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Nov. 5, 2020

Dear Instructional Faculty:

Earlier today, Pat O’Rourke and I addressed Boulder County’s (formerly known as Safer At Home Level 3). The shift will go into effect on Nov. 6.

While the move to Level Orange does not require the university to make any significant operational changes, we have decided to shift to remote instruction starting Monday, Nov. 16, in light of the projected rise in COVID-19 cases in the Denver metro region. We are doing this to provide additional flexibility for our students and their families for the remainder of the fall semester. Our last day for in-person instruction will be Friday, Nov. 13, which is earlier than originally planned. 

Shift to remote instruction

As we prepare to make the shift to remote instruction, please note the following:

• I encourage instructors to communicate with their students immediately to provide specific information and guidance on how this shift will affect their courses.

• I encourage instructors to consult with their chairs, directors and/or deans to resolve any logistical challenges associated with the transition to remote teaching.

• I encourage instructors to be flexible with individual students who choose to leave Boulder for the remainder of the semester before the last day of in-person classes on Nov. 13. Many students’ schedules will be determined by family needs, the ability to change travel dates and other factors outside of students’ control.

• I encourage instructors to visit the Center for Teaching and Learning and the for pedagogical and technological assistance with remote instruction.

• Instructors may continue to be on campus to deliver remote instruction, to conduct research or to conduct remote office hours; be sure to follow the guidelines outlined in the Buff Pass, which recently replaced the daily health form. 

• I encourage instructors to get tested if they are planning to travel during the upcoming weeks. Details about campus testing are available online.

• Researchers and research-related activities are not impacted. No requests are necessary related to previous return-to-research approvals.

• I encourage instructors to refer to the shift-to-remote-instruction FAQs for more information. 

This expedited shift to remote learning for the remainder of the fall semester does not currently affect our previously announced plans for a hybrid in-person experience in spring 2021.

At 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, we will host a to discuss this announcement and provide a forum for asking questions. I encourage you to join us. Also, please visit the campus COVID-19 page for up-to-date information.

Thank you for your flexibility and your commitment to our students as we continue to adjust to the ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

Russ

Russell Moore
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs