This communication was sent campuswide March 26, 2020. 

 

Dear Wildcat Family:

 

 After consultation with deans, faculty senate leadership and administrators, the university has decided to hold our summer session as scheduled (May 4-Aug. 7). We plan to offer all our courses online or in a virtual format.

 

Unfortunately, no one has a crystal ball when it comes to predicting the spread of COVID-19 in Utah or nationwide. While we recognize that many of you long for a return to in-person classroom instruction, it is impossible to know how soon that might occur. 

 

With summer registration opening for students on Monday, March 30, it was imperative that we make this decision now in order to give all of you ample time to make decisions related to summer semester.

 

Faculty should have received an email from the provost’s office earlier today, with more details about the different types of course delivery methods available.

 

To our students, we recognize it is important we continue to offer classes during this time of disruption. Many of you are counting on summer courses in order to graduate in a timely manner. We intend to provide class options that you had expected.
 

Given that summer travel plans may be adversely affected or canceled outright due to public health restrictions, continuing your studies with summer semester offerings may be a great option, especially if social distancing restrictions remain in place for an extended period.

 

As some of you may know, summer semester provides some great financial incentives to continue your studies. Please visit our summer semester page to learn more about all the scholarships and financial advantages available.

 

Please watch for additional communication from Student Affairs in the coming days, regarding how to make the most of summer semester.

 

Summer session still feels like a long way off, especially our second seven-week block (June 22- Aug. 7). Given the unpredictable nature of our public health crisis, we ask all of you to offer courses virtually for the duration of the summer session. Even if we receive word in June that we can return to in-person classroom instruction, we will need to continue with our planned delivery method. It is unrealistic for everyone involved to switch delivery methods mid-term.

 

We realize this communication may prompt additional questions. We encourage you to join one of our forthcoming virtual  town hall meetings. A faculty and staff town hall will be held on Friday, March 27 from 2-4 p.m. where we can talk in more detail. A virtual town hall meeting for students is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 3 p.m. Both meetings would be an opportunity to discuss this decision.

 

Again, thank you for your support and patience as we work collaboratively to protect public health and continue our legacy of preserving access to quality learning.

 

Wishing us all health, patience and fortitude.

 

-brad and Ravi Krovi, Provost