Physical distancing and mask usage will again be the norm once UB resumes operations for the spring semester Feb. 1 following a modified in-person format. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
Release Date: December 17, 2020
BUFFALO, N.Y. — University at Buffalo leadership today announced the university’s plans for the spring semester, which will mirror operations in the fall in that UB will follow a modified in-person format. That means courses will be delivered using a mix of in-person (and physically distanced) instruction, as well as remote learning.
UB’s plans for the spring semester build upon lessons learned and successes from the fall semester, which saw a low prevalence of on-campus positive coronavirus cases for most of the semester. Toward that end, the university will continue the surveillance testing program that began in the fall. All students, faculty and staff who will maintain some presence on campus will be required to participate regularly in surveillance testing.
UB’s plans for the spring were announced today in a university-wide email from President Satish K. Tripathi and Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs A. Scott Weber.
“We remain very grateful for our university community’s dedication to advancing our research mission and providing transformative academic experiences for our students as we continue to navigate the pandemic. As always, we are here to support each of you in your academic, research, scholarly and professional endeavors.”
The university’s plans, which are subject to change in response to new state guidelines, were developed by the 23-member Campus Planning Committee. The committee coordinated the work of several subcommittees comprising 137 members of the UB community, and included guidance from SUNY and state and local health officials.
UB’s spring semester will begin on Feb. 1. There will not be a spring break due to SUNY guidelines stating that holiday periods will not be permitted given the associated risks pertaining to the spread of COVID-19. As previously scheduled, the semester will run through May 15. Decisions about commencement activities will be announced at a later date.
Several measures will again be in place for the spring to reduce density on campus:
UB will follow the systemwide mandates SUNY announced recently.
For example:
UB will also continue to follow its health and safety guidelines, which are updated regularly based on the latest guidance and scientific knowledge.
As was the case in the fall, all members of the UB community will be required to wear a mask at all times, maintain physical distancing, wash hands frequently and stay home when feeling sick.
More information about UB’s plans for the spring semester and the health and safety requirements are posted on the university’s COVID-19 Planning and Response page.
In drafting the plans for the spring semester, UB drew extensively from successes and lessons learned during the fall. For example, many students expressed their struggles with mental health amidst the challenges of the fall semester. As a result, for the spring, UB Student Life will continue to offer telehealth and telecounseling services.
In addition, Student Life has implemented a prescription delivery service, and will continue to assign a case manager to each student in quarantine/isolation on campus.
Campus Dining and Shops also made several improvements, including expanding service to mobile ordering.
Other lessons learned and successes include:
David J. Hill
Director of Media Relations
Public Health, Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Sustainability
Tel: 716-645-4651
davidhil@buffalo.edu