Dear University Community:
As we continue to plan and prepare for the fall semester, there are a number of academic and calendar updates that I want to share with you:
- The Registrar will release the revised Fall 2020 course schedule tomorrow, July 15. The updated course schedule allows for physical distancing within classroom settings and decreased density on-campus. The course schedule includes a mixture of remote, in-person, hybrid, and HyFlex courses.
- International Students: In light of the recent policy changes issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, international students should work with their academic advisors to ensure they have registered for in-person course/s. Please refer to guidance provided by International Student Services. At UB, we believe that all international students in U.S. colleges and universities should have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals and professional aspirations unimpeded. To reaffirm our support for UB’s international students, President Tripathi issued this statement on July 8, 2020.
- UB will be holding instruction on Labor Day this fall. This was recommended by the COVID-19 Campus Planning Committee to maximize class time for students. Earlier this month, UB’s Faculty Senate Executive Committee passed a resolution in support of the recommendation, which has been endorsed and promulgated by President Tripathi.
- UB will move to remote instruction after the Thanksgiving recess for the remainder of the semester. This will minimize travel during the semester to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. Some professional degree programs will maintain in-person instruction following Thanksgiving due to accreditation or licensure requirements.
- All courses during UB’s three week winter session, UBThisWinter, will be held remotely, except for courses that must maintain in-person instruction due to accreditation or licensure requirements.
- In planning for the Spring 2021 class schedule, UB will assume that protocols for physical distancing will remain in place and plan to offer courses as a mix of in-person, remote, hybrid, and HyFlex classes.
UB’s determinations about the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 will continue to align with the Governor’s Executive Orders—including Western New York’s progress pursuant to the state’s Phase 1-4 regional benchmarks, which may change as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
I thank all of you for your efforts as our plans for the 2020-21 academic year continue to develop. I will update you as we receive more information.
Sincerely,
A. Scott Weber Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs