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COO Larry Sampler shares more information on proof of vaccination for employees and efforts to reach unvaccinated students.

By Larry Sampler, chief operating officer

August 12, 2021

Dear Roadrunners,

On Wednesday, Metropolitan State University of Denver put out a series of important communications regarding vaccine verification and testing for students and employees. I understand this was a lot of information to digest, but I encourage you to read communications carefully.

Information for all employees

Provost Alfred Tatum, Ph.D., and I sent an email to all employees outlining next steps and requirements with regard to submitting proof of vaccination by next Wednesday. We have tried to make the submission process as simple and straightforward as possible using the same encrypted, credentialed system already used by Human Resources, and I want to thank the HR team for its efforts. Acceptable forms of vaccination proof include a picture of your vaccination card (front side only), a snapshot of your vaccination card using the MyColorado App on your smartphone, or a downloaded copy of your vaccination record from the Colorado Immunization Information Database.

Please understand that if you plan to work on campus and you remain unvaccinated and you refuse Covid-19 testing and/or wearing a face covering, employee action will be taken up to and including separation from MSU Denver. Deans or supervisors will provide one written warning with a reminder to comply with the testing protocols before any disciplinary sanction.

Information specific to unvaccinated students

On Wednesday, some students received a specific communication from Braelin Pantel, Ph.D., associate vice president for Student Engagement and Wellness/Dean of Students. This communication was distributed to students who, according to data from the Colorado Immunization Information System, have not yet been fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and are enrolled in at least one class that meets on the Auraria Campus for the fall semester. It also included a link for students who were vaccinated outside of Colorado and/or whose vaccination records do not appear in CIIS for whatever reason to upload proof of their Covid-19 vaccination.

The communication outlined three options for students, prioritizing vaccination but also allowing the option for mandatory weekly testing or a move to online-only courses. It reiterated that students are required to schedule and participate in weekly testing if they remain in on-campus classes and do not become vaccinated. Unvaccinated students who fail to comply with the required testing will be held accountable through the University’s Student Code of Conduct. Non-compliant students will be restricted from being on campus (following a warning notification) and faculty teaching students in on-campus classes will be notified of such restrictions. The Dean of Students Office will manage this process.

More information

As we have also had questions regarding Covid-19-related leave reporting, I encourage you to visit  Human Resources’ explainer on the Health Families Workplace Act and Public Health Emergency Leave. This document includes a number of helpful FAQs, but please contact Amanda Berry, director of Total Rewards, for concerns that are not addressed in the document.

Please also stay tuned for upcoming communications on campus operations and how to report and manage positive cases of Covid-19 on campus.

Finally, because I can’t say it enough, please continue to be patient and kind with one another. There is light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel, but ensuring a safe and healthy fall semester requires individual responsibility for the good of our greater community.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about our Safe Return to Campus, email roadrunnersafereturn@msudenver.edu.

Sincerely, 

Larry Sampler 

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