Dear UMKC Roos:
As spring semester begins Tuesday, we are glad that for the second semester in a row we will start on time and with our full lineup of courses, from in-person to online. That’s no small feat given the toll the pandemic is still taking on our region. But we are confident that with shared vigilance we can have another productive semester. A UM System letter yesterday highlighted the best practices we should follow.
They include:
- Getting vaccinated and, when eligible, getting a booster.
- Wearing a well-fitting mask in all indoor settings.
- Self-monitoring for symptoms and staying home when sick.
- Getting tested if you are symptomatic and following CDC guidelines if you test positive.
These precautions enabled us to successfully return to campus this fall and will be key to our continued success this winter. Omicron cases are currently on the rise on campus and in Kansas City and aren’t expected to peak for a few more weeks. Before returning to classes Jan. 18, please review our COVID-related protocols.
Reporting COVID cases and exposures
If you are experiencing any symptoms, even mild symptoms, stay home and get tested.
Remember to notify the university about an exposure to a positive case, symptoms or positive COVID test results and follow the updated CDC guidelines for isolation or quarantine.
Please keep an eye on the UMKC Coronavirus website for important news and updates.
A successful spring 2022 semester
The key element for success this semester will be flexibility.
- Faculty should have contingency plans in place for making course material and assessments available to address the needs of any student who is unable to attend class for an extended period of time, either due to illness or exposure.
- Supervisors should prepare business-continuity plans and consider alternative work arrangements for employees where possible to mitigate the effect of COVID cases.
- Students moving into residence halls will need to provide documentation of vaccination or evidence of having tested negative 72 hours in advance of move-in.
Testing and vaccination resources
Working together, we can – and will – have a great spring semester. Thank you in advance for your resilience.
In this together,
C. Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Jenny Lundgren, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
