I need to ask all of you a very important favor - as a result of a new Public Health Order this week, we've modified the vaccine verification and exemption form and all of us need to fill out the form again. We need everyone who has gotten the vaccine to do this by next Friday, August 27, 2021, even if you filled it out previously. This updated form will (with your consent) allow the University of Colorado Denver access to the statewide Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) database to verify that you have received the COVID vaccine. By giving CU Denver this permission, we will receive only information about when you received the COVID vaccine. That’s it. We cannot and will not have access to any other medical information. This will be the only way we verify vaccination status, we will not be collecting or verifying vaccination cards. If you have taken a personal belief exemption and completed that paperwork no additional action is required.
We are proud that the vast majority of students and employees are vaccinated, because we know that this will be a critical component in maintaining a safe and healthy campus this year. As of last week, about 87% of CU Denver students have received at least one COVID vaccine dose. Data from the vaccine verification and exemption process shows that 97% of employees who have self-disclosed their status have been vaccinated. These are very strong numbers and show our community’s commitment to not only keep themselves safe, but their colleagues and families too. Remember to check the Lynx Together FAQ page for ongoing updates. We will communicate with you in real time via email any news that is more urgent or requires immediate action. Please send any additional questions to LynxTogether@ucdenver.edu.
As we look forward to returning to our classrooms and offices I hope many of you are planning to attend tomorrow’s Convocation activities. This year's Convocation consists of three events being held outdoors on the Tivoli Quad: the Ceremony will be from 9:30 - 10:00 am; then students only will gather for a facilitator-led activity with icebreakers and interactive games from 10:15 - 11:45 am (a perfect chance for all of us to get back to our offices one last time to make sure we worked out all the first day tech bugs), then a free lunch will be served at noon (be sure to pick up your ticket at the Ceremony).
Thank you for doing your part to keep our campus safe, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at Convocation!
