Faculty & Staff FAQs

You can apply for a temporary exemption through the Dean of Students Office (for students) or Human Resources (for employees)

All you need is a picture of your vaccination card that is legible (i.e., you can read your name and the details about your vaccination).

Yes. Because you may still access the campus and use the facilities, you will need to submit your documentation. Limited exemptions may be made for students or employees who are geographically isolated from campus (e.g., out of state and never visit campus).

Send a note to CovidResults@alaskapacific.edu by the Friday deadline telling us when you were tested, and then submit the results as soon as you get them.

Yes. University facilities are open during breaks and many members of the APU community will be traveling so it is particularly important to get tested.

Upload your weekly test until you are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after the final vaccination in the series).

You may upload a copy of your revised vaccination card but it is not required for compliance at this point.

Yes. You may use your appointment time (up to 30 minutes per week) to get tested.

Yes, but you cannot request details or the reasoning behind someone’s vaccination status. Members of the university may have medical or religious reasons for their decision. Privacy should be respected.

(Updated: Aug 16, 2021) Yes. In response to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for areas with substantial or high transmission of COVID-19, Alaska Pacific University will require everyone to wear masks in all indoor public or common spaces on campus (lobbies, conference rooms, gyms, classrooms, etc.). Masks are not required outdoors.

Face masks should cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly, with no gaps along the side of your face. Masks should have two or more layers of breathable fabric, and a nose wire is recommended to prevent air from escaping. Face masks are required; alternatives like face shields are not recommended by the CDC. For more guidance on face coverings from the CDC, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

No. According to the CDC, face shields are not recommended. Face masks are expected on campus. For more guidance on face coverings from the CDC, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

In certain spaces, yes.  Faculty and staff may eat and drink in their own individual offices.  In large indoor areas on campus like lounges and lobbies, faculty and staff may unmask to eat and drink and then must put their mask back on as soon as they are finished eating or drinking.  In more crowded places like classrooms and teaching laboratories, faculty and staff can unmask to take quick drinks and then put their mask back on as soon as they finished drinking; however, eating is not allowed.  Instructors will provide breaks during class for everyone to leave the room and eat and drink in less crowded settings.  As always, maintain social distancing when eating or drinking.

Individuals who test positive for coronavirus are required to isolate in designated campus residences or leave campus to self-isolate.  This applies even if the individual has been vaccinated. Staff and faculty will work with their supervisor. Students will receive an approved absence from class. Vaccinated individuals who test positive may return to campus after a negative test.

APU will continue its contact tracing procedures and let parties know of possible exposure. APU will continue following CDC guidelines to clean and disinfect areas used by ill students and staff.

All members of the APU community are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of on-campus infection.

Unvaccinated individuals exposed to COVID-19 should follow the same protocol above and self-isolate. Vaccinated individuals exposed to COVID-19 can return to campus and do not have to isolate unless they are symptomatic, in which case they should follow the same protocol above and self-isolate. Find a local testing site here: https://anchoragecovidtest.org/

All members of the APU community are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of on-campus infection.

APU added hand sanitizer dispensers to all classrooms and common areas, purchased face masks and sanitizing wipes for all employees, and revised classroom setups to ensure social distancing. APU strongly encourages vaccinations to reduce risk of infection.

If you are ill, APU requests that you stay home and self-isolate and/or get tested for COVID-19. If you receive a positive test, APU requests you notify HR or the Provost. Find a local testing site here: https://anchoragecovidtest.org/. If you feel sick or test positive, stay home!

The Counseling and Wellness Center is a confidential and safe space where students and staff can talk with a counselor. Email apucounselingcenter@gmail.com to make an appointment

Students, staff, and faculty who cannot return to campus for health reasons can request ADA accommodations through Disability Support Services at dss@alaskapacific.edu. Staff should contact their supervisors to determine alternate work arrangements.

Close contact is being within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes). A person is still considered a close contact if one or both people wore a mask when they were together.

All APU fieldwork and field trips must follow the public health guidelines of the locations visited. It is imperative that we respect the communities where we work. Some APU activities may require participants to be vaccinated and to self-isolate before travel.

Yes. Canada is allowing U.S. citizens to transit for essential road travel only. For more information about Canadian border restrictions, contact Canada Border Services Agency at 1-800-461-9999.

Yes. Out-of-state travel for APU courses and conferences must still be approved by the President's Office.

Send any additional questions to askAPU@alaskapacific.edu. We will try to respond in a timely manner.