Message from Provost Liesl Folks, March 11, 2020:
Dear Arizona Students,
I am writing to follow up on President Robbins’ email with more details on how we plan to address the transition to online instruction for most classes and other changes.
Our top priority is your health and safety. We are working to balance that with the need to support your academic goals, and, to the best extent possible, continue to deliver life-changing educational experiences.
As you know, the start of classes has been delayed until Wednesday, March 18, to allow our campus time to move away from in-person instruction. All available campus resources will be directed to this effort.
As you return to campus, here is what you can expect:
- All classes will resume.
- Residence halls, food services, recreation facilities and Campus Health are fully operational, with additional precautions in place.
- Almost all classes will migrate to remote learning modes, beginning immediately.
- Classes will continue in online mode until Monday, April 6, at which time the University will assess its operational status.
- Changes in the delivery of your classes will be communicated to you directly by your faculty / instructors.
- Class attendance protocols have been adjusted to align with CDC guidance. We do want you to stay home if you feel unwell.
- Cleaning and disinfectant protocols have been greatly increased across campus.
- Student employees should expect their employment and wages to continue.
- Classmates and community members will be using social distancing and enhanced personal hygiene to protect themselves and others, and we ask you to be respectful of their choices. Keep in mind that those at most risk are the elderly and those with underlying illnesses. Please limit non-essential contact with these populations.
As a reminder, faculty / instructors are prepared to offer reasonable accommodations to students who are concerned about their own health and safety or who have self-quarantined.
Stay well informed and healthy
Please remember that we are all collectively responsible for our community’s well-being. Be sure that you are taking care of yourself according to CDC guidance, online here, and looking out for your colleagues, friends, and other campus community members. Monitor your health closely, and be prepared to self-quarantine, if required, especially if you have travelled extensively over the break.
If you have concerns, please contact the Dean of Students’ Office (Tel: 520-621-7057).
If your family has concerns, please have them contact Parent & Family Programs (Tel: 520-621-0884).
The University’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is closely monitoring the changing circumstances of COVID-19 and the impact to our community, and together we are making decisions to ensure the health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff.
I appreciate your understanding and support at this challenging time. My hope is that at the end of this we all will be proud that we kept teaching and you kept learning.
Regards,
Liesl Folks, PhD, MBA
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
