Important Coronavirus Update from President Miller

03/10/2020

The University of Akron seal

In keeping with advice and recommendations regarding COVID-19 from Governor DeWine and health officials to avoid large numbers of people interacting in close proximity to one another, The University of Akron is stopping face-to-face instruction effective at 5:00 PM today. No classes will be held the rest of this week or next week to allow faculty time to develop their plans for migrating their courses to on-line instruction when the University returns from spring break on March 30.

We’re convinced we can offer a quality online experience for students but believe that it is prudent to have the time to properly prepare that coursework. Not holding classes between now and March 30th, when spring break concludes, will give the faculty and staff the needed time to be prepared and make sure students have the ability to access online offerings.

In addition, the University is canceling all large events previously scheduled on campus from now until at least April 20. Residence halls will remain open. Anyone who has traveled abroad or to areas of the United States where there has been a significant COVID-19 outbreak is asked to notify University Health Services.

This situation continues to evolve and change, and we are staying current with developments so we can plan and act appropriately to protect our community to the greatest extent possible.

We recognize that these actions will cause disruption in planned routines and activities. However, this is an extraordinary situation requiring us to adapt and operate in novel ways.

Thank you for your cooperation during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Signature of Dr. Gary L. Miller, president of The University of Akron

Gary L. Miller
President
The University of Akron

Additional information for the campus community:

Students

As mentioned above, no classes will be held the rest of this week or next week to allow faculty time to develop their plans for migrating their courses to on-line instruction when the University returns from spring break on March 30.

Students are free to return to their permanent address during this time, however, residence halls will be open during this extended spring break period. No refunds will be given for time not spent in the residence halls.

Food service will continue on campus and student services and amenities will remain open.

Students are encouraged to exercise proper hygiene and social distancing (remaining out of large group settings, avoiding public transportation and maintaining a distance of approximately 3-6 feet from others).

See the University’s website for health information.

See how to continue coursework in Brightspace.

Faculty

Faculty are expected to come to campus and work with their department chairs, deans and the Office of Academic Affairs to ensure that they are prepared to conduct online instruction starting Monday, March 30.

Learn more about preparing for online instruction.

Employees

Staff and contract professionals are expected to come to campus and continue normal operations.

Events

All large-scale events previously scheduled on campus through April 20 are being canceled.

No new events will be scheduled on campus through April 20.

We will continue to evaluate events and provide direction prior to mid-April as to whether we will need to extend these restrictions.

Travel

As has been previously shared, all University-sponsored international travel is canceled through at least May 31.

We strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to reconsider any personal international travel as well as domestic travel to highly impacted areas within the United States.

Anyone who has traveled abroad or to areas of the United States where there has been a significant COVID-19 outbreak is asked to notify University Health Services.

Travelers returning from Level 3 warning countries are required to observe a 14-day period of self-quarantine and monitoring. During this period, you are not permitted to come to work, be on campus or participate in any other campus or community activities. Students needing to self-quarantine will be required to return to their permanent home residences or self-quarantine in their off-campus apartments. Students who reside in University housing and are unable to return to a permanent residence should contact Residence Life and Student Housing.

Call Center Activated

The University of Akron has established a call center to respond to questions. The center will begin operations today at 5 p.m., then operating 24 hours a day initially with hours adjusted according to call volume.

The phone number is 1-800-250-8993.

More about President Gary L. Miller