Dear students, faculty and staff,
As we prepare to begin the spring semester, COVID-19 cases are on the rise throughout the nation.
Because there is much uncertainty regarding the direction the pandemic will take in the wake of the holidays and in the coming weeks, all classes will be conducted virtually for the first two weeks of the semester.
Students will still be able to move into their residence halls and utilize campus dining beginning on Friday, Jan. 8, but all classes will be held remotely from Jan. 11-22. In-person classes will resume on Monday, Jan. 25.
Delaying the start of in-person classes will allow us to better understand the impact the holiday break will have on COVID-19 numbers in Alabama.
Staff will still return to work on Monday, Jan. 4. As with the fall, department directors will have discretion on workforce density in their respective areas.
Faculty will begin delivering classes remotely on Jan. 11. During these two weeks, faculty access to campus and equipment will be similar to post-Thanksgiving break circumstances.
It is our hope that delaying the start of in-person classes will allow us to take additional steps to provide a safer, healthier environment once in-person classes resume.
As we continue to closely monitor the pandemic, please regularly check your UM email and official UM social media accounts for additional updates.