Guiding Principles
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Adams State University’s guidelines and protocols have been rooted in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, faculty and community. These guidelines have enabled us to reach our primary goal to continue the institution’s vital missions of education and student success.
Adams State’s RTC guidelines are consistent with local public health orders and guidance from the Alamosa County Health Department (ACHD), as well as the State of Colorado. Adams State’s RTC guidelines will also follow recommendations from the federal government (Opening Guidelines) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as appropriate. As our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery measures continues to evolve, our policies and plans will also evolve and be updated as necessary.
What COVID protocols are still in place at Adams State?
- Practice social distancing whenever possible. Classroom spaces now allow for 3’ distancing, but 6’ of distancing should be maintained when possible.
- Self-screening, symptom monitoring, and temperature monitoring remain the daily responsibility of all Adams State employees. If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, or have an elevated temperature above 100.4, DO NOT come to the office. If you are not feeling well let your supervisor know, and contact HR to determine the appropriate leave to use. If you or a dependent are required to isolate or quarantine, ensure you notify both your supervisor and HR for appropriate leave tracking. Always follow guidance from your health care professional and public health officials. Continue to work with your supervisor and health care professionals to determine your next steps.
- Proper hand sanitizing and hand washing remains an important protocol
Will I be required to get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
The Adams State Board of Trustees made an important decision at its June meeting, adopting a policy requiring every student, faculty, and staff member to be vaccinated for COVID-19 once there is full approval by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) of at least one of the current emergency-use vaccines.
The decision follows a directive from Gov. Polis, requiring institutions of higher education to have their campuses vaccinated for COVID-19.
We anticipate full FDA approval of at least one of the COVID-19 vaccines later this summer. We know an estimated 60 percent of Adams State employees have already been fully vaccinated and we are expecting to increase this percentage over the next couple of months. Any faculty or staff member who has not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine should do so before the start of the fall semester in August. If you have not yet received a vaccine, go to slvphp.com for a list of providers, or call 719-480-8719 for help finding a vaccine provider to meet your needs.
Where can I get vaccinated if I have not yet done so?
Visit San Luis Valley Public Health Partnership website for a list of vaccine providers and vaccination events. slvphp.com/vaccination
How will meetings be conducted at Adams State for the summer and fall?
Carefully evaluate the use of in person vs virtual meetings. Some meetings may resume in person as appropriate, however continue to utilize virtual meetings when needed. It may be appropriate to provide for a virtual option for in person meetings as well, offering staff a hybrid approach where some participants will be in person and some will be virtual.
When attending meetings virtually it is expected you will participate to the extent you would participate in person. i.e. turn on your camera and engage in chat or dialogue as appropriate. If your workstation is not currently equipped with camera, microphone and/or speakers, reach out to Computing Services to acquire the appropriate equipment.
Am I able to travel for official Adams State-related business?
Adams State has an interim procedure for COVID-19 travel.
Am I able to use common areas and break rooms on campus?
Break rooms and other common spaces may be used, allowing for appropriate distancing. Please ensure you clean up after yourself and frequently touched surfaces are disinfected before/after each use.
Where can I go for support with emotional well-being and stress management?
Continue to pay attention to your mental/physical/emotional well-being. It has been a difficult period with many uncertainties and changes. While it was difficult to transition away from campus last March, it can also be just as difficult to transition back to campus. The Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) offers a wide variety of support and resources for all employees. From on demand webinar such as “Managing Stress and Anxiety During Uncertain Times”, scheduled webinars such as “Cognitive Behavioral Strategies for Sleep”, individual confidential counseling sessions, to meditation resources.
SLV Behavioral Health Group also provides a variety of services to our community as well. Including 24/7 Crisis Hotline 1 (844) 493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. Find out more at www.slvbhg.org
Will I be able to remotely perform my job as I was through a COVID remote work agreement?
It is the expectation that Adams State employees are to perform their work duties on campus as they were pre-pandemic.
