COVID-19 Updates

UVEI continues to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, paying particularly close attention to the impacts on K-12 schools in the region where most of the learning through UVEI takes place.

Current Status of the Building/Campus: Open with restrictions.

Current Status of Programs: UVEI programs are currently operating using a hybrid/blended model of instruction that will be partially remote learning (combining synchronous and asynchronous engagement) and partially in-person seminars, small group gatherings, or coaching meetings. The academic calendar will proceed as scheduled, and faculty will communicate to candidates and participants when events are in-person or online.

Principles and Priorities for Policy Making: In planning and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, UVEI maintains the following principles and priorities:

Value the health, safety, and well-being of the UVEI community and all of our stakeholders.
Use local, regional and state health data and guidance in decision-making.
Maintain academic standards, ensuring that candidates learn, practice, and demonstrate the full range of skills needed to be effective in their target field. Seek to make accommodations and modifications in response to emerging needs without unduly compromising a candidate’s preparedness.
Flexibility and responsiveness: Work with candidates and faculty who have shifting circumstances e.g. internship placements, their children’s schooling arrangements, and health needs. Allowing for remote, in-person, and hybrid learning environments to the fullest extent possible. Allowing flexibility of placement requirements, anticipating that placements may be remote, in-person, or a hybrid.
Take into account the needs of ALL stakeholders (partner schools, mentors, candidates, participants, faculty, staff, K-12 students, and family members) and respond flexibly when considering and listening to all of these stakeholders.
Work closely with faculty and board representatives in decision making. Ensure that faculty maintain oversight and authority over decisions impacting academic integrity and quality.
Maintain our accreditation and state approval commitments, working with oversight bodies where necessary to gain needed flexibility and approvals.
Utilize diagnosis and design thinking to continuously adapt, learn, and improve our pedagogy to meet the needs of our candidates.
Ensure that plans are sustainable and consider the mental, physical, social, and emotional needs of the entire UVEI community.

The full COVID-19 Operating Policies and Procedures can be reviewed online. These operating policies and procedures address: