Sentinel testing, extended drop/add date, MLK celebration, more – Jan. 15
- January 15th, 2021
- in Faculty Staff Messages
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS
Update to Vaccine Eligibility
Based on updated guidance from the Alabama Department of Public Health, individuals age 75 years and older who are University Medical Center patients, UA retirees or UA emeritus faculty are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at UMC. Applicable current faculty, OLLI participants, Capstone Village residents and others who fit into this age group are also being notified. Newly eligible campus community members will receive an email with details and a text message with instructions to schedule an appointment. If you meet these criteria and don’t receive a message to schedule your appointment, you may call (205) 348-1471. Because the vaccine’s shelf life is limited, individuals will have 48 hours to schedule an appointment or decline the offer. See UA’s healthinfo site for more information and FAQs about vaccine distribution and eligibility.
Sentinel Testing Resumes Jan. 19, No Registration Required
Spring 2021 sentinel testing will resume and be conducted weekly for three consecutive weeks beginning Jan. 19 and every other week thereafter. Participation is voluntary for most, but required for certain student populations. Participants will receive incentives like Starbucks or Bama Cash gift cards, or other items. And beginning this semester, all sentinel testing will be managed through UA medical facilities, so registration is no longer required.
If randomly selected, individuals will receive an email from the COVID-19 Support Program with instructions. Read more about spring 2021 sentinel testing on the UA News Center.
MLK Celebrations Kick Off Monday
Join the campus community in celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a series of virtual, in-person and passive events, which kick off Monday and take place throughout January and February.
Drop/Add Deadline Extended to Jan. 29
The deadline to add a course or drop a course without a grade of “W” for the full spring term has been extended from Jan. 20 to Jan. 29.
Capstone Parking Deck Closed Next Week for Supplemental Testing
The Capstone Deck is closed to vehicle parking Tuesday, Jan. 19, through Friday, Jan. 22, for drive-thru supplemental COVID-19 symptomatic and exposure testing for students. The adjacent surface lot is open.
UA Prepared for Inauguration, Peaceful Transition
Our campus looks forward to a peaceful transition to a new federal administration with a hopeful and optimistic view. It’s more important than ever to remember the Capstone Creed and continue to be respectful to those around us. While there is no information suggesting concerning behavior on or near our campus, our many campus resources are available to help if you have any concerns.
Do Your Part to STOMP COVID-19
S – Sanitize your hands frequently.
T – Track your symptoms daily.
O – Observe social distancing.
M – Mask up when indoors or near others.
P – Plan to stay home when sick.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
University Libraries Reopen Rooms for Student-Centered Events
Information on COVID-19 and campus operations is updated frequently. For more FAQs, go to UA’s healthinfo website. If you have questions not answered on the website, please call UA’s COVID-19 hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).