Early Bird

Latest on Covid-19 and campus operations

COO Larry Sampler provides clarification on mask and distancing requirements and general Safe Return to Campus updates.

By Larry Sampler, chief operating officer

May 27, 2021

Dear Roadrunners,

I am proud to report that the overwhelming majority of faculty and staff have reported that they either have already been fully vaccinated or intend to be fully vaccinated prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Additionally, according to Colorado Immunization Information System data, approximately 60% of MSU Denver students have been vaccinated, compared with 63% of Community College of Denver students and 83% of University of Colorado Denver students.

I again ask all Roadrunners to help ensure a safe and healthy fall semester by getting fully vaccinated. That means completing your first dose (if you opt for a two-dose vaccine) no later than July 1. Students will receive more information on how to verify their vaccination status or request an exemption Tuesday. More information will follow soon for faculty and staff members.

I also value the opportunity to address some vaccine misinformation. RED published an excellent, straightforward article featuring infectious-disease expert Sheryl Zajdowicz, Ph.D., a professor in MSU Denver’s Department of Biology, that addressed a number of Covid-19-related myths. I encourage everyone to read it.

Here are some highlights:

Myth: The vaccines affect women’s fertility.

Zajdowicz: There is no evidence of these vaccines having an effect on women’s fertility.

Myth: I already had Covid and recovered, so I don’t need to get a vaccine.

Zajdowicz: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for individuals who have recovered from Covid-19 to ensure a more effective protective response.

Myth: If everyone around me is immune, then I don’t need to be vaccinated.

Zajdowicz: While the others around you have protective immunity to the virus and may limit the spread, you are still susceptible to contracting the virus, and there is no way of knowing how the virus will affect you (mild illness vs. severe disease).

Myth: Side effects from the Covid vaccines can be dangerous.

Zajdowicz: Some individuals who receive one of the three available vaccines report no side effects other than soreness at the injection site. Many people have reported mild side effects such as pain or swelling at the injection site, headaches, chills, general body aches, nausea or possibly a fever. Severe side effects or allergic reactions are rare.

Required Health Protocols remain in place

As a reminder, all Roadrunners should continue to adhere to Metropolitan State University of Denver’s updated Required Health Protocols.

• 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 CDC, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmentand 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.  

Other updates:

• The University Policy Advisory Council will review the Alternative Work Arrangements Policy at its June 17 meeting.
• The University’s general-events application will once again be available after the City and County of Denver has moved to level clear on the Covid-19 dial.
• Cleaning and heating, ventilation and air-condictioning practices will remain in alignment with CDC recommendations.
• The Jordan Student Success Building’s third and fourth floors will be available without restricted access beginning Tuesday.
• ID access is once again required for Central Classroom and Boulder Creek.
• Starting June 7, the JSSB will be returned to its previous seating and study arrangements.
• Plexiglass will be removed in academic spaces, such as classrooms and labs, over the summer.
• Please reference the recent Budget Recommendation Committee meeting recap for the latest funding updates, including Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding.
• Departments can reference the Information Technology Services support calendar and find workstation support info as they prepare for their return to campus.
• Save the Date for "Managing the Social Stressors Associated with a Return to Campus" on June 9 from 2-3 p.m. More details to come.

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