TO: University of Idaho Faculty and Staff
FROM: Scott Green, President
DATE: May 15, 2020
SUBJECT: University Eases into Stage 2 of Reopening
Tomorrow would have been the day we all gathered to celebrate the many accomplishments of the past year. While we are unable to gather for Commencement because of COVID-19, it does not diminish the work done and we should still take time to reflect on and enjoy the many successes.
It is also a time to further consider the status of our university and of the state. Yesterday, Gov. Brad Little commended Idahoans for their efforts to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic. He declared Stage 1 of his Idaho Rebounds plan a success and gave the green light to enter Stage 2.
For the University of Idaho, Stage 2 brings few changes. Here is a breakdown:
Stage 2 | May 16 to May 29
If you are able to work from home, you should continue to do so. Employees unable to work from home should continue working on site. Supervisors have the discretion to create work shifts, alternating assignments or to temporarily reassign an employee to enhance safety and productivity.
- A face covering should be used when in direct contact with other people or when social distancing is not possible.
- Some select buildings may open to the public, with vice presidential approval.
- Meetings of up to 10 people can be held where social distancing can occur.
- Dining areas can open with approval of the Vice President for Finance and Administration.
- No in-person university events will be held.
- Only essential travel will be permitted, following the governor’s guidance.
- Campus Recreation and the Children’s Center, while eligible to open, will not do so until Stage 3 (On or about May 30) while plans are developed to accomplish this safely. The Outdoor Rental Center will be available for equipment rental with curbside pickup/drop-off during Stage 2.
Our primary goal is the safety of our Vandal Family. We continue to work closely with Idaho Public Health to evaluate each decision and plan to return all employees to regular work locations by Monday, June 15. But we must remain flexible, attentive and proactive. Employees who are vulnerable or live with someone who is vulnerable should contact Human Resources for assistance to determine reasonable accommodations for each stage.
Decisions about events, travel and engagement this summer will be up to the organizing unit. UIdaho Bound, scheduled for June 12, will be held virtually while the June 26 and July 17 events are scheduled to be in person. We also continue to plan for a Commencement ceremony honoring spring 2020 graduates on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Many people are involved in planning our fall restart. Plans are coming together to address health and safety concerns of class sizes, testing, response to positive COVID-19 tests, housing arrangements and more. Details will come out over the summer, as they are finalized.
Thank you for your patience and your commitment to ensuring U of I is doing its part to reopen our state safely. These are uncertain times, but I know our Vandal community will do its best to help bring us all back together again on the vibrant Moscow campus and across our beautiful state.
Keep Calm and Vandal On!
Scott Green
President
president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president
