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chancellor-from
May 11, 2021

Dear UAF faculty and staff,

In prior COVID-19 communications we have talked about moving out of and into by May 10. Given the rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the Fairbanks North Star Borough, we paused that action temporarily but plan to start moving forward next week with Phase C implementation.

Starting Monday, May 17, we plan to begin the process of moving into Phase C, with full implementation by May 31. The major difference you can expect between Phase B and Phase C will be more in-person work. Our facilities will be open for individuals to work on site and for the general public to begin visiting. Employees should work with their supervisors to transition back to working on site or make arrangements to remain remote. We expect UA HR to distribute guidance around remote work soon.

Phase C does not change the UAF face covering policy. Anyone inside of a UAF facility is required to wear a face covering unless they are in an office alone with the door closed, or they are outside and can maintain 6 feet of social distance. The face covering policy is required for all students, staff, faculty, contractors and visitors regardless of vaccination status. That said, we are in the process of discussing when and how the face covering policy is amended as case counts drop and vaccinations rise.

In last week’s communication I discussed the ongoing discussions at UAF (and nationally) about vaccination requirements. There are currently no vaccination requirements for current or future students at UAF. At this point we are only beginning the conversation to better understand the issues. Related to vaccinations, I want to provide a correction to my May 6 COVID-19 message. Employees of the Sikuliaq are not required to be vaccinated. However, they do follow very strict mitigation and COVID prevention protocols.

Thanks for choosing UAF.

— Dan White, chancellor
UA