Academic Resources and Updates for Students
Important Notice: UB’s spring 2021 semester will begin on Feb. 1, 2021. View the academic calendar on the registrar’s website.
Whether you’re taking classes in person or remotely, we want you to have the best UB experience possible. This page is a resource to find answers to common questions and to access information you’ll need during the semester.
Please bookmark this page and check back often. We will update it as more information becomes available. Remember, you can always contact a department or office with questions. We are here for you!
Quick Links
FAQ and Updates
Get answers, find information and stay updated with campus news. Check back often, as this section is updated frequently.
Health & Safety on Campus
What if my instructor gets sick?
Academic departments are responsible for providing instruction for all courses. Arrangements for replacement instructors will be made by the academic department.
What happens if there is a surge in cases during the fall semester?
University officials will continue to work with the state, system, local and health professional leaders to provide guidance on the university’s operations. The university will communicate with all community members any needed changes in academic operations.
What measures will be taken to ensure health and safety on campus?
Classroom capacities have been reduced to accommodate social distancing, resulting in classrooms being used at approximately 25% of their usual capacity. The course schedule has been modified to allow 20 minutes between classes to alleviate congestion in hallways and classrooms. The university is requiring individuals to wear face masks at all times when in classrooms and on any of UB’s campuses when a minimum of six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained. All students, faculty and staff will receive a face covering from the university, and individuals are welcome to use their own face coverings.
Do I need to wear a face covering on UB’s campuses?
Face Coverings: Basics
- Members of the UB community and campus visitors must wear face coverings at all times, including (but not limited to) when inside UB buildings, classrooms, labs, facilities, and buses and shuttles and in outdoor campus spaces.
- When inside UB buildings, classrooms, labs, facilities, and buses and shuttles and in outdoor campus spaces.
- UB provided one reusable face covering to each student, faculty and staff member at no cost.
- You may use your own face covering, provided it:
- Is snug but comfortable against the sides of the face.
- Covers your mouth and nose.
- Is secured with ties or ear loops.
- Is made with multiple layers of material.
- Allows you to breathe without restriction.
- Will not be damaged or change shape with washing and drying
- Do not wear face coverings (masks) with plastic valves. These are one-way valves that do not filter air you expel and are therefore unsafe to others if you are infectious.
- Face shields will be provided if there is a medical reason a person cannot wear a face covering.
- Do not share face coverings.
- Label your face mask with your name to reduce risk of mixing masks with coworkers.
- Wash or sanitize your hands after removing your mask.
Source: University Facilities
Within on-campus dining facilities, individuals should wear face masks until seated at least six feet apart from another individual, and then they may remove their masks by necessity when actively eating or drinking. However, the university strongly encourages mask usage inside the dining area when not actively eating and drinking. Masks must be worn when entering and exiting the dining area.
Will UB supply face masks/coverings?
- In fall 2020, the university provided one reusable face covering to each student, faculty and staff member at no cost.
- Individuals may choose to wear their own face covering if desired, provided it meets the criteria for an appropriate face covering.
- Face shields will be provided if there is a medical reason a person cannot wear a face covering. Documentation will be required.
Employees
If you did not receive your face mask, please check with your supervisor or Unit Business Officer (UBO).
- Units wishing to purchase additional face masks in bulk should work directly with UB Purchasing.
Students
- Student Union Welcome Center
- 1 Capen
- Harriman Hall (South Campus)
- Buses and shuttles on campus
- Libraries
- Campus Living
Purchase a Mask
Additional face masks are available for purchase at the following campus locations:
- Retail locations
- The Elli (Ellicott Complex)
- Teddy’s (Governors)
- Campus Tees (Student Union)
- Vending machines (disposable masks)
- Clement Hall
- Ellicott Food Court South (by Perks)
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- Knox Lecture Hall
- Main Street Market (South Campus)
- Natural Science Building
- Student Union (second floor)
Face Shields
UB will provide face shields to individuals who have a documented medical reason for being unable to wear a cloth face mask, or for any faculty member who prefers to use a face shield (instead of a cloth face mask) for purposes of lecturing.
Face Shields are not as effective as cloth face masks in preventing exposure to the COVID-19 virus. For this reason, UB will require any employee who requests a Face Shield to sign a disclaimer acknowledging that they are aware of this risk. In addition, we would ask that cloth face masks be worn in place of your face shield whenever possible.
To request a Face Shield, please contact Environmental Health & Safety (EHS@facilities.buffalo.edu) and include:
1. Name, Unit
2. Your role (e.g., lecturer, lab instructor, administrative staff, trainer)
3. Reason for requesting Face Shield:
- Documented medical condition (please contact HR first to obtain instructions for obtaining medical documentation)
- Lecturing
- Other (please explain)
EH&S will review your request and if approved, they will send you Face Shield Acknowledgement form for you to complete and return.
Once all documentation is received, EH&S will send you a Face Shield.
Source: University Facilities
Classes & Schedule
What if I have to miss class because of self-isolation or quarantine?
While attendance and participation are essential components of courses, it is critical that students follow public health guidelines. As such, any student exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should not come to campus to participate in coursework. If students need to miss class due to illness, isolation or quarantine, they must notify their instructor by email as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after missing class. At that time, students are also expected to make the necessary arrangements to complete missed work.
What on-campus accommodations will be available for students with back-to-back classes or for students who need study space between classes?
- The Abbott Library on South Campus and Lockwood and Silverman Libraries on North Campus will be open and study spaces will be available.
- Select open classrooms on all three campus will be available as touchdown spaces for students. Visit the registrar’s website for a complete listing of available locations.
Will my tuition or fees be adjusted if any or all of my classes are not in person?
The fall 2020 Tuition and Fees rates have been finalized. Current rates and FAQs are available on the Student Accounts website.
When is the last day I can drop or add a class in the fall semester?
The last day to drop/add a class in the regular 15-week session for the fall semester is Sept. 8. Drop/add deadlines for other sessions are available on the Office of the Registrar website.
Will there be classes on Labor Day?
Yes, classes will be held on Labor Day.
Will there be in-person classes after the Thanksgiving break?
UB will move to remote instruction after the Thanksgiving recess for the remainder of the semester.
How will I be notified of the technology requirements for my classes?
UB Information Technology has provided a list of minimum recommendations for technology. Technology requirements for specific classes are determined by the academic department and will be communicated by the instructor.
Which academic support services will be available this fall?
Students have access to free tutoring via Tutoring and Academic Support Services. Students have access to the Center for Excellence in Writing. Students will also have access to their academic advisors, the libraries and many other academic support and student engagement services.
How do I access my fall schedule?
You must log in to your HUB Student Center to view your schedule.
How can I tell whether my courses will be in person or remote?
You can find the specific instruction modes within the Class Details portion of the Class Information section. For more information on how to locate the instruction mode, review the HUB Student Center Training Guide.
What do I need to do to finalize my fall registration?
Students should review the registrar's email sent on July 15 and review the important information on the Office of the Registrar website.
Continuing students and new transfer students need to review their schedule in HUB to note any changes to class times, class locations (including campus) and mode of instruction. Students may need to make changes to their schedule to resolve any conflicts or register for additional courses. New freshmen will receive an email from their academic advisor about next steps.
How did the university determine which classes are in person and which are remote?
Academic departments and programs determined which courses will be offered in person, in a hybrid format, or fully remote based on public health guidelines related to space and social distancing, curricular requirements, course learning outcomes, and campus goals. Given the need for six feet of physical distancing, face coverings and other health considerations, the amount of in-person instruction possible during the fall was limited by classroom availability.
What if all of my classes are remote and I want an on-campus experience?
Students should check the fall schedule to see if there is an on-campus session available for the classes for which they have registered. Students should contact their academic advisor with any questions about changing their schedule. Students should also be aware that there will be dining, technology, libraries, activities, and services available on campus throughout the semester and available to all students, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in an on-campus course.
What if I have an in-person course and I am unable to come to campus or feel uncomfortable coming to campus?
Students should know that the health and safety of the campus community is the university’s main priority. Detailed health and safety guidelines have been established to allow everyone coming to campus the opportunity to feel safe. Students should check the fall schedule to see if there is a remote session available for the classes for which they have registered. In the event a student needs to drop any courses, they should contact their academic advisor to ensure they are not jeopardizing their satisfactory progression toward degree. The university is unable to guarantee that all courses can be offered remotely. If a course isn’t available remotely, students should discuss course options with their academic advisor.
Classes & Instruction
UB is offering various course instructional modes to ensure our community’s safety while delivering a high-quality academic experience. Use the links below to access the systems and information you’ll need this semester. Whether your classes are in person or delivered remotely, the learning outcomes, access to distinguished faculty and key support resources remain the same.
Academic Support
We know that college can feel challenging. We’re here for you! Here are a few key resources to help you stay on track and be successful. Remember, asking for help is one of the smartest things you can do.
Activities & Involvement
This semester, stay involved with your favorite activities, or try a new one! There are plenty of ways to connect with opportunities at UB, both on campus and remotely.