Executive Summary
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Alaska Pacific University has prioritized the health and safety of our community members. We recognize that our actions, both as an institution and as individuals, impact the wellbeing of families and communities beyond our campus. As we have made plans for the reopening of campus, we have worked with students, faculty, staff, community members, and public health partners to understand the impact of the pandemic on learning, teaching, and overall wellbeing. We are following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local authorities as well.
Alaska is leading the country in access to COVID-19 vaccinations; however, there is continuing risk of transmission in the state and with new variant strains of the virus appearing globally, we must continue mitigation efforts as we adjust to a “new normal.” APU aims to open campus for instruction, through both face-to-face and distance delivery for the summer term. Our goal is to make our educational programs accessible and to make working and living on campus as safe as possible. This is a shared responsibility. The Campus Reopening plan articulates how we will realize this goal.
APU will return to normal course delivery, with appropriate risk-mitigation protocols, in the May block session. Some courses or sections may continue to be offered through distance delivery. Computer labs on campus and at the library will still be available to facilitate online learning. There will be no change to the academic calendar.
Students, employees, and visitors participating in any on-campus activities will be required to follow protocols to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus, including wearing masks in indoor spaces, maintaining distance from others, and following cleaning instructions. We strongly encourage all students and employees to be vaccinated or tested before returning to campus. Those who test positive will quarantine at home or in designated residence hall facilities on campus. APU will continue a number of protocols to facilitate contact tracing, including tracking conference and class attendance, using ID badges to enter campus buildings, and limiting public access to campus facilities.
Housing and dining services will be available to students, and we will set aside rooms to quarantine residential students who test positive or need to self-isolate. Students living on campus will be required to be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test and subsequent isolation upon move-in. We will continue to reduce the density of our residential halls. More students will be assigned single rooms, with double rooms also available.
Campus-wide telecommuting will end May 3. Employees with a need to continue working from home may request an extension from their supervisors; these requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Access to campus buildings will continue to require an APU ID badge, and we will require prior reservations or appointments for public access to campus facilities.
In order to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission among communities, travel for APU business or academic programs will be limited and will require COVID-related mitigation strategies in risk management plans. Residential students will be allowed to apply for a summer housing contract.
We must all commit to maintaining the health and safety of the APU community, our families, and our neighbors. We are excited to begin the Summer and Fall semesters and we recognize our shared responsibility to follow public health protocols to maintain a viable and vibrant learning community. We will continue to update APU faculty, staff, students and their families, and our community partners as the academic year progresses.
