COVID-19 FAQs
UNC informs faculty, staff, students and their loved ones about COVID-19 updates in the following ways:
- A dedicated coronavirus website with the latest updates and information about university operations, prevention, testing, vaccination information, available resources and more.
- Regular updates through UNC’s internal newsletters and special COVID-19 Digests that are emailed to all faculty, staff and students.
- Dedicated staff who answer questions about COVID-19 and the direct impact on students, faculty and staff: coronavirus@unco.edu or 970-351-4848.
Browse the list below of frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19, the university's response to those questions and other important information for students, faculty and staff.
announcementAs UNC's response to the COVID-19 situation is further defined, this page will be updated with the most recent developments as they become available.
UNC Guidance on Public Health
- What is UNC doing to ensure the safety of the university community?
The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority.
We are closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19 and taking preventative measures that are in line with current public health guidance and the level of COVID-19 transmission in our community.
The latest information and updates, including current mitigation measures, can be found on our coronavirus website.
- What are my options if I am at greater risk for COVID-19?
Faculty and staff who have specific, medically documented reasons for extra caution about COVID-19 may contact Human Resources to see if they qualify for Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL) or other workplace accommodations. Students may contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for assistance with classroom accommodations.
Read more from the CDC regarding who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Masks and Classroom Guidance
- Does UNC require masks?
UNC is currently mask-optional which means healthy individuals are no longer required to wear masks in indoor settings. The CDC recommends that you consult with your doctor about wearing a mask if you are at increased risk for COVID-19.
Read more about UNC’s mask-optional policy.
*Masks are still required in healthcare settings, including the Student Health Center, UNC’s Audiology Clinic, the Ben Nighthorse Campbell Cancer Rehabilitation Center and the Athletics training room.
- Can masks be required for specific classes while UNC's mask-optional policy is in
effect?
No, instructors and students have the option to wear masks, but masks cannot be required in classrooms while UNC’s mask-optional policy is in effect.
For those who are concerned about transmission, a high-quality, well-fitting mask, such as a KN95 mask, is recommended. KN95 and surgical masks are available for free at several locations across campus.
- Employees who believe they need special accommodations should contact Human Resources
- Students who believe they need special accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Center.
- Can individual offices or departments require masks in their areas while UNC’s mask-optional
policy is in effect?
No, individual offices and/or departments cannot require masks in their areas while UNC’s mask-optional policy is in effect.
For those who are concerned about transmission a high-quality, well-fitting mask, such as a KN95 mask is recommended. KN95 and surgical masks are available for free at several locations across campus.
- Employees who believe they need special accommodations should contact Human Resources.
- Students who believe they need special accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Center.
- Where are masks available for people who would like one, but forgot to bring their
own?
KN95 and surgical masks are available for free in several locations across the university campus. See our COVID-19 mask webpage for details.
- Can faculty change their course delivery modality (i.e., to online or hybrid) if they
are concerned about possible COVID-19 exposure?
External stakeholders require UNC to deliver courses in accordance with our published course schedule. Faculty who believe they need to move to a different modality – temporarily or permanently -- should discuss the situation with their department chair/school director and dean.
- Where can I find the recommended syllabus statement regarding the mask policy.
All recommended syllabus statements are now conveniently housed on the CETL’s Syllabus Statements page.
- How are attendance policies affected by the pandemic?
Attendance tracking is not necessary for contact-tracing purposes. Students should notify their instructors whenever they are unable to attend class.
Faculty may not require a doctor’s note for short-term illnesses throughout the duration of the pandemic. See the additional guidance on accommodations under ‘Quarantine, Isolation and Contact Tracing’ below.
- Does the mask-optional policy change attendance policies?
No. Students should notify their instructors if they are unable to attend class, and faculty may not require a doctor's note.
Testing
- Am I required to get tested for COVID-19?
UNC does not require anyone to get tested but we do strongly encourage it, especially for unvaccinated individuals, or for anyone who thinks they were exposed to someone with a positive case of COVID-19 or anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19.
A free community testing site is available on campus on the east side of Bishop-Lehr Hall.
- Where should I get tested?
UNC students and employees who are seeking COVID-19 testing are encouraged to use the free community testing site, conveniently located on campus at Bishop-Lehr. UNC students who live in on-campus residential housing can walk up to the site to get tested.
Rapid At-Home test kits for faculty, staff and students at several locations across campus. Check UNC's COVID-19 testing webpage for test kit locations.
UNC’s Student Health Center will only provide testing for individuals seeking medical care.
- How do I get my COVID-19 test results from the testing site located on campus?
The free community testing site on campus is ran by Mako Medical and results are provided by them via an online account. The time it takes to get your results will vary depending on the volume of testing. If you haven't received your results within the time frame indicated when you were tested, please contact Mako Medical at 919-351-MAKO (6256).
Quarantine and Isolation
- Will I have to quarantine or isolate if I test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms
of COVID-19?
Due to the extremely low amount of COVID-19 transmission and high vaccination rates within our university community, and in line with CDC guidance, the university is no longer performing contact tracing or requiring individuals to relocate into quarantine or isolation, regardless of positive tests or exposures.
*There is a limited amount of temporary housing available for individuals wishing to voluntarily isolate. See the FAQ below regarding temporary housing for more details.
- Anyone with COVID-like symptoms should get tested immediately and not come to campus. If you suspect that you have COVID-19, follow CDC's isolation guidelines until you have your test results.
- Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or begins to show symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should follow the CDC's isolation guidelines and quarantine or isolate at home or in their room, if necessary.
It is the responsibility of each individual to inform their supervisor/instructor if they have to quarantine or isolate. Faculty should notify their department chair/school director; staff should notify their supervisors; students should notify all of their instructors.
- Will I have to quarantine if I'm exposed to someone with COVID-19?
Anyone who is exposed to someone with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should begin wearing a mask immediately. Follow CDC's exposure guidelines, including getting tested at least five full days after your last exposure. Testing at the wrong time can lead to inaccurate test results.
- What happens if my roommate tests positive for COVID-19?
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or begins to show symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should follow the CDC's isolation guidelines and quarantine or isolate at home or in your room, if necessary.
If you live with a roommate(s) and one of you tests positive for COVID-19, keep your distance, wear a mask and clean high-touch surfaces such as remote controls, sinks and doorknobs.
*There is a limited amount of temporary housing available for individuals wishing to voluntarily isolate. See the FAQ below regarding temporary housing for more details. Individuals at risk of serious disease from COVID-19 who live with someone who tests positive are encouraged to contact Housing staff about alternative housing accommodations.
- Does the university have temporary housing for people who wish to voluntarily isolate?
A limited amount of temporary housing for individuals who wish to voluntarily isolate. Individuals at risk of serious disease from COVID-19 who live with someone who tests positive are encouraged to contact Housing staff about alternative housing accommodations.
During business hours: Contact your neighborhood desk between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Desk staff will help you connect with a staff member who can discuss the possibility of temporary housing with you.
After hours: If you learn of a positive case after 8 p.m., here are some practices you and your roommate(s) can take to reduce the risk of transmission until you can speak with Housing staff:
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Although masks are optional on campus, CDC recommendations advise that everyone in the same living space should wear a well-fitting mask to help prevent transmission (KN-95 is best, with a surgical mask as the second best option)
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Maintain as much distance as possible
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Ventilate the room as much as possible
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Sleep head to toe when possible
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Cough into masks
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Dispose of tissues after one use
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Wash hands frequently
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Clean surfaces with soap or disinfectants
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Don’t touch your face unless you’ve just cleaned your hands
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Ill students should not eat when others are present in their space. Well students should eat outside of the ill student’s space.
Students who live off campus and are seeking temporary housing for voluntary isolation should e-mail housing@unco.edu or call 970-351-2721 during business hours. Charges for housing will apply for non-residential students.
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- How do I isolate on campus?
Follow CDC guidance for isolation and follow these guidelines:
- Isolating students are fine to leave their room to obtain food, use the restroom, get mail, take out trash, attend medical appointments, and respond to emergency alarms.
- Although masks are optional on campus, students are advised to wear a mask when they leave their room for these purposes.
- Isolating students should not leave their room for other purposes.
- Students should try to maintain social distance of six feet from others, inside their room and outside their room.
- Are faculty required to provide special accommodations for students who are required
to quarantine?
All faculty are encouraged to post copies of announcements, handouts, PowerPoint slides, etc. on their Canvas website to assist students who are forced to miss a class for any reason. Students who are unable to attend class are responsible for notifying their instructor, but instructors may not require a doctor's note. Instructors should accommodate students as they would in any semester where a student was unable to attend class for an extended period of time.
- Where can I find more information about quarantine and isolation?
View the CDC's quarantine and isolation guidelines to learn about the difference between quarantine and isolation, as well as current recommendations.
Reporting Exposures, Symptoms and Positive Cases
- Do I need to report exposures, symptoms or positive tests to UNC?
No. Due to the extremely low amount of COVID-19 transmission and high vaccination rates within our university community, and in line with CDC guidance, individuals no longer need to report exposures, symptoms or positive tests.
COVID-19 cases are now handled similarly to other illnesses for those who need assistance or accommodations:
- Employees should work with their supervisors and Human Resources.
- Students should work with their instructors.
- Students seeking accommodations can contact the Disability Resource Center.
- Students seeking additional support are encouraged to submit a Referral for Student Support form online.
- What do I do if I have symptoms or test positive?
Anyone who receives a positive test or has COVID-like symptoms should not come to campus. Get tested if you are symptomatic.
- Anyone with COVID-like symptoms should get tested immediately and not come to campus. If you suspect that you have COVID-19, follow CDC's isolation guidelines until you have your test results.
- Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or begins to show symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should follow the CDC's isolation guidelines and quarantine or isolate at home or in their room, if necessary.
It is the responsibility of each individual to inform their supervisor/instructor if they have to quarantine or isolate. Faculty should notify their department chair/school director; staff should notify their supervisors; students should notify all of their instructors.
UNC's Vaccine/Booster Requirement
- Does UNC require a COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots for students, faculty and
staff?
UNC no longer requires, but does strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots (when eligible) for all students, faculty and staff.
A broadly vaccinated university community is key to providing a safe and healthy environment — ensuring UNC can continue with a full schedule of in-person courses, activities and events that will allow students to enjoy experiential learning, campus life and community engagement opportunities.
Read more about vaccinations on UNC’s vaccination webpage.
Information about COVID-19 Vaccines
- Does the Student Health Center (SHC) offer COVID-19 vaccinations?
The SHC does not provide COVID-19 vaccinations but the university frequently hosts the state's COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Clinic on campus.
Check our COVID-19 vaccination webpage for more information about local COVID-19 vaccination providers.
- If I have general questions about the vaccine/booster, who should I contact?
If you still have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call the State of Colorado’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926), which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with answers available in multiple languages.
- If I have health-related questions about the vaccine/booster, who should I contact?
Please consult your medical provider prior to making an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
- Do I need health insurance to receive the vaccine/booster?
The COVID-19 vaccination is free. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance are required to cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccines, and uninsured Coloradans will have access to free vaccines.
