Dear Roadrunners,
This month, in consultation with state and local public– health officials and with input from campus stakeholders, Metropolitan State University of Denver suspended its Covid-19 protocols and requirements. The suspension includes all Covid-19 vaccine requirements for students and employees as well as any related registration holds for student non–compliance. Students and employees no longer need to show proof of having received the vaccine or apply for an exemption. No further action is needed from current students or employees at this time.
I also want to address concerns around confusing language, as we may have used the terms “sunsetting” and “suspending” interchangeably. MSU Denver has suspended requirements; however, we remain ready to reactivate our processes and protocols should public-health shifts demand it. We have spent two years establishing an efficient and knowledgeable network of faculty members, staff members, public-health experts and student representatives, and will be convening an ongoing Covid-19 Monitoring Task Force. We continue to monitor Covid-19 and will aim for more clarity and consistency of language.
When to get your booster
Although MSU Denver has suspended the vaccine-and-booster mandate, we expect all members of our campus community remain vigilant in the fight against Covid-19, and that includes getting boosted when appropriate to stave off waning immunity.
As booster guidance has been confusing, Colorado public-health officials have released a Covid-19 Follow-up Dose Calculator to help you determine when to get boosted to ensure the highest level of protection.
The calculator takes into account the type of vaccine received, age of the recipient and whether the recipient is immunocompromised to deliver a clear recommendation. I encourage you to check it out and stay up to date on all recommended vaccines.
As a reminder, Roadrunners are expected to stay home when feeling ill, whether with Covid-19 or not, to recover and prevent community spread. Thank you for your continued flexibility and accommodations. Federal Covid-19 leave for employees is set to expire Friday, but MSU Denver anticipates that this leave will be extended. More details will be available soon.
Additionally, please continue to:
- Report any cases/exposures to the Health Center at Auraria.
- Remain flexible, as certain protocols may be reinstated as public– health conditions necessitate.
- Be kind and act respectfully around others by continuing to carry a mask and be prepared to wear it when asked.
Please reference the revamped Covid-19 webpage for health and safety information and guidance. There, you may also see periodic updates from the new Covid-19 Monitoring Task Force, a smaller team that has replaced the broader Roadrunners Safe Return Committee to follow evolving Covid-19 and general public-health data and make recommendations to leadership as necessary.
Should you have any questions or concerns about next steps, please contact [email protected].
Thank you all for continuing to act in the best interest of our University community.
Sincerely,
Larry Sampler
Vice president for Administration, Finance and Facilities and chief operating officer
Roadrunners Safe Return Committee