UB Forward - 10/23/2020

In the event the university needs to implement a 14-day pause of in-person instruction in accordance with New York State Department of Health guidelines, UB’s in-person clinical courses, as well as most in-person labs, will be able to safely continue.

Officials attribute UB’s diminishing COVID-19 case count to the university community’s compliance with health and safety guidelines and a surveillance testing program that detects asymptomatic cases before they spread on campus.

UB President Satish K. Tripathi announced last week in his annual address that despite the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the university remains strong and productive, and he thanked all members of the UB community for their resilience and adaptability.

The Office of Academic Affairs surveyed UB undergraduate, graduate and professional students three weeks into the semester and found that the majority of respondents were very satisfied with their learning experiences. A follow-up survey is being conducted to gain additional feedback.

• Influenza vaccination clinics on campus. Influenza vaccination clinics are being held now through mid-November on all three UB campuses.

• Improving online instruction. The Center for Educational Innovation’s fall academies continue with new sessions next month: Designing and Building Online Courses starting Nov. 3, and Evaluating and Facilitating Online Courses starting Nov. 5. Registration is required.

• Flu shots available. Whether at an on-campus flu clinic or at one of many off-campus retail pharmacy locations, all students are encouraged to get a low-cost or no-cost flu vaccination.

• Student volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are needed to assist at campus COVID-19 surveillance testing sites. Instructions and personal protective equipment will be provided. Days, times and locations vary.

• Student experience survey. UBIT wants to hear from students to help guide UB’s investments in public computing, teaching and learning spaces, software access, and communication services.

• Being prepared and informed. UB’s official source for emergency information is UB Alert, providing announcements and updates about any event or weather that impacts UB. Get immediate notice of all campus emergencies or cancellations by signing up.