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Spring Planning Update

Re: Spring Planning Update
To: All campus
Oct. 12, 2020
 
Dear Campus Community,
 
We wanted to share with you an important update on UC Merced’s instructional plans for the Spring semester.
 
Due to current projections on COVID-19 spread, we will be offering the vast majority of our spring course instruction remotely. Students will not be required to return to campus to take in-person classes for the spring semester. All student support services will continue to be available remotely.
 
For spring, a small number of courses, from a few departments, will have an option for in-person instruction for graduate students and/or upper-level undergraduates. All such courses will also have a fully remote option. Some undergraduate seniors in disciplines, such as engineering, biology, chemistry and physics, may also have the option of coming on campus to work on senior design projects or independent study research. The small number of courses with in-person options are listed in the spring schedule of classes. Any in-person offerings will be contingent upon approval from local public health authorities. Details on COVID testing requirements and campus access protocols will be sent to enrolled students prior to the start of the semester.
 
We recognize that for some students, on-campus housing would be their safest or best academic environment. We anticipate making a limited amount of additional dorm space available for the Spring semester for students in need. First priority for housing will be given to students with in-person coursework. Students should look out for an email regarding the housing request process.
 
We know many of you are eager to return to more normal instructional operations. Please continue to be diligent in protecting your health and that of your community by wearing a face covering, washing your hands frequently, physically distancing and monitoring your health symptoms. We appreciate the UC Merced community being part of the solution to our public health crisis. We are all in this together!
 
Sincerely,
 
Gregg Camfield, Ph.D.
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
 
Robin DeLugan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Academic Senate Chair