March 19, 2020
COVID-19 remains a global pandemic that we all must take seriously.
A new report from the CDC finds that 38 percent of hospitalized cases in the U.S. are 20- to 54-year-olds, further proof that we need everyone in our campus community — and beyond — prioritizing their personal wellness and practicing social distancing.
As we have done since January, UCF will continue to make decisions with the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff members, and larger community top of mind, and we’ll communicate these updates to you as we have new information to share.
Academic Calendar and Summer Remote Instruction
Students and advisors should have received notice that UCF is postponing registration for the summer and fall semesters to Thursday, March 26. The withdrawal and reinstatement deadlines also have been extended to Friday, March 27.
These dates are reflected in the Academic Calendar.
Additionally, UCF will continue with remote instruction through the Summer A, C and D semesters, which all start on Monday, May 11.
While we don’t yet know the long-term impact of this pandemic, we wanted to make this decision well in advance of the start of those semesters to give our faculty members and students time to adjust their plans.
Additional information about courses will be shared with students by their college.
Housing
Students who live in residence halls were asked not to return to campus following Spring Break, and those remaining are strongly encouraged to return to their permanent residence as soon as possible. Special accommodations will be made for residents with extreme extenuating circumstances.
However, to ensure social distancing, no residents should formally move out immediately.
Instead, Housing will soon share a plan for staggered move-out appointments that prioritize the safety of students, their families, and staff members. More information will be emailed to residents by Housing in the coming days.
Remote Work for Employees
Whether employees are working remotely or reporting to campus to do your jobs, we want you to continue to work.
It is critical that supervisors and employees work together to identify meaningful work. Tasks might be different from normal responsibilities, but everyone must be creative and flexible, while also remaining mindful of social distancing.
Now is a great time to revisit useful training, including online training, that you couldn’t find the time for previously. Or, consider planning out projects, future events and other department priorities ahead of time. For those on campus, a good use of this time could include completing projects that are easier to do while the campus is depopulated.
This is an unprecedented time that requires outside-the-box thinking. Let’s all be creative with how we use this time to best position our respective areas for the future.
Stay Tuned
With this rapidly evolving situation, UCF continues to follow guidance from state and federal officials to make the best decisions.
UCF and the State University System Board of Governors are reviewing all student services and the impact of moving to an online platform. Since this event affects students, faculty, and staff across all of Florida, any operational and financial decisions are being made with the greatest concern to all impacted.
UCF will share more information about potential reimbursements as soon as it becomes available. We ask for continued patience as we all work through this very difficult and ever-changing situation.
As always, we are committed to sharing regular information at ucf.edu/coronavirus/coronavirus. Please continue to check this site frequently for new updates or answers to common questions.
Although I’ve said it before, thank you. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures — and that also means extraordinary care for those around you. Let’s continue to be kind and patient with one another, and together, I know we will Charge On!
Thad Seymour Jr.
Interim President