We Are Roaring Back This Fall |
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We are excited to welcome back our students and employees for another academic year! Over the past several months, the Roaring Back Committees have been preparing for the reopening of our campus for in-person instruction. Recently, changes have been made to our campus guidance with the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in mind. This situation will continue to be monitored by the University Health Committee, and we will remain flexible and adapt as needed
For in-depth information and ongoing updates throughout the semester, please visit the Roaring Back website. We appreciate your continued commitment to the safety of our Bengal family, and wish everyone a healthy and successful fall semester.
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COVID-19 VACCINE
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The fastest, surest, and safest way to end the pandemic is the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe, free, and widely available. More information about where to receive the vaccine on one of our campuses is available online.
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Four hours of paid vaccine incentive leave is available to all University employees, including student and temporary employees, who are actively employed and complete (or have completed) their vaccination on/before November 30, 2021. This deadline has been extended since the initially announced deadline of August 31.
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A student incentive program has been launched to encourage vaccinations. More information about the program is available online. This incentive program is being fully funded using CARES Act money provided to Idaho State by the federal government.
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OPERATIONAL LEVELS
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The University’s Operational Levels have been revised and simplified for this academic year. The metrics will be reviewed and updated weekly, and any changes in operational levels will be communicated to campus via ISU email. The University also revised and updated the metrics for determining operation levels as we have learned more about the COVID-19 virus and how it is spread. As of August 18, the University is operating in Level White.
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FACE COVERINGS
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In order to best support in-person instruction and events, Idaho State has recently adopted a face covering requirement. Face coverings are required indoors for all individuals––regardless of vaccination status––unless alone in a private office or workspace. This requirement for indoor spaces will be reviewed every two weeks and removed as the local COVID-19 situation improves. This decision mirrors updated CDC guidance and is necessary to protect the health and safety of our entire campus community.
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Printable face covering posters are available for departments to print and display in their area. Facilities Services is coordinating the effort to add updated signage at all building entrances, exits, and classroom doors.
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FACULTY RESOURCES
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In addition to this communication, Academic Affairs has recently distributed guidance and supportive information for instructors more specific to the classroom environment.
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The mental health and wellbeing of our students is important. Please consider sharing Idaho State’s counseling services options with your students using these statements in your syllabi.
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COVID-19 SYMPTOMS OR EXPOSURE
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If you are feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms or had exposure to an individual with COVID-19, please stay home and do not come to campus. Report all COVID-19 symptoms or exposures to the University Health Team using the self-reporting form. A member of the University's Health Committee will contact you to provide supportive guidance for your particular situation, and recommend actions related to quarantine, testing, and contact tracing as needed.
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Resources are available to the campus community for asymptomatic screening or symptomatic testing.
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TRAVEL
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University-sponsored travel guidance has been updated to incorporate new CDC guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Non-essential and essential travel may continue using pre-COVID travel approvals.
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REMOTE WORK
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Employees requesting full-time, part-time, or flexible remote work when the request is not based on a medical or disability-related circumstance should discuss the request with their supervisor, and complete the Application for Remote Work in accordance with ISUPP 3120 Telecommuting (Remote Work) Policy.
- Supervisors are encouraged to support employee requests for remote work arrangements for positions well-suited for a remote work setting. Please contact Human Resources if you wish to discuss a particular position or situation.
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MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
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Transitions back to school for our faculty, staff, students and families can be stressful. If you or your family members are feeling overwhelmed, please remember that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all benefit-eligible employees for up to five visits per family member, per year. Students seeking support should be advised to reach out to Counseling and Testing Services.
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All members of the campus community are encouraged to regularly visit and review the content available on the Roaring Back website. As needed, future updates will be shared with students, faculty, and staff. If you have any specific questions that are not already addressed, please contact any of the groups listed below. |
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Thanks for all that you do to support our students and the continued success of our educational mission. |
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This communication was sent to Idaho State University faculty and staff.
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