COVID-19 Update: December 3, 2020

Dear UC Community,

Thank you again for joining together to fight the pandemic as one UC. All of your careful and conscientious efforts have helped to save lives and prevent illness. As you know, the state of Ohio continues to battle the pandemic with a statewide curfew, in addition to other measures designed to reduce the number of hospitalizations and prevent the spread of positive cases. In light of these broader developments and growing concerns, we are announcing some additional adjustments to the Spring Semester.

The first two weeks of learning for the Spring Semester, from January 11 to January 24, will be conducted online. Our intent is to resume our original mix of virtual, hybrid, HyFlex and in-person classes on January 25. Academic units seeking an exception to the virtual start should contact Dr. Chris Lewis in the Office of the Provost. 

Students returning to residence halls will need a reservation for a move-in time slot. To protect the health and safety of the campus community, reservations will be spread out over multiple days from January 6 to January 24. Information on reservations will be available starting December 15. As explained below, all students in University Housing will be required to complete a COVID-19 test at the time of their return to campus.

Testing remains a critical component of our efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. To this end, we will expand our testing program for Spring Semester. For more information on the enhancements outlined below, please visit the testing page. 

• Upon return to campus in January, all students in University Housing will be required to complete a COVID-19 test. All students living off campus who want access to campus facilities must do the same. Reservations will be required. For more information on this testing, please consult the testing page.

• Throughout the semester, required mitigation testing for students will occur twice a week. Once students are notified, they must schedule the required test within the designated week.

• At our regional campuses, testing details will be forthcoming. More information will be available on the testing page in the weeks to come.

• Faculty and staff who are working on campus will have more opportunities for testing throughout spring semester. More information will be available on the testing page in the coming weeks.

• Unless a student receives an exemption from required testing, failure to obtain a test will result in a range of consequences, including a directive to quarantine until testing is completed. 

To do the best possible job in tracking and managing the virus, I want to remind everyone of the importance of using the UC COVID Check app daily. A green pass will be required to come to campus and to access facilities such as dining halls, the Campus Recreation Center and libraries. We strongly encourage faculty to check for green passes as part of in-person classes and labs. 

The University remains open and operational, except for holidays and winter closure from December 24 to January 3. Due to the need to reduce the density on our campuses, we will continue to encourage staff and faculty to work from home when and where possible, subject to the determination of supervisors on how best to handle schedules and work demands. If needed, tighter restrictions and other contingency steps may need to be implemented.

Please continue to take this health threat seriously and follow the protocols. I know that as Bearcats each of you is stepping up to this challenge because it is the right thing to do for one another, for your families and loved ones, and for the community.

Best wishes for good health to all. Please enjoy your winter break.

Neville G. Pinto
President