Return-to-campus work checklist
Whether you’ve been working on campus for awhile or you’ll be transitioning back to campus work soon, here are some reminders and tips as we head into a new semester.
Move-in reminder
Staff should plan for parking closures and impacts from Sunday, Aug. 15 through Thursday, Aug. 19. With increased traffic around Boulder during move-in, parking closures help create a positive move-in experience for new students and families by limiting the amount of vehicles driving to, on and around campus. Review Fall Welcome faculty and staff commuting options.
Plan how you will get to and around campus
Driving: If you’ve placed your parking permit on hold and need to reactivate it, you can complete and submit the Take My Parking Permit Off Hold form. If you need to make changes or apply for a parking permit, please work with your department’s parking liaison or your supervisor. Visit the Parking and Transportation Services website for more information.
Bus: If you’re planning to commute by bus, visit RTD’s website for routes and schedules and to learn about any policy and service updates. Buff Buses and routes connecting central and east campus are currently operating on summer routes and schedules, and will switch to fall schedules on Aug. 21. You can also download the Transit app for real-time transit information.
Biking: Biking may be another commuting option for staff. CU Boulder faculty, staff and students are eligible for free Boulder B-cycle memberships. Boulder B-cycle's system of 300 bikes at more than 40 stations around Boulder now includes 14 stations on CU Boulder campuses.
Prepare your work space
Consider what items you’ll need while working on campus. Items you may need include:
- Buff OneCard
- Technology setup
- Name tag
- Water bottle
- Lunch and snacks
- Chapstick
- Hand lotion
- Face covering
- Hand sanitizer
- Phone and laptop chargers
If you’re returning to campus after an extended time of working remotely, include any items you took home for remote work (IT equipment, notebooks or files, office supplies, etc.). If you have a hybrid schedule this semester, decide what items you can take back and forth between work spaces and what may be easier to leave either on campus or in your remote work space.
Review on-campus dining options
This semester, all dining options will be open to staff, faculty and students. Visit the Housing and Dining website to review dining locations and hours. Staff can also download the Nutrislice app or use the Nutrislice website to view menus for all dining locations. With Nutrislice, you can filter menus by allergens or dietary preference to easily find meals that fit your needs at any of the dining centers, grab-n-gos and cafes.
Review your schedule
If you’re transitioning back to on-campus work, take time to settle into your work space during your first days back. Give yourself grace to get used to a new routine, and consider what’s working and what adjustments you may still need to make.
Check in with your supervisor to get a refresher on team or department policies and procedures. Consider scheduling meetings for 25 or 45-50 minutes to allow for a short break and transition time between meetings. You can also ask about how you should be sharing your hybrid schedule to let others know when you’ll be on campus. Maybe it’s updating your Outlook calendar, adding a sentence to your email signature or creating a status on Microsoft Teams.
Catch up with colleagues
With more staff returning to campus over the next month, many of us may be eager to meet up and socialize. Schedule time to catch up with colleagues over coffee or lunch breaks.
Keep in mind that the past year has been rough for many of us, and everyone has had different experiences. Some colleagues may choose to continue wearing face coverings and practice physical distancing, even though it’s no longer required. Students, staff and faculty should not inquire about an individual’s vaccine status, which is considered protected health information.
Remember, everyone adjusts to change differently. Do what you can to support one another and assume best intentions. Developing daily routines, getting organized and connecting with others can help with the transition back to campus work and a new semester.