New COVID-19 Policies Now in Place for Returning Students
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 24, 2021) — University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto recently announced new COVID-19 policies, effective June 14, that will result in a fall semester that looks much different than 2020. Most significantly, people who are vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks in campus outdoor spaces or inside non-health care campus buildings.
For those who have not been vaccinated, mask requirements remain in place inside campus facilities. Non-vaccinated individuals will also still be required to complete a daily screening, as well as ongoing testing. To maximize your safety and that of others, and to take advantage of all campus resources and privileges, you should get vaccinated.
Additionally, the university plans for classes to be conducted mostly in person, with classrooms at full capacity. Events on campus will also return to full capacity in Fall 2021.
The loosened restrictions are a result of the university’s vigilant efforts toward vaccination. As of the end of the spring semester, 60% of students, 70% of staff and 80% of faculty have been vaccinated. At the same time, the university will continue to monitor the health and safety of our campus. Should the need arise, policies are subject to change.
The opportunity to reunite in these ways is exciting and encouraging. In the words of President Capilouto, “Together, we have long awaited the opportunity to plan our return to the vibrant residential campus experience that makes us so special. Your efforts to keep our community safe make this possible. Our continued work together will make it a reality.”
Let’s continue to do our part and show the world what is wildly possible.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.