Buffalo, NY (WBEN) UB says it's 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. UB says the announcement needs both SUNY and Governor Cuomo's approvals.
In a statement, UB says "will preserve our mission as a place-based, public research institution, while providing us needed flexibility to continue caring for our campus community and providing the best possible educational experience for our students."
“This decision will preserve our mission as a place-based, public research institution, while providing us needed flexibility to continue caring for our campus community and providing the best possible educational experience for our students,” UB President Satish Tripathi and UB Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs A. Scott Weber wrote.
Modified in-person instruction at UB will include seated classroom instruction designed to provide six feet of physical distancing, with face coverings required. The course format (in-person, hybrid in-person/online, or fully remote) will be based on course goals and curricular/clinical requirements.
Students will receive a communication this summer confirming the instruction format of the classes they will be taking. Per the recommendation of the Campus Planning Committee, we will pursue with the UB Faculty Senate a modification to the academic calendar to include instruction on Labor Day and conclude in-person instruction before Thanksgiving. The final three weeks of the semester will be conducted remotely.
Some professional programs will follow their regular academic calendars.
Residence Halls will be open, with reduced occupancy. Dining services will be available, with additional takeout and delivery options. Libraries will be open and services will be available remotely and in-person.
UB’s COVID-19 planning structure includes a Screening, Testing and Contact Tracing Protocol Committee, chaired by Dr. Michael Cain, Vice President for Health Sciences and Dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The university says its protocol for Fall 2020 will be built on evidence-based medicine and include screening, contact tracing, education, and appropriate testing for faculty, staff and students.