Frequently Asked Questions
Student – FAQs
Yes. On April 27, 2021, President Mason announced COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for all students, faculty and staff effective the fall 2021 semester.
August 2nd is the deadline to submit verification of vaccination. Please plan ahead. Depending on the type of vaccine you receive, you may have to receive your first dose no later than July 6 in order to get your second dose by August 2.
Many vaccination sites have transitioned to walk-in/no appointment needed. Please visit one of the following links to identify the location that is convenient for you.
DC, https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/get-vaccinated
Maryland Residents, https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine
Virginia Residents, https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/
Nationwide, Vaccines.gov
Fully vaccinated means you have received all required COVID-19 shots (for example, two shots for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, or one-shot for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine).
You will need to upload a copy of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to the UDC Health Portal. Fully vaccinated individuals will have entries for both 1st and 2nd dose of Pfizer or Modera and only one dose for Johnson & Johnson.
*Students may use their UDC or personal email (new students who have not received their UDC email) to register for the student health portal.
- Go to https://udc.studenthealthportal.com/
- Click on - Not Registered? Register
- Use your N number for ID# (Example: N00112233) and enter Full date of birth (Example: April 6, 1998, enter 04/06/1998)
- Once registered, go to the email you used and look for an email from pyramed
- Click on the link and create a password using a minimum of 7 characters.
- After the password has been created go to udc.studenthealthportal and log in
- On the left side of the screen click on Immunization History
- Click on COVID-19 Information
- Go to the tab and insert the dates of your COVID-19 vaccination
- Click submit
- Upload a PDF copy of your record or COVID-19 vaccination card. NO CELL PHONE PICTURE UPLOADS PLEASE
*You will receive an email within 24-48 hours after submitting your record informing you the immunization hold has been lifted, however, if there are missing immunization information, you may be asked to provide the information before the hold is removed.
** International students, students in Housing, and students under age 26 must also submit records of University required vaccines. For questions, please contact the University Health Services at 202-274-5030.
Yes, all students must be fully vaccinated or/or have provide a medical or religious exemption request.
UDC will comply with all federal and state laws in granting appropriate exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Students may visit https://www.udc.edu/health-services/immunizations/ to complete their medical or religious exemption request.
Yes, the CDC indicates that you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Evidence suggests that natural immunity may not last as long, and that immunity from vaccines may be more robust and last longer. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible that you could become re-infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after your immunity wanes.
Yes, you may register for classes and we encourage you do so ASAP. However, you will not be able to attend classes on August 23rd until you have uploaded verification of COVID vaccination. Additionally, new students under the age of 26 have additional are required to show proof of other required vaccinations https://www.udc.edu/health-services/immunizations/.
Yes. However, you may be required to self-quarantine until you are fully vaccinated. Vaccinations will be available on campus now or you may find a vaccination site by visiting one of the following sites.
DC, https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/get-vaccinated
Maryland Residents, https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine
Virginia Residents, https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/
Nationwide, Vaccines.gov
Yes. There may be instances where students who have online classes, may need to visit the campus (i.e. visit student services office, bookstore, learning pods, library, attend meetings, etc.).
All students are strongly encouraged to act immediately to prevent possible interruption of Blackboard access and/or your classes may be dropped.
Yes, masks will be required to enter all classrooms, offices and to receive services on campus.
Students are encouraged to regularly monitor their UDC email and the RISE Website, www.udc.edu/covid-19/ .
Faculty | Staff | Employees – FAQs
For fall 2021, the University of the District of Columbia is looking forward to offering a robust and in-person experience. Extensive planning is underway to ensure that we continue to protect the health and safety of our community as faculty, staff, and students return to campus. We also continue to monitor the fundamental indicators of the pandemic and evolving public health conditions and guidance.
The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) are intended to provide an overview response to multiple questions we have been asked since the announcement was made that the University will reopen for Fall 2021. The list of questions is not intended to be exhaustive but represents a broad range of faculty-centered questions regarding vaccinations, work requirements, and health and safety. These FAQs will be monitored and updated as more information becomes available.
Vaccinations
Many vaccination sites have transitioned to walk-in/no appointment needed. Please visit one of the following links to identify the location that is convenient for you.
DC, https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/get-vaccinated
Maryland Residents, https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine
Virginia Residents, https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/
Nationwide, Vaccines.gov
Yes, UDC will require COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. This includes adjunct faculty members, part-time employees, visiting scholars/researchers, affiliates/volunteers, and full-time contract workers.
All COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the FDA, including those under emergency use authorization, will be accepted by UDC. Currently, those vaccines include Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
Employees will be required to upload your verification following the steps provided no later than August 1, 2021.
An implementation team for the vaccine requirement will ensure compliance with federal and local laws, including employee confidentiality.
We will collect information, which you voluntarily provide through a secure process, concerning your COVID-19 vaccination. UDC will use this information only as part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will not share your information with outside organizations except as needed for public health purposes related to the pandemic, when legally required to do so, at the request of governmental authorities to investigate, to verify compliance with our policies and applicable laws, or to protect against misuse or unauthorized use of your information.
Exemptions will be considered for medical or religious reasons. Faculty and staff may request an exemption to the vaccine requirement by August 2, 2021. UDC’s medical providers will evaluate requests for medical exemptions and make an appropriate determination. Human Resources will review religious exemption requests in consultation with the Office of General Counsel. In addition, UDC will ensure that this process protects every employees’ confidentiality. Faculty and staff may appeal any decision regarding an exemption to the Office of Human Resources pursuant to university policies.
The only other exemption is if you are on leave. Otherwise, no other exemption applies.
The emergency use authorizations (EUAs) currently in effect for the COVID-19 vaccines do not prevent the University from requiring vaccinations. The FDA and CDC have advised that COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe and effective and help to protect the broader community from the worst effects of COVID-19. The EUA accelerates access to the vaccine during the current public health emergency and requires the same clinical studies and standards for safety and effectiveness as full FDA approval. Some COVID-19 vaccines have been submitted for full FDA approval, and others are expected to follow.
Once vaccination status is confirmed, faculty and staff will be tested less frequently for COVID-19, but some level of surveillance testing will continue to support overall community health and safety. Employees who receive an exemption will follow other workplace health and safety practices and conditions to support our community. Specific arrangements for these employees will be based on job responsibilities, the primary location of job duties, interaction with other community members, etc. The safety measures may include more frequent required COVID-19 testing, mask-wearing at all times on campus, and adjustments to campus workspaces, among others. Those who are not vaccinated will be advised not to attend large gatherings on campus. The workplace safety arrangements will not automatically lead to a faculty or staff member performing their duties exclusively remotely/online.
To support compliance with vaccine requirements, faculty and staff will provide a vaccine verification process or submit an exemption request by August 2, 2021. Employees who receive an exemption will follow other workplace health and safety practices and conditions to support our community. Specific arrangements for these employees will be based on job responsibilities, the primary location of job duties, interaction with other community members, etc. The safety measures may include more frequent required COVID-19 testing, mask-wearing at all times on campus, and adjustments to campus workspaces, among others. Those who are not vaccinated will be advised not to attend large gatherings on campus. The workplace safety arrangements will not automatically lead to a faculty or staff member performing their duties exclusively remotely/online.
Should an issue arise with compliance, we will use discretion to manage the vaccination requirement. This may include addressing extenuating circumstances beyond the control of faculty and staff that may delay their opportunity to be vaccinated. The University also reserves the right to take further steps, if necessary, for faculty and staff who do not follow the verification process or exemption procedures.
Human Resources will notify you of the results of your exemption request. However, submission of an exemption does not mean automatic approval.
Medical exemptions must be reviewed by the University’s insurance provider(s). Religious exemptions are reviewed by the University and will take approximately five days.
Failure to submit a vaccine verification would be considered a violation of the university policies, leading to disciplinary/corrective action, including termination.
You should complete the verification listing your first dose and other requested information. Once you complete the second dose, you must complete the verification process again and list both doses for UDC to consider your vaccine verification fully complete.
No, an exemption does not automatically lead to remote work. Employees who are not vaccinated will be required to follow additional health and safety protocols, including mask-wearing and regular COVID-19 testing, while in the workplace. Additional guidance will be provided upon approval of an exemption request.
The COVID-19 vaccines are critical to further reducing or even eliminating the transmission of the virus. The CDC has outlined the many benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, including preventing serious illness even for those who contract the virus; protecting others, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness; and allowing us, once fully vaccinated, to participate in many activities that stopped during the height of the pandemic. For example, by achieving widespread vaccination within our UDC community, we will support the return to in-person classes, in-person instruction, and other campus and community activities in the fall. Additionally, by lowering case counts and transmission through extensive vaccination, we also reduce the potential for new virus variants that may be resistant to the vaccines and could cause future outbreaks.
All full and part-time faculty and staff members are required to be vaccinated or request an exemption (medical or religious) to the requirement. This includes adjunct faculty, visiting scholars and researchers, and full-time contractor workers.
All new hires will complete either the verification process or exemption request within 30 days of their start date.
All employees returning from an approved leave will complete the verification process or exemption request within 30 days of their anticipated return date.
Yes. All students who come to campus for any reason in Fall 2021 must be vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes full-time and part-time students, undergraduates and graduate students, and residential and non-residential students. Please see the Student FAQs for more information.
UDC will require COVID vaccinations for all students, faculty, and staff and must upload proof of vaccination through the established process. Visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination. Everyone, including visitors, is required to wear a face covering or mask inside all building on campus and outside.
All students must be vaccinated unless an exception has been approved.
Selected employees from Student Health Services and the Office of Human Resources will have access to the confidential information to confirm submissions and to address requested exemptions.
Employees have been granted one (1) hour of administrative leave per vaccination visit. Employees must notify their supervisors of their request for time off.
Employees who are vaccinated and who acknowledge they are vaccinated in the PeopleSoft system will receive a Time-Off Award of eight (8) hours of paid time off. Employees are reminded that vaccination confirmation is a two-step process.
Step 1 – Log into PeopleSoft and acknowledge/confirm you have been vaccinated. This will generate the Time-Off Award. There is no required upload of documents in the PeopleSoft system.
Step 2 – Upload vaccination documents in the UDC system using the established process.
Work Requirements / Alternate Work Program – Telework
The University will reopen for the fall semester. As a result, the vast majority of faculty and academic staff must come to campus minimally three days per week. We anticipate that all academic staff will work in one of two models in the fall – full campus presence or alternate work schedule.
Work schedules for faculty will be determined by the courses/faculty workload. Deans and Department/Division Chairs will monitor faculty work and attendance at required meetings (e.g., department/unit, college/school), instructional hours for in-person and hybrid courses, and office hours to ensure students continue to have the access required for their success.
Human Resources will work with unit leaders on developing Staffing Plans for academic staff returning to work. In addition, Human Resources will share more information on alternate work plans and telework. All approved work schedules will be in place for the duration of the semester. Job functions and university operations will be used to identify the approach for each staff member. UDC will develop options for work models and support managers to implement those models in their departments. We expect this planning to occur in early summer.
As part of these efforts, we will transition the process for requesting employee work modifications into our reasonable accommodation process. Based on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, this process ensures that employees with covered health conditions will receive the accommodations they need.
Faculty and staff can learn more about our alternate work and telework arrangement policies and procedures on the Human Resources website.
Yes. Please communicate to your students about how you will conduct office hours or other opportunities for discussion, questions, etc. In addition, some faculty offer experiential learning components, and students will be seeking information about how those elements will be addressed if the course is offered hybrid or online.
Faculty are encouraged to make arrangements that best facilitate online instruction for our students and enable you to continue progressing your courses. The technology and tools available enable faculty to conduct most courses online or virtually without coming to campus.
Your work must be suitable for telework and you must have pre-approval from your manager and Human Resources. Employees must be in good standing with no disciplinary or corrective actions. Employees must have a dedicated workspace in your home. Essential employees are not eligible for telework.
Yes, all policies and procedures related to all aspects of employment remain in effect even if you are teleworking
No. Once your work schedule is established for the fall semester (telework or alternate work hours, you may not change for the semester. Your manager is required to approve your work schedule based on the needs of your department and services provided.
No, telework is available for a maximum of two (2) days per week. The remaining three (3) days must be completed on-site. Once the telework schedule has been approved, you cannot change your approved scheduled telework days.
Upon approval of a telework schedule, you will be provided with the equipment necessary to complete your work, as determined by your manager.
If your equipment ceases to function you must return to your onsite work location until such time that you are issued functioning equipment.
No, you cannot telework outside of the DMV. You can only telework from the District, Maryland, or Virginia due to payroll tax regulations.
Employees who are not feeling well should take sick leave. Telework days established for the Fall semester may not be changed and are not an option for sick leave
Health & Safety
Even if you are vaccinated, you must still wear a face-covering inside all buildings on campus and outside. You can only release your mask if you work in a single-person office inside or standing away from people outside. In addition, masks are still required indoors for any classes, events, or large gatherings. We understand this is a greater level of caution than current guidelines, but we continue this safety measure until we reach a high vaccination level across our community.
If you are not yet fully vaccinated, masks will continue to be required indoors and at large outdoor gatherings. Maintain physical distancing if unvaccinated persons are present or if vaccination status is unknown.
All members of the UDC community and any authorized contractors or visitors are expected to maintain physical distance while on campus. The University has taken active steps to proactively establish conditions, to facilitate maintaining a physical distance.
Yes, hand sanitizing stations will be placed at all building entrances and elevator lobbies.
Questions about the vaccine requirement should be sent to Human Resources at 202.274.5380.
Signage will be posted informing all students, employees, and visitors of University COVID-19 mandates.
Yes
The University has installed MERV HEPA filters. The filters have been replaced according to CDC guidelines.
An employee has the right to refuse entry into their workspace to anyone who does not adhere to our COVID-related policies and appears to be sick. If a person is not properly wearing a mask, the individual will be notified on the proper way to wear a mask. Anyone who has been notified and fails to correctly wear a mask will be denied entry into the University.
General Campus Visit FAQs
Yes, masks will be required to enter all classrooms, offices and to receive services on campus.
LiveSafe Mobile Safety Information
LiveSafe is a free mobile safety app made available by The University of the District of Columbia (UDC). It is quick and easy to use! You can download the LiveSafe mobile app in iTunes and Google Play Store.
Select UDC and fill out your user profile.
LiveSafe provides the ability to easily contact the UDC Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management (OSPEM) – Public Safety Operations Center to report concerns about your own safety, suspicious activity or a crime. It’s the blue light safety phone at your fingertips. Features also include a location sharing option so friends can track your travel between points to ensure your safe arrival.
The app is available as a free download for all UDC students, faculty, staff and contractors. In addition, parents may download LiveSafe to receive timely alerts and notifications.
You can report any issues, concerns or questions related to safety and security. This includes suspicious activity, potentially dangerous situations, crime, accidents, assaults or repairs related needed to improve safety.
Information submitted is monitored 24-7-365 by the OPSEM Public Safety Operations Center. If they require further information on any report, OPSEM will follow-up with a text or request to live chat with the user.
Unless a user requests anonymity or changes the app's default setting, yes, OPSEM will be able to track your location when using the app.
OPSEM can easily re-categorize reports, so users don't need to worry if they select the wrong category. If you are unsure which category the report falls into, select "Other."
No. While users are encouraged to provide a picture, audio or video evidence when sending reports, they should only do so if the circumstances are safe.
Users will not be penalized for making claims that turn out to be untrue. So long as reports aren't purposefully and falsely made, people are encouraged to share information with OPSEM.
Users can send in tip reports using the anonymous feature if they are not comfortable with disclosing their identity. OPSEM will not be able to see who the report is coming from if the anonymous report box is selected.
No! When faced with an emergency, OPSEM recommends users dial 202.274.5050 or 911. The goal of the LiveSafe app is to provide an additional channel to report non-emergency information and crimes to OPSEM.
If you are in an emergency (on or off campus), LiveSafe has a 911 distress button. When calling 911 using LiveSafe, OPSEM will receive greater information and intelligence in order to help faster. OPSEM will receive the caller's GPS coordinates and emergency contact information; ensuring dispatchers respond more efficiently and quickly.
So long as users have the capacity to make voice calls, we encourage anyone in an emergency to always call 202.274.5050 or 911. If, however, a user is unable to make a direct call due to situational or technical issues, or if they must be discrete, then users may “Message UDC Police” and start a live two-way chat with an OPSEM Dispatcher.
LiveSafe respects the privacy of individuals and law enforcement agencies. Evidence information belongs solely to the law enforcement agency for which it was designated.