University Of Alaska Anchorage: UAA Loosens Mask Restrictions — Effective Today, March 7

Anchorage AK

07 March, 2022

4:17 PM

Description

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage: March 7, 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 Community and Technical Engineering Health School of Education Provost ANSEP Programs Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Graduate School Honors Middle College Programs 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 Community and Technical Engineering Health School of Education Provost ANSEP Programs Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Graduate School Honors Middle College Programs Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Community and Technical Engineering Health School of Education ANSEP Programs Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Graduate School Honors Middle College Programs 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) UAA's updated mask policy takes effect today, March 7. Please read the March 2 message from Chancellor Parnell (below) for more information. Dear UAA Community, After receiving your thoughtful feedback, hearing from UA President Pitney, consulting with our COVID Business Continuity Team lead, and reviewing updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UAA is updating its face masking protocol. Last Friday, the CDC updated its guidance on indoor masking, expanding the metrics it uses to measure community COVID-19 levels. The CDC community risk calculation now considers multiple factors beyond case counts, including hospitalizations. The new guidance also considers levels of population immunity among the vaccinated and unvaccinated. CDC masking guidelines are tied to these new metrics, which categorize local areas as low, medium or high. The communities where all UAA campuses are located are currently in the "medium" category. In medium status, indoor masking is recommended for those with underlying health conditions. Given this new CDC guidance, starting Monday, March 7, masks will be optional inside all UAA facilities at all UAA campuses — including classrooms, residential buildings, offices, cubicles, in campus vehicles with others and outside. According to CDC guidance, in communities at a medium level, "People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask." Also, If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, for the safety of others or for yourself, please do so. It is important to recognize that many people hold strong opinions about masking. Those who feel more comfortable wearing a mask should do so; those who prefer not to wear a mask should also feel comfortable with that choice; and everyone should respect those decisions. UAA will continue to supply masks in our buildings at no charge. If you exhibit symptoms of sickness, please work or participate remotely. We continue to provide hand-sanitizing stations on campus, at-home testing kits when available and rapid testing for students at the Student Health and Counseling Center. Our Business Continuity Team is also looking into altering our isolation policy. Any changes will be consistent with CDC guidance. Please watch for email updates in the coming weeks. UAA community members have done an excellent job of protecting themselves, each other and our communities thus far. We will continue to adapt our protective measures to remain consistent with federal, state and local government public health guidance. If any of our campus communities move back into the high category as defined by CDC guidance, we anticipate reinstituting the mask requirement or otherwise moving to mitigate the public health risk. As we each recalibrate under this new guidance, let's continue to support one another. We've helped each other so much throughout the pandemic and we will remain on that positive path. Thank you, Seawolves! Sincerely,Sean ParnellUAA Chancellor This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author's own.