UAB has started its phased, gradual re-entry to campus, and leadership wants to be clear that COVID-19 safety precautions are required and will be enforced.
The Re-entry Expectations & Guidelines are spelled out clearly and posted online at uab.edu/uabunited as are Personal Safety Practices. All students, faculty and staff are expected to comply fully with the policies, protocols and guidelines outlined by the university and the specialized guidance from their particular departments/units/schools. Employees should review them now — before you are notified to return to campus — and clarify any areas of ambiguity with your supervisor.
“We are committed to preserving the health of the communities in which we live and work, and the safety precautions we have adopted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic apply to everyone equally,” said President Ray Watts. “These safety guidelines are based on the input of infectious disease and public health experts and are consistent with CDC guidance. By observing them, we are confident we can continue to teach, research, support Alabama’s social and economic needs and deliver the patient care upon which we all depend.”
“We are committed to preserving the health of the communities in which we live and work, and the safety precautions we have adopted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic apply to everyone equally.” |
A culture of safety also requires vigilance, monitoring, effective structures for reporting concerns and corrective action for non-compliance. Each UAB employee and student has a role to play.
If you observe that health and safety rules are not being enforced appropriately or fairly, discuss your concerns with your supervisor. If non-compliance persists, contact Human Resources or report it anonymously through the UAB Ethics Hotline. Persistent failure or willful disregard for health and safety guidelines by any employee or student will result in consequences outlined in UAB’s discipline policies for staff, faculty and students.“There will be penalties for non-compliance with safety requirements like mask wearing and social distancing,” said UAB Vice President for Research Chris Brown. “In the research setting, for example, non-compliance could possibly result in a lab being shut down. This would be extremely disruptive and is not something we want to do, but we will aggressively enforce requirements that will help keep our employees and students safe and our institution open for the greater good.”
Anyone who reports non-compliance is protected against retaliation, and any concerns of retaliation should be reported to Human Resources or the Office of Compliance and Risk Assurance.
UAB is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all Blazers. From mobile apps to bus escort services to B-Alerts and more, make sure you’re up to date on all the ways to stay safer on campus.
