Faculty and staff town hall FAQ
By Office of the Chancellor
September 17, 2021
Open gallery
IUPUI Chancellor Nasser Paydar was joined by other campus leaders — including Dr. Aaron Carroll, IU’s chief health officer and member of the university’s Medical Response Team; Executive Vice Chancellor Kathy Johnson; Vice Chancellor Camy Broeker; and Vice Chancellor Eric Weldy — in a recent town hall meeting. They shared updates about the fall semester, as well as policies and procedures related to COVID-19.
Question: What information is available about flu shots at IUPUI?
Answer: To ensure that our campus community is staying healthy, Campus Health is hosting flu vaccine clinics throughout this fall semester for IUPUI students, faculty and staff. Visit IUPUI Campus Health for more information on dates, times and locations.
The flu vaccine will be provided at no charge, but if you are insured, please bring your insurance card to your appointment. Flu shots are highly encouraged but not mandatory and do not need to be reported.
Q: Are masks still required indoors, and how is that being enforced?
A: Yes, masks are required when inside campus buildings and facilities, including the skywalks between buildings. If you see someone who is not in compliance — including visitors to campus — kindly remind them of this important university policy and ask that they mask up.
Q: Do some masks offer more protection than others?
A: Yes. Paper surgical masks offer more protection than cloth masks, and KN95 masks offer more protection than paper surgical masks. For more information about masks and other personal protective equipment, visit the IU COVID-19 Masks and PPE webpage.
Q: What types of COVID-19 testing will be available on campus, and how can faculty, staff and students get a test?
A: Three types of COVID-19 tests are being conducted on the IUPUI campus: symptomatic testing, COVID Check testing (formerly known as mitigation testing) and voluntary asymptomatic testing.
- Symptomatic testing will be administered by IUPUI Campus Health. Both drive-up and walk-up options are available outside Long Hall. To schedule an appointment, use the COVID-19 Symptom Checker found on One.IU.
- COVID Check testing has resumed in Tower Garage. Visit the COVID Check website for more information.
- Voluntary asymptomatic testing will also continue to be available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 9 to 4 p.m. Friday.
Testing is for IUPUI faculty, staff and students only. Further information about testing is available on the university’s COVID-19 website.
Q: Can masks, PPE and cleaning supplies still be requested?
A: Yes. Requests for masks, PPE and cleaning supplies can be made by emailing vcfiad@iupui.edu.
Q: When can we expect the COVID-19 vaccine to be available to children younger than 12?
A: According to Dr. Carroll, approval for children 11 and younger is not expected until early 2022.
Q: What can you tell us about COVID-19 vaccine boosters?
A: According to Carroll, a booster is most appropriate for those people who are immunocompromised or otherwise at high risk.
Q: I have a health condition that puts me at high risk for COVID-19. Who can I contact for assistance?
A: Contact the IUPUI Office of Adaptive Education Services to learn about the options and resources available for students.