Category: Community Messages Page 2 of 19

Building Access for the Fall Semester

On August 10, 2021

In Community Messages, For Faculty, For Staff, For Students

TO: Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and Managers
FROM: Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President, Administration
Jim Churchman, Vice President, Supply Chain Management
RE: Building Access for Fall Semester

In preparation for the fall semester, Duke University will return to its normal building access for campus buildings effective Monday, Aug. 16. Research labs in the School of Medicine will continue to require an active DukeCard for access.

Buildings that are normally open to public access will return to that status on August 16. DukeCards will not be required during regular business hours.
Buildings such as residence halls that were in a controlled-access state before the pandemic will remain so after August 16. Any other modifications to building access should be made to the DukeCard Office.
Individuals who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to complete symptom monitoring to activate their DukeCards.
Individuals who are NOT vaccinated WILL be required to complete symptom monitoring every day to reactivate their DukeCards.
All students, faculty and staff should continue to report any COVID-related symptoms using the SymMon app or by contacting Employee Occupational Health and Wellness or Student Health.
Schools and departments should ensure appropriate staffing in buildings during normal operating hours. Delivery companies and vendors will begin delivering packages directly to buildings that are open.
Numerous packages still remain unclaimed at the central receiving location set up by Procurement & Supply Chain last year at the Golden Drive Warehouse. Inquiries about missing packages should be directed to deliveryinquiries@duke.edu with any available tracking information and original recipient/location details. The Golden Drive Warehouse location will begin phasing out its redelivery status once the buildings are open on August 16, 2021.

Thank you for your attention to these changes.

Updated Guidelines for Eating on Campus

By Paul Grantham

On August 10, 2021

In Community Messages, Duke University, For Faculty, For Staff, For Students, For Visitors to Campus

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

With the increasing prevalence of the COVID-19 Delta variant and the resulting spike in positive tests among Duke students and employees in recent weeks, we are making changes to our public health measures to reduce the risk of potential outbreaks. In addition to required vaccination and masking indoors, we are now updating our guidance for eating meals because communal dining has continued to be one of the primary modes of transmission.

All members of the Duke community should adhere to the following while eating together with others:

If you are dining with others do so outdoors if possible. You are less likely to get or spread COVID-19 while outside. Additional tents with tables have been set up on campus to provide more access to shaded areas for outdoor dining.
Food should not be served or provided at indoor meetings, events, conferences and other gatherings, unless an outside eating option is made available.
When dining indoors, remain masked at all times except when actively eating and drinking. This includes waiting in line and walking to and from an eating location.
Be aware of surroundings in the environment, especially indoors, when deciding where to sit while you eat. Seating at indoor tables should be limited to no more than four individuals if possible to reduce overall density.
Minimize periods of time where multiple people are eating within the same communal space.
Remember to practice good hygiene before eating, including washing or sanitizing your hands thoroughly.

This guidance is in effect until further notice. We are monitoring campus, local and national conditions and will provide updates as warranted.

The greatest protection against severe health risks related to COVID-19 is vaccination. Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated should do so at your earliest opportunity to help protect yourself and your loved ones. As a reminder, vaccination is required for all students, faculty and staff. It is safe, free, easily accessible to every member of the Duke community and effective. You can find more information about options to get vaccinated and answers to frequently asked questions on the Duke COVID Vaccine website.

Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself and our community, and we look forward to a safe and productive fall semester.

Kyle Cavanaugh,
Vice President, Administration

Matthew Stiegel,
Ph.D., Director, Occupational and Environmental Safety Office
This message is being sent to all Duke University students, faculty and staff.

Durham to Require Masks Indoors

By Paul Grantham

On August 7, 2021

In Community Messages, Duke University, For Faculty, For Staff, For Students

TO:	Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and Managers
FROM:	Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President, Administration
RE:	Durham to Require Masks Indoors

Due to the exponential growth of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks due to the Delta variant, the city and county of Durham have announced a state of emergency and now require mask be worn indoors, even among those who are fully vaccinated.

The new requirement, which goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, is consistent with the requirement already announced by Duke University and the recommendations the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With the approach of the fall semester, Duke officials are closely monitoring trends in the area and on campus and may issue new guidance as appropriate to promote the health and safety of our community. The latest guidance and protocols can be found on the Duke United website.

We are making progress in vaccinating faculty and staff on campus with 87 percent now fully vaccinated. Vaccination is required for all students, faculty and staff. Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated should do so as soon as possible to protect against potential severe health risks associated with the Delta variant. Members of the Duke community can find options for vaccination on the Duke COVID Vaccine website.

All students are also required to be vaccinated and are being tested upon arrival before participating in activities on campus. Students will also continue to be tested weekly during the semester to help identify and respond quickly to asymptomatic cases to limit the potential for outbreaks on campus.

We will continue to assess our COVID protocols and test results as the semester progresses to determine whether updated guidance is necessary. Thank you for your help in promoting the health and safety of our community.

Masks Required Indoors Again Due to Delta Surge

By Paul Grantham

On July 28, 2021

In Community Messages, Duke University, For Faculty, For Staff, For Students, For Visitors to Campus

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Given the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in North Carolina related to a combination of the Delta variant and the number of people who remain unvaccinated, all individuals will be required to wear face masks in all Duke-owned and leased buildings effective Friday, July 30 until further notice.This requirement applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required in on-campus residence halls where there is a significantly lower risk of exposure for high-risk individuals.

In the last month, the Delta variant – which is markedly more transmissible than earlier strains of the virus – has become increasingly prevalent nationally, across North Carolina, and in our local community. During that time, we have seen a steady rise in the number of cases on campus among unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals. However, the greatest threat for severe disease is to those in our community who are not yet vaccinated. On Monday, about 1,000 people in the state were hospitalized due to COVID, more than twice the number just two weeks ago.

While we know this is a disappointing turn, we make this move now based on the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Duke’s own infectious disease experts in hopes of containing potential outbreaks that may limit our ability to continue other activities during the fall semester.

The key to ending this pandemic is getting everyone vaccinated. We implore anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so at your earliest opportunity to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Too many have suffered and continue to suffer the effects of this disease. Duke stands ready and available to help answer questions or concerns and to vaccinate every member of our community.

We are making plans and preparations to welcome all students back for the fall semester, and we are eager to see a more active and dynamic campus this year. But the pandemic is still with us, and we must take appropriate steps to promote the safety and well-being of our community in the midst of this resurgence. Thank you for your continued support, patience and resilience.

Sincerely,

Sally Kornbluth,
Provost and Jo Rae Wright University Professor

Kyle Cavanaugh,
Vice President, Administration

This message is being sent to all Duke University students, faculty and staff.

Fall Travel at Duke

By Kristen Brown

On July 2, 2021

In Community Messages, Duke University, For Faculty, For Staff, For Students, Travel Updates

This message was sent to all Duke University faculty, staff, and students

July 2, 2021

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Effective August 9, 2021, the Duke Travel Suspension due to COVID-19 will no longer apply to domestic travel. Faculty, staff, and students who are fully-vaccinated will once again be allowed to travel with Duke support to U.S. states, territories, and territorial waters. Also, domestic travelers will no longer need to enter their travel into the Duke Travel Registry.

While international travel will be more complex given the pandemic and resulting entry requirements/restrictions, travel to destinations that do not appear on Duke’s Restricted Regions List can once again proceed for individuals who are fully vaccinated with the usual budgetary and departmental/school approvals.

The revised RRL, to be published on August 9, will include locations that Duke restricts for safety and security reasons, as well as countries where the travel suspension due to COVID-19 will continue to be in place. For the latter, the policies and procedures that faculty, staff and students have followed for the last year to request an exemption from their “Top-Level Manager” (and if applicable Duke’s GTAC CV19 Travel Sub-committee) for “essential travel” to these destinations will remain in effect. Additionally, all travelers – whether domestic or international and regardless of whether travel is to a COVID-19 suspended destination or not – must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file with Duke.

For RRL destinations restricted due to safety and security reasons other than COVID-19, students can seek waivers of the restrictions through Duke’s long-standing petition and waiver/release processes specified in Duke’s Global Travel Policy. Faculty, staff and graduate students are not restricted from traveling to these areas.

We encourage you to visit travel.duke.edu and sign up to receive updates on Duke’s Travel Policy to learn more and to receive alerts as to when this information is available online.

While the news is good at Duke, the pandemic is not over yet. All travelers should continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its equivalents at their international destinations to promote a safe environment for hosts as well as our students, faculty and staff not only in Durham but any location. Vaccination rates worldwide vary significantly from country to country, and the emergence of new and more transmittable variants of COVID-19 means we must continue to practice public health protocols.

Sally Kornbluth,
Provost and Jo Rae Wright University Professor

Kyle Cavanaugh,
Vice President, Administration

COVID Protocols Updated for 2021 Fall Semester

By Paul Grantham

On June 29, 2021

In Community Messages, Duke University, For Faculty, For Staff, For Students, Testing & Reporting

June 29, 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Together we have made extraordinary progress in combating COVID-19 on campus. More than 81 percent of our faculty and staff and nearly 10,000 of our students are fully vaccinated, and that number increases every week. We ended the Spring semester with a very low number of positive cases and had a joyous in-person celebration for our graduates. In addition, since May 3, there have been 35,000 surveillance tests completed with only 7 positive results.

In preparation for the Fall semester, we continue to work closely with Duke’s infectious diseases experts and follow the guidance of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others, to promote a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors. While the national news is good, the pandemic is not over yet. Vaccination rates in our region continue to lag and the emergence of new and more transmittable variants of COVID-19 mean we must continue to practice some of our public health protocols as we begin the Fall semester.These protocols include:

Vaccinations: All Duke undergraduate, graduate and professional students must present proof of vaccination in order to attend classes and other campus activities this Fall. All faculty and staff are expected to present proof of vaccination by September 1. Students, faculty and staff may apply for a medical or religious exemption. Individuals granted medical or religious exemptions will be subject to daily symptom monitoring, regular testing, masking and other protocols applicable to those who have not been vaccinated.
Testing: All students will be tested upon arrival at Duke and must then participate in weekly surveillance testing regardless of their vaccination status. All students who have obtained an exemption from vaccination will be required to participate in surveillance testing twice a week. Faculty and staff who have not been vaccinated will be required to participate in surveillance testing once per week. The testing schedule for each group is based on the number of interactions they are likely to have that could lead to the transmission of COVID-19. Students tend to live in congregate settings and will likely have substantially more interactions than faculty and staff.
Symptom Monitoring: Fully vaccinated faculty, staff, and students will not be required to complete daily symptom monitoring. Anyone who has not been vaccinated, regardless of the circumstances, will be required to complete daily symptom monitoring.
Masking: Fully vaccinated faculty, staff and students will not be required to wear a mask in most indoor areas effective July 1. Because masks are still required in certain settings – including health care facilities, buses and shuttles on campus, and childcare centers – everyone should have a mask ready and available if needed. Also, please respect anyone who chooses to continue wearing masks as a means to prevent exposure to themselves or loved ones. Faculty, staff, and students who have not been vaccinated will be required to wear a mask indoors at all times. Masks will be provided to all students as part of the initial testing program.
Social Distancing: Social distancing is no longer required on campus, though distancing is still recommended for those who are not vaccinated.
Flu Vaccination: All members of the Duke community will be expected to participate in the annual flu vaccine program.

We will continue to assess our COVID protocols and test results as the semester progresses to determine whether it is safe to further ease restrictions.

With your participation and support, Duke has led the way back from this pandemic. Your perseverance, creativity and sheer will to overcome the many challenges that confronted us reflects the best of Duke and will define our future.

Sally Kornbluth,
Provost and Jo Rae Wright University Professor

Kyle Cavanaugh,
Vice President, Administration

This message is being sent to all Duke University students, faculty and staff.

Student Conduct Updates, May 20

By Kristen Brown

On May 20, 2021

In Community Messages, Duke University, For Students

The message is being sent to all Duke undergraduate students.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Dear students,

We are writing with the last COVID conduct and compliance update of the 2020-2021 academic year. Thank you for all you did this year to make sure we were able to finish out the semester strong, safe, and healthy. We continue to be so proud of the ways you all have come together and supported each other this past year, while rising above extraordinary challenges.

COMPLIANCE AND CONDUCT UPDATES

As we have throughout the year, we are providing a monthly update to share aggregate data around conduct outcomes for individual students and student organizations found responsible for any violations of COVID and Duke Compact-related expectations. As you know, we follow up on all reports and investigate to determine any student responsibility.

For the period from the start of the spring term through Friday, May 13:

307 students referred for educational interventions for less severe infractions of the Duke Compact. These outcomes are not part of a student’s disciplinary record. Sanctions for COVID-related violations are implemented by either the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or Housing and Residence Life.
281 sanctions have been issued to students this spring. (NB: total number of sanctions does not equal total number of students as one student could receive multiple sanctions). These actions, which include suspensions for an upcoming semester, formal warnings, disciplinary probation, withdrawal of campus privileges, and educational initiatives, may become a part of the student’s conduct record and, in some cases, reportable to graduate schools, study away programs, employers, and other university programs in which a student’s disciplinary record may be a factor in participation.
0 campus organizations currently on suspension for COVID-related infractions.

Administrative Action Review Panels are held to determine if allegations of flagrant violations of COVID policy expectations and the Duke Compact could result in interim measures to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the Duke and Durham community, pending the conduct process.

11 students have had cases addressed through Administrative Action Review Panels this semester. Examples of flagrant violations include: hosting large gatherings, failing to follow quarantine and isolation protocols to protect fellow students, and repeated violations of COVID expectations. As in Fall 2020, interim measures have included loss of campus privileges, interim suspensions, and other interim restrictions.

OSCCS will report aggregate conduct outcomes for the 2020-21 academic year in August 2021.

Thank you again for coming together as a community this year, to do the right thing, to look out for each other, and to support each other during a truly extraordinary year.

Thank you and go Duke,

John Blackshear
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Jeanna McCullers
Senior Associate Dean & Director,
Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards

Masking and Social Distancing Guidance

By Paul Grantham

On May 18, 2021

In Community Messages, Duke University, For Faculty, For Staff, For Students, For Visitors to Campus

For the next several weeks, Duke University will maintain the requirement for social distancing and wearing of masks indoors while inside campus facilities and using Duke buses and shuttles, regardless of vaccination status.

We are assessing the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and consulting with our infectious disease experts, the Office of Environment and Safety Office, and Employee Occupational Health and Wellness. While we may ease requirements in the coming month, masking and social distance continue to be the most effective way to limit the spread among unvaccinated individuals.

We are making good progress in vaccination with more than 65 percent of faculty and staff and 55 percent of students now fully vaccinated. Continued progress in vaccination will provide us greater confidence in easing restrictions for social distancing and masking inside certain facilities on campus in the next several weeks.

Faculty and staff who have not already done so can schedule an appointment for free vaccination. Those who were vaccinated outside of the Duke Employee Vaccination Clinic should submit a photo of their completed vaccination card through the Duke COVID Vaccine website.

Thank you for continued efforts to ensure the safety of our campus community.

Sincerely,

Kyle Cavanaugh
Vice President, Administration

Vaccinations for Children of Faculty and Staff

By Greg Whitaker

On May 13, 2021

In Community Messages, Duke University, For Faculty, For Staff

With Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine granted an emergency use authorization this week by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for children ages 12 to 15, Duke will begin providing free immunizations to the general public in this age group, including the children of Duke staff and faculty.

Dedicated walk-in clinic hours will be available for Duke University and Duke University Health System parents to bring their children who are 12-to-15 years old, as well as children who are 16 or older, on the following:

Saturday, May 15, and Sunday, May 16, from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center
Sunday, May 16, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Duke Raleigh Hospital Medical Office Building 9

Widespread vaccinations have proven to significantly reduce the positive cases of COVID-19 on campus and in the community. Despite the continued progress nationally and statewide in controlling the spread of COVID-19, it is important to keep up the comprehensive approach with masking and other public health behaviors to prevent the spread of the virus, even as people get vaccinated.

All Duke faculty, staff and students should already have received an email invitation to be vaccinated, and many have already scheduled an appointment or received the vaccine. We encourage anyone who has not yet done so to schedule an appointment at an Employee Vaccination Clinic or seek vaccination through other venues, including Duke Health.

If you have been vaccinated outside of the Duke Employee Vaccination Clinics, be sure to let Employee Occupational Health & Wellness (EOHW) know by submitting your documentation through the easy-to-use Duke VaxTrax web form. If you need assistance, send an email to EOHWCOVIDVac@duke.edu.

Thank you for your ongoing support, teamwork and persistence in meeting the challenges of this year.

Sincerely,

Kyle Cavanaugh
Vice President, Administration

Gatherings and Events on Campus – updated guidelines

By Kristen Brown

On May 10, 2021

In Community Messages, Duke University, For Faculty, For Staff, For Students, For Visitors to Campus

This message is being sent to all University Faculty and Staff.

Dear Colleagues,

With the continued progress nationally and statewide in controlling the spread of the COVID-19, Duke will begin easing restrictions for gatherings of people and hosting of events.

Effective June 1, 2021, Duke schools, departments and units may host events, activities and performances on and off campus, including meetings of faculty, staff, students and invited guests, without prior approval as long as they observe current Centers for Disease Control and State of North Carolina guidelines for capacity. Food and drink will be permitted subject to state and local regulations. Updated guidelines can be found at https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve.

This guidance only applies to Duke-hosted activities. Outside organizations cannot hold events on the Duke campus without prior approval from the Office of Public Affairs and Government Relations.

Sponsors of events or gatherings on campus should strongly encourage all attendees to be vaccinated, and as previously announced, masks are required inside on-campus buildings. Access to all campus buildings will continue to be limited to those with active DukeCards. Daily symptom monitoring is still required by members of the Duke community to activate their DukeCard for building access.

Widespread vaccinations have proven to significantly reduce the positive cases of COVID-19 on campus and in the community. Duke faculty, staff or students who have not yet been vaccinated should schedule an appointmentthrough the Duke Employee Vaccination Clinic.

Duke is continuing surveillance testing for all students residing on campus during the summer. Faculty and staff who are working on campus are encouraged to participate in the testing as well.

Together, we are making great strides to protect our community and return to some of the activities we have not been able to do during the worst of the pandemic. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and resilience that has allowed us to reach this positive milestone.

Sincerely,

Kyle Cavanaugh,
Vice President, Administration