COVID-19 Update: August 27, 2020
COVID-19 student safety and conduct response
Dear UC Students,
Over the last week, I have observed and received numerous reports of large off-campus parties and social gatherings. Based on my observations and information received, students participating in these events are not adhering to physical distancing guidelines and are not wearing facial coverings. As a follow-up to my previous communication on August 20, I want to remind you that such safety violations threaten not only your health, but that of others in the community where you live and your fellow Bearcats. All of us play an important role in keeping our community safe and healthy.
To quote University Health Services Executive Director Kim L. Miller, M.D.: “The only way this works, the only way we stay on campus and have a sense of community, is if we behave like a community, and everyone does their part.” We are all responsible for following safety guidelines on- and off-campus and for holding each other accountable. Remind your friends to pull up their masks to cover their mouth and nose. Do not go to social gatherings of more than 10 people. When you are socializing, make sure you keep a safe physical distance of at least 6 feet or go virtual.
While I trust you will follow the guidelines because it is the right thing to do, I also want to remind you that any student who fails to abide by UC’s COVID-19 guidelines and state-issued mandates may be subject to charges under the Student Code of Conduct (SCOC). Students identified as not complying with guidelines risk being placed on interim suspension. This includes not wearing masks, attending parties or gatherings that occur on- or off-campus that exceeds safety guidelines, or engaging in behavior that may endanger the UC community. Students who are placed on interim suspension are prohibited from completing courses, being physically present on campus, and participating in university activities, events, and student organizations.
It is a privilege to have you back on campus amid a worldwide pandemic, and it will take all members of the UC community in order for our campus to remain open. As such, I implore you to work collaboratively with your peers and university community members so that we can uphold our COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures as well our commitment to each other as stated in the Bearcat Bond.
In Bearcat pride and spirit,
Juan R. Guardia, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
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