UTC Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Policies and Protocols

  • Are any campus facilities or services still requiring face masks at this time?

    Per the CDC guidance, fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a face covering or practice social distancing on campus, indoors or out.

    The CDC has outlined limited exceptions, including health care facilities and public transportation where masks will continue to be worn by all, no matter the vaccine status. 

    At this time, the following UTC locations still require face masks:

    • University Health Services
    • Counseling Center
    • Children’s Centers at Brown and Battle
    • MOCS Shuttle
    • Aquatics and Recreation Center (ARC)
    • Summer camps with children under the age of 12 in attendance

    Those who will be involved in these services should continue wearing masks.

    If you are not fully vaccinated, you should wear a mask and practice social distancing for your own protection. View CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.

  • How does/is UTC permitted to identify who is vaccinated?

    At this time, we may ask for proof of COVID vaccination/immunizations for someone to be waived from:

    • Routine testing
    • Move-in testing
    • Quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomtic
    • Testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings (communal/congregate living)

     

  • Are measures in place to require or enforce mask wearing by people who are unvaccinated?

    We are relying on students and employees to do the right thing by wearing masks if they are not fully vaccinated.

    Please remember that anyone can wear a mask no matter their vaccination status.

    If you are not fully vaccinated, you should wear a mask and practice social distancing for your own protection.

  • Is proof of vaccine status required to be exempted from a routine test?

    All University students and employees will continue to be subject to the University’s routine testing requirements during the fall 2021 semester, unless they are exempted from them.

    Individuals who voluntarily provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination/immunizations may be exempted from routine testing. Individuals who wish to provide proof of their vaccination/immunization may submit their information to University Health Services through its secure online portal Medicat.

  • Does UTC recognize any religious exemptions for wearing a mask or getting a vaccine?
    Religious exemptions are based on the fact that vaccinations conflict with religious tenets and practices. The student must submit a signed statement stating this. If they are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the statement.
  • Do students/employees follow the same process as before in notifying of non-compliance by sending complaints to specific offices?

    Yes.

    Non-compliance with COVID-19 related provisions should be reported to:

    • Students: Office of Student Conduct.
    • Employees: Office of Human Resources
    • Contractors: contract administrator or the Office of Procurement and Contract Services
    • Visitors: UTC Police
  • Is there a point when UTC can unilaterally lift the mask mandate for all people on campus without regard for vaccine status?
    Currently, there is no campus-wide mask mandate. There is a recommendation that those who are not vaccinated continue to wear masks. University officials continue to closely monitor guidance from the CDC, state and local health departments. University officials continue to review the evidence for best practices regarding safety measures and inform the administration accordingly. The campus community will be informed if the situation changes.
  • Is UTC requiring unvaccinated people to wear masks outside on campus?

    The University is following the guidance provided by the CDC which says it is safe for unvaccinated people to walk, run or bike outside with members of their household and attend small outdoor gatherings with vaccinated family and friends but that unvaccinated individuals should mask when attending small gatherings with unvaccinated and fully vaccinated people.

  • Are masks required? Encouraged?

    The CDC encourages those who have not been vaccinated to wear masks outside when social distancing is not possible, and wear masks inside buildings unless inside a private space such as their office by themselves.

    At this time, the following UTC locations still require face masks:

    • University Health Services
    • Counseling Center
    • Children’s Centers at Brown and Battle
    • MOCS Shuttle
    • Aquatics and Recreation Center (ARC)
    • Summer camps with children under the age of 12 in attendance
  • How does UTC make decisions when changing protocol?

    University leadership is guided by the CDC, Tennessee Department of Health and Hamilton County Health Department.

  • How is the University disinfecting on-campus spaces?

    Custodial services clean restrooms and common areas, giving enhanced attention to high-touch areas such as door handles, handrails and so on. Facilities Planning and Management has disinfectant spray bottles filled with the recommended disinfectant per CDC guidelines.

  • How does a member of the campus community request hand sanitizer or soap refills?

    If you see an empty hand sanitizer station or soap dispenser, call facilities at 423-425-4521. Someone will be dispatched to refill the station as quickly as possible.

    This does not apply to individual containers on desks or personal workstations.

  • How do employees order disinfectant spray for office spaces?

     

    Each unit head must determine the number of bottles of disinfectant spray needed for the department/s under his or her purview and submit this information as a work request via:

    1. Service desk (https://fpmis.utc.edu/) from the campus network
    2. Off-campus or without access to the campus network, email: work-control@utc.edu
    3. Or call 423-425-2254

    Facilities will arrange for delivery of supplies to the requesting departments.

  • How do employees get informational signs and floor stickers to help with traffic flow?

    University Health Services, UTC Communications and Marketing and Emergency Services have collaborated to design and offer floor distancing stickers for each office space on campus.

     

    Email requests for signage and stickers to Faith Garner (faith-garner@utc.edu) in Emergency Services, and she will arrange pickup times for each department or group.

    Several informational posters (11″ x 17″) with content developed by the U.S. CDC also are available for pick up from Emergency Services.

    Choose from the following content options:

    • “10 Ways to Manage Respiratory Symptoms at Home”
    • “Germs are all around you.”
    • “Self-monitor and Practice Social Distancing”
    • “Stop the Spread of Germs”
    • “Covid-10 Fact Sheet”