Everyone at the University of Northern Iowa is excited to welcome our students, faculty and staff back on campus this fall and to greet our newest Panthers. As we continue to navigate our campus' response to COVID-19, the COVID-19 Response Team’s Steering Committee continues to meet on campus to monitor the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and the latest public health guidance.
Employees are encouraged to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
All university employees are encouraged to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people—especially those who are up to date— from getting seriously ill. To find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, employees can search vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.
Employees should not come to work when they are sick or are in quarantine.
All university employees are expected to follow quarantine and isolation guidance from the CDC or their personal healthcare provider. If an employee believes they contracted COVID-19 in the workplace, or through work activities, they should complete a First Report of Injury through Human Resource Services. Employees looking for an online COVID-19 symptom checker are encouraged to utilize the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker. Employees no longer need to report exposures, symptoms or confirmed cases of COVID-19 through the Panther Health Survey.
For information about leaves, employees can view the Faculty & Staff FAQ and COVID-19 Temporary Leave Flowchart.
Employees can voluntarily wear a mask, N95 or face shield to work.
The university will provide masks to employees who request them at no cost. If you choose to wear a mask ensure there is a proper fit over your nose, mouth, and chin to prevent leaks.
The university supports the voluntary use of respirators when not required if an employee has a safety concern. Employees seeking to voluntarily use a respirator should review the university’s COVID-19 Guide for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required. Free N-95 respirators for voluntary use can be found on the CDC’s page.
UNI’s Employee Assistance Program
Eligible employees and their family members may use their employee assistance program (EAP) benefits to help manage any anxiety or any uncertainty they are experiencing related to COVID-19. To access EAP call 1-855-784-2057.
COVID-19 Dashboards
Individuals looking to monitor the spread of COVID-19 can visit these resources from Black Hawk County Public Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Thanks for all that you do to keep yourself, your family and the Panther community safe.
Stay Well,
Joseph Rayzor