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FAQs for Faculty & Staff

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For an overview of health and safety expectations, visit our Public Health Measures guidelines. See the HR website for additional information for faculty and staff.

Vaccinations

Are faculty, staff, and UVA Health team members required to show proof of vaccination? What about boosters?
While not required, all students, full-time and part-time UVA faculty and staff, including those working remotely, are strongly encouraged to receive their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses when eligible per CDC recommendation. Information about vaccine availability can be found at vaccines.gov and the Virginia Department of Health's Blue Ridge Health District website. For more information about vaccination for UVA Health team members, including School of Medicine and School of Nursing students who are required to be in health system facilities for training or practical experience, please visit the UVA HR site.

Isolation and Precautions

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 or I am exposed to someone who tested positive?

Given the highly contagious nature of the coronavirus, everyone should prepare for the possibility of getting COVID-19 or being exposed to it. If you test positive, consult the CDC’s guidance on Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19. Just as with any other illness, you should contact your manager or department chair to make arrangements for taking the appropriate leave. Visit the UVA HR site for more information. UVA Health team members who are required to follow UVA Health's policy OCH-002 and who receive positive test results outside of UVA Health or Employee Health are required to notify Employee Health at 434-924-2013 or employeehealth@virginia.edu. This requirement does not apply to other Academic Division employees. If you were exposed to someone who tested positive, consult the CDC’s guidance on What to Do If You Were Exposed to COVID-19.

Public Health and Safety

Does UVA require face masks to be worn on Grounds?
Wearing masks is optional in UVA properties and on public transportation, with the following exception: masks must be worn in UVA Health and Student Health and Wellness Center clinical spaces or where patient care is provided. See University Policy SEC-045: COVID-19 Health & Safety Requirement - Vaccination, Testing, Face Masks, Events and Gatherings, and Visitors for details and exceptions. 
Are there restrictions on events and gatherings?

 Individuals are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for safe in-person events and gatherings.

Are there restrictions on visitors?

Visitors are allowed on Grounds and must comply with face coverings requirements outlined in University Policy SEC-045: COVID-19 Health & Safety Requirement – Prevalence Testing, Face Masks, Physical Distancing, Events and Gatherings, and Visitors.

Are there restrictions on University travel?
University-related international travel is no longer restricted due to COVID-19. Faculty and staff travel is subject to the University Policy on Faculty and Staff International Travel and requires registration only.  Student international travel has reverted to the requirements established in the University Policy on Student International Travel and is subject to review. Students, including graduate students and GME residents and fellows must complete an ISO education abroad program application or travel registration prior to departure. Itineraries that involve travel to destinations with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory of Level 3 or Level 4 or CDC Level 3 for reasons other than COVID-19 will require approval of a petition for an exemption to the University Policy on Student International Travel. See the International Studies Office COVID Considerations page and the Travel Alerts, Notice, and Warnings page for more information on student travel.  
Can I ask a colleague or student to wear a mask when we are meeting in an office on Grounds or working together in a research lab where masking is not required?
There is no "one size fits all" rule about negotiating mask preferences in mask-optional settings. We encourage everyone to treat each other with respect and common courtesy. Depending on the situation, this may mean being willing to put on a mask when asked, communicating masking preferences in advance, or offering to meet virtually if appropriate. UVA community members are encouraged to carry a mask in case they are asked to wear one.  
Are masks required in research labs?
Mask requirements unrelated to COVID-19, such as those associated with hazardous chemicals, remain in place.

Testing

If I have symptoms, how can I get tested? Do I need to notify the University if I test positive?
Any employee who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate, consult a healthcare provider or contact Employee Health, and get tested. UVA Health team members who are required to follow UVA Health’s policy OCH-002 should go to Employee Health at 400 Brandon Avenue (former Student Health location) for walk-in symptomatic testing between 8 am and noon or between 1pm and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. If UVA Health team members receive positive test results outside of UVA Health or Employee Health, they are required to notify Employee Health at 434-924-2013 or employeehealth@virginia.edu. (This requirement does not apply to other Academic Division employees.)

Academic Instruction

What steps do I take if one or more students in my class share that they have tested positive or have been exposed to COVID-19?

Guidance for faculty and instructors may be found on the provost’s website, Academic Guidance for Instructors.  This site will provide information on responding to students and managing the classroom environment.   

If a student informs you that they cannot attend class in-person, you should treat them as you would any other student absent due to illness. For example, you could accommodate the student by recording lectures, asking a classmate to take notes, or providing a one-way online video stream so that the student can watch the lectures synchronously.  These suggestions, and other ways to support students, are compiled on the provost’s website.

What do I do if I need to isolate?
If you need to isolate, let your department chair or supervisor know right away. If you are well, you may be able to “zoom in” to your classroom so students can still be together in person (if the technology in your classroom allows it), offer the class online, or provide students with recorded lectures until you are able to return to the classroom; check with your department or school to understand what your options are. If you are not well enough to teach, let your department chair know as soon as possible, and follow the guidance on the Provost’s website and the UVA HR website. Make sure to notify your students as soon as possible of any alternative arrangement.
I am worried about the virus: can I teach online?
If you are worried about COVID-19 because you have a documented medical disability, follow the Procedures for Employees with Disability to Request Workplace Accommodations.  If you want to teach online for other reasons, please refer to the Mode of Instruction Guidance provided by the Provost's office. 
I have a health condition that makes me highly vulnerable to COVID-19. What should I do?
If you have a documented medical disability, please follow the Procedures for Employees with Disability to Request Workplace Accommodations. Some health conditions related to COVID-19 may be considered a disability. 
I have specific questions about occasionally holding class sessions, office hours, or exams online. Where can I find more information?
Please refer to the Provost’s guidance for instructors for more information.   

Operations

Where can I find current operational information for various departments?
Where can I find more information about cleaning protocols and HVAC?
Facilities Management has posted details and FAQs on its website: Operational COVID-19 Resources.