UB to begin distance learning on March 23

UB is moving all courses, where possible, to a distance learning format, effective March 23 through the end of the spring semester, President Satish K. Tripathi announced yesterday.

In an email to the university community, Tripathi stressed that during this time, UB will remain open and all campus operations will continue without interruption. This includes residence halls, campus dining, student academic support and health services, university libraries, transportation, campus safety and all other university services.

“As always, our priorities are the health and safety of our entire campus community, and ensuring that our students can complete their academic course requirements,” Tripathi said.

“Our campus operations will not be disrupted,” he said.

All professional obligations of UB faculty and staff remain unaffected, he said.

In a separate email, Provost A. Scott Weber provided further information regarding the university’s transition to distance learning.

He noted that some instructional formats, such as labs, studios and field-based programs, may not be suitable in the short term to a distance learning format, but that unit leadership “has the authority to grant exceptions in some circumstances, with the guiding principle to minimize density in the teaching environment.”

Individual faculty members will determine the specific modality used to deliver instruction remotely in consultation with their department chair or dean, Weber said. Online training and other resources for remote instruction, testing and evaluation are available on the Center for Educational Innovation’s website.

Instructors should notify their students by March 19 regarding how to access course content.

Students may complete their semester from home if their courses do not require on-campus activities, he said, adding that campus housing and dining will be open for those who remain on campus.

Students on TA/GA/RA appointments and postdoctoral scholars are expected to carry out their employment obligations, Weber said, and should consult their supervisors for guidance regarding any modifications to regular duties, as should student employees, including work-study students.

He said that vice presidents, deans and vice provosts should rely on guidance from the Erie County Department of Health in determining whether to hold campus events involving more than 50 participants.

UB is communicating daily with students, faculty, staff and visitors regarding university preparations and response to the evolving COVID-19 situation via the university’s COVID-19 information website, which also provides updates from authoritative sources, such as the CDC and the Erie County and New York State health departments.

At this time, the Erie County Department of Health reports there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Erie County, where UB’s campuses are located.

“Recognizing that these are extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances, I am confident that together we can overcome the challenges presented to us and continue to provide our students with a high quality academic experience,” Weber said.

Added Tripathi: “As we work through this evolving and challenging situation, I truly appreciate the support, resilience and adaptability of our campus community.”

The university will provide more direction and updates to students, faculty and staff as the university implements a distance-learning format, makes decisions about campus events and receives guidance from SUNY to answer questions about prorating student fees and the cost of room and board for students who choose to leave the residence halls.