Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Updates

Summer 2021 programs

Summer 2021 programs guidance for managing COVID-19

The university continues a phased approach for resuming operations. The phases align with national and local requirements and guidance. The university is currently in Reopening Phase 3.

Program directors may plan in-person, hybrid, and virtual programs for summer 2021. The university has established guidance for program directors for managing the COVID-19 virus during planning and hosting summer programs. Program directors will develop and submit plans for approval.

A sample COVID-19 plan and other resources are available for program directors.

All academic and non-academic programs held during summer 2021, including programs sponsored by university colleges, departments, extension and administrative units, third parties and K-State Athletics must do the following:

  • Register the summer program through the University Risk and Compliance Office.
  • Develop a COVID-19 safety and risk mitigation plan, or COVID-19 plan. The plan must align with the university’s COVID-19 phased operating framework. The university is currently in Reopening Phase 3. The plan must address the university’s COVID-19 policies, health and wellness guidance and risk mitigation practices.
  • Submit completed COVID-19 plan to the college dean or unit vice president for review and approval.
  • Submit the plan to the assistant vice president, risk and compliance officer for review at least 10 days prior to any recruitment or advertising for the event. Program directors will be notified of approval or asked to provide additional information. Approval is conditional and based on the current status of the pandemic.

Program directors must also consider local orders which may restrict attendance and require approval from county officials. For example, programs with expected attendance of 50 or more individuals must obtain approval from Riley County. Program directors needing approval in Riley County must complete the university’s events request form. The assistant vice president, risk and compliance officer will submit completed forms to the county for review and contact the program director for additional information and notice of approval. Program directors based in other counties should work directly with their local county officials.

Guidance for summer 2021 programs for visitors

In addition to the guidance for all summer 2021 programs, program directors who lead programs for visitors must address the following in their COVID-19 plans:

  • Distribute written information to participants that explain the university’s COVID-19 health and safety policies and guidelines.
  • Educate participants on the university’s COVID-19 policies and health & wellness guidance at the beginning of the program.
  • Develop a plan to remove participants who have had potential contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. Program directors may need to develop plans for international students who cannot return to their home countries.
  • Educate staff and participants about when they should stay home if they become sick with COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case, and when they can return to the program.
  • Develop a plan to identify and accommodate participants who are at an elevated risk for complications related to COVID-19. Encourage and support them to take additional precautionary measures, including consultation with their healthcare provider.
  • Consider limiting attendance to staff and participants who live in the State of Kansas, or local geographic area (i.e., Kansas City), to reduce risk of spreading the virus. Notify all participants if individuals from outside of Kansas will attend programs. Review Kansas Department of Health and Environment, KDHE, travel-related quarantine information.
  • Create cohorts and keep them together throughout the program to minimize mixing between groups.
  • Stagger arrival and drop-off times or locations by cohort or put in place other protocols to limit contact between cohorts and with other campers’ guardians as much as possible.
  • Avoid field trips or special performances during programs.
  • For residential programs, coordinate with Housing and Dining staff to ensure health and safety measures and protocols are implemented in residence halls, apartments and dining centers.
  • Adult participants must sign the program’s assumption of risk and release of liability waiver that makes participants aware of the COVID-19 health and safety risks.

Guidance for summer 2021 youth-serving programs

In addition to the guidance for summer 2021 programs for visitors, program directors who lead youth-serving programs must include the following in their COVID-19 plans:

  • Inform parents / legal guardians about the COVID-19 health and safety policies and guidelines the university has implemented to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure.
  • Parents / legal guardians must sign the program’s parental permission agreement and release of liability waiver that makes participants aware of the COVID-19 health and safety risks.
  • Develop communication strategies for informing parents / legal guardians about any potential contact their child may have had with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. Immediately notify parents / legal guardians if their child(ren) is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Use age-appropriate language, descriptions and examples when communicating with youth so they understand the content.