Arts, Sciences & Engineering is making plans for an in-person 2021–22 academic year beginning with the fall semester. All classes and educational experiences for undergraduate and graduate students in the school of Arts, Sciences & Engineering at the University are expected to be held on campus at full classroom capacity, assuming health and safety guidelines are met. Virtual instruction options will be prepared as part of contingency plans, including instructional plans for international students who cannot travel to the US. As always, the University reserves the prerogative to change the mode of instruction for any course to online or hybrid delivery whenever deemed necessary or pedagogically appropriate.

While there are still some uncertainties, AS&E leaders are optimistic that vaccines will be widely deployed this spring and summer and strongly encourage students, faculty, and staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as eligibility allows.

The specific plans and policies for instruction, activities, and operations in the 2021–22 academic year will be updated regularly in the coming months and informed by and subject to change based on information from the University’s medical experts, the current state of COVID-19 on campus, any additional state and federal guidelines, as well as the commitment to the University community’s health and safety.

Residential Life will open the summer housing application on April 5. Students currently living in campus housing may apply for housing for part or all of the summer. Charges can be billed to student accounts or payment can be made directly to Residential Life. Students may request financial support if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Students with an expired visa stamp who may not be able to renew their visas due to US Embassy or Consular on-going closures or restricted availability of visa appointments in their home country or country of residence
• Students who cannot travel home or to their country of residence due to unavailability of flights
• Students from countries or regions that are subject to COVID-19 travel bans to the US
• Students who face housing insecurity (homelessness or precarious living situation)

For students who meet the above criteria for support and who have demonstrated financial need (currently receiving federal or institutional aid based on the 2020–21 financial aid application), support will be provided on a sliding scale. Aid will be provided at 30 percent, 60 percent, or 95 percent based on the level of aid you currently receive during the academic year. Contact your financial aid counselor if you have questions about your level of aid.

Students will be responsible for food expenses. If you are primarily dining on campus, Dining Services recommends budgeting $20 per day, which should provide 2+ meals. As always, if you are facing food insecurity you may request support through the Basic Needs Hub and utilize the Food Pantry.