March 13, 2020
Dear Students:
We are in unprecedented times as we are all responding to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As always, the health and safety of our campus community is our top priority. As such, we are taking a number of proactive measures to protect each of you, while ensuring your continued academic progress.
We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and providing regular updates to the campus community through a dedicated website: utoledo.edu/coronavirus. As a public research university, we recognize that we have a local, statewide and global footprint –– all of which have been taken into consideration as we determined how to reduce the spread of the virus and ensure the continuation of our academic mission.
While there are no campus-related cases to date, we are announcing new updates based on the expertise and guidance of our own UToledo infectious disease experts, with the support of local, state and federal officials:
Spring Semester Classes
• As previously announced, classes have been canceled Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17.
• Beginning Wednesday, March 18, we will be suspending all face-to-face classes and transitioning to remote learning for the remainder of the spring semester.
• Students are encouraged not to return to campus this semester (except to facilitate move-out.)
University Housing
• Students living on campus will be required to return home, or to a non-campus housing arrangement, on or before Sunday, March 22.
• The Office of Residence Life will be coordinating an orderly process to allow students to move out of the residence halls between March 14 and March 22. Residential students will be receiving additional information on this process in a subsequent email today.
• Please note that anyone who is currently self-isolating or returning from a country listed on the CDC’s Level 2 or 3 travel health notices should make alternative arrangements to have someone pick up their belongings.
• We understand that there may be exceptions and extenuating circumstances requiring some students to stay on campus. The Office of Residence Life will work with these students on an individual basis. Additional information will be shared via email today.
Returning from Travel
• UToledo is now requiring all individuals returning from a country on the CDC’s Level 2 or Level 3 warning list to self-isolate for 14 days. Individuals should register their recent travel using the University’s online travel registry form.
• Students should alert their professors if additional accommodations are necessary.
We recognize the impact these changes have on you, and deeply regret having to make these decisions. I want to assure you that these decisions have not been made without immense consideration and discussion with health experts. As announced yesterday by the Ohio Department of Health, it is believed that at least 1% of the population currently has the virus and cases are expected to double every six days.
We will continue to communicate with you directly as changes occur. Please also continue to check our website for updates and additional information.
I want to thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time. I am humbled by the support I’ve seen from our entire campus community. We are doing everything within our power to ensure the health and safety of you, our students, and the greater campus community. We are a family. We are Rockets!
Sincerely,
Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D.
President
