Thanks to all of you for a job well done during the fall semester.  There were many challenges that each of us had to overcome and many times when the situations caused by the pandemic made our lives and work more difficult than they normally are.  Throughout the fall we persevered, taught our courses, performed our jobs, conducted our research, and completed our semester’s work.  I hope that the winter break gives you an opportunity for rest, relaxation, and joy during the holiday season. 

The University closes on December 24, 2020, and reopens on January 4, 2021.  During that time, the Faculty/Staff Clinic reminds us to make certain that we follow up with our primary care provider or community clinic for assistance if we develop symptoms over the break.

During the time that the university is closed, you are not required to complete Healthcheck.  However, starting in January, all faculty and staff are expected to complete Healthcheck every three days, regardless of whether one is working remotely or on campus. For the staff and faculty who return on January 4, 2021, you are expected to begin completing Healthcheck on Monday, January 4, 2021. For faculty returning for the start of classes on January 13, 2021, you are expected to start completing Healthcheck on or before Wednesday, January 13, 2021.  Please remember to stay home and not come to campus if you are ill.

For faculty and staff, there will not be any re-entry testing for spring semester.  There are no restrictions on who may come to campus during spring semester.  Therefore, all faculty and staff may come to campus, even if you are working remotely. Currently, we are planning to include all faculty and staff in the sentinel testing pool during the spring semester. Sentinel testing for faculty and staff will start toward the end of January.  When you are called upon to take part in sentinel testing, please participate if you possibly can.  Your participation will help our university keep safe and healthy.

The Return to Campus website https://www.uah.edu/return-to-campus has been updated for spring semester.  The checklist for faculty, staff, and students describes what is required of us for re-entry for spring semester. The checklist is also attached for your information.

We look forward to seeing you upon your return to campus.  Best wishes to you for a safe and healthy holiday season.