Dear Colleagues:
In light of the evolving COVID-19 situation in Connecticut and nationally, in consultation with the Board of Trustees, University leaders, deans and regional campus directors, and the University Senate Executive Committee, UConn is making the following changes to the spring semester in order to help protect the health of our communities:
- Academics/Research: The first two weeks of classes for the spring 2022 semester will be online only for all classes on the Storrs, Law, and Regional Campuses.
- This includes all lab and clinical courses that meet in-person.
- Ongoing practica, placements, and internships that occur off-site will continue as directed by that site.
- Ongoing research activities may continue but must follow all existing COVID-related precautions.
- Please contact your department head, regional campus director, and/or dean with questions. You also may seek assistance from the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for assistance in converting your class for this online period.
- This two-week period may be extended if health conditions require a more conservative approach.
Other adjustments to the academic calendar will be considered in close collaboration with the University Senate at the start of the spring semester. In addition to courses moving online for at least two weeks, students have been informed that residential move-in for the Storrs and Stamford campuses will be moved back by two weeks, meaning move-in will occur over the weekend of January 29, not January 15. During this two-week online period, the university is asking all students to take careful precautious to avoid exposure to COVID-19, meaning consistent masking (especially in public settings) and avoiding gatherings, particularly those that are indoors.
- Faculty and Staff:
- Faculty and staff may use their office or other facilities on campus to support their academic, administrative and research-related activities.
- Meetings and interviews should be held virtually whenever possible; any in-person meetings or interviews must follow existing COVID-related precautions.
- All vaccinated employees are strongly encouraged to receive a booster shot of vaccine if eligible and have not already received one. Information on obtaining a booster can be found here. The university will soon announce that booster shots will be required for eligible students. Discussions are also occurring regarding requiring the same for eligible faculty and staff.
- The existing travel policy is unchanged.
- Telecommuting: We understand that more employees may be able to work remotely during this two-week period of online classes and we will continue to leave it to managers to decide on where this is appropriate and permissible. No new or updated telecommuting forms will be required to be submitted. We remain thankful for our colleagues who will remain on our campuses in direct support of our students or keeping the critical functions of the University operational as well as those supporting OVPR-approved research during this transitional period and those requested to be on campus at the direction of their managers.
In closing, thank you to all of UConn’s faculty and staff for your continued dedication and support of the University’s missions during this unprecedented time.
Best Regards,
Carl Lejuez
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Chris Delello
Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
