Fall 2021 Campus Guidelines

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Face Masks/Coverings

Currently, face coverings are required in the University (Student) Health Center, Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders, Counseling Center and Central Missouri Clinic regardless of vaccination status. In addition,

• Effective August 9

  Regardless of vaccination status, face coverings will be required in the following instances and locations:

  • UCM shuttle and ride services
  • Kickoff Experience indoor events and activities
  • All Student Orientation and student move-in indoor events and activities
  • The Missouri Innovation Campus (in observance of the public health order issued by the Jackson County Executive)

  Exceptions include when actively eating and drinking, in residence hall rooms and apartments, and in private offices when no visitors are present.

   

• Beginning August 16

  Face coverings will be required indoors, in all university buildings, regardless of vaccination status. This includes the UCM Childcare Center for ages 2 and up. Exceptions include when actively eating and drinking, in residence hall rooms and apartments, and in private offices when no visitors are present.

  The university will re-evaluate the guidance provided in this statement no later than September 16. As medical experts have expressed, the most effective way to reduce the spread of and risks associated with COVID-19 is to become fully vaccinated.  As such, all UCM community members are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and take other measures to stay healthy. Students and employees can find vaccination resources by clicking the COVID-19 link on the UCM website home page or going directly to COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities.

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Vaccination

• Students are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated before returning to the university, keeping in mind it takes at least two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose vaccine and two weeks after a single-dose vaccine for the vaccine to be effective.

• Vaccine is available for students at the University Health Center and may be obtained through local health agencies.

• Students who wish to establish a COVID-19 immunization record can do so by taking the following steps:

• Go to ucmo.medicatconnect.com. 

  • Log in using your MyCentral username and password. 

  • Click the "Immunization" tab.

  • Click on “COVID Vaccine.”

  • Enter the date(s) you received the vaccine.

  • Click “Submit.”

  • Click on the "Upload" tab at the top right side of the screen.

  • Follow the instructions to upload a copy of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.

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General Steps and Expectations

• We encourage all campus community members to check for symptoms that could indicate they have coronavirus, and take steps accordingly to self-quarantine and seek testing. If you know you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should follow CDC guidelines related to self-quarantine. Students should complete the COVID communication form available through the University Health Center if they believe they are symptomatic or have been exposed. 
• Students are encouraged to engage in self-health practices recommended by the CDC as this guidance will contribute to a healthy campus environment. You can learn more by clicking here. It is up to each one of us to take responsibility for our own health and well-being, including being mindful of the health and well-being of others. 
• Per CDC guidance, individuals who are vaccinated will not need to quarantine, if exposed, as long as they are not experiencing symptoms.
• Unvaccinated students will be required to quarantine if they are exposed to COVID-19. Accommodations will be made on campus for isolation space for unvaccinated individuals who reside in the residence hall system who may have been exposed or who believe they are symptomatic, and allowances for meal deliveries will be made. 
• All campus community members are encouraged to check their UCM email for important updates related to COVID-19. You can also learn more by checking out UCM’s coronavirus website https://www.ucmo.edu/ coronavirus. Please keep in mind that the pandemic continues to be an evolving situation, and the university will need to adjust its prevention protocols as necessary.
• Normal student attendance policies are being reinstated.

 

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Counseling Center Support

The Counseling Center is providing virtual services primarily by Telemental Health (TMH). Individuals can access services by calling 660-543-4060 to participate in a brief screening for TMH and to schedule appointments. Mental Fitness workshops are offered online, on-demand, via Blackboard. Please see the Counseling Center’s website (ucmo.edu/cc) for more information about services and for additional resources, or call 660-543-4060 with any questions.

 

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On-campus Residence Hall Changes

• All residence hall rooms will return to double occupancy, however, we are allowing for a limited number of paid single occupancy rooms. 

• Freshmen and sophomores who live within 65 miles of campus can apply for an exemption from living in campus residence halls provided they will live with a parent, grandparent or legal guardian. Any student who believes they may be eligible for an exemption and wishes to obtain one can contact University Housing at 660-543-4515, or housing@ucmo.edu.

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Move-in Process

First-year students who sign up for UCM Kickoff will be required to sign up for a move-in time, and will move in Thursday, Aug. 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other first-year students and upper-class students will move into residence halls on Sunday, Aug.16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will receive direct communication about move-in. Those living in apartments will receive a direct communication regarding move-in, which will begin Aug. 12. Residence hall move-in information can be found at ucmo.edu/movein and apartment move-in information can be found at ucmo.edu/aptmovein.

• There will not be a limit to the number of guests who assist a student with move-in.
• Students will enter the building alone to pick up their keys and paperwork.
• Students should plan to complete the move-in process within two hours.
• We ask that students, families, and guests be respectful of other families by moving vehicles to parking lots when items are unloaded. 

University Housing will further communicate with residence hall students through UCM email in mid-July for sign-up instructions, and information will be posted on residence hall and apartment move-in pages.

If you have specific questions regarding move in, please contact University Housing at 660-543-4515 or at housing@ucmo.edu.

 

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Items to Bring from Home

When returning to campus or moving in for the first time, please be sure to bring items that can help support a healthy lifestyle while the national pandemic continues.

• Face covering/mask
• Thermometer
• Tylenol
• Hand sanitizer
• Cleaning supplies

 

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Campus Dining Updates

There are many steps the University and Sodexo, UCM’s food services provider, are taking to support the dining experience.

• Sodexo has company-wide protocols for food preparation and service.

• While local regulations no longer require social distancing, UCM will offer a dining space that has socially distanced tables.

• Carry-out service will be available.

• Self-service options will be expanded.

• Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures will continue.

 

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Campus Cupboard

Located on the lower level of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Campus Cupboard is a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to alleviating hunger and financial burdens in the UCM community. Food and personal care items are provided to students and UCM employees in need. It will resume regular service on Wednesday, Aug. 18. For more information about Campus Cupboard visit https://www.ucmo.edu/current-students/student-services/campus-cupboard/.

 

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Classroom Updates

• Currently, it is anticipated that classrooms will at least be at 75% capacity with some seats available for social distancing. 

• The university will continue to flex and synchronous course types in addition to our regular face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats. Students desiring class in a specific delivery mode should visit with their academic advisor.

 

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Special Events

• At this time, we do not anticipate social distancing to be in place for most events and activities for fall semester. Sponsors and organizers may provide to participants alternatives such as virtual options or reduced capacity, especially for events and activities that have required attendance. 

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International Students

• CDC guidelines state that international students vaccinated outside of the United States should refer to Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States regarding the possible need for vaccinations upon arrival in the U.S.

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Study Abroad Students

• At this time, UCM is not imposing additional restrictions on study abroad programs other than what is required by the host country. Please refer to CDC guidance as UCM continues to monitor this situation.

• Students planning to study abroad should be aware that the university is following CDC guidance. It recommends that institutions planning study abroad programs check with CDC’s destination-specific Travel Health Notices for information about the COVID-19 situation in the destination or host country. Institutions of higher education should postpone programs in destinations with very high COVID-19 levels (Level 4 Travel Health Notice), and should have plans to take action if situations in the destination change and COVID-19 levels become very high during the program. 

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Testing and Contact Tracing

• Free rapid testing for students is available at the University Health Center. Students who want to be tested may schedule their appointment now at ucmo.medicatconnect.com under the "Appts." tab. 

• The University Health Center will work in cooperation with Johnson County Community Health Services to conduct contact tracing for individuals who test positive. If you have specific questions regarding testing and contact tracing, please contact the University Health Center at 660-543-4770 or uhc@ucmo.edu.

• If you have possible COVID-19 symptoms, have possible exposure to COVID, or have tested positive, please sign into the patient portal and complete the COVID communication form. 

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Additional Accommodations

Students who need accommodations due to medical or learning needs should contact the Office of Accessibility Services at 660-543-4421 or access@ucmo.edu. Students who have concerns about their current schedule should contact the Success Advising Center to discuss their options at 660-543-4721 or success@ucmo.edu.

 

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Student Recreation and Wellness Center

The Student Recreation and Wellness Center is taking many steps to provide an environment that encourages social distancing and follows guidelines prescribed by the CDC and local health officials. If you are planning to use the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, here is some information that will help you maximize your visit:

• Fitness classes may be limited to 10-12 individuals, but there will be YouTube classes available for individuals’ convenience.

• Walking only on the indoor track is allowed.

• Intramural sport offerings may be limited.

• Personal training will still be available. Clients may request virtual sessions if they prefer.

• In the fitness areas, attendants will be stationed throughout to regularly clean machines during hours of operation; however, patrons are encouraged to follow the rule: “You Touch It, You Clean It Before and After.”

• Capacity of the free weight room has increased from 10 this spring to 15 for fall semester.

• Cardio Deck machines have been moved to allow the circuitry machines to be utilized for optimal social distancing.

• In the mezzanine area, boxing gloves and ropes are no longer being checked out, but individuals can use punching bags if they bring their own gloves.

• The rock wall limit is 10 individuals at a time.

• Basketball is not permitted at this time.

• Individuals may check out equipment.

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UCM Kick-off

UCM Kick-off is still scheduled for Thursday, August 12. For more information, please visit ucmo.edu/kickoff.

 

Other Information

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve and the impact on UCM is being monitored continually by the university. The well-being of all UCM faculty, staff, students and visitors is a priority and the institution will make any adjustments as necessary to respond to evolving circumstances. We will continue to keep you informed of any new developments. If you have questions about coronavirus, or are interested in seeing recent campus updates related to the virus, please visit https://www.ucmo.edu/ coronavirus.