Plans for Summer Semester 2021

Dear UC Community,

It has been just over one year since the university’s first update on COVID-19 was emailed to our campus community. I know that by now we all hoped we would return to customary campus operations, but we must continue to be patient and put health and safety first. With the uncertainties around vaccine availability and distribution, our plans for Summer Semester are to operate much the same as we have for spring.

Academics and Calendar
Summer classes are slated to begin as planned starting Monday, May 10, and ending Monday, August 9. Our recent practice of offering courses in a mix of modalities will continue – mostly online with hybrid and some in-person courses. This mix will reflect the lower density of students on campus associated with summer sessions. 

Research
Research activities on campus are expected to continue as they have since October, with each college managing research, scholarship and creative activities in accordance with university guidelines on daily wellness checks, facial coverings, social distancing, cleaning and sanitizing workspaces, as well as  adherence to travel restrictions. Gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer individuals.

Residence Halls
Student housing on campus will operate as needed to accommodate summer enrollment. More details and updates will be posted under Housing and Dining on the Public Health website.

Remote Working
It bears repeating that our university remains open and operational. To reduce the density on our campuses, we will continue to encourage staff and faculty to work remotely 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.

Travel Restrictions
Restrictions currently in place are now extended through August 9. All study abroad remains prohibited. For full details, see Travel and Study Abroad. 

Testing 
Mitigation testing, an important tool in our prevention efforts, will continue for students living in university housing over the summer. For details on mitigation and symptomatic testing for students as well as information on faculty and staff voluntary testing policies during the summer, see the testing page.

Quarantine and Isolation
Our quarantine and isolation spaces will remain a key element in our response to the virus over the summer. These spaces have remained well below capacity, and we hope they will continue to do so.

Summer Camps
Summer camps and programs for any age group must be reviewed and approved through the central academic administration before registering any participants. All summer camp and program experiences must follow COVID-19-related mitigation guidelines for both participants and staff. More information will be forthcoming on this review process. In the meantime, please direct all inquiries to Chris Lewis at lewisct@ucmail.uc.edu.

UC COVID Check App 
To assist in managing and tracking the virus, students are required to use the UC COVID Check app if coming to campus or if living on campus. But every member of the campus community is encouraged to participate to help keep everyone safer. A green pass will be required to come to campus and to access facilities such as dining halls, the Campus Recreation Center, Tangeman University Center, and libraries. Faculty are encouraged to check for green passes as part of in-person classes and labs.  

Vaccinations
U.S. vaccine distribution is controlled at the state level. At present there is no information from the state of Ohio related to vaccinations for faculty, staff and students in higher education, other than the UC Health distribution that is taking place in step with the state’s current vaccination protocols. We continue to plan at the university level to become part of the solution, working in partnership with the appropriate channels, if and when higher education is added to the distribution plan.  Any members of our university community who qualify to receive the vaccine under current distribution protocols are encouraged to use the Health Collaborative Test and Protect vaccine website to find any available appointments. 

Our Public Health website will continue to be updated, and I encourage you to check it regularly for details and information. 

Throughout this period of disruption caused by the pandemic, I have been tremendously grateful and uplifted by your teamwork, understanding and spirit. You have not wavered in keeping us moving forward. 

In addition to summer, our planning for Fall Semester is under way and will be communicated in the coming months.

Again, thank you,

Neville G. Pinto
President