Fall 21 Return to Limited In-person Classes at Central Tucson

COVID-19 and the Road Back to In-person Classes at Central Tucson

Please understand it takes months of planning for each session OLLI-UA offers. With so much uncertainty, we are taking a cautious approach to ensure a safe and quality member experience. For fall 2021, OLLI-UA is introducing limited in-person classes at our Central Tucson Campus with the intent of returning to full in-person offerings across OLLI (along with continued online) for spring 2022. This gives members, study group leaders, and leadership a way to test the waters with willing participants while maintaining a broad array of programming online.

Setting Expectations

For long-term CTC members, the feeling of the campus environment will not be the same this fall. Fall in-person programming is purposely being limited in the number of offerings and the number of seats, with social distancing precautions. The lounge will be closed for the fall to avoid congregating, and drink service will not be available. Only members officially registered for classes will be able to attend. No drop-ins allowed. There will be only one class at a time in the building, and we will be alternating classrooms between sessions to control people flow. With these limitations, members may not get into their classes of choice. Please keep in mind there are still 110+ online offerings and some of the Central Tucson in-person classes will be available online (hybrid) for members who are unable (or unwilling) to get an in-person slot.

Acknowledgment of COVID-19 Risk with In-person Activities

OLLI-UA is taking steps to help ensure the health and well-being of our members, study group leaders, and staff, but please know members need to decide for themselves if they are comfortable attending in-person activities and they must assume any risk involved. We also ask you to think of our collective membership and act in the best interest of all participants when deciding to attend in-person activities.

On June 15, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order that places limits on the COVID-19 mitigation measures that can be used at state universities. As a program of the University of Arizona, OLLI-UA must comply with the Governor’s Executive Order. Specifically, with this order we cannot require vaccinations or inquire about vaccination status, however in alignment with university policy, we are requiring masks be worn in our facility and classrooms.

What We Know About Vaccination Status

We believe a high percentage of All OLLI / Central Tucson Campus (CTC) members are vaccinated, but we cannot guarantee all who attend are or will be vaccinated. Before the Governor's Order, we surveyed our ALL OLLI / CTC membership and asked members to voluntarily let us know of their vaccination status. We had a very high rate of return and are only missing about 50 responses out of 500. Of the group who responded, 99% self-reported as vaccinated. Even if every single one of the non-respondents has not been vaccinated, and yet intends to attend in-person classes, that would still leave us with a vaccination rate of 90%.

Minimizing Exposure

You must assess your own personal risk and take the precautions that you feel are appropriate. OLLI-UA strongly encourages vaccinations and mask usage to protect yourself and the community. Please continue to follow CDC Guidelines.

Safety Precautions

OLLI-UA safety protocols include social distancing, controlled traffic flow within the building, controlled classroom entry and exit, classroom capacity reduced by about 40%, improved ventilation (MERV 13 HVAC filters equal to an N95 mask), and anti-viral approved cleaning. Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer dispensers will be available.

Please do not attend in-person classes if you are not feeling well or have tested positive for Covid-19. Those who are immuno-compromised or are part of a household with immuno-compromised individuals should take great precaution, consult their medical providers, and are encouraged to utilize our online offerings to remain safe.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have additional concerns or questions please submit a ticket here or call the office at 520-626-9039