Announcements and Letters

As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has created serious economic and financial consequences across the world, the nation and here at home in New York State. It is important that we have a shared understanding of these challenges and how we are addressing them.

Today, as I reflect on the remarkable life, groundbreaking career and outsized legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, my thoughts naturally turn to her unforgettable visit to the University at Buffalo last year.

I am writing to inform you that 22 students living off-campus are in isolation after having tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of confirmed cases within the UB community, including employees, to 27.

Today, as our faculty, students and staff embark on a semester unlike any in our institution’s 175-year history, I would like to assure you all of this: Despite the unprecedented circumstances we face, nothing about UB’s mission and vision of excellence changes.

This afternoon, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded changes to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Over the course of the last nine days, the University at Buffalo has been actively working on behalf of our international students to successfully overturn this ill-conceived and detrimental policy change.

As an international university, we at UB believe that all international students in U.S. colleges and universities should have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals and professional aspirations unimpeded.

As a scholarly community, it is imperative that we explore, understand and respond to racism and systemic inequality. As a reaffirmation of our mission and values, I would like to announce several initiatives our university community is taking to address these problems.

While final guidance will come from the Governor and SUNY Chancellor, we are pleased to share that UB is planning to return to campus in the fall in a modified in-person capacity, which will include a mix of in-person instruction – within distancing and public health guidelines – and online courses.

At the University at Buffalo, we believe that intolerance, hatred and institutional racism have no place in our community or our nation. That is precisely why our university—in principle and in practice—has deliberately cultivated a diverse, inclusive community grounded in respect for each other’s humanity.

On the heels of commencement, we received the news that Governor Cuomo had approved Western New York to begin Phase 1 of our region’s reopening. While the region still has health benchmarks to reach, the University at Buffalo is in parallel preparing for an eventual phased return to campus.

Looking toward the 2020-2021 academic year, I would like to share the planning measures our university is taking. As I have said before, our planning is, and has been, conducted with the health and well-being of all members of our campus community as our foremost priority.

After much deliberation, we have determined that the University at Buffalo will hold our spring 2020 commencement ceremonies in a virtual environment this May. As with all decisions we have made during these uncertain times, the health and well-being of our entire UB community is our guidepost and our priority.

Out of concern for the health and safety of our campus community, the University at Buffalo’s May 2020 commencement ceremonies will not take place as scheduled.

In times of adversity, our great university never fails to demonstrate great resourcefulness, resilience and character.

I am writing to inform you that the University at Buffalo was notified late this morning that a member of our university community has tested positive for COVID-19.

Today, in an effort to reduce density in the campus environment and help mitigate the possibility for exposure to COVID-19, Governor Cuomo announced that all SUNY institutions, including UB, will implement plans to maximize distance learning and reduce in-person instruction, effective March 23 and through the end of the spring 2020 semester.

As the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are paramount, I would like to take this opportunity to communicate with you regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the measures our university is taking to protect the well-being of all members of our community.

Welcome back to UB, where we have much to celebrate: A new semester. A new year. A new decade!

It is my great pleasure to announce the appointment of A. Scott Weber as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective January 9, 2020.