Coronavirus Update March 13, 2020: Remote study, work update

Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update March 13, 2020: Remote learning, working update

Current Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation - Remote learning, working update (4 p.m. March 13, 2020)

Good afternoon,

As the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly, we are announcing a series of additional changes that will focus efforts on the critical mission of education:

  • UCCS will begin to transition to remote learning on Monday, March 16. Faculty members will be contacting students in their respective courses to share how to access classes. This remote status will remain through Monday, April 13, unless we decide to extend the date. Please note that not all classes are able to move to remote status. Deans are working closely with faculty members on these classes. Students will receive specific communication from their faculty. Leadership will evaluate the situation in early April and make a determination to either continue remote learning or return to normal operations. 
  • UCCS will begin to transition to remote working for a majority of employees starting on Monday, March 16. Essential staff required to maintain operations for students living in the residence halls and to maintain campus operations will still report to campus. Employees designated as critical will work remotely while continuing to perform their normal duties, and they may come to campus occasionally as necessary. All other employees will begin working remotely with a work plan created by their supervisor. This remote working status will be in effect at least through Monday, April 13.
  • All in-person events and meetings between March 16 and April 13 are being cancelled. Please contact Carlos Garcia, interim vice chancellor for student success, if you want to request an exception.
  • Students living in the residence halls will be able to stay in the residence halls. If students choose to go home, they may do so, or may be safer to stay here. You are a part of the Mountain Lion family, and we are committed to your personal health and safety. Make the best decision for your situation.

During the week of March 16, the campus will remain open, including the residence halls, dining facilities, Wellness Center and the Kraemer Family Library. Students without internet access may utilize the computers in the library.

We are truly living in a unique and challenging situation. I know that there is a lot of anxiety that occurs when routines change and we’re confronted with something new, especially a virus that has impacted the world. We’re in this together. If you need help, there are resources available to maintain strong mental health. For students, contact the UCCS Wellness Center at 719-255-4444. For employees, use The Real Help Hotline at 833-533-CHAT. The ability to test is still at the discretion of a health care provider with approval from El Paso County Public Health, and we hope that more test kits will become available.

Every day, I am grateful for the resilience and compassion of our community. I want to express my deep appreciation to the many colleagues who are working tirelessly to support our campus community, continue our mission and keep us all safe.

Venkat Reddy
Chancellor