University Of Alaska Anchorage: Update About UAA Mask Policy

Anchorage AK

16 February, 2022

4:20 PM

Description

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage: February 15, 2022 About UAA About UAA UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and impactful careers. Popular links UAA 2025: Strategic Plan Chancellor Equity, Compliance and Title IX About UAA Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Compliance and Title IX Green and Gold News Administration Chancellor Academic Affairs Administrative Services Advancement Student Affairs Campuses Kenai Peninsula Kodiak Matanuska Susitna Prince William Sound UAA 2025: Strategic Plan About UAA 2025 Putting Students First Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Community Partner Impact through Innovation Excellence Through Continuous Improvement Academics Academics UAA offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs that consistently prepare students for success after graduation. State-of-the-art classroom instruction and hands-on learning collide in UAA's innovative academic programs, which feature unique courses that train students to lead Alaska into the future. Popular links Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Colleges and Schools Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Engineering Health Community and Technical Honors School of Education Graduate School Provost Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Business Enterprise Institute Admissions and Financial Aid Admissions and Financial Aid Learn more about admissions processes, taking classes, tour UAA in-person or virtually, and find out more about Financial Aid available at UAA. Whether you are a new or continuing student, the Office of Financial Aid is available to offer support and advice so you can make informed decisions regarding college funding options. Get help at the Enrollment Services Center: offering virtual and walk-in appointments to help students apply to UAA; get help with financial aid, scholarships, and the FAFSA. Popular links Visit and Tour Academic Programs Transfer to UAA FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Locations Enrollment Services Center Admissions How to Apply Transfer to UAA Academic Programs Visit and Tour Request more Info Contact Admissions Financial Aid FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Additional Payment Options Check your Status Student Responsibilities Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools Military and Veteran Student Services Student Accounts and Refunds Athletics Athletics From 13 competitive NCAA teams to recreation and intramural and club sports, students have the opportunity to excel in athletics at every level. The Alaska Airlines Center and Seawolf Sports Complex offer recreation as well as hosting community events and concerts. Students can take advantage of cheering for SeawolfNation with free tickets to many games. Popular links Seawolf Online Store Recreation Intramurals Locations Alaska Airlines Center Seawolf Sports Complex Go Seawolves Upcoming Seawolves Games Tickets Staff Directory Women's Sports Basketball Cross Country Gymnastics Skiing Track and Field Volleyball Men's Sports Basketball Cross Country Hockey Skiing Track and Field Research Research UAA is a hub for cutting-edge theoretical and applied research in health, engineering, and the physical and social sciences. In nearly every discipline, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to join research teams and collaborate with experienced faculty mentors. Research at UAA Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Graduate School Student Services Student Services Explore the wide variety of services and resources available at UAA to help promote your academic and personal success and well-being. From academic advising to student clubs and residence life, we're here to help you have an amazing university experience. Popular links Advising Bookstore Dates and Deadlines Transcripts USUAA Student Governance Library Student Health and Counseling Center Locations Student Union Enrollment Services Center Student Health and Counseling Center Current Students Advising Bookstore Registration, Dates and Deadlines Military and Veteran Student Services Degree Progress Transfer Credit Graduation Career Services Student Account (Bursar) Dean of Students Disability Support Services Student Life Engage Organizations and Clubs Activities and Programs Student Union Multicultural Student Services Recreation Residence Life Housing Options Apply for Housing Current Residents Info for Parents/Guardians Contact Residence Life Student Leadership USUAA Student Governance Student Media Concert Board Green Fee Board Club Council Emerging Leaders Program Alaska Natives Alaska Natives Located in the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiak, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples, Alaska Native curriculum at UAA provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Alaska Native societies, languages, cultures, history, politics, art, governments and corporations. Academic Programs Alaska Native Studies — Anchorage Campus Alaska Native Studies — Kenai Peninsula College Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak College Alaska Native Business Management Minor Student Support Native Student Services Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program (ANIROP) Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) About UAA UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and impactful careers. Popular links UAA 2025: Strategic Plan Chancellor Equity, Compliance and Title IX About UAA Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Compliance and Title IX Green and Gold News Administration Chancellor Academic Affairs Administrative Services Advancement Student Affairs Campuses Kenai Peninsula Kodiak Matanuska Susitna Prince William Sound UAA 2025: Strategic Plan About UAA 2025 Putting Students First Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Community Partner Impact through Innovation Excellence Through Continuous Improvement UAA 2025: Strategic Plan Chancellor Equity, Compliance and Title IX Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Compliance and Title IX Green and Gold News Chancellor Academic Affairs Administrative Services Advancement Student Affairs Kenai Peninsula Kodiak Matanuska Susitna Prince William Sound About UAA 2025 Putting Students First Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Community Partner Impact through Innovation Excellence Through Continuous Improvement Academics UAA offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs that consistently prepare students for success after graduation. State-of-the-art classroom instruction and hands-on learning collide in UAA's innovative academic programs, which feature unique courses that train students to lead Alaska into the future. Popular links Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Colleges and Schools Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Engineering Health Community and Technical Honors School of Education Graduate School Provost Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Business Enterprise Institute Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Engineering Health Community and Technical Honors School of Education Graduate School Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Business Enterprise Institute Admissions and Financial Aid Learn more about admissions processes, taking classes, tour UAA in-person or virtually, and find out more about Financial Aid available at UAA. Whether you are a new or continuing student, the Office of Financial Aid is available to offer support and advice so you can make informed decisions regarding college funding options. Get help at the Enrollment Services Center: offering virtual and walk-in appointments to help students apply to UAA; get help with financial aid, scholarships, and the FAFSA. Popular links Visit and Tour Academic Programs Transfer to UAA FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Locations Enrollment Services Center Admissions How to Apply Transfer to UAA Academic Programs Visit and Tour Request more Info Contact Admissions Financial Aid FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Additional Payment Options Check your Status Student Responsibilities Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools Military and Veteran Student Services Student Accounts and Refunds Visit and Tour Academic Programs Transfer to UAA FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Enrollment Services Center How to Apply Transfer to UAA Academic Programs Visit and Tour Request more Info Contact Admissions FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Additional Payment Options Check your Status Student Responsibilities Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools Military and Veteran Student Services Student Accounts and Refunds Athletics From 13 competitive NCAA teams to recreation and intramural and club sports, students have the opportunity to excel in athletics at every level. The Alaska Airlines Center and Seawolf Sports Complex offer recreation as well as hosting community events and concerts. Students can take advantage of cheering for SeawolfNation with free tickets to many games. Popular links Seawolf Online Store Recreation Intramurals Locations Alaska Airlines Center Seawolf Sports Complex Go Seawolves Upcoming Seawolves Games Tickets Staff Directory Women's Sports Basketball Cross Country Gymnastics Skiing Track and Field Volleyball Men's Sports Basketball Cross Country Hockey Skiing Track and Field Seawolf Online Store Recreation Intramurals Alaska Airlines Center Seawolf Sports Complex Upcoming Seawolves Games Tickets Staff Directory Basketball Cross Country Gymnastics Skiing Track and Field Volleyball Basketball Cross Country Hockey Skiing Track and Field Research UAA is a hub for cutting-edge theoretical and applied research in health, engineering, and the physical and social sciences. In nearly every discipline, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to join research teams and collaborate with experienced faculty mentors. Research at UAA Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Graduate School Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Graduate School Student Services Explore the wide variety of services and resources available at UAA to help promote your academic and personal success and well-being. From academic advising to student clubs and residence life, we're here to help you have an amazing university experience. Popular links Advising Bookstore Dates and Deadlines Transcripts USUAA Student Governance Library Student Health and Counseling Center Locations Student Union Enrollment Services Center Student Health and Counseling Center Current Students Advising Bookstore Registration, Dates and Deadlines Military and Veteran Student Services Degree Progress Transfer Credit Graduation Career Services Student Account (Bursar) Dean of Students Disability Support Services Student Life Engage Organizations and Clubs Activities and Programs Student Union Multicultural Student Services Recreation Residence Life Housing Options Apply for Housing Current Residents Info for Parents/Guardians Contact Residence Life Student Leadership USUAA Student Governance Student Media Concert Board Green Fee Board Club Council Emerging Leaders Program Advising Bookstore Dates and Deadlines Transcripts USUAA Student Governance Library Student Health and Counseling Center Student Union Enrollment Services Center Student Health and Counseling Center Advising Bookstore Registration, Dates and Deadlines Military and Veteran Student Services Degree Progress Transfer Credit Graduation Career Services Student Account (Bursar) Dean of Students Disability Support Services Engage Organizations and Clubs Activities and Programs Student Union Multicultural Student Services Recreation Housing Options Apply for Housing Current Residents Info for Parents/Guardians Contact Residence Life USUAA Student Governance Student Media Concert Board Green Fee Board Club Council Emerging Leaders Program Alaska Natives Located in the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiak, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples, Alaska Native curriculum at UAA provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Alaska Native societies, languages, cultures, history, politics, art, governments and corporations. Academic Programs Alaska Native Studies — Anchorage Campus Alaska Native Studies — Kenai Peninsula College Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak College Alaska Native Business Management Minor Student Support Native Student Services Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program (ANIROP) Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) Alaska Native Studies — Anchorage Campus Alaska Native Studies — Kenai Peninsula College Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak College Alaska Native Business Management Minor Native Student Services Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program (ANIROP) Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) Dear UAA Community, I'm writing to inform you that UAA is considering adjusting some of its COVID-19 policies. None of these changes are currently in effect but are under consideration. Case numbers are falling in Alaska, and we're keeping a close eye on transmission levels. Should they drop below "substantial" for seven consecutive days, UAA will likely move toward a less restrictive mask policy. Alaska, Anchorage, and the UAA community have seen the number of COVID cases drop significantly recently. The state saw a 45% decline in cases early in the month compared to the week before. This is positive news, but I continue to encourage those in our community who are feeling sick to get tested and stay home. As the pandemic evolves, we are keeping science top of mind and taking practical steps to mitigate the pandemic's lingering impacts. Currently, we are restructuring our COVID Operations Support Team (previously known as the Incident Management Team), now the COVID Business Continuity Team (BCT). We will continue safety protocols and actively develop transition plans for the weeks and months ahead. As our knowledge of COVID-19 broadens and we learn how to mitigate and reduce the spread of disease through multiple strategies, we are considering transitioning to a mask optional environment. With the counsel of BCT and your feedback, I am asking for guidance about how to be prepared to adapt in these three areas: • Our Work and Learning Environments. UAA's current mask policy requires face coverings to be worn indoors except in a private office with the door closed. Last summer, when cases were lower, masks were not required. As we see the current surge in cases drop, I have asked the BCT to provide a step-back approach to our masking policy indoors such that some or all areas (under certain conditions) may be mask-requested or mask-optional. In this scenario, those who wish to wear masks can do so. • Our Residence Halls. UAA currently has a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students in the residence halls and a mask policy. However, these units have essentially become "family units" from the standpoint of virus transmission. We continue to have low isolation rates. The BCT is working on a revised face covering policy for students in residence halls so they can take advantage of the extra precautions in place and still be able to participate in mask-optional events or spaces. • Personal Safety Precautions. UAA continues to require 10 days of isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a variety of guidance for isolation periods depending on whether individuals are presenting with symptoms and have negative test results. I have asked the BCT to evaluate how the five-day isolation period is applied as the pandemic continues to shift. COVID-19 vaccines and testing are available to students at the Student Health and Counseling Center. Testing for anyone is available at the Alaska Airlines Center parking lot and various locations in Anchorage. UAA's goal is to promote our community's health and safety. We continue to provide hand sanitizing stations on campus, masks in campus buildings, at-home testing kits when available, and heightened cleaning and disinfecting protocols. At this time, the changes above are being evaluated and we invite your feedback. Please email your comments and learn more in this video message. Sincerely,Sean ParnellUAA Chancellor This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author's own.