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 20, 2021

Dear Roadrunners,

Since my last article, the State of Colorado and the City and County of Denver have announced big changes to Covid-19 health and safety protocols. While many have welcomed the relaxed restrictions and the beginnings of a return to normalcy, I know these changes have caused some confusion. I welcome this opportunity to share Metropolitan State University of Denver’s updated Required Health Protocols.

Required Health Protocols

These protocols were developed using updated federal, state and local guidance and have been put into place to protect the health and safety of all Roadrunners. Please consider your own health and safety as well as those of others and remain courteous as we all do our part to keep our community safe.

• Perform a health assessment daily before coming to campus (see below).
• Do not come to campus if you have any symptoms and/or are not feeling well. Consult a medical professional if symptoms persist.  
• Per updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, we have revised our mask and social-distancing protocols:
• Masks are no longer required for those fully vaccinated; those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated should continue wearing a mask (bandannas and gaiters are not acceptable face coverings).
• Social distancing is no longer required.
• Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently.  

These Required Health Protocols are designed to protect our campus community, but they work only if each and every Roadrunner rises to this moment and continues to take individual responsibility for their health. We must continue to act with a spirit of generosity and courtesy, and that means observing each of the above protocols.

To quote President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., for over 14 months MSU Denver has looked to science to guide our efforts in making our campus community safe. Thanks to that same science and the social responsibility of our Roadrunners, we are able to take one more step toward a full return to campus.

President Davidson’s words echo those of Gov. Jared Polis, who last week said, “The pandemic is not yet over, but if you are vaccinated, it is largely over for you. This is a matter of personal responsibility.”

Other updates:

• Auraria Campus food vendors have updated their summer hours.
• See when Information Technology Services professionals will be assisting your department with return-to-campus tech issues.
• See updated hours for the 5^th Street Garage vaccination clinic.
• See the Safe Return to Campus webpage for updated FAQs not covered in last week’s Town Hall.
• Watch the Town Hall recording to learn more.

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