January 11, 2022
New Mexico Highlands University is implementing new COVID protocols to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and faculty on campus.
These changes are being implemented at on the main campus and the Highlands University centers in an effort to curb the spread of the Omicron variant, but leadership at the university anticipates that these measures will help to keep the campus safe when future variants arise as well.
Highlands University will be requiring booster shots for all students, staff, and faculty who are eligible for one as per CDC guidelines. The deadline for submitting booster shot verification will be Feb. 25.
Students, faculty, and staff at Highlands University who are not vaccinated will be required to test twice weekly and report their results to the university. The tests should be PCR tests and must be taken at least 72 hours apart. The university offers testing for the main campus and Las Vegas community at Melody Park three days a week on Tuesdays from 10-11:30 a.m., Thursdays from 2-3:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10-11:30 a.m. Appointments can be scheduled at https://curative.com/. Students at the Highlands centers can also use this site to locate testing appointments in their area.
Beginning on Thursday, Jan. 13, all students who have not complied with the Highlands University reporting mandate by either submitting their vaccine card or their test results will be dropped from face-to-face classes. Students who are dropped from in-person learning will be able to remain enrolled and take online classes.
The university will be adhering to NMDOH guidelines regarding isolation and quarantine. All members of the campus community are strongly encouraged to test following quarantine before returning to work or in-person learning. Additionally, anyone who tests negative but still has symptoms should remain home until symptoms resolve.
Highlands University will continue to adhere to masking, social distancing, and keeping building capacity at 50%.
Highlands President Sam Minner emphasized the need for collective action to keep everyone safe and healthy.
“I want to return to a vibrant campus life. I want to see the type of learning and growth that comes with meaningful face-to-face interaction,” said Minner. “Promoting health and safety in our community is the way we can create a path back to normal.”