UMass Dartmouth to hold combo of face-to-face, blended, and remote learning courses this fall

Today, UMass Dartmouth announced its plan for the fall 2020 semester that incorporates updated policies and protocols that adhere to the latest social distancing and safety recommendations during the COVOD-19 pandemic.

The University, following CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance, plans to offer a combination of face-to-face, blended, and remote learning courses this fall. After Thanksgiving, all instructional activities, including final exams, will be offered remotely. There are no changes to the academic calendar. All resident students will have the option to be housed in single-occupancy rooms.

“Everyone at UMass Dartmouth recognizes how interactions with peers, robust classroom discussions with world-class faculty, and rewarding extracurricular activities create a powerful college experience,” said Chancellor Robert E. Johnson. “Even during these uncertain times, we are committed to safely offering as many of these experiences as we possibly can.”

The Fall 2020 Re-Opening Plan was created following recommendations from the Pandemic Emergency Report Team (PERT). This group, which was broken down into subcommittees representing functional areas of campus, was made up of more than 100 students, faculty, and staff. PERT’s decisions were guided by the principles of protecting the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and people in surrounding communities, enabling students to continue progress towards their educational goals; contributing to research and innovation, and minimizing adverse economic impact on families, employees, and the Massachusetts economy.

The full report addresses concerns across the campus experience. It details upgraded health and safety policies including testing, contact tracing, and quarantine and isolation. The report also offers guidance on changes to academic, research, student life, dining, and events to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the campus community.

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