Updates regarding policies, guidance and protocols

May 20, 2021

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

The work of our entire University over this past year has been incredible. We have witnessed time and again the type of dedication, concern for the well-being of others and remarkable resiliency in the face of tremendous change in the world that speaks to how closely we stand together in advancing our institutional mission. How you have responded as we continually envision a better world is illustrative of how this special community of which we are all a part is capable of so much. Thank you to everyone as we move forward together.

As a result of the continued progress that is being made in the fight against COVID-19, there have been changes to policies, guidance and protocols at the national, state and county levels. The University, along with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) continues to follow state and CDC directives in the interest of maintaining the health and safety of students, faculty and staff on all NSHE campuses.

Here are the most recent updates and how recent changes affect the University:

Face coverings

The recent CDC guidance earlier this month that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear a mask in most indoor and outdoor locations was also adopted by the State of Nevada on May 13. Yesterday, NSHE provided further guidance based on this most recent health and scientific data that face coverings are currently no longer required in most University settings for individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals who have not been fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face covering in all indoor settings and in outdoor large group gatherings. In other words, face coverings, per state directive, are still required, unless an individual has been fully vaccinated and chooses not to wear one.

Personal integrity and honesty should guide one’s judgment about the wearing of a mask based on one’s status of being vaccinated or being unvaccinated. We also recognize there may be reasons an individual chooses to continue using a face covering even if fully vaccinated, and we encourage people to continue to wear a mask based on their comfort level and risk assessment. Each person’s individual situation is unique and will affect wearing of facial coverings. Please note that masks are still required on public transit including the University shuttles.

Vaccinations and testing available on campus

In addition to vaccinations being available throughout the community, including appointments through the Washoe County Health District, the University is offering vaccination appointments for students, faculty and staff by contacting the Student Health Center to make an appointment. The Student Health Center continues to also offer daily COVID-19 testing by appointment as well.

The future of vaccinations

Earlier this month, NSHE began drafting plans to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for students, with some limited exceptions, who are returning to campus in the fall semester. NSHE’s work on these plans is contingent upon the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lifting the current Emergency Use Authorization designation for available COVID-19 vaccines and will require approval from the Board of Regents and the State Board of Health. At the present time, we are asking all students to be aware of this possibility. As more information comes available about this possibility, we are strongly encouraging all of our students, faculty and staff to receive a vaccination if they have not already done so.

Full in-person operations return July 1

It is the University’s goal to shift from alternative operations and to full in-person operations by July 1. It is important to note that although the University pivoted to remote delivery for some services including HyFlex teaching modalities, there are a high number of people who have been back on campus for quite some time now, as well as some employees who even during the earliest days of the pandemic have been working in person on campus. We have set this date in order for the institution to properly prepare for the coming fall semester. We will offer our classes, services, and events in-person. In addition, we will be having more students living in our residential communities.

Return to normal

The changes over the past few days, suggest that Nevada is on the right track in the fight against COVID-19. We have every reason to believe that the start of our 2021 fall semester will return the vibrancy, engagement and comradery that has so long characterized our campus. We still must remain vigilant in all of our efforts, which include receiving a vaccination in the event you haven’t already. Vaccination remains our most effective weapon in the fight against COVID.

There are still very definite public health steps we must take every day. Yet with each passing day, through your actions and through your ability to always think of others — which is the Wolf Pack Way — we are moving closer to a return to normal. Perhaps that is the best news of all out of this most recent news cycle.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President