Dear UVM Students,
The last several weeks have seen remarkable progress in our efforts to end the pandemic. Outlined below are updates as related to fall 2021 operations. Please watch for further information over the summer. Unless otherwise noted, the UVM Forward plan for Fall 2021 will take effect August 2, 2021.
UVM Forward - Fall 2021
COVID-19 testing will not be required of any fully vaccinated student. Students currently on campus who are not fully vaccinated are required to continue to test every seven days.
Vaccinations are highly effective and strongly encouraged for everyone. Once the emergency authorization is lifted, vaccinations will be required of our students, with exceptions only for those who receive a medical or religious exemption.
Face coverings and masks are not required on campus by anyone outdoors. Indoors, we will continue to require individuals who are not vaccinated to wear masks. Others may decide for their own reasons to wear masks. Please be considerate of those around you and the masking decisions they make. We all saw the positive impact of mask-wearing this year as we had one of the lowest rates of flu in a long time. Visitors and guests who are not vaccinated must wear masks.
Physical distancing requirements that have been in place since the start of the pandemic are lifted. Classrooms and office spaces are being returned to full occupancy.
Visitors including speakers, prospective students and their families, and candidates for positions no longer need prior approval to come to campus effective Thursday, July 1, 2021. While not required, we strongly urge that all communications to visitors encourage full vaccination.
Gathering sizes that were restricted for both indoor and outdoor events during the pandemic are lifted effective immediately. There are also no limits or restrictions on the number of individuals being present at events. Again, we encourage you to make appropriate decisions in consultation with your primary care physician and to be considerate of those around you who may desire or need more distancing.
Events and meetings sponsored by UVM departments and student clubs and organizations occurring on or off campus are required to follow all current event guidelines and requirements until Monday, August 2, 2021.
Hand sanitizers and wipe dispensers will remain in place.
Daily health screening for faculty, staff, and students is suspended effective Thursday, July 1, 2021.
Travel restrictions for domestic travel are removed effective Thursday, July 1, 2021. Employee travel must be preapproved by your dean or vice president. At least 14 days in advance of any travel, you must complete and submit a travel authorization in PeopleSoft. Travel must not begin without official authorization being given. Any travel conducted without prior authorization will not be reimbursed. You are responsible for understanding and adhering to quarantining requirements related to such travel. At this time, UVM related international travel and fall 2021 study abroad will not be permitted. International travel considered essential will continue to follow the exception process currently in place.
Building hours for operations and access will return to normal as of Monday, August 2, allowing departments and units to make adjustments prior to the first day of classes.
University Dining Services, including catering, will return to normal operations with the start of fall semester. For information on hours of operation, check UVM Dining Services.
We are confident that the dedication of everyone in our community will lead to a successful reboot of the vibrant UVM campus we all value so deeply.