Dear students, faculty and staff,
Thank you for your patience and persistence in following COVID-19 guidelines and for your commitment to keeping our campus community safe and healthy during the fall semester!
Unfortunately, while the University was closed for the winter break, COVID-19 case levels began to rise and now remain at a high level of transmission in Shelby County as well as throughout the State of Alabama. In light of this information, UM will continue to follow CDC and ADPH guidance, and the followingtemporary health and safety measures will be in place on campus through at least the end of January. At this time, there are no plans to transition to remote instruction. However, student activities will be virtual for the first two weeks of classes.
UM’s COVID-19 Task Force will continue to diligently monitor developments on campus and in the community. Any necessary updates to these temporary measures will be posted on the Falcon Forward 2021 webpage and communicated via UM email.
We look forward to welcoming you back for a safe and fun semester!
Wear a mask.
Because of the contagiousness of the Omicron variant, it is highly recommended that everyone wears a face mask when indoors on campus.
The University is currently requiring face coverings for all individuals in the following areas:
- Academic buildings (regardless of social distancing)
- Laboratories and clinics (regardless of social distancing)
- Personal meeting spaces (such as students meeting with faculty and advisors)
- Indoor common areas
- Health-related service offices
- Areas that serve children younger than 5
- During large indoor gatherings on campus
- Other areas marked by official University signage or otherwise clearly communicated by the University
Face masks are not required in the following situations:
- In residence halls
- When outdoors
- While actively eating or drinking
- While exercising
- Employees alone in their private workspace or automobile
Stay home if you are sick.
Do not come to campus if you are not feeling well, especially if you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Students exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should call Student Health Services.
Report COVID-19.
Students who test positive for COVID-19 should complete the form at montevallo.edu/reportcovid to determine the necessary protocol for isolation, quarantine and contact tracing.
Employees should continue to notify their supervisor and Human Resources when exposed to an individual positive for COVID-19 (“close contact”), or when an absence from work is necessary due to COVID-19. UM employees will receive a separate, detailed message from Human Resources explaining how to address COVID-19-related absences.
The University has updated its isolation and quarantine protocol for the spring. See the revised isolation and self-monitoring protocol here.
Don’t Wait. Vaccinate.
If you have not yet gotten a vaccine or booster shot, it is strongly recommended that you do so. The vaccination rate on our campus, in our county and in our state will play a major role in helping us finally bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. A list of local distribution locations can be found at vaccines.gov/search.