The University of Rochester has announced that it is moving instruction for most of its students online for the rest of the academic year. That includes classes for undergraduate and graduate students in the Arts, Sciences and Engineering programs and for most UR schools.
UR President Sarah Mangelsdorf says that, “We know that social distancing is effective in slowing down or stopping the spread of a disease. Earlier this week, we put some social distancing measures into effect, limiting the size of some gatherings and prohibiting international and domestic business travel. The intent of these measures is to limit exposure both to those who may be ill and to those who may be contagious but who are not displaying symptoms. These measures may keep you from getting sick; they will also greatly lower the risk that COVID-19 will be introduced to our campuses and healthcare facilities, so that these measures may also keep others from getting sick.
In consultation with the University Cabinet, we have decided that more stringent social distancing measures must be taken until the end of the semester.”
Spring Break for Eastman and AS&E students will be extended by two days to allow faculty and staff to prepare for the transition to online instruction. Classes will resume online on March 18. Undergraduates are being asked to complete the semester remotely at their permanent home residence; students may return to, or remain on campus if their “individual circumstances warrant it.”
Also, essential meetings related to administrative and academic issues are limited to 100 participants and non-essential meetings are limited to 25 people.
Officials at UR also say that with the exception of university and clinical care facilities, outside visitors are “strongly discouraged” until the end of the semester.
Video by WXXI News photojournalist Max Schulte:
