chancellor-from
Aug. 10, 2021

Dear UAF students, staff and faculty,

Thank you to everyone who continues to voluntarily attest to their vaccination status through the UAF COVID-19 vaccination voluntary attestation form. Of our nearly 2,700 employees, 714 have logged in and shared that they are fully vaccinated. That’s a great start!

As I mentioned last week, UAF is currently requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for students who elect to live in our residence at the Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel. Students who wish to apply for a waiver may request accommodation by contacting the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Adding a vaccine requirement is under active consideration for additional populations within our university community, including but not limited to employees, residence halls and intercollegiate athletics. If we do require a COVID-19 vaccine for a unit that you are a part of, a waiver process will accompany such a requirement. If we pursue a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for incoming residential students, we will provide a reasonable time frame for students to meet the requirement without disrupting their move onto campus. Please watch your email for updates to this evolving discussion.

To protect your health and the health of others, if you are experiencing symptoms of illness or have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, free testing is available at Capstone Clinic, with locations at 3121 Airport Way in Fairbanks and at 301 North Santa Claus Lane in North Pole. Students can get tested on campus at the UAF Health and Counseling Center by making an appointment here.

I encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We continue to work with Fairbanks public health officials and have confirmed there will be vaccination stations at UAF Aug. 18 and 19 and throughout the fall at the Troth Yeddha’ Campus. Students can get vaccinated by making an appointment with UAF Student Health and Counseling Center. If you are not vaccinated, please visit one of the many locations throughout the state to receive your free vaccination. You can use your COVID-19 emergency sick leave if needed to stay home for a day or two after receiving your vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 and are effective at preventing severe illness should you contract the virus.

Next week, we will begin our weekly drawings for prizes for those who have attested that they are vaccinated. For employees, getting the COVID-19 vaccine also meets one of the points for your wellness rebate. I am working with my Cabinet on other ways to encourage and incentivize COVID-19 vaccination for the UAF population. I welcome your ideas on how to keep Nanook Nation healthy, and I thank you for your continued input and engagement.

Thanks for choosing UAF.

— Dan White, chancellor
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