Coming to Campus - Spring 2021

All students, faculty, staff and visitors should continue to adhere to the Health and Safety Guidelines released prior to the fall semester. Students are expected to understand and follow the Student Compliance Policy for COVID-19 Public Health Behavior Expectations on campus. Keeping everyone safe and healthy is a community effort.

Please review new updates and protocols before returning to campus. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with these requirements.

Follow these four steps before returning to campus:

• Face coverings are required at all times when on campus. This includes UB buildings, classrooms, labs and facilities, as well as outdoor spaces.
• Should you begin experiencing symptoms of illness, contact your primary health care provider or Health Services (available 24/7 for support and referrals). 

Set the stage for a successful spring semester by reviewing this information about the academic calendar, living and eating on campus, available resources and more.

• The spring semester will be held from Feb. 1 to May 15, 2021, for undergraduate, graduate, and pharmacy students, with classes scheduled through the week previously designated as spring recess. Please visit the Dental Medicine (DDS), Law School, and Medical Education (MD) websites for their respective calendars. The revised spring 2021 academic calendar was amended to protect the health and safety of the campus community and align with SUNY reopening guidelines. Students should check their schedule in HUB for any classes that fall outside of the regular session dates.  
• On-campus residents may schedule move-in appointments for spring 2021 between Jan. 29 and Jan. 31. Earlier move-in dates will be available for students who need to complete quarantine on campus before the start of classes. Details on move-in and pre-arrival quarantine requirements will be communicated by email once they have been finalized. All students, new and returning, will be required to make an appointment to ensure physical distancing during arrival. Move-in appointment instructions will be emailed to students in January. Visit the Welcome Home website for more arrival information.
• Campus Dining & Shops is excited to serve you this semester. From dinner at C3 to mobile ordering through many of our restaurant locations, we make it easy for you to get what you want, when and where you want it! This spring, we’re adding four new locations where you can mobile order using your meals: Stacker's, Blue Dragon at C3, The Bowl and Build Your Own Pasta at The Cellar. Our popular food trucks, Big Blue and Little Blue, will also be back later in the semester. Meal plans and Dining Points are active beginning Jan. 25, 2021, so select your spring meal plan today.
• Shared spaces, including the UB Stampede shuttle, new study spaces, student lounges and common areas, computer labs and UBIT services, will be open and available with health and safety protocols in place.
• The Abbott Library (Health Sciences and Architecture & Planning), Lockwood Library and Silverman Library will be open during the spring 2021 semester. Detailed information on library hours is available on the UB Libraries website.
• With this semester’s various instructional modes, it is essential to ensure your technology is up-to-date and working properly. Before the semester begins, review UBIT’s Student Technology Guide.
• 1Capen is open for select in-person services. Reservations are required. Visit the 1Capen website to make a reservation, confirm updated hours of operation and access remote services. 

UB will continue to offer a variety of instructional modes during the spring semester. Our expert faculty and staff are here for you, and they have taken every measure to ensure your success. There are many ways to connect with your instructors and classmates this semester; reach out to your instructors when you need help, start group discussions with your classmates, stay in touch with your friends. It is critical to build and maintain connections with your UB support network.

• Consult your schedule and make sure you understand the modes of instruction for your classes. It is your responsibility to know when you need to come to campus.
• Classrooms are configured to accommodate physical distancing guidelines. The modified class schedule allows 20 minutes between classes.
• The Academic Resources and Updates for Students page has information for undergraduate and graduate students about spring semester updates, classes and instruction, academic support, campus involvement and more. The Student Success Gateway is a starting point for undergraduate students to locate information about advisors, resources and success strategies.
• All undergraduate students should download the Navigate app. Use Navigate to make advising appointments, request a tutor, find Study Buddies, and connect with resources and support. This app offers many benefits for undergraduate students, and graduate students can also download Navigate to utilize applicable functionality.
• The Center for Excellence in Writing offers writing consultation appointments for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as dissertation support. Free tutoring is available to all undergraduate students through numerous campus offices.
• The Experiential Learning Network has opportunities to complement your academics with undergraduate research and creative activities. You can search for opportunities via the Project Portal.
• Undergraduate S/U grade information can be found on the Office of the Registrar website. Graduate S/U grade information can be found the Graduate School website.

Stay connected and engaged over the winter break and into the spring semester. Here are some opportunities to explore.

• Student Engagement is hosting Jump Start January and Trivia Tuesdays, along with other mentoring and leadership opportunities to get your semester off to a great start.
• Try something new this semester! There are more than 600 clubs and organizations at UB, so grab a friend and sign up to participate in one of their meetings.

2020 was not what any of us expected. In 2021, staying healthy, physically and mentally, is more important than ever. UB Student Wellness has the support in place to help you stay well, and we encourage you to take time for self-care when needed.

• Focus on keeping your mind and body healthy. Through UB Student Wellness, you have access to a variety of services, including medical care, telehealth appointments, telecounseling, wellness programs and wellness coaches, skill-building workshops, stress management favorites like yoga and meditation, self-help resources and more.
• Health concerns, physical distancing and news updates can affect your well-being. Counseling Services is continuing a number of workshops into the spring semester to address these unique circumstances and to provide ongoing support to students in need

UB remains an excellent value as a leading public flagship institution. As you continue to invest in your UB education, refer to the following information about finances and support.

• Current tuition and fees information is available on the Student Accounts website.
• We know many of our students and UB families have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic, and we’re here to support you. Please visit Financial Aid’s COVID-19 FAQ page for more information.
• Part-time employment and Work-Study opportunities will be posted in Bullseye powered by Handshake. Career Services has workshops scheduled to assist students in developing job-seeking skills.