Early Bird

Latest on Covid-19 and campus operations

COO Larry Sampler discusses new fall-return planning tool, updated mask protocols and changes to vaccination-site operations.

By Larry Sampler, chief operating officer

May 13, 2021

Dear Roadrunners,

As we move even closer to the fall semester, important decisions are being made with regard to health, safety and on-campus operations. Thank you for your patience and partnership as I and leaders across the University work to keep you informed and prepared.

To reach as many employees as possible, I ask for your help in spreading the word about the following tools, resources and important announcements.

Operations webpage and planning tool

The Roadrunners Safe Return committee has worked diligently to help all employees in their preparation and planning for a phased return to campus. Today, we debut the new Roadrunners Safe Return Operations webpage, which outlines guiding principles and a clear timeline, as well as the Department Planning Tool.

Per the May 6 email from President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., the high-level return-plan section of this document must be completed by May 26, submitted by each office or department to the appropriate vice president or associate vice president and emailed to Edward Brown, chief of staff, Office of the President.

Mask update

Pursuant to the State order, masks will not be required in:

• Per Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, masks are required indoors. However, masks are not required in indoor settings with nine or fewer people regardless of vaccination status. Masks are also not required in controlled indoor settings, such as an office that does not serve the public or a private event, of 10 or more people where 80% of the individuals have shown proof of vaccination. As we expect these protocols to evolve, please check the Safe Return to Campus website often.

Vaccination-site update

The 5^th Street Garage Covid-19 vaccination site has moved to an open-scheduling format and is open to all Auraria Campus constituents and community members ages 12 and older.

The clinic will continue to offer the two-dose Pfizer vaccine. Anyone seeking their first shot will be required to schedule their second shot. Individuals who received a first dose of Pfizer elsewhere can request their second dose at the 5^th Street Garage vaccination site.

Additionally, the 5^th Street Garage Covid-19 vaccination site now has expanded hours.

• Monday – 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tuesday – 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Wednesday – 8 a.m.-5 pm.
• Thursday – 8 a.m.-5 pm.
• Friday – 8 a.m.-5 pm.
• Saturdays – 8 a.m.-5 pm. (during June and July)

Please note that the hours listed may vary as some second-dose clinics are scheduled outside of posted hours.

ITS return-to-campus support schedule

Beginning May 31, Information Technology Services staff members will be available on site to assist departments with technology needs and questions related to the return to full on-campus operations. If you do not see your department or office location listed on the schedule, please contact the ITS Service Desk at 303-352-7548 to ensure that your department is included. 

Monday Town Hall

For information about the upcoming return to on-campus work and operations, please attend the Fall 2021 Return to Campus Employee Town Hall on Monday. The discussion will cover University-specific health and safety information as well as logistics, alternative work arrangements and more.

Attendees are also invited to submit questions in advance. There may be limited time for a live Q&A session.

Fall 2021 Return to Campus Employee Town Hall

Monday

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Watch via Livestream.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about our Safe Return to Campus, please reach out through this form or via email at roadrunnersafereturn@msudenver.edu.

Sincerely,

Larry Sampler

Vice president for Administration, Finance and Facilities and chief operating officer