Novel coronavirus information

COVID-19 FAQ for instructors and academic personnel

Table of contents

Health and prevention

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Chills
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you have any of these symptoms, stay home and get tested – even if you are vaccinated.

If you test positive, notify the UW COVID-19 Response and Prevention Team through our reporting form. Completing the form is not necessary if your test was taken at Husky Coronavirus Testing. Follow the UW Public Health Requirements and Guidance flowchart to help you recover and to help protect others from getting sick.

UW Medicine medical facility personnel should contact their respective employee health services.

Return to table of contents

What do I do if I feel sick?

If you have symptoms of a potential illness, you  must  stay home.

Follow the instructions on the UW COVID-19 Public Health Flowchart if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Contact the COVID-19 Response and Prevention Team in the UW Environmental Health & Safety Department at covidehc@uw.edu with questions.

UW Medicine medical facility personnel contact their respective employee health center.

Return to table of contents

What should I do if my symptoms are due to seasonal allergies?

Some seasonal allergy symptoms overlap with symptoms of COVID-19. Get tested for COVID-19 if you normally experience seasonal allergies and also have:

  • Any symptoms after a close contact exposure to an individual with COVID-19.
  • Any symptoms that are not typically associated with seasonal allergies, such as fever, chills, body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Any new symptoms you don’t normally experience with seasonal allergies.
  • Allergy symptoms when you normally would not have them.
  • Allergy symptoms that don’t respond to your usual allergy medications.

If you have frequent, persistent seasonal allergy symptoms, you may want to consider getting tested regularly (once per week, for example). A PCR test is more sensitive than a rapid antigen self-test and is recommended to rule out a COVID-19 infection.

Wear a high-quality, well-fitted facemask indoors, especially around other people, when you are experiencing symptoms even if they may be due to seasonal allergies.

Some individuals choose to share information about their seasonal allergy symptoms and testing plan with their supervisor or instructor; however, personnel and students are not required or expected to share any personal medical information.

Follow the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance and Requirements Flowchart if you have COVID-19 symptoms, close contact exposure or test positive for COVID-19. Report positive test results to the UW COVID-19 Response and Prevention Team.

Return to table of contents

I want to get tested for COVID-19. Where can I go?

The University offers students and personnel COVID-19 testing options at no cost to you:

Other testing options (some options may include fees):

View a chart showing a comparison of COVID-19 tests and visit the COVID-19 tests webpage for more information on when to test and how to select a test.

Be sure to report positive test results and follow the UW COVID-19 Public Health Guidance and Requirements Flowchart if you have COVID-19 symptoms, close contact exposure or test positive for COVID-19.

UW Medicine medical facility personnel should contact their respective employee health services.

Return to table of contents

What are the differences between types of COVID-19 tests?

Visit the COVID-19 Tests page for information about the types of diagnostic tests, and view a comparison of COVID-19 tests to know when to get a PCR or antigen (rapid) test.

Return to table of contents

Who should I notify if I test positive for COVID-19?

Notify the  COVID-19 Response and Prevention Team in the UW Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S), regardless of your vaccination status, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms.

Follow the instructions in the UW COVID-19 Public Health Flowchart.

UW Medicine medical facility personnel should notify their respective employee health center.

Return to table of contents

What treatments are currently available for people with COVID-19?

UW Medicine currently offers several treatments for COVID-19 patients, as well as a new therapy that is used to prevent infection in people who are at higher risk for severe illness.

  • Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody therapy for pre-exposure prevention. UW Medicine has launched a self-attestation process for eligible patients to request an appointment for Evushield.
  • The monoclonal antibody Bebtelovimab and the oral antivirals Paxlovid and Molnupiravir are available for patients who have contracted COVID-19 and who are at higher risk of severe illness. To be effective, antiviral medications must be started within five days of the start of symptoms.

Consult with your health-care provider about whether these options are right for you, or use this federal website to find pharmacies that offer both tests and antiviral medications.

Return to table of contents

I may have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?

Follow the instructions on the UW COVID-19 Public Health Flowchart if you were in close contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19.

UW Medicine medical facility personnel should follow UW Medicine protocols.

Return to table of contents

What should I do if someone in my workplace or classroom has symptoms?

If you are concerned about an individual’s symptoms, wear a high-quality, well-fitted facemask and physically distance, if possible.

Please respect the privacy of others and avoid questioning them about their symptoms or drawing attention to them in front of others. You can also discuss your concerns with their supervisor or instructor.

A supervisor or instructor may do one or more of the following:

  • Remind the individual that they are not permitted to come to campus if they are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Ask the employee to perform a self-assessment of their symptoms to determine whether they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Ask the individual to go home if the individual is unable to attribute their symptoms to another health condition.
  • Refer them to the University’s COVID-19 Public Health Flowchart for detailed information on when it is safe to return to campus.
  • Provide a high-quality, well-fitted facemask for the employee to wear while they are experiencing symptoms if the symptoms are attributable to another health condition and it does not interfere with job-required PPE.
  • Consult with UW Human Resources or the Office of Academic Personnel as needed.

The supervisor or instructor may not do any of the following:

  • Do not ask the individual to provide any specific information about their symptoms, health condition(s) or personal medical information.
  • Do not ask the individual to provide a COVID-19 test result, proof a test occurred or a doctor’s note.
  • Do not retaliate against the individual for choosing to wear (or not wear) a facemask where it’s not required. The individual’s decision must have no bearing on working/learning conditions or an evaluation of their academic or work performance.

Return to table of contents

Where can I get vaccinated?

All UW students and personnel must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect everyone’s health and safety. UW Medicine offers vaccinations at multiple locations, or you can use the Washington Vaccine Locator to find a vaccine provider.

Return to table of contents

Am I eligible for a vaccine booster shot?

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are available for anyone in the United States age 12 and over who received the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. People age 18 and over can receive another dose of the vaccine they received previously, or a booster shot of a different vaccine. People age 12-17 can only receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as a booster. UW Medicine offers vaccinations at multiple locations, or you can use the Washington Vaccine Locator to find a vaccine provider.

Return to table of contents

Am I up to date on my COVID-19 vaccinations?

Check the CDC's Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines page to find out if you are up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. UW Medicine offers vaccinations at multiple locations, or you can use the Washington Vaccine Locator to find a vaccine provider.

Return to table of contents

How the UW responds

Does the UW require vaccinations?

In order to protect the health of our community, the UW requires all students and personnel to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with certain exemptions allowed. For students, this is similar to our existing tri-campus immunization requirement. Please review the vaccination requirement page for more information. UW Medicine personnel should continue to follow UW Medicine policies and procedures.

Return to table of contents

How is the UW testing for coronavirus on campus?

The Husky Coronavirus Testing program conducts testing to detect individual cases in the community to mitigate the potential for outbreaks to occur.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 receives guidance from the COVID-19 Response and Prevention Teamin the UW Environmental Health & Safety Department regarding care, self-isolation and contact tracing.

Find out more about Husky Coronavirus Testing.

Return to table of contents

What are the testing requirements for unvaccinated students?

For the most up-to-date information on the UW's vaccination policy and testing requirements for those with vaccine exemptions, please visit our COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement page.

Return to table of contents

What does the UW do when a member of our community has COVID-19?

When the University is notified that a UW student, staff, faculty or other academic personnel tests positive for COVID-19, we take steps to prevent further transmission, including providing isolation guidance.

Read more about how the UW responds to cases of COVID-19.

Return to table of contents

How does the UW follow up with close contacts of a person who tested positive for COVID-19?

When a student or employee notifies the University about their positive test result, the UW COVID-19 Response and Prevention Team works with them to reduce the risk of other people getting sick.

The team asks the person who tested positive to identify the UW locations they visited and the UW-affiliated people they had close contact with up to 48 hours before symptoms began (or 48 hours before the date of their COVID-19 test if they have no symptoms).

If you’re notified that you may have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, the UW COVID-19 Response and Prevention Team will help you understand what you need to do, such as staying home and away from other people, monitoring your health for 14 days and getting a COVID-19 test.

Read more about how the UW responds to cases of COVID-19.

Return to table of contents

How does the UW clean, disinfect and ventilate facilities?

The UW Environmental Health & Safety Department has a COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfection Protocol for campus partners that comply with guidelines from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing the spread of coronavirus. The University’s custodial cleaning program follows this protocol to regularly clean shared spaces, such as public and common areas, restrooms, and break rooms, and regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces. In some areas, individual users are also be responsible for regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment/items they share.

In preparation for greater numbers of students and personnel returning to in-person learning and work in autumn 2021, UW Facilities and EH&S conducted significant testing and upgrades of ventilation systems in classrooms and other campus buildings. The University has also purchased over two thousand air purifiers to install as needed in classrooms on the Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses.

When a person diagnosed with COVID-19 is known to have been on campus, the specific locations where the individual spent time while potentially infectious are evaluated for cleaning and disinfection, in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Additional information regarding cleaning and disinfection on the Seattle campus is available from UW Facilities and Housing & Food Services. EH&S has published details on ventilation standards, and clinical and laboratory spaces operate under the ventilation standards specific to the needs of those environments. UW Facilities has produced an overview of the measures undertaken to improve ventilation in campus buildings.

Return to table of contents

What resources does the UW offer for combating stigmatization and bias related to the pandemic?

There is no connection between race, ethnicity or nationality and COVID-19.

As President Ana Mari Cauce wrote, "Our common humanity calls on us now to offer support, empathy and understanding to those most affected by this virus ... All of us, as individuals and as a community, are responsible for treating each other with kindness and empathy. We are best equipped to deal with any threat to health when we work together."

Stigma doesn’t fight the illness, but it does hurt innocent people. Public Health – Seattle & King County has anti-stigma resources. You can report bias or discrimination in our University community using the appropriate UW bias reporting tool:

Return to table of contents

What would cause the UW to change the course of its COVID-19 response?

In March 2020, the UW was the first university in the country to move to remote courses. In autumn 2021, we were one of the last to return to largely in-person instruction. Those decisions, along with the many others made along the way, were guided by some of the world’s top health experts and made with health and well-being as our priorities.

No single metric can accurately capture a complex public health situation. We will continue to engage in science- and evidence-based decision making, relying on the expertise of our UW, local and state experts to guide us. Several scenarios are considered when evaluating a return to largely remote instruction and/or operations, including a major uptick in on-campus transmissions or positivity rates; greatly diminished capacity in our area hospitals; major disruptions in our K-12 schools or transportation systems; or the imposition of state or local restrictions, such as distancing requirements or “stay at home” orders.

Because of the evolving nature of the pandemic, public health measures may be relaxed or reinstated depending on the community risk level of COVID-19 our area is experiencing.

Return to table of contents

Campus operations

Where are masks required at the UW?

Masks are recommended inside UW facilities where they aren't otherwise required. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask is encouraged and welcome to do so.

All University units must follow the current UW COVID-19 Face Covering Policy.

UW Medicine clinical personnel should continue to follow UW Medicine policies.

Return to table of contents

Where can I pick up free, high-quality masks on campus?

The University of Washington provides high-quality masks to UW students and personnel at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. These include KN95, KF94, N95 and surgical masks, all of which have been approved by UW Environmental Health & Safety.

Masks are available at the following locations:

Seattle campus

UW Bothell

  • Surgical masks are available for free in dispensers placed at building entrances

UW Tacoma

Additional supplies will be ordered as necessary based on demand and additional surgical masks will be distributed if supplies of KN95, KF94, and/or N95 masks run low.

UW units needing supplies of masks should purchase those and other PPE from the UW Clean and Safe Storefront via a budget number. The locations above are intended to supply masks for individual use only and are not stocked to supply masks in bulk for other units, labs, or classrooms.

As of October 2022, the UW had distributed more than 800,000 masks over the course of the pandemic. This includes roughly 400,000 surgical masks, 150,000 KN95s, 50,000 N95s and other job-specific PPE, and the mailing of two cloth face coverings to UW students in advance of autumn quarter 2020.

Return to table of contents

What classes are being offered in-person this quarter?

As of Jan. 31, the majority of courses and experiences this spring are expected to be offered in-person. Students can refer to Canvas, communications from instructors, and their campus time schedule for details on spring quarter plans.

Return to table of contents

What current health and safety measures are being taken for campus events?

Event organizers, sponsors and hosts have a responsibility to take health and safety measures for events that occur at a University location. Refer to the Event Safety Checklist on the Campus Event Safety page for details.

Return to table of contents

What medical and disability accommodations are available for students and personnel?

We recognize that some students and personnel have documented medical conditions that place them at higher risk for complications from COVID-19. Requests for accommodations related to COVID-19 will be handled in the same manner as for other medical conditions. Students should request accommodations from Disability Resources for Students at the Bothell, Seattle, or Tacoma campuses. Faculty, academic personnel and staff should request accommodations through the Disability Services Office.

Return to table of contents

Where can I find information about building hours on campus?

Most UW campus buildings will remain accessible only to UW students, faculty and staff for spring quarter. Please check directly with the building or service that you wish to visit to find their opening hours and policies. Please visit this page for details about each campus' building policies.

Return to table of contents

When are UW Libraries open?

Each library has different hours, so be sure to check the UW Libraries hours page prior to visiting.

Return to table of contents

What are the current hours for campus dining facilities?

For the most up-to-date details on campus dining options, please visit the Housing & Food Services service and operations updates page.

Return to table of contents

When is the IMA open?

The IMA is now open to current UW students, as well as UW employees, UW retirees, Plus Ones, UWAA Alumni (eligibility is limited) and Affiliates (eligible affiliates only) with IMA quarterly or annual memberships. The UW is also planning for ways to make all of our fitness classes, intramurals and other activities available in hybrid models so you can stay active no matter how the pandemic evolves.

For the most up-to-date information on IMA facilities, please visit the IMA COVID-19 Guidelines page on their website.
Return to table of contents

When are in-person campus tours being offered?

Campus tours and in-person events are back! Bookmark the Office of Admissions visits page for future updates — and while you’re there, watch an admission information session or download our guide to take a self-guided tour whenever it’s convenient for you to visit campus.

Return to table of contents

Faculty and academic personnel FAQs

Can I request or require that students and other individuals wear masks in my classroom, lab or office?

We encourage you to continue wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask if you wish to do so, whether for your own comfort or as a courtesy to others around you. You may also ask students and other individuals to wear a mask while in your classroom, lab or office.

You cannot require masks unless you are in an area where masks are specifically required by law or the UW Face Covering Policy, such as healthcare facilities or public transportation, and in labs and/or situations where masks are required for reasons other than COVID-19. Similarly, you cannot require unmasked students or other individuals to leave your classroom, lab or office for the reason that they are unmasked unless one of these requirements applies.

You may choose to hold office hours remotely, but any in-person office hours must be open to students regardless of whether they wear a mask or not.

Further, please be mindful of your position of power in the classroom when asking that your students wear masks. It is important to be clear in any request that masks are optional, and that a student’s decision to wear a mask or not will have no bearing on their grades or other evaluations.

Please remember that people need to or choose to wear — or not wear — masks for a wide range of reasons. Thank you for respecting those needs and choices.

Suggested language instructors can use to communicate the UW mask policy with regards to instruction:

"Students can choose to mask, or not, at their own discretion, and on a situation-specific basis. Well-fitting, high-quality masks remain an important tool against COVID and other respiratory illnesses. More information about the UW Face Covering Policy is available from Environmental Health & Safety. Your choice regarding masking will not impact your grade in this course."

Return to table of contents

Under what circumstances may I switch my in-person course to a remote course?

Instructors may opt to move to remote teaching for short periods if, for instance, large numbers of students are absent due to isolation or quarantine. An instructor’s own situation, such as illness or the need to quarantine, may prompt a temporary move to remote teaching. The uncertainty in K-12 education and day care also may be a reason to offer a course remotely, but for a limited time period consistent with the length of the disruption. Instructors should discuss any temporary move to remote teaching with their chair, director, associate dean or dean, depending on the campus, and then communicate changes to their students.

Return to table of contents

Am I required to teach an in-person and a remote version of my course simultaneously?

No. Instructors are not required or expected to teach two versions of the same course.

Return to table of contents

How can instructors best support students with disability accommodations, or who miss class for COVID-19-related reasons?

Instructors are not expected to create two versions (in-person and remote) of a course or to handle requests for accommodations that typically go through Disability Resources for Students. Of course, as in years past, students will at times need to miss class due to illness or other special situations, and we would ask that instructors work with students in those circumstances by offering make-up assignments or additional time to complete assignments, for example. We encourage faculty to, whenever possible, post course materials to Canvas so that students who are absent can access these materials.

Return to table of contents

What should instructors do if a student refuses to wear a mask in a setting where masks are required?

As of March 28, 2022, masks are recommended but no longer required inside most University buildings. Masks are still required in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities and UW shuttles.

All UW students and personnel are required to follow the University’s COVID-19 Face Covering Policy at all times. If a student is not complying with this policy while indoors, instructors should begin with a polite, verbal request to remind and educate the student about the UW’s face covering policy and to ask them to wear a face covering. The following are campus-specific guidance and resources:

Seattle

  1. If the student does not have a face covering with them, direct them to one of the locations on each campus where high-quality masks are available at no cost. Masks are also available in the Heathy Huskies vending machines. If units wish to purchase face coverings or other personal protective equipment to keep at their reception desks, visit the Creative Communications Storefront.
  2. If a student refuses to comply with the policy, the instructor can politely but firmly ask the student to leave the classroom/building. Under the Student Conduct Code, instructors have the authority to exclude a student from any class session in which that student is being disruptive.
  3. If a student does not comply with a request to leave, the instructor may choose to stop instruction, dismiss the class, and then report the student to the Seattle Student Conduct Office at cssc@uw.edu or 206-685-6194. Instructors should also contact this office in the case of belligerent non-compliance, or if they need assistance managing the situation. Student Conduct Office personnel are trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed mediation.

Bothell

  1. If the student does not have a face covering with them, direct them to the free single-use mask dispensers located next to hand-sanitizing stations in buildings throughout campus.
  2. If a student refuses to comply with the policy, the instructor can politely but firmly ask the student to leave the classroom/building. Under the Student Conduct Code, instructors have the authority to exclude a student from any class session in which that student is being disruptive.
  3. If a student does not comply with a request to leave, the instructor may choose to stop instruction, dismiss the class, and then report the student to the UW Bothell Office of Student Conduct.
  4. In the case of belligerent non-compliance, or if the instructor needs assistance managing the situation, they should contact UW Bothell Campus Safety at 425-352-5359 or uwb-safety@uw.edu. Bothell Campus Safety personnel are unarmed and trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed mediation.

Tacoma

  1. Instructors will be provided masks to offer to students who come to class unmasked.
  2. If a student refuses to comply with the policy, the instructor can politely but firmly ask the student to leave the classroom/building. Under the Student Conduct Code, instructors have the authority to exclude a student from any class session in which that student is being disruptive.
  3. If a student does not comply with a request to leave, the instructor may choose to stop instruction, dismiss the class, and then report the student to the UW Tacoma’s Office of Student Conduct.
  4. In the case of belligerent non-compliance, or if the instructor needs assistance managing the situation, they should contact UW Tacoma Campus Safety & Security at 253-692-4416 or uwtsafe@uw.edu. Tacoma Campus Safety personnel are unarmed and trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed mediation.

In the case of threats of violence, instructors should call 911.

For more information, visit:

Return to table of contents

What happens when a UW student with in-person classes tests positive for COVID-19?

If you were present in a University location where a COVID-19-positive person spent at least 10 minutes during their infectious period, even if you were not a close contact of that person, you will be notified of your potential exposure and receive guidance to help prevent spread. Reference the UW COVID-19 case response page for additional information.

The UW COVID-19 Response and Prevention Team will notify instructors directly if a student in their in-person class has a suspected or confirmed case, and provide them with a notification to send to all other students who attended the class. The notification includes information about the date of the potential exposure, as well as guidance on how to watch for symptoms and quarantine, if necessary.

Only those who have been in close contact with a COVID-19-positive individual may need to quarantine. And in most cases, people who are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and are not experiencing symptoms do not need to quarantine following an exposure.

While in quarantine and isolating, students must not attend class. Instructors and students are both encouraged to communicate needs for accommodations and questions or concerns regarding their ability to fulfill academic requirements.

UW personnel will receive a notification about potential exposures in the workplace.

If you are not directly contacted by a contact tracer, that means you were not identified as a close contact.

Learn more about how contact tracing works at the UW.

Return to table of contents

Can I ask other people at the UW about their vaccination status?

No. An individual’s vaccination status is private and confidential information. It is not appropriate to ask UW personnel or students about their vaccination status in the classroom or the workplace unless you have an authorized role within the vaccination verification effort. Read more information on the UW COVID-19 Vaccination Policy webpage.

Return to table of contents

Where can I find current information about remote work policies?

In May, the Board of Deans and Chancellors, President’s Cabinet, and Human Resources partners and administrators received telework guidance for staff covering the timeframe after Sept. 10, 2021, accompanied by new UWHR resources on the return to onsite work and telework.

Academic instructors can also find resources on the Teaching Remotely site, including new information about teaching in 2021-2022.

Return to table of contents

Where can I find information about childcare resources?

UW Human Resources maintains information about childcare options and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible staff can take a family care emergency absence when regularly scheduled care plans are interrupted due to a school, camp, or facility closure and/or the unexpected absence of a care provider. Family care emergencies apply to both child and elder care situations.

Return to table of contents

Will COVID-19 impact promotion/tenure-review schedules?

Using President Cauce’s declaration of “extraordinary circumstances” under Executive Order 27, the Office of Academic Personnel is offering automatic extension of the promotion and/or tenure clock for up to 2 years for eligible faculty who request the waiver of the 2019-20, 2020-21, and/or 2021-22 academic years from the mandatory promotion clock.

The details on eligibility criteria and how to seek an extension to the promotion/tenure clock through this clock waiver provision are available on the Office of Academic Personnel website.

Return to table of contents

Should I apply for faculty sick leave if a medical professional has instructed me to self-isolate after COVID-19 exposure?

At the University of Washington, faculty do not formally track paid time off for reasons other than sick time off under the Faculty Sick Leave Policy. Faculty sick leave (i.e., paid sick time) covers: a) your own serious health condition as certified by your health care provider; b) temporary disability due to pregnancy, childbirth, or recovery therefrom; or c) care for a family member with a serious health condition.

If you have been directed to self-isolate for up to 14 days, you should continue to follow your unit’s procedure for short-term absences. For example, this might involve informing your supervisor (chair/director/campus dean/dean), who can help you arrange for remote work or reassignment of responsibilities. For specific suggestions related to research activities, see the updates from the Office of Research.

If your absence occurs during a time in which you are otherwise entitled to receive a salary from the University, you will continue to receive your salary. If your condition changes and you have a serious health concern, you may be entitled to use up to 90 days of faculty sick leave, using the process outlined by Academic HR. Your Academic HR Business Partners are available to offer guidance by contacting apleaves@uw.edu.

Return to table of contents

What resources are available for instructors in remote learning environments?

Visit the UW Center for Teaching and Learning page on teaching in 2021-2022, which also offers updated teaching and grading information and resources for remote learning environments. UW Bothell faculty may also review additional information about instructional continuity on the Teach Anywhere site. UW Tacoma faculty can find information on the UW Tacoma Instructional Continuity webpage.

Return to table of contents

Should faculty and other academic personnel ask students who miss classes or course work following an illness to provide documentation or a physician’s note?

According to the Faculty Council on Academic Standards Syllabus Guidelines, "instructors are strongly discouraged from requiring medical or legal documentation from a student for any absences. Requiring such documentation places burdens on all parties involved." The syllabus guidelines recommend that instructors offer students accommodations, such as makeup exams, alternate assignments, or alternate weighting of missed work. The UW Center for Teaching and Learning offers updated information and resources for technology and pedagogical best practices that can help you and your students in the event of any missed class time.

Return to table of contents

Can I begin or restart fieldwork outside of Seattle?

As of June 30, the University has released COVID-19 guidance that allows for the relaxing of many current restrictions for research. The Office of Research has issued guidance for units and PIs on revising Return to Research Plans, which must be approved by the process your unit used earlier in the pandemic.

Return to table of contents

What can research groups do to mitigate disruptions due to COVID-19?

For the most up-to-date guidance on research operations, please refer to the Office of Research's COVID-19 page.

Return to table of contents

Are there restrictions on travel by UW employees?

International travel

The UW Office of Global Affairs has issued revised rules for official international travel, effective June 15, 2021. “Official travel” applies to any trip that involves the University in any way (e.g., through funding, salary, credits, support, sponsorship), for research, study abroad, conferences, events or meetings.

  • For Department of State Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 destinations: official travel is approved for faculty, other academic personnel, and staff, provided that you register your trip with UW Global Travel Security.
  • For Department of State Level 4 destinations: you must complete a travel waiver request that requires review and official approval, in addition to the required travel registration.
  • Regardless of destination, all official international travel must be registered with UW Global Travel Security (GTS). 
  • Do not travel internationally unless you are fully vaccinated.
  • Review and follow applicable travel warnings and CDC COVID-19 international travel guidance.

Domestic travel

Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. For more information, and additional guidance, see the CDC domestic travel website.

UW Medicine and School of Dentistry personnel

The work-related travel restriction for UW Medicine and School of Dentistry employees that was originally implemented in early January was lifted effective Jan. 31, 2022. There are no travel-related restrictions currently in place.

Return to table of contents

Where can I find information about COVID-19 impacts on scholar visas?

For information on scholar visas generally, visit the Office of Academic Personnel website. For specific questions, please contact your host department and ISO directly.

Return to table of contents