash or disinfect hands frequently.
  • Wash or disinfect shared equipment and items in the workplace.
  • Use stairs instead of elevators when possible.
  • Stay at least 6 feet apart (about two arms’ length) from other people at all times.
  • Close doors when working inside a private office with a door.

Please keep the attached checklist handy as a frequent reminder of these safety and health requirements. By following these straightforward health and safety directives, we can provide a safe environment and safeguard, as much as possible, the health of our students, our colleagues, our families, and ourselves during the fall semester.

To submit an announcement, contact omc@uah.edu.
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