Dear Faculty and Staff Members,

We are writing to provide reminders and updates regarding COVID-19 vaccination, testing, screening, mask, and physical distancing protocols. We will continue monitoring and providing future updates based on evolving guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State of Washington, including guidance specific to higher education.

Vaccination, Testing, and Screening
The university continues to strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff and asks that you voluntarily provide proof of vaccination as outlined in the May 21 email from Associate Vice President for Human Resources Cindy Matern. Vaccination is the most effective means to minimize individual and campus community COVID-19 risks. Reaching a vaccination rate of close to a 70% “herd immunity” target will support enriched in-person opportunities for our students, faculty and staff, and enable Puget Sound to deliver most effectively on our mission. If we are to relax protocols by fall, we need to verify vaccination status and reach the targeted vaccination rate. As of June 2, a total of 345 faculty and staff members (or 40%) have submitted vaccination proof, which is greatly appreciated and aids in our planning for fall. As with all medical information, the documentation you provide will be kept confidential.

Action requested: If you are fully vaccinated and have not yet uploaded your documentation, click here to do so: COVID Vaccination Response. You will need a photo or scanned copy of your vaccination card and will need to be logged into your Puget Sound Google account to complete the process. Need help? For assistance, contact the Service Desk in Technology Services at x8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu or Kenni Simons or Shassie Borunda in Human Resources at benefits@pugetsound.edu. Please submit proof of vaccination by Wednesday, June 23. The university then can estimate a faculty/staff vaccination rate to guide and communicate fall operating plans by a target date of July 10.

Not yet vaccinated? We encourage you to do so if you are able to and voluntarily submit documentation as soon as feasible. Vaccination sites can be found at https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/ or https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/diseases/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information.

If you are unable to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and need any work-related accommodations, please contact Total Rewards Manager Kenni Simons or Benefits Specialist Shassie Borunda at benefits@pugetsound.edu to discuss that process.

Benefits and Protocols for Fully Vaccinated Faculty and Staff Members
Faculty and staff members who have submitted proof of vaccination:

  • No longer need to participate in the university’s asymptomatic testing program
  • No longer need to complete daily online COVID-19 health self-screening

In addition, all faculty and staff who have submitted vaccination proof by June 23 will qualify for a July 1 drawing for multiple prizes, including an overnight stay at Salish Lodge, a $100 Logger Store gift basket (two), and a made-to-order breakfast or lunch from the Diner (two).

Protocols for Unvaccinated Faculty and Staff Members
Faculty and staff members who are unvaccinated or have not submitted vaccination proof:

  • Must continue to participate in the university’s asymptomatic testing program
  • Must continue to complete daily online COVID-19 health self-screening

Masks and Physical Distancing
The following mask and physical distancing requirements are in effect on campus until at least June 30, at which time we will reassess protocols based on public health guidelines and Puget Sound’s vaccination rate at that time. 

Mask wearing is required when:

  • Entering buildings
  • In building common areas, e.g. lobbies, hallways, restrooms, classrooms, labs, recreational spaces, dining server, etc.
  • Occupying spaces with others; e.g. office suites, service areas, meeting rooms, vehicles, etc.

Mask wearing, regardless of vaccination status, is not required when:

  • Working or spending time outdoors when at least a six-foot distance can be maintained
  • Alone in a private office or workspace with the door closed
  • Service staff are working alone in an otherwise vacant residential building or space within that building, and access by others is restricted
  • Operating a single-occupancy vehicle
  • Inside a private on-campus residential unit
  • Eating or drinking, providing the required six feet of physical distance from others is maintained
  • Thank you for supporting a healthy campus community. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions.

John 

John M. Hickey ’83 | Executive Director of Community Engagement and Associate Vice President for Business Services

Bob

Robert M. Kief, CFM, CEFP | Associate Vice President for Facilities Services