2021-2022
The UI will continue to rely on guidance from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the Iowa and Johnson County departments of public health (IDPH, JCPH); the Big Ten Conference; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
UI Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) employees should continue to refer to UIHC regarding operations in health care facilities. To support UIHC’s clinical mission, the UI health care colleges may apply UIHC guidelines to their units for the short-term. UI health care college faculty, staff, and students should follow the guidance from their respective unit.
Campus Life
The university will offer a robust student experience typical of a Big Ten public research university including:
- Primarily in-person instruction
- On campus housing
- Recreation facilities open and accessible
- Fraternity and sorority recruitment
- Face-to-face student organization and club meetings
- Intramural athletic and sport club competitions
- In-person research and internship opportunities
- Big Ten athletics
- Programs and performances, including student performances, at Voxman Music Building and Hancher Auditorium
- An open and vibrant downtown Iowa City
Health and Safety Measures
Face Coverings, Social Distancing, and Vaccines
Wear a mask if you have symptoms, test positive, or are exposed to someone with COVID-19. The Board of Regents, State of Iowa has determined the public universities will not mandate face coverings and that classrooms and other campus spaces will operate at their normal (pre-pandemic) capacity. The university is obligated to follow the guidance of our governing body.
NOTE: UI Health Care has separate face covering guidelines due to patient care. For full personal protective equipment requirements for UI Health Care staff, see The Loop. In addition, the Office of the Vice President for Research has posted guidance for the research enterprise on its website.
The Board of Regents and University of Iowa strongly encourages students, faculty, and staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and subsequent booster, in consultation with their healthcare provider. State law prohibits Iowa’s public universities from requiring proof of vaccination.
Additional information regarding vaccine availability and distribution is available on the vaccine information page.
Cleaning
The UI will continue to follow CDC recommended cleaning procedures.
Employees will be responsible for keeping their own personal work areas clean, and students, faculty, and staff will be responsible for practicing recommended hand hygiene before using items that might be shared by others, as well as cleaning items after use.
Protection for Populations with Vulnerability
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to speak with their health care provider and self-identify if they have concerns regarding a medical vulnerability. Please find additional information in the employee and student experience sections below.
Testing and Isolation/Quarantine
The UI will continue to test symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic individuals with a known COVID-19 exposure in coordination with Johnson County Public Health (JCPH). The UI will only administer tests approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Please find the most up to date information regarding COVID-19 testing:
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinic
Isolation and quarantine:
The university will continue to follow CDC and state and county public health guidelines regarding isolation and quarantine. The UI also will continue to provide isolation space for students diagnosed with COVID-19 who live in residence halls, and space to quarantine close contacts as defined by JCPH.
Academics and the Classroom
The UI will continue to take steps to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for our students, faculty, staff, and community including:
- University classrooms will continue to utilize additional cameras and audiovisual equipment to enhance the educational experience and support virtual learning, if needed.
- Physical barriers, such as clear protective screens between students (and between students and instructors), may be utilized as desired and available.
- Physical barriers, such as clear protective screens between students (and between students and instructors), may be utilized as desired and available.
- While university meetings may take place in-person, the university is prioritizing all spaces for instruction.
University Libraries
Library staff, including student employees, will comply with university and public health guidance regarding density, social distancing, and protective equipment. Online requests for print books and other physical materials will be provided as an additional option for students, faculty, and staff.
The Employee Experience
The Future of Work pilot has been extended to include a spring 2022 phase. Colleges and divisions can continue and/or modify pilot work arrangements through June 30, 2022. Each employee work arrangement for specific remote work, hybrid work, or flexible schedule arrangement—including changes to existing arrangements—will require written documentation. The arrangement must be approved by the employee’s supervisor and org leadership. Additional information is available at https://hr.uiowa.edu/well-being/family-services/workplace-flexibility
Requests for remote work locations outside the state of Iowa will require additional review. Approval will be granted when there is a significant business reason for an individual to perform services outside of Iowa.
Employees with underlying health conditions that may increase vulnerability to COVID-19 exposure or illness should use the pre-COVID-19 evaluation process and contact their local HR representative and Faculty and Staff Disability Services (FSDS).
Self-Reporting of COVID-19 Illness or Exposure:
Stay home if you’re sick and self-report a positive test result, or that you've been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding
- Interviews for open positions may be conducted either in person or virtually.
- New employee university orientation and enrollment in UI benefits is now virtual with additional consultation available through the University Benefits office.
Support for Employees and Supervisors
University Human Resources (UHR) will deliver either in-person or virtual employee consultation sessions on a variety of topics including payroll, benefits, immigration, and recruitment, among other topics.
The following programs are available to support employees, supervisors, and leaders:
- Mental Health Support: Mental health services are available in person or virtually in order to better serve the employees on campus and off.
- Family Services: Childcare resources, guidance, and programs are available to employees and students.
- Supervisors and Leaders: UHR has developed training resources for supervisors addressing engagement strategies, supervision for hybrid teams, performance management, etc.
Faculty/Instructor Guidelines
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Please follow the guidance provided by Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin Kregel for the spring semester.
Travel
Domestic Travel
Effective June 15, 2020, the university returned to normal approval processes for all domestic travel.
International Travel
Effective June 1, 2021, the university returned to normal processes for employees engaging in university-sponsored international travel.
Use and Operations of Campus Facilities, Buildings, and Grounds
UI Facilities Management has implemented the following practices for the 2021-2022 academic year:
- FM@Your Service will continue to serve as the primary intake process to address questions and concerns raised by employees. The questions and requests for information will be directed to building coordinators for review based on guidelines.
- Water usage will continue to be monitored and action taken as necessary to ensure appropriate water services are in place.
- The Building Attendant Program will remain in place for fall 2021.
- Health stations at the entrance of university buildings will include:
- KN95 masks
- Level-1 medical-grade masks
- Hand sanitizer
- CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting will continue to be followed.
HVAC risk mitigation activities will continue where capable.
Entire building measures:
- Air handling units upgraded to MERV 13 filters, where capable.
- Daily air purge by activating HVAC systems at least two hours prior to occupancy, where capable.
Classroom measures:
- Operations have been adjusted to maximize airflow during occupancy, increasing filtration and fresh air, where capable.
Parking and Transportation
All parking and transportation operations at the UI will continue to rely on guidance from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the Iowa and Johnson County departments of public health (IDPH, JCPH); the Big Ten Conference; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For the latest parking updates, please see the service alerts page on the Parking and Transportation website.
Employee Parking
- Employees returning to work on campus will park in their assigned permit locations.
- Employees continuing to work remotely have the option of cancelling their permits by contacting parking-office@uiowa.edu. Permits issued to employees when they return to campus are subject to availability, as permits will continue to be assigned and issued for all lots.
- Employees who have alternative work arranged (work remotely or in hybrid status) and need to attend a business function on campus should use the cashiered facilities available for short-term parking. Employees returning in hybrid status will have the option of purchasing an annual permit or using the cashiered facilities.
- Additional hybrid permit options are being investigated and may be available for the fall 2022 semester.
CAMBUS
For the latest service updates, see the service alerts page on the CAMBUS website. Riders are strongly encouraged to use the mobile app, Transit, for live tracking and departure predictions.
- CAMBUS drivers and riders will follow federal regulations regarding face masks (cloth mask, disposable mask, or face shield with mask) while riding CAMBUS.
- Buses are cleaned each night. This process includes spraying all interior surfaces with a disinfectant that is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as effective to reduce the prevalence of the COVID-19 virus. In addition, bus interior surfaces will receive regular UV light treatments that kill viruses and bacteria.
The Research and Scholarship Enterprise
All research and scholarship operations at the UI will rely on guidance from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the Iowa and Johnson County departments of public health (IDPH, JCPH); the Big Ten Conference; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Specific information for faculty, staff, and students is available on the Office for the Vice President for Research COVID-19 web page.
The Student Experience
The university is committed to offering a robust student experience typical of a Big Ten public research university for the 2021-2022 academic year.
All elements of the student experience at UI will rely on guidance from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the Iowa and Johnson County departments of public health (IDPH, JCPH); the Big Ten Conference; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Self-Reporting
Stay home if you’re sick and self-report any positive COVID-19 test result, or that you've been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.. If you have questions or concerns regarding symptoms or your positive test, please review the Student Health website (https://studenthealth.uiowa.edu) or contact Student Health Nurseline at 319-335-9704.
Students are expected to follow isolation and quarantine guidance.
Student Organizations, Clubs, and Intramurals
Student clubs, activities, and intramural sports will operate under fall 2019 policies unless modified due to guidance by the previously mentioned groups (including Dance Marathon, Fraternity and Sorority Life, religious student orgs, sports clubs, academic organizations, etc.)
Residence Halls
- On-campus housing options will be provided for students in accordance with public health and university guidelines.
- Housing professional staff, resident assistants (RAs), and on-campus students will create a living learning environment.
- RAs will be present and available to support students.
- Visitor policies will operate under fall 2019 guidelines unless modified due to guidance by the previously mentioned groups.
- Common spaces, such as lounges, will be set up following state and federal guidance regarding gatherings.
- Rooms will be set aside for emergency use, such as for illness, student interaction concerns, or other matters, per protocol.
- Custodial procedures will continue to follow CDC guidance.
Dining
- In-person dining will be available, as will dining express service.
- Touchless payment with IowaOne and credit cards will be maintained.
- The Street Hawk food truck will resume operations.
- Custodial procedures will continue to follow CDC guidance.
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
- The IMU will operate under fall 2019 policies for scheduling rooms in conjunction with the UI’s classroom scheduling office unless modified due to guidance by the previously mentioned groups.
- The IMU will continue to partner with Academic Support and Retention in order to ensure supplemental instruction can be provided in the Academic Resource Center, in addition to providing online opportunities for select courses.
- Online ordering and pick-up options for textbooks and bookstore materials will be provided in the Iowa Memorial Union.
- The Iowa House Hotel will continue regular operations and set aside some rooms for emergency room stays, as appropriate and needed.
- The Food Pantry will be available on set hours – the schedule can be viewed at https://imu.uiowa.edu/food/food-pantry/.The Clothing Closet will continue using a reservation process for clients.
- Custodial procedures will follow CDC guidance.
Recreational Services
Recreation facilities are currently operating under fall 2019 policies unless modified due to guidance by the previously mentioned groups.
Study Abroad and Student Travel
Effective Aug. 15, 2021, the university returned to normal approval processes for student international travel. Please visit the travel website for the most current information on study abroad and student travel.
Campus Events
- Events may proceed in alignment with fall 2019 policies unless modified due to guidance by the previously mentioned groups.
Student Support Services
Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement: Cultural Centers
The centers will operate under fall 2019 policies unless modified due to guidance by the previously mentioned groups.
University Counseling Service
University Counseling Service (UCS) will continue to provide services to students online and in person.
- UCS is providing online services to UI students in states outside of Iowa and can consult on state eligibility.
- UCS will continue group counseling. Group members will meet online, via Zoom, with UCS group facilitators guiding the conversation.
- UCS offers many online resources, which can be found on its website.
Student Care and Assistance
Student Care and Assistance will continue to provide support, assistance, and emergency funds to students who encounter a crisis or emergency situation.
The Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP)
RVAP will continue to provide services, programs, and support for students online and as appropriate in 1:1 and in-person settings.
Student Disability Services (SDS)
SDS will continue to provide services and support for students online and as appropriate in 1:1 and in-person settings.
The Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC)
WRAC will continue to provide services, programs, and support for students online and as appropriate and in 1:1 and in-person settings.
Student Behavior and Compliance
The Code of Student Life and Student Accountability Procedure include rules and procedures regarding student behavior, expectations, and accountability that help maintain a healthy campus environment.
Student Supports
All other student support operations, such as Student Health, Leadership & Engagement, Student Legal Services, and others, will continue to provide services, programs, and support for students online and, as appropriate, in 1:1 and in-person settings.
Glossary
Asymptomatic: Showing no symptoms of disease. A person infected with the virus can be asymptomatic because they are in an early stage of infection and symptoms have not yet developed (“pre-symptomatic”), or they may not develop any symptoms at all during their infection.
Community transmission/spread: Infections identified in a given geographic area without a history of travel elsewhere and no connection to a known case.
Droplet transmission/spread: A mode of transmission for a contagious disease that involves relatively large, short-range (less than 6 feet) respiratory droplets produced by sneezing, coughing, or talking. (Source: CDC)
Face covering: A cloth material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower face. It may be factory-made, sewn, or made from an old T-shirt, bandana, hand towel, or scarf and rubber bands.
Face shield: Protective equipment that covers the wearer's entire face from potentially infectious materials.
Quarantine: Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if a person is infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department. (Source: CDC )
Self-isolation: Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room,” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available). (Source: CDC)
Symptomatic: Showing symptoms of disease. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
*The UI will continue to rely on guidance from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the Iowa and Johnson County departments of public health (IDPH, JCPH); the Big Ten Conference; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As such, the information provided in this document may change prior to the fall 2021 semester.