Coronavirus

Oregon Tech Community,

As much as we would like COVID to be completely over, it continues with another surge.  Oregon had a 53% increase in the number of cases this week over the previous week, with case rates higher in counties with lower vaccination rates.  Klamath County’s vaccination rate currently is 47.9%, with Clackamas and Marion at 68.1% and 63.5%, respectively. The number of people hospitalized due to COVID also increased this week (an increase of 18.7%).

The CDC and OHA have provided new guidance this week that recommends face coverings for people in public, indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.  Oregon Tech will return to the face covering requirement for anyone on campus when indoors (except when working alone in a private office) beginning Monday, August 2.

If you have already complied with the Vaccine Requirement, thank you. If you have not, please submit documentation soon as the September 1 deadline is quickly approaching. Thanks.

Stay well,
Erin
Vice President & Dean of Students

Dear Oregon Tech Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Thank you for your individual and combined efforts these past 16 months as we navigated the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Although the pandemic is not over, the time for restrictions to be modified has arrived. Based on the most recent Centers for Disease Control Guidance (CDC) and in accordance with Governor Brown’s June 25, 2021, announcement lifting all remaining COVID-19 restrictions issued under emergency statutes, with limited exceptions, Oregon Tech will modify requirements as noted below, effective tomorrow, Thursday, July 1, 2021.

• Face Coverings: The modified face covering requirement allows individuals that are vaccinated to go without a face covering. The use of face coverings will continue to be required for anyone not vaccinated, including visitors to our campuses. Other individuals may choose to continue to wear a face covering even when not required.


• Physical Distancing: Physical distancing should be continued in large gatherings; otherwise, building and space utilization is no longer restricted. When holding gatherings or events that could include individuals who are not fully vaccinated, such as visitors or others from outside the university, appropriate prevention strategies should be utilized.

This is not a time to let our guard down. While significant advances have been made against this disease, there is still much work to be done. We must all remain vigilant. We each have a continued responsibility to our fellow coworkers, students, and community members. Accordingly, we ask you to:

1. Continue to engage in COVID-19-related personal hygiene practices, including performing daily health checks and staying home when you are not feeling well.
2. Consider receiving the COVID vaccine if you have not done so.
3. If unvaccinated, wear a face covering to protect yourself and others, particularly in indoor and higher-density locations.
4. Respect others’ decision on whether they choose to wear a face covering.
5. Update your vaccination if boosters are determined necessary.
6. Rely on and stay informed by trusted and science-based information sources.

To that end, Oregon Tech will:

1. Continue to work with appropriate entities regarding public health guidance, share information with the campus communities, and update our practices accordingly.
2. Continue to require compliance with the Fall Vaccine Requirement (or appropriate declination) to be completed by September 1 -- more information will be sent by early next week.
3. Provide hand sanitation stations throughout campuses.
4. Require any individual not vaccinated to wear a face covering while inside campus facilities
5. Respect individual decisions to wear face coverings as a personal choice for COVID-19 risk-reduction and other reasons.

This latest update is indeed welcome news as we collectively see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for your contributions in helping our university maintain our operations and thrive throughout the pandemic. I offer special recognition to Dr. Erin Foley for leading this effort.

As each of us continue to do our part in the days, weeks, and months to come, we can celebrate a return to normalcy and life as we knew it pre-COVID. I wish the best for you throughout this summer and look forward to the opportunity for us to gather together again.

Warm regards,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

I hope this message finds you in good health. To continue protecting the health and safety of our community while transitioning to more normal academic operations and campus life, the University will require all faculty, students, and staff returning to our campuses in the fall to be immunized against COVID-19 unless they claim an exemption under law or applicable policies.

This requirement strengthens the University’s ability to protect the health and safety of our campuses and neighboring communities. COVID-19 vaccination for Oregon Tech community members will contribute to greater immunity, reduce the risk of sudden clusters of outbreaks on our campuses, and help protect members of our communities who are at the highest risk of developing complications from the virus.

This requirement is in line with many public and private universities and colleges in Oregon that are requiring students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated as a condition of returning to campus in the fall. Additional information regarding incentives to encourage vaccinations, the process of providing vaccination information or exemption requests will be forthcoming.

Since early April 2020, Oregon Tech has utilized a combination of in-person and remote teaching methods. Hybrid delivery will continue through the summer term, with a combination of remote and in-person courses, and on-campus laboratory experiences, with appropriate physical distancing and other safety measures in place.

Resumption of in-person teaching in September will be guided by Governor Brown’s staging plan for the state to reopen higher education institutions across Oregon as well as vaccine access and guidance received from state health, education, and other officials. Oregon Tech will continue to monitor trends in the number of cases and take measures to address the safety of students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, Oregon Tech Online will continue to offer a variety of courses and degree options through virtual delivery. Programs at Chemeketa and Boeing sites will follow the state and host-campus guidelines.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation as we work toward a successful return to campus in the fall.

Sincerely,

Nagi G. Naganathan, Ph.D., ASME Fellow
President