Editor’s Note: This article was last updated on Aug. 8. To find the most recent information on CSU’s COVID-19 policies, please visit collegian.com.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado State University has frequently updated and amended its public health policies to reflect ever-changing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With frequent updates from the Pandemic Preparedness Team, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest policies and procedures, especially over the summer when many students are away from campus.

The Collegian has compiled a timeline showing the progression of CSU’s public health guidelines since the end of the spring 2021 semester and into the upcoming school year. 

March 12: CSU provides the first update on the summer 2021 semester 

• Testing is still required for students living in University housing and Greek life housing and those engaging in on-campus activities 
• Summer classes are still offered in a mix of hybrid, online and in-person
• Faculty required to seek approval from Pandemic Preparedness Team for face-to-face summer activities

March 30: The Pandemic Preparedness Team provides a pre-spring break update 

• Public health guidance, including mask-wearing, remains in place until May 14 regardless of any changes to the statewide mandate 
• COVID-19 screening and symptom reporter use are still required 
• 6-foot distancing requirement still in place 
• CSU not yet officially requiring vaccines for students and staff, but indicates the creation of a platform through which vaccination records can be uploaded

April 1: All Colorado adults are vaccine eligible starting April 2

• CSU “strongly encourage(s)” students and staff to get vaccinated 
• Larimer County hosts public vaccine clinics at Moby Arena starting April 5
• Vaccines offered at Moby Arena for select “students identified by the Pandemic Preparedness Team” on April 5 and 6

April 28: The CSU system requires vaccinations for students, staff and faculty 

• Both the Fort Collins and Pueblo campuses will require students, staff and faculty to be vaccinated for the fall 2021 semester
• The requirement is contingent on the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of one or more of the COVID-19 vaccines
• Exemptions available under federal law will be available to those subject to the requirement 

May 16: The Pandemic Preparedness Team provides general public health update 

• Mask guidance remains in place through the end of July 
• COVID-19 decisions must be made by taking into account the multiple CSU campuses and the “evolving public health landscape,” so changing University guidelines takes significant time and planning 

May 25: Update on public health guidance through July 31

• Masks are required inside University buildings but not private spaces, such as private offices or resident rooms 
• Masks are not required in outdoor settings
• Weekly saliva screenings for those who are unvaccinated and use of the symptom reporter for those experiencing symptoms are still required 

May 27: Students can submit vaccine records through the Health Network 

• Guidelines for submission vary among new, international and returning students 
• CSU continues to strongly encourage vaccination but accepts exemptions 

July 9: Masks are no longer required on campus 

• Masks are no longer required on University grounds starting July 12
• Masks still strongly encouraged for students and faculty who are not fully vaccinated 
• Masks still required on public transport and in the Health and Medical Center 

July 27: Public health update 

• CSU continues to “strongly encourage” vaccination until the FDA approves a COVID-19 vaccine 
• Upon FDA approval, students and staff will be required to submit either proof of vaccination or exemption 
• Unvaccinated individuals may be subject to mask-wearing and other “extra public health precautions” 
• University departments and offices must continue to follow University and Pandemic Preparedness Team guidelines 
• COVID reporter use is still required for anyone who exhibits symptoms of or is exposed to COVID-19
• Isolation may still be required for those who test positive or exhibit symptoms 

Aug. 3: The Pandemic Preparedness Team works to answer questions about the fall 2021 semester 

• The Pandemic Preparedness Team continues to work closely with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment to create public health guidelines coherent with the latest information 
• CSU’s COVID-19 website will continue providing policy updates

Summary of current guidance for fall 2021

The Pandemic Preparedness Team continues to update and change the COVID-19 guidelines in order to adapt to the latest public health guidance. The latest updates can be found on their website. 

According to a table created by the Pandemic Preparedness Team: 

• Masks are no longer required on campus — exceptions include public transportation and Health and Medical Center (exceptions are listed here)
• Submission of applications for University activities to the Pandemic Preparedness Team is no longer required
• 100% capacity allowed for on-campus facilities and classrooms
• 100% capacity allowed for most in-person events  
• Saliva screening continues through Aug. 30

Natalie Weiland can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @natgweiland.