About - Return to Grounds - Health, Safety and Community of Care

UVA on 6 August announced a new, temporary indoor mask policy. Under the policy, all people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, must wear a mask on UVA property. The policy covers University-owned or leased public spaces like academic or administrative buildings, libraries, labs, dining halls, IM/Rec facilities and all UVA Health properties.

Masks are not required while eating or drinking, or when people are alone in a closed space like an office. There is currently no masking requirement outdoors.

Officials will continue to monitor case counts, hospitalizations and other conditions, and hope to modify or lift the masking policy by 6 September.

All students who live, learn, or work in person at the University during the next academic year must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to Grounds, unless they have a medical or religious exemption. All faculty and staff are expected to be fully vaccinated. Those who have not provided the required vaccination documentation are subject to regular COVID prevalence testing.

Faculty and staff can learn more at UVA HR's COVID Prevalence Testing website.

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the University of Virginia has created a comprehensive COVID-19 testing plan that includes students, Executive Education learners, faculty, staff and all other members of the community. The University of Virginia will partner closely with the VDH to conduct contact tracing. The Darden School will not implement contact tracing on its own. 

Visit UVA's Coronavirus Information website to learn more details.

The Safe Return to Grounds Committee continually monitors the level of the disease within the Darden, UVA, and surrounding Charlottesville and Washington, D.C., area communities. If there is an increase in incidence of the disease, Darden and UVA may adjust rules for in-person programs, work, gatherings and events at any time.

The following facility modifications have been made in Charlottesville and Rosslyn: 

• Plexiglass barriers have been installed in public spaces such as reception desks, cashier stations, IT desk and food/beverage areas, and open office spaces.
• Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout all buildings.
• HVAC systems and air filters have been inspected and upgraded.
• Signage has been installed throughout each facility to provide important reminders.

Parking garages and parking lots will be open and available for use. At UVA Darden DC Metro in Rosslyn, Monday Properties parking attendants are closely monitoring guidance from industry leaders, such as the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI) and other parking operators.

Food and beverage preparation and hospitality services are a critical part of keeping our stakeholders safe while on Grounds. The Hospitality teams in Charlottesville and Rosslyn have been working diligently with Darden’s hospitality provider FLIK and Darden management to revise all food and beverage services in accordance with strict Virginia Department of Health, CDC and OSHA regulations. In order to maintain the health and safety of the Darden community, the following changes have been implemented:

• Darden will offer modified food and beverage services.
• Self-serve buffet lines and communal food and beverage supplies will not be in use. Food will be prepared and served by hospitality staff. 
• Café 67 in Charlottesville will be closed until further notice due to the inability to social distance in this small space. 

 Darden will observe the following protocols:   

• Food services will be boxed and sealed for safety, including no open buffet lines, self-serve, shared containers, etc. 
• All service staff will wear gloves and masks.
• Hand sanitizer stations will be available.
• Designated trash and dish disposal areas will be available.   

Darden staff members will return to Grounds in a phased approach, lowering building density. Requests to return to Grounds made by faculty and staff who are working remotely will be made on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the Dean’s Office. 
 

Community members who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should follow the “Big Four”: 

• Wear a face covering on Grounds at all times in buildings or outside except when you exercise or eat.
• Maintain a distance of six feet (two meters). 
• Practice regular handwashing, hand sanitizing and safe hand hygiene. 
• Stay home if you are exhibiting any symptoms of sickness.  

The Darden School will follow the University of Virginia’s policies and guidance on health and safety. Please continue to monitor UVA’s Public Health Measures website for the most up-to-date information.  

All Virginia citizens aged 16 and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and appointments are widely available. Visit the Virginia Department of Health's vaccinate.virginia.gov website to learn more and sign up for an appointment. 

UVA on 6 August announced a new, temporary indoor mask policy. Under the policy, all people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, must wear a mask on UVA property. The policy covers University-owned or leased public spaces like academic or administrative buildings, libraries, labs, dining halls, IM/Rec facilities and all UVA Health properties.

Masks are not required while eating or drinking, or when people are alone in a closed space like an office. There is currently no masking requirement outdoors.

Officials will continue to monitor case counts, hospitalizations and other conditions, and hope to modify or lift the masking policy by 6 September.

Please review the Charlottesville UVA HVAC FAQ and Rosslyn Monday Properties HVAC FAQ for information about Charlottesville and Rosslyn HVAC, air circulation and filtration.