March 10, 2020
Dear Members of The University of Toledo Community:
As you are likely aware, yesterday we learned that there are currently three confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio. Further, Governor DeWine has declared a state of emergency. As always, the health and safety of our campus community is our top priority.
We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and providing regular updates to the campus community, including launching a dedicated website: utoledo.edu/coronavirus. For the past several weeks we have had task forces working on plans as this issue emerges in Ohio. We continue to align our recommendations with the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and local, state and federal agencies.
While there are no campus-related cases to date, we are taking the following proactive actions (effective March 16, 2020) to ensure the health and safety of our campus community:
Classroom Teaching
• Classes have been canceled Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17. Faculty are encouraged to use this time to prepare remote delivery of their courses.
• All academic courses will resume Wednesday, March 18, with remote delivery. On-campus instruction has been canceled through Monday, March 30. Faculty are expected to contact their classes by email or blackboard to identify how classes will continue.
• In the interest of caution, any healthcare learners (students, residents, fellows) currently working in a clinical environment will not be involved in the direct care of any suspected or confirmed case of novel coronavirus.
• Additional information and resources for faculty will be distributed directly from the Office of the Provost.
University Operations
• The University remains open. This includes the residence halls, libraries, recreation centers and dining halls. Officials are, however, encouraging preventative measures, including social distancing as recommended by the CDC.
• Employees deemed at-risk by the CDC may work with their supervisors to determine if a remote worksite is feasible.
Research
• All University facilities remain open. Researchers may continue working in their laboratories.
Travel
• Following the recommendation of Governor DeWine, effective immediately UToledo has suspended all travel, both domestic and international, for the remainder of this fiscal year (June 30, 2020). Essential travel must be approved in advance by the employee’s supervisor and either the president, provost or chief financial officer.
• UToledo also is strongly discouraging all personal travel outside of the state of Ohio. If individuals must travel, they are highly encouraged to complete the University’s voluntary travel registration.
Campus Events
• All events through April 30 with expected attendance of 100 or more have been canceled. This includes the University’s March 28 Preview Day and the State of the University Address scheduled for April 7.
As this situation continues to evolve rapidly, all guidelines are subject to change and/or be extended as deemed necessary by University leadership.
I truly appreciate your understanding and continued support during this challenging time.
Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D.
UToledo President
