WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK
If you have had any of the following symptoms, do not go to class and contact your healthcare provider or the Student Health Clinic immediately:
- A fever of 100.4 degrees or greater in the last two days;
- A cough;
- Difficulty breathing;
- A sore throat;
- Or a loss of taste and smell
Information on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or are identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 can be found on the Testing and Tracing page.
Students should not come to class if they are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
FACE COVERINGS
The University of Central Arkansas has devised a color-coded system indicating whether masks are required in campus indoor spaces each week. Campus status will be updated each Sunday. Students and employees will receive an email on Sunday afternoons announcing the campus status for the week. The exterior doors and other locations inside buildings have Color Status signs that outline the university’s color-coded system and expectations about masking, as well as provide a QR code that individuals may scan to determine the current campus status.
UCA will provide students with a UCA-branded covering (neck gaiter) upon request. All UCA neck gaiters have been modified to meet CDC standards. Neck gaiters are available in the Office of Student Life, Student Center 207, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. In addition to the neck gaiters, Student Life will have KN95 masks available for students on request.
ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE HOUSING
UCA has isolation and quarantine housing plans in place to safely support any students living on campus who either test positive for COVID-19 or who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive. We have multiple buildings that will be dedicated to serve those students who are required to quarantine and need to remain in campus housing. Additionally, we have other university-owned housing to isolate those who have received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and need to remain on campus.
Should a student need to be moved to isolation or quarantine housing, UCA Health Clinic staff will transport them via open-air golf cart or shuttle. There, a full staff will be dedicated to addressing students’ needs, including medical care and daily check-ups, food service, and basic errands. Students will also be able to participate in organized, socially distanced activities for physical and social health.
Remember, if you are sick, do not attend class.
HAND SANITIZING AND PERSONAL HYGIENE
Hand sanitizing and personal hygiene are an important part of reducing the spread of the virus. This includes washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; coughing and sneezing into your elbow; coughing or sneezing into a tissue, throwing it away immediately and washing your hands; and avoiding shaking hands.
If soap and water are unavailable, you can use an alcohol-based sanitizer. We have increased the number of sanitizing stations set up around campus. They can be found in many high-traffic and high-contact areas and in building lobbies.
ENHANCED CLEANING AND SANITIZING
Custodians are cleaning buildings, classrooms and restrooms on a daily basis and are focusing on wiping down all touch points such as sinks, door knobs/handles, tables, elevator buttons, toilets, faucets, light switches, etc. All desks in classrooms will be sprayed with disinfectant once daily. Hand sanitizing stations will be located in hallways. It is recommended that you frequently wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
In addition to routine maintenance on all heating and air units, the Physical Plant is also changing air filters multiple times a year and cleaning air handlers and fan coil units regularly. In 2021, the university approved a multi-year ventilation system upgrade that will enhance air flow in many buildings across campus.
As in years past, students should bring their own daily cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, to perform routine cleaning of countertops, sinks and shared bathrooms in private or suite setups. In residence halls and buildings with communal bathrooms, custodial staff will clean daily.
OUTDOOR WI-FI HOTSPOTS
UCA has designated a number of indoor and outdoor spaces for students to study and participate in their online classes should they need to do that from campus.
The university has strategically placed additional outdoor seating and picnic tables throughout campus in areas with a strong Wi-Fi signal. See a map of those outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots here.
RECOGNIZED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS (RSO)
With more than 200 Recognized Student Organizations (RSO), UCA is committed to providing opportunities for student interaction and involvement on campus. Many of the social events, meetings, and gatherings will return to their normal in-person occupancy allowing students to enjoy robust campus experiences and grow as leaders and community builders.
To host an RSO event, you must register that event at least two weeks in advance on CubConnect. Details about how to register a student event and get it approved can be found on the RSO Event Planning tab.
Contact the Office of Student Life for questions about RSOs, Bear Den, Greek Life, and CubConnect. To learn about campus-wide events and programs such as movie nights or concerts, contact the Student Activities Board.