Most UCCS classes will move to remote learning after Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 25 – 29, to limit the spread of COVID-19. There has been a significant rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in El Paso County in recent weeks.
“We know that we are beginning a season of holidays that often involve travel and family gatherings. The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our number one priority. We still have four weeks until the start of the Thanksgiving break, and we must remain dedicated to the mitigation efforts that have made UCCS an example of how to return to on-campus operations during this pandemic,” UCCS Chancellor Venkat Reddy said in a press release sent out to all students at approximately 9 a.m. today.
Students with off-campus experiences at hospitals, K-12 schools and internship sites can continue these activities but will be expected to follow the guidelines at these institutions.
Students living in the dorms will be able to stay on campus with increased testing after Thanksgiving. Mandatory COVID-19 testing will be in place for all students returning to the residence halls from out-of-state travel, and random surveillance testing will be implemented for all other students returning to housing after Thanksgiving, according to university officials. Dining halls will also remain open.
The end of the fall semester is Dec. 19. According to the release, students who choose to leave the dorms from Nov. 23 through Dec. 19 will receive a credit on their spring semester housing charges for the time they are not occupying their room during this remote period.
If you are a student currently living on campus and will opt out of staying on campus after Thanksgiving Break, contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing by Nov. 17.
Reddy also reminded students to follow public health guidelines this Halloween weekend as we continue in-person operations until the break. Gov. Polis’ Public Health Order limits social gatherings to 10 people involving no more than two households and is effective through Nov. 23.
“Despite COVID fatigue, you all have done an amazing job in keeping our campus safe,” Reddy said, “but we need to continue doing our part to protect those we care about the most by wearing a face covering, washing our hands, watching our distance and staying home when we don’t feel well.”
UCCS said they will provide a weekly email update every Friday for the remainder of the semester with information about campus services, including the Kraemer Family Library and Wellness Center, and address frequently asked questions.
