Will individuals need to provide proof of vaccination?

Is institutional travel allowed now interisland between San Juan and STT (MMES has faculty & students that are PR residents)?

In response to the institutional travel comment, yes. The protocols on how that will be navigated is being finalized.

San Juan is not included in the in Territory travel. San Juan has to be guided by the out of Territory travel protocol.

For in-person and hybrid learning, students need to be able to hear faculty in class clearly. To facilitate this, 1) can acrylic shields be installed in classrooms so faculty can remove masks, and 2) can UVI provide microphones with wireless connections so presenter can be heard by students on zoom/Videoconference, and in the classroom?

2) can UVI provide microphones with wireless connections so presenter can be heard by students on zoom/Videoconference, and in the classroom?

Yes...microphones are available for use in classrooms.

Shields are being installed in classrooms on the Albert A. Sheen Campus.

Will this remote working still be available for staff that has children at home since there is no vaccine for them as yet?

Still waiting for a response to may proof of vaccination?

Shields are being installed in classrooms on the Albert A. Sheen Campus to provide social distance for the instructor.

will students have to be vaccinated to get back on campus

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nphFJVUI_ECJhY071BbpATCOGWVFsgJKhQ19Dy90nqdUNDNWTkswOEs2SzJRT0RJVVNPVjJLV1A2MS4u

Please fill out the poll in the chat.

This is anonymous.

When I was vaccinated at Dr. Franklin’s office, we were given CDC cards which (I think) can easily be shown to anyone who needs or wants to see them

Based on information from CDC and SHRM (Society of Human Resources Management) the employers can ask for proof of vaccination.

Will next semester still be hybrid so whoever is not vaccinated will still be able to attend class online

So we want our children to be required to need this unapproved vaccine before they can attend school?

Will room capacities remain the same, or will they be increased?

Classes will be in person beginning with the fall 2021 semester and we are encouraging all preparations begin for in person delivery of instruction

For international students who had to leave campus during Spring 2020, do they have to reapply for a F-1 study visa if they wish to return to campus for Fall 2021?

The semester will not be hybrid for unvaccinated persons

Re: Michelle Peterson's question, especially with respect to lab capacities

For international students requiring Study Visa, please coordinate directly with Ms. Barry (on St. Croix) and Ms. Todman (on St. Thomas).

The installation of barrier shields and distance markers has commenced in classrooms on the STT campus. We have also reached out to AAUP for additional guidance as the configuration of classrooms varies. We will continue the installation with input from the faculty and users of the spaces.

Why is it mandatory for students that are going to be living in the Residence Hall to take an unapproved vaccine, despite all the issues that are now surfacing due to the vaccine?

We are processing I-20's and issuing them to international students - we recognize that some Embassy's are not yet open, but we are providing alternative locations for the Visa interview.

In case you missed it, here is the poll question. Please respond once. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nphFJVUI_ECJhY071BbpATCOGWVFsgJKhQ19Dy90nqdUNDNWTkswOEs2SzJRT0RJVVNPVjJLV1A2MS4u

Room capacities will remain with 6-ft Social distancing per CDC guidelines.

The survey did’t have had a comment field. The incentive will be more effective it is is aimed at respect of the individual needs / reasons in a case by case (or group by groups) basis. Perhaps the incentive is education, or reassurance, or ?

If faculty live off island, can we continue to use Zoom?

What if students have the antibodies? Are they required to take the vaccine?

Will UVI test for antibodies?

So we are moving back to double room occupancy in the dorms that are usually double rooms ?

Are there any new rules concerning the dorms?

Bribing us to take an unapproved & ineffective vaccine! Still can get C19, so what is the point! These crimes against humanity will not stand!

Acrylic Shields will be added to lab rooms as well?

The significant new rules concerning the dorms is the proposed mandatory vaccine requirement for residential students.

Yes, the plan in the Fall is to return to double occupancy

we need trifolds in the chem and bio labs on STT

On both OEK and STT (regarding labs)

Good afternoon. What about students who were unable to travel in order to get a student visa?

How are new international students to navigate this period if classes are in-person but regional travel to attain F-1 Student Visas in Barbados is terribly hindered? Will provisions be made for them in this instance?

Are students at a minimum going to be required to get a negative antibody test?

How can we mandate an unapproved vaccination that does not protect you from COVID. We do not have sufficient data regarding long term effects. Even if employees travel and are vaccinated they still need to be tested because the vaccine does not protect you from COVID and its variants. A vaccinated person can still catch COVID and pass it to other persons. Vaccinated persons also need to continue using their masks and social distance.

Will classes continue to be online if students cannot take vaccine ?

US Homeland Security / Immigration will be issuing additional guidance about Embassy's and study visa's in the coming months. Our admissions team met with the Regional Representative yesterday and we are all planning - as are most other Colleges/Universities in the US - for a more traditional, in person semester.

Labs on both OEK and AAS campuses will be outfitted with the necessary shields. We will conduct walkthroughs with the users to ensure their needs are met.

Thank your Shirley

Thank you about the trifolds. :) great news

In some chat messages above there are references to "unapproved" vaccines. Please clarify that ONLY APPROVED vaccines are being discussed today and administered in the territory.

When will the guidelines for those who cannot take the vaccine (due to medical reasons, religious reasons and such) be available to view? Will this prohibit those persons from living on campus?

What about contact tracing also?

if rooms are still at limited capacity, most classes cannot be fully in person since not all students can fit in the rooms and labs.

Classes will not be online to accommodate unvaccinated persons. All persons in the VI 16 years and older can get the vaccine. Across the US, access is expanding with similar requirements. Dr. Hall did share residential students who can't get the vaccine prior to on campus arrival that the University is developing a plan with Department of Health to ensure these students get immediate access to the vaccine.

I'm wondering about travel for off campus club activities?

What is the current and summer maximum number of participants in a university program activity that is held outdoors?

My recollection is that some rooms had a capacity of zero from the fall survey for socially-distanced spacing. Can we request specific review of specific classrooms to determine capacity based on precautions (acrylic shields etc)? This will be important to doing in-person labs, especially.

Will this remote working still be available for staff that has children at home since there is no vaccine for them as yet?

Is there any change in masking outdoors for activities with students?

The states are open, everyone is acting on their own accord. If they want to wear a mask or take the vaccine that is up yo them, but those who do not are Free to choose. But small minds say don't compare to states. Other Caribbean islands are not doing this, Grand Cayman Island, the children are in school and masks are not required unless you want.

If it is okay to reduce 6ft for children what is the difference for college!

Any changes in masking outdoors will be done consistent with any CDC guidelines and updates

For clarity .. if I don’t live on campus, have no antibodies, nor covid I will still need the vaccine ?

Are nursing majors required to take the vaccination?

No COVID vaccines have been approved by the FDA.

I’ve read that people with severe allergic reactions should not take the vaccine, will this be considered a medical exception at UVI?

Will all offices be equipped with Plexiglas by Fall?

Good afternoon. What about students who were unable to travel in order to get a student visa?

In the fall, remote work is expected to be limited and will have to addressed on a case by case basis, but generally not because the vaccine has not been approved for younger children

The Moderna vaccine is at the Sport and Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus as of today.

What is the reason for no hybrid classes in the Fall if it worked well this semester?

The issue of herd immunity should be taken into consideration with respect to a final proposal to the board regarding vaccination requirement for students.

If plexiglass is needed, please follow up with your supervisor for coordination with Physical Plant

So can zoom still be an option for a class that worked well with it ?

Should the University require all students to be fully vaccinated: Y 85; No 202

Employees to be fully vaccinated: Yes 95; NO 194

yes

Bribes

Incentives for vaccinations: Yes: 164; NO 122

No decision has been made in regards to a mandatory vaccine requirement for all students

What is the status on the embassy an student visas for fall

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nphFJVUI_ECJhY071BbpATCOGWVFsgJKhQ19Dy90nqdUNDNWTkswOEs2SzJRT0RJVVNPVjJLV1A2MS4u

Poll

A donut like krispy kream to further deteriorate our health!

how are air conditioning filtering and temp, in addition to ventilation being addressed to decrease the chances of the virus spreading

Ok good listen to the cabinet!

Is UVI considering removing all required vaccinations for students?

Vaccinations should not be required.

https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/moderna-covid-19-vaccine

"On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the second vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergency use authorization allows the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S for use in individuals 18 years of age and older."

It would hurt to know that I can’t go to school and get my education because of this vaccine

Great question Julie Cruz. In Chemistry and biology labs on STT campus we have had better air filters installed in the A/C systems thus far :) I hope things just get better and better :)

Online options would help

I agree that online should still be available

This is so sad

https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/stanford-university-disavows-study-claiming-masks-worthless-against-covid-19

HEPA filters are being utilized and changed quarterly.

I agree that online should be available

If faculty have class sizes larger than their room capacity can hold, and they are meeting in cohorts, wouldn't this be called "Hybrid"? I just want to clarify what UVI is calling "in person"?

Air conditioning systems have been evaluated and filters are being changed on a more frequent basis in line with the CDC guidanceZ

As an incentive to get the vaccination, the University should consider paying an employees' health insurance premium for six months or contribute to the retirement program at the employee rate for six months.

Thank you for helping to make the UVI working environment safe.

online classes should still be available and also offering courses students need to graduate each semester.

I agree Veda and maybe a raise!

If there are incentives for persons not yet vaccinated, will those who are already vaccinated get those incentives, as well?

Please address hybrid issue... Ms Dyer emphatically said no but I believe this should be discussed further

https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions

in cases where an instructor test positive during the semester how will teaching occur

"On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 16 years of age and older. The emergency use authorization allows the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S."

I agree. The hybrid approach require further discussion.

Yes, Dr. Micheal.

Yeah the hybrid issue should be discussed further

I agree online courses should be available so students can graduate. Students should not be forced to take any vaccine

Will you accept risks if the vaccine is harmful to us, conditional acceptance!

Can groups of vaccinated employees meet in person?

Stan: My "no" was in reference is whether because a student or was not vaccinated would that be a reason for a hybrid class.

You can make us feel safe by being liable since the government ans vaccine manufacturers are not.

Thank you for the clarification Una... My apologies

Clarifying: My "no" was in reference to a hybrid class because of not having a vaccine.

I agree Cindy

What are the hours that the vaccines are available on the AAS and OEK campuses?

Vaccination should not be mandatory for anyone, employees and students. Those that choose to not be vaccinated, should be frequently tested, however - even, if it is at the expense of the individual.

Thank you.

my question wasn’t answered

Please clarify if employees and students who are travelling inter-island on UVI funding will have to be vaccinated. Thank you.

Statistics says otherwise.CDC stated that vaccinated people can still contract the virus and spread to others.

The CDC states that groups of people can meet, out doors without a mask if all is vaccinated. If any group wants to meet indoors, everyone should still wear a mask and stay 6ft apart. In other words, still meet virtually.

i am here but unable to mute

My question was not answered as well. When will the guidelines for those persons who cannot take the vaccine (for medical and religious purposes) be released for students/employees to review?

I believe that Dr. DeCosta made a valid point! These vaccinations are still in their experimental phases and have not yet been approved by the FDA. Please consider this with thanks.

Office Staff are recommending giving an award/prize for those vaccinated as oppose to an incentive.

isn't there still a chance to get the virus even though you are vaccinated ?

Please no mandatory shot I’ll have to quit school please

Samuel Gitten, yes there is a small chance. 5% of what it would be if you were not vaccinated.

Any word on the Tier 2Funds?

I’ll teSt every day if needed

I would be very surprised if our highly educated board make such a critical decision based on an "assumption"that this is the best decision.

Millions

200 million

Thank you, President Hall. It is really important to stress those points.

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are approved by the FDA.

Yes Mr. Gittens, getting vaccinated does not mean you cannot get the virus. It will reduce your chances of getting it and you will still need to be socially distanced and follow protocols stipulated by the CDC and our local health officials.

Yes

Ok buy currently no one is liable if it is harmful, so will the school, the board, the cabinet, you take liability if it is harmful?

It is less reliable. You can still get covid even if vaccinated. The long term effects are unknown.

https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions

Thank you President Hall!

In that case I do not agree on the double occupancy if I can still get the virus from the person living with me in the same room

https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/moderna-covid-19-vaccine

Thank you, Dr. Hall. I hope everyone who has not yet been vaccinated will strongly consider it.

Just because it’s right don’t mean every one should be gourde to do it

Does not prevent, can still get it, what is the use.

I’m here

Tier 2 funds ?

https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download#page=2

But you won’t die.

Dalissa wanted to u mute not me.

So what’s the sense if you can still get covid.

U sent the request to the wrong person

Cindy I agree, and for that reason there is no ground for mandatory vaccination. Please, leave the decision to the individual.

Yes, some vaccines have been shown 100% effective against death by COVID

https://www.fda.gov/media/144638/download#page=2

Because if you do get COVID after the vaccine, you are significantly less likely to end up in the hospital or die.

you wont be in the hospital struggling to live so might as well have it

Medical and Religious exceptions should be taken into consideration.

The "Patented virus" survival rate is in the 95%

It should be noted that adverse effects are lower (when you have the vaccine) if it's the same strain. For newer or different strains, it is believed that the vaccine may actually elicit a worse effect.

https://www.facebook.com/virginislandsDOH/videos/dr-tai-hunte-ceasar-explains-how-the-covid-19-vaccines-work-call-340-777-8227-to/425469295424996/

Tier 2 Funds ?

so from the new strains are worse would you rather have your insides turn to liquid and be sick months after you actually have it

iPhone, yes around 5% of people who got the shot will not have any antibody response to the vaccine and thus if they are exposed to a covid + person they run the risk of getting the virus .. but the other roughly 95% of people who got the shot are safe. having a 95 % chance of protection is pretty good. Further, some of those that have had covid 19 and then live with lingering sickness found that after receiving the vaccine their ill feelings began to resolve.

So many adverse reactions to the vaccines. Please I want to attend school again without being forced or constantly coerced into getting the vaccine. If vaccinations are available then people should have a choice to choose to do so. Totally up to the individual.

yeah it should not be forced

SO what are the mask requirements?

This was helpful. Thank you.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168851021000853

Should the University require all students to be fully vaccinated? Yes 132; No 246.Should the University require all employees to be fully vaccinated? Yes: 143; No 234Yes 143No 2353.Should the University provide incentives for employees and students to be vaccinated, though not require vaccination?.Single choice.Should the University provide incentives for employees and students to be vaccinated, though not require vaccination? Yes 203; No 171

Living in the residence hall is an option and the choice is left up to the individual - only requirement at this time being proposed for planning is vaccination to be in residence

Please address the liability question asked earlier.

I AM NOT RETURNING!

I encourage everyone to still wear your mask and stay 6feet apart if you are not sure about others.

Promise?

thanks!