General

Health and Wellness

Will a COVID-19 vaccination be required for students being on campus?

On March 23, 2022, the University of Hawaiʻi suspended its COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for students and employees.

What do I do if I or someone close to me tests positive?

You should isolate for at least 5 days (until you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your symptoms are improving).

After the isolation period has ended, you may return to campus and must wear a well-fitting mask around others, in all settings, for an additional 5 days; do not go to places where you cannot wear a mask, such as restaurants and some gyms; avoid travel and being around people who are at high risk.
If you have access to antigen tests, you should consider using them. With two sequential negative tests 48 hours apart, you may remove your mask sooner than day 10, except as otherwise required by the University.
If you were severely ill with COVID-19, you should isolate for at least 10 days and consult your healthcare provider before ending isolation.

I have been exposed to someone who tested positive. Am I cleared to come to campus?

You are permitted to come to campus if:

You have been exposed to COVID-19. Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19. Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure.
You must: (1) wear a well-fitting mask and monitor for symptoms for 10 days following the last close contact with the positive individual, and (2) get tested on day 6.

Do I have to wear a face mask?

On Sept. 9, 2022, UH announced that face masks are no longer required at UH after Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. Masking is still strongly encouraged in crowded indoor spaces and required for those who have contracted the virus. More information can be found on the UH COVID-19 Guidelines.

Will UH ensure my confidentiality if I have/am exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19?

The university follows all laws that protect the privacy of students and employees, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). No personal identifiable data will be collected by the daily health check-in app.

The university will not disclose the identity of any employee or student who is exposed, diagnosed with, or is suspected of having COVID-19, except for those who need to be notified, such as the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. All positive cases must be reported to the health department, which is responsible for the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response, including contacting close contacts of infected individuals.

Students

Well-Being

I am required to take a class that only meets in person and I have underlying health issues. What accommodations can I get?

Please discuss any needs you may require with your professor. If your health issue is a documented disability (temporary or permanent) that affects your academic work performance, you can request reasonable accommodations through Disability Services by following these steps

Students will need to complete the online Disability Services Intake form by using this link: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UHWestOahu&layout_id=29.
Students must submit documentation to the Coordinator of Disability Support and Success from a medical professional that (1) identifies the student’s disability/diagnosis, (2) describes how the disability/diagnosis affects the student’s academic work, and (3) recommend accommodations.
Once the Disability Services Intake form is completed and documentation is received, the Coordinator of Disability Support and Success will contact the student to schedule an appointment to discuss the requested accommodations, the process for utilizing approved accommodations, and how to request continuing accommodations for upcoming semesters.

Students can contact Christina Pascua-Galdiano at the Disability Services Office via email at uhwoada@hawaii.edu or by phone at 808-689-2935 for any questions or concerns. For more information, please visit the Disability Services website.

Are a student’s COVID-related records considered education records?

Yes, COVID-related records, including vaccination information and testing results that are related to a student’s enrollment, are education records protected by FERPA.

Who can access COVID-related records?

COVID-related records, including vaccination information and testing results that are related to a student’s enrollment, are education records protected by FERPA.

Under 34 CFR § 99.31(a)(1), FERPA generally allows school officials within the institution to obtain access to education records without prior written consent provided the institution has determined that they have legitimate educational interests in the information. As such, providing limited access to faculty and other employees on a need to know basis while protecting the privacy interests of our students is critical.

Student Services

Are mental health services available?

Yes, mental health resources and support services are available through the UH West Oʻahu Mental Health Center. Make an appointment by calling 808-689-2661 or emailing uhwotalk@hawaii.edu.

Are disability services available?

Students who have a documented disability can contact Christina Pascua-Galdiano, Coordinator of Disability Support and Success, via email at uwoada@hawaii.edu or telephone at 808-689-2935.

If you would like to request for reasonable accommodations due to a disability that affects your academic work performance, follow these steps:

Students will need to complete the online Disability Services Intake form by using this link: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UHWestOahu&layout_id=29.
Students must submit documentation to the Coordinator of Disability Support and Success, from a medical professional that (1) identifies the student’s disability/diagnosis, (2) describes how the disability/diagnosis affects the student’s academic work, and (3) recommend accommodations.
Once the Disability Services Intake form is completed and documentation is received, the Coordinator of Disability Support and Success, will contact the student to schedule an appointment to discuss the requested accommodations, the process for utilizing approved accommodations, and how to request continuing accommodations for upcoming semesters.Please complete the online ADA Intake form at this link: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UHWestOahu&layout_id=29.

Students can find more information about Disability Services on our website at https://westoahu.hawaii.edu/disabilityservices/.

What financial support and resources are available to students amid the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are a number of resources available. Check with the UH West Oʻahu Financial Aid Office by emailing uhwo.finaid@hawaii.edu. Additional resources can be found at the UH System Financial Aid Office.

Planning and Facilities

Can you describe the ventilation system on campus?

Consistent with CDC guidance, we are:

Ensuring the ventilation system operates properly in each building;
Using UV-C lamps in all air handler units to inactivate pathogens as air cycles through the unit;
Improving central air filtration by making sure air handler unit filters are properly sized and fitted, replaced within their recommended service life, and increasing filtration efficiency without significantly reducing design airflow; and
Ensuring restroom exhaust fans are functional and operating properly.

I need to use equipment/a room that is closed. Who do I contact?

Do not enter rooms until they are officially opened. Please contact your professor/advisor regarding equipment or spaces that you need and plan ahead, whenever possible.

Who do I contact if a room/space isn’t being cleaned?

Please let your professor know, and they can contact the appropriate facilities staff member. You can also email the UHWO Work Coordination Center at uhwo-wcc-l@lists.hawaii.edu and please include the name of the building, room number, date, and time.

Who do I contact if the hand sanitizer dispenser is empty?

Submit a work order by emailing the UHWO Work Coordination Center at uhwo-wcc-l@lists.hawaii.edu. Please include the name of the building, hand sanitizer location, date, and time.

Can I enter a room while it is being cleaned?

Please do not enter rooms until staff are finished cleaning and disinfecting.

Can I use my own cleaning supplies to wipe off equipment before using it?

Yes, as long as they are non-toxic and do not pose a hazard to yourself or others. Only cleaning and disinfection products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use against COVID-19 are allowed.