Start of Spring 2021 semester

January 21, 2021

This message was sent to students at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Dear Member of the Wolf Pack,

Welcome to the Spring 2021 Semester! Whether you are a returning student or, perhaps, just beginning your academic journey, the University is excited you’re here.

We are living in extraordinarily challenging and historical times. Over the past year, the University has done extensive planning and made a number of important COVID-19 preparations to comprehensively address campus safety, services and operations. These preparations have been guided by the latest public health recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, statewide health and safety directives issued by Gov. Steve Sisolak, direction from the Washoe County Health District, and direction from the Nevada System of Higher of Education.

In order for our campus community to remain in good health we fully expect all students, faculty and staff to understand the need for precautions as a way to care for yourself and others on campus. To promote health and safety for you and all members of the Pack, we must all take personal responsibility for the things we can control: educating ourselves about the Coronavirus, wearing face coverings, social distancing, personal hygiene (hand washing), and following University policy and procedures.

Here are a few important reminders:

Education: Prior to attending classes, all students, new and returning, must complete the “COVID-19 Student Training” developed specifically with students in mind. This class will ensure that students have the knowledge and tools needed to promote a healthy return to campus. You are automatically enrolled in this training through your Canvas account. Please log on and complete this course if you have not done so already.

All faculty and staff were also required to complete an employee version of the class prior to the Fall 2020 semester. New faculty must take the training as part of their University onboarding process. Supervisors are required to take an additional class about their responsibilities. Additional training courses may be required of students and employees depending on their areas of work or study.

COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 testing is available on a daily basis at the Student Health Center by appointment only. Persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 must follow the CDC guidelines and self-isolate for at least 10 days after the start of their symptoms, until at least 24 hours have passed since last fever without fever-reducing medication, AND until symptoms have improved. Persons who have been in direct contact with someone with COVID-19 must self-quarantine for 10-days. Individuals who have tested positive are encouraged to complete the Reporting Form for Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in addition to contacting Dr. Cheryl Hug-English at the Student Health Center to assist with contact tracing.

There may be circumstances under which the University will require testing of some students for COVID-19.

All University Residence Hall students returning to campus must submit a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of return to campus or be tested for COVID-19 on the day of return. To schedule a COVID-19 test at the Student Health Center, call 775-784-6598.

Vaccine information: Gov. Sisolak has said that vaccine distribution throughout Nevada is based on scientific data, key ethical principles and federal recommendations. He has said that the goal of the plan is to "mitigate as much disease spread and loss of life as possible." The University will be following the State of Nevada’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program Playbook for Statewide Operations, Version 3 [external PDF]. More information will be released in the coming weeks about student vaccination protocols.

Face coverings: In alignment with State of Nevada Governor Executive Orders, Roadmap to Recovery for Nevada plans, Nevada System of Higher Education directives, University of Nevada, Reno President directives, and local, state, and national health official guidelines, face coverings are required at all times while on campus, including in the classroom, laboratory, studio, any type of in-person instructional activity, and all other indoor and outdoor public spaces. The wearing of face coverings is not required when alone in a private office, bathroom stall, or alone in a residence hall room; or while eating/drinking.

A “face covering” is defined as a “covering that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth, including without limitation, cloth face mask, surgical mask, towels, scarves, and bandanas” (State of Nevada Emergency Directive 024).

Students who cannot wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability, or who are unable to remove a mask without assistance may seek an accommodation through the Disability Resource Center.

Social distancing: Face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Students shall observe current social distancing guidelines (6 feet) while in the classroom/laboratory setting and in all public spaces. Students should avoid congregating around building and classroom/laboratory entrances before or after class sessions. If the classroom has designated entrance and exit doors students are required to use them. Students should exit the classroom/laboratory and building immediately after the end of instruction to help ensure social distancing and allow for the persons attending the next scheduled class session to enter.

Personal hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Instruction: Some classes will be taught in person this spring. A majority of these classes will also be available for distance learning via “Zoom” through technology that has been installed in classrooms. Many classes will also be taught online. In order to comply with social distancing requirements, classes will be configured so that a minimum of 6 feet distancing is maintained. Sanitizing wipes will be available in classrooms.

For classes in alternative instruction modes due to COVID-19, fee structures will not be changed and Distance Learning Fees will not be charged. All other fees remain in place. If circumstances require that classes be moved to entirely online or another mode of delivery, there will be no refund of tuition or fees.

S/U Grading: Nevada System of Higher Education presidents have unanimously agreed to continue the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading options for the 2020-2021 academic year under the authority granted them by the Board of Regents. It should be noted there are several implications associated with changing from a letter grade to an “S,” including program accreditation, scholarship eligibility, degree progression, professional licensure and graduate/professional school admissions.

This is why we will be requiring students to consult with an academic adviser before requesting this option. We are encouraging all of our students, no matter their circumstance, to continue to work toward achieving the highest grade possible for this semester. By offering an “S/U” option, however, we are hopeful that it will help alleviate some of the pressure, anxiety and uncertainty our students are experiencing as we face another rise in the number of COVID-19 cases throughout our community and the state.

Video/class recording: Class sessions may be audio-visually recorded for students in the class to review and for enrolled students participating remotely. Students who participate with their camera on or who use a profile image are consenting to have their video or image recorded. If you do not consent to have your profile or video image recorded, keep your camera off and do not use a profile image. Students who un-mute during class and participate orally are consenting to have their voices recorded. If you do not consent to have your voice recorded during class, keep your mute button activated and only communicate by using the "chat" feature, which allows you to type questions and comments live.

Stay informed: Students must ensure that their University e-mail address is current and up-to-date within MyNevada and check this e-mail regularly for communications from the University, including but not limited to their department, instructor or teaching assistant. It’s also highly recommended that students check the University’s Protect the Pack website for new information and updates. This will promote timely and accurate communication.

The University reserves the right to deny access to campus facilities and services by individuals who fail to adhere to published University COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

The University must prepare for changes in the health and safety requirement as directed by Governor Sisolak, the Washoe County Health District, and the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Chancellor’s Office. Therefore, policies and procedures for University operations as well as mode of instruction may change through time. If a significant increase in cases occurs, the University is prepared to return to stronger restrictions with all-remote instruction for a period of time.

Flexibility, resilience and patience will continue to be needed as we navigate the challenges of this pandemic. However, 2021 brings new hope and optimism with the development of the vaccine. We will work together as a campus to provide a college experience filled with new academic opportunities, new friendships, and new adventures. We are happy you are part of our Wolf Pack Family. Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President

Cheryl Hug-English, MD, MPH
Medical Director
Student Health Services