Updates & Messages

What's New

Latest CDC recommendations for wearing masks 

We are aware of CDC’s updated recommendations earlier this week for mask-wearing in certain communities and are closely monitoring the spread of the Delta Variant. We are requesting guidance from Denver Public Health & Environment and the state and anticipate that information soon. Thus far, Denver County has not changed its public health order based on the new CDC recommendation. We continue to monitor state and local guidelines and we will communicate with the campus community as soon as we have any updated information. We know that the best way to combat COVID-19 is with vaccines so please continue to share the stories of why you were vaccinated with friends and family. 

Mobile Vaccine Bus on Campus Today 

he State of Colorado's mobile vaccine bus is parked on the Larimer Street side of the Student Commons Building (1201 Larimer St.) today, July 29, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be provided. Anyone can show up. No appointment necessary. It’s free and no ID or insurance is required. Those who get the vaccine at the mobile vaccine bus will receive a buy-one-get-one-free breakfast burrito voucher for QDOBA Mexican Eats in the Student Commons, which will open for business next week.

Vaccine Verification and Exemption Process Now Live

As previously announced, all students, faculty, and staff are required to get a COVID-19 vaccine before the fall 2021 semester, or file for an exemption on the basis of medical, religious, or personal reasons. A new web-based self-disclosure system for fulfilling this requirement is now available for students, faculty, and staff.  For students, we will be cross-listing this self-disclosure with the state’s vaccination records for accuracy. Approximately 87% of our students are already vaccinated.

Please click here to review the steps and complete the process by Friday, Aug. 27. Should you have any questions, please visit our  Lynx Together FAQ page.

Important Information for Individuals who Submit for a Vaccine Exemption: If you submit for a vaccine exemption, you will automatically be routed into a mandatory COVID-19 weekly testing program through Primary Bio. The testing program will begin the week of Aug. 23 and will offer both on- and off-campus locations to conduct weekly saliva testing free of charge. 

Important Information for Remote Employees: Faculty and staff members who are 100% remote and do not plan to come to campus at any time are still required to fill out the vaccine verification and exemption form. If you fall into this category and file for a vaccine exemption, please email vaccineexemption@ucdenver.edu so we can identify you as exempt from the weekly testing program. 

Important Information for  Online Students:  Students who are taking 100% online courses and do not plan to come to campus at  any time are still required to fill out the vaccine verification and exemption form.  If you fall into this category and file for a vaccine exemption, please email vaccineexemption@ucdenver.edu so we can identify you as exempt from the weekly testing program.  

August Student and Parent Town Hall  

All CU Denver students and their parents/families are invited to join the Lynx Together team for a virtual town hall on Tuesday, Aug . 3 from 4 - 5 p.m. 

With the start of the fall semester right around the corner, panelists will provide updates and answer questions on everything you need to know to prepare for your first week of classes.  

In order to ensure we cover the topics that are most important to you, we encourage you to submit your questions during the registration process. You may also ask them during the event.   

New Student Convocation Information for Faculty/Staff: Register by July 30 

Register now to confirm your participation for New Student Convocation on Aug. 20 from 9:30 – 10 a.m. Faculty and administration members will not be dressing in academic regalia and are asked to wear CU Denver attire at the event. If you are a faculty member and would like to receive a CU Denver Lynx polo shirt to wear, we must receive your registration by Friday, July 30. Lynx Together t-shirts will be available for staff at check-in at the event (while supplies last). 

Mark Your Calendar: Employee Campus Tours  

Employees who have been working remote have an opportunity to explore and get to know our beautiful campus in-person before the fall semester begins. Tour stops will include ID stations, parking garages, the Wellness Center, and other points of interest for employees. Tours will be offered at 9 a.m. on Aug. 5, Aug. 9, and Aug. 19. Groups will meet at the CU Denver Undergraduate Admissions Office in the Student Commons Building.  

Lynx Together Faculty Information Session: Fall Return to be Held Aug. 12 

The Lynx Together Faculty Return committee will host a virtual Faculty Information Session on Thursday, Aug. 12 from 3 to 4 p.m. The goal of this session is to help prepare faculty for a successful return to the classroom. Some of the topics to be covered include: 

• New COVID safety protocols (vaccination requirement, masks, travel, etc.) 
• Facilities management protocols for cleaning, HVAC, etc.  
• Transportation and parking 
• Classroom technology 
• Long-term goal-planning for faculty activities and achievements 
• Faculty and student interactions in the classroom and beyond 
• Faculty service and research activities and roles 
  

Please RSVP for the session at this Zoom link. You can submit questions live during the session or in advance by emailing lynxtogether@ucdenver.edu. Please use the subject line “Faculty Info Session question.” 

Take Advantage of Mental Health Resources

Caring for our mental health during these challenging times is essential. View common questions about mental health resources available to students, faculty, and staff.