USU Implements Color-Coded Classroom Containment System to Minimize COVID-19 Risk

To help minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure among students and employees, Utah State University has developed new protocols for exposure to COVID-19 in the classroom that will increase the likelihood of keeping classes, events, and activities happening in person.

Students and faculty received emails this week, outlining how the new color-coded classroom system works.

“We are beyond excited to have people on campus again, and it’s extremely important we all do our part to help keep our community healthy,” said Frank Galey, USU’s executive vice president and provost.

A surge in Delta variant cases of COVID-19 has led to increased case counts in Utah and throughout the nation.

Under the new classroom protocols, classes will begin in normal, or “green,” with face-to-face instruction. However, if the number of active cases grows too large to contain through individual students quarantining, a class will move to “red” and be required to go temporarily remote via Zoom.

The class may return to face-to-face teaching as soon as the instructor is cleared by USU’s case containment team. As individual students are cleared by case containment, they may return to class. The instructor will accommodate students not attending in-person by providing recorded lectures and online course material.

The class will return to green status when the current risk has been addressed.

Another component of the new process is to require seating charts in classes with more than 10 students. This will help with contact tracing and quarantining students after an exposure. Students are asked to upload proof of full vaccination to be excused from post-exposure quarantine requirements.

“We are trusting our students to follow our protocols, as well as common sense guidelines, like wearing a mask indoors, getting vaccinated, and staying home when sick,” Galey said. “We are grateful for everyone’s patience and flexibility as we work to keep our community healthy.”

USU will continue offering vaccination clinics and COVID-19 testing. Those who have symptoms or have been exposed are asked to stay home and get tested.

Though Utah law prohibits a mask mandate in public schools and universities, USU recommends that all individuals wear masks indoors. On the Logan campus, masks are required on the Aggie Shuttle in accordance with a CDC rule about public transport.