Per section 5, paragraph 1 of the policy below, please see the document below for President Thompson’s updated directive to UW System Chancellors regarding Summer 2021 COVID-19 testing requirements from June 2, 2021. This document supersedes the directive issued on May 5, 2021.
This interim policy action expired on 8/31/2021.
Original Issuance Date: May 5, 2021
Expiration Date: August 31, 2021
1. Interim Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish COVID-19 testing requirements for students, employees, and minors participating in single day precollege/youth programs and activities and multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities during summer term 2021 at UW System institutions. Regular student, employee, and minors participating in single day precollege/youth programs and activities and multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities testing for COVID-19 (otherwise known as the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2) is key to the UW System keeping students, employees, and visitors safe while continuing to provide critical in-person learning opportunities.
2. Related Policies
SYS 600-01, Spring Semester 2021 COVID-19 Testing Requirements (expires May 31, 2021)
3. Scope
This policy applies to on-campus students, off-campus students, employees, and minors participating in single day precollege/youth programs and activities and multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities, as defined in section 4 of this policy, at UW System institutions.
This policy does not limit the authority of the UW System President or Chancellors to set testing requirements for other groups of individuals as appropriate and necessary.
4. Definitions
On-campus students: Individuals taking course(s) at a UW institution and who live in a residential facility that is operated or managed by a UW System institution, or any residential facility for which the university assigns housing.
Off-campus students: Individuals taking a course(s) who do not live in a residential facility that is operated or managed by a UW System institution, or any other residential facility for which the university assigns housing. For the purposes of this policy, the definition of an off-campus student is limited to those coming onto property owned, occupied, or otherwise controlled by the Board of Regents once a week or more.
Employees: Any individuals who hold a faculty, academic staff, university staff, limited appointment, student employment, employee-in-training, temporary or project appointment with any UW System institution. For the purposes of this policy, the definition of an employee is limited to those coming onto property owned, occupied, or otherwise controlled by the Board of Regents once a week or more.
Single Day Precollege/Youth Programs and Activities: Any activity in which a minor falls under the custodial care or responsibility of the University or third party. The term “Single Day” is determined by the intention to only have one single day of programmatic interaction with each participant. A series of one day events that is marketed to and attended by the same participants, is considered to be a multi-day program for the intent of this policy.
Multi-Day Precollege/Youth Programs and Activities: Any activity in which a minor falls under the custodial care or responsibility of the University or third party. The term “Multi- Day” is determined by the intention to have multiple days of programmatic interaction with the same participant.
COVID-19 Mitigation Plan: Describes the goals, guiding principles, and strategies for youth program mitigation to reduce or prevent COVID-19 transmission during youth activities. These plans should include testing procedures and the following Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPI’s) recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Prearrival Quarantine Recommendations
- Pre-Arrival Testing
- Symptom Screening
- Cohorts
- Face Coverings
- Physical Distancing
- Enhanced Hygiene Measures
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols
- Outdoor Programming when possible
5. Interim Policy Statement
The UW System President will establish an ongoing COVID-19 testing requirement for on-campus students, off-campus students, employees, and minors participating in single day precollege/youth programs and activities and multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities at all UW institutions for summer 2021. The UW System President may require testing for on-campus and off-campus students, employees, and minors participating in single day precollege/youth programs and activities and multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities.
Chancellors will submit to the President (or designee) upon request implementation plans and related COVID-19 testing protocols to fulfil the ongoing testing requirement for on-campus students, off-campus students, employees, and minors participating in single day precollege/youth programs and activities and multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities established by the UW System President. UW System institutions may tailor their implementation plans to meet the needs of their institution while adhering to the overarching requirement set forth by the President.
Chancellors may establish more stringent COVID-19 testing requirements for on-campus students, off-campus students, employees, and minors participating in single day precollege/youth programs and activities and multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities, or subpopulations of any aforementioned group. Any institutional action that goes beyond the minimum testing requirements set forth by the UW System President must be approved by the President.
Chancellors must establish COVID-19 mitigation plans for single day precollege/youth programs and activities and multi-day precollege/youth programs and activities.
6. Supplemental Documents
Directive
SYS 600-02 Guidance, UW System Guidance for COVID-19 Testing and Reopening Campuses to Minors