In-person classes planned to begin January 31

Dear University of Rochester Community,

We write with the good news that recent downward trends in new COVID cases in the Rochester region are encouraging enough to our public health experts and local government officials that we can confirm that we are preparing for a return to in-person instruction on Monday, January 31. There will be some new requirements and health protocols, as well as minor operational changes that we will communicate to students, faculty, and staff next week, but for now, students living in campus housing who have remained off campus should make plans to return to their residence halls on January 29 and 30, and be prepared to transition back to in-person classroom learning beginning on January 31.

Over the past several weeks, the dedicated healthcare professionals at the University of Rochester Medical Center have worked tirelessly to care for the Rochester community even as infection rates surged and mandatory isolation guidelines resulted in staff shortages. At the same time, many other members of our campus community have been hard at work maintaining services for students who remained on campus during winter stay and developing the necessary plans and preparations that continue to prioritize the health and well-being of all of our University community members. Make no mistake: COVID – and especially the highly contagious omicron variant – remains a concern for us, and we are mindful of how quickly the public health situation may change. However, given that COVID case numbers appear to have peaked locally and begun to decline, as have the staff absences due to COVID, we’re optimistic about our ability to launch the in-person learning and residential experiences. As the spring semester progresses, we will continue to monitor conditions carefully and adjust accordingly with the intention of avoiding a shift to online instruction unless that becomes critically important for health and safety reasons.

For residential students: Unless otherwise instructed, students should plan to return to campus on January 29 or January 30. Please do not return before that time, so that our staff and faculty can make the necessary preparations for your arrival. However, if it is absolutely necessary to return early, please refer to the COVID Resource Center FAQ for guidance on how to obtain permission for early return. Pre-arrival COVID testing requirements still apply regardless of arrival date. Students who arrive on January 29 or after will see a credit applied to their account for the pro-rated room and board. *

And a reminder to all students: get your required COVID booster shot and upload the proof to UHSConnect.  Full details are available on the COVID Resource Center.

Thank you to everyone for being patient and flexible during this time, and safe travels to all. If you have additional questions, please contact URQuestion@rochester.edu.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus soon!

Sincerely,

Sarah C. Mangelsdorf
President and G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor

Sarah Peyre
Interim Provost

Mark B. Taubman
CEO, University of Rochester Medical Center and Dean, School of Medicine and Dentistry

* This date was later changed to January 27 to be responsive to student needs.