Adhering to NYS guidance for higher education, UB will continue to offer in-person instruction until Nov. 24

The University at Buffalo released this statement in response to questions about the status of in-person instruction at UB, after much of Erie County was designated an “orange” COVID-19 cluster zone:

The university continues to follow New York State and SUNY guidance for higher education, and will offer in-person instruction until Nov. 24 as planned.

However, on-campus gatherings are now limited to 10 people; and beginning Thursday, Nov. 19, in-person student clubs and activities will be suspended and campus dining and food service operations will offer takeout service only. Athletics activities for fall sports will continue as scheduled, with strict adherence to NCAA, Mid-American Conference and UB health guidelines.

UB is continuing with SUNY-mandated pre-Thanksgiving break surveillance testing. Approximately 12,000 UB students, faculty and staff have completed this testing since Nov. 9.

On. Nov. 30, after the Thanksgiving break, UB will transition to remote instruction with the exception of clinical, laboratory or other activities required to obtain or maintain professional licensure, or research that must be conducted in person. The fall semester concludes Dec. 21.

UB will remain vigilant in its efforts to curb the spread of the virus through rigorous on-campus testing and by reinforcing the need for all students, faculty and staff to follow UB’s health guidelines at all times, including the required wearing of face coverings, indoors and outdoors, and the need to maintain physical distancing.

The university will continue to work closely with state and county public health officials to monitor and respond to the current increase of coronavirus positivity rates in Western New York. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the university is our highest priority.