To our Rhody community—our students, family members, faculty, staff and alumni—there is nothing that we want more than to have our vibrant campus community come together as we begin the spring season today. Unfortunately, this is not possible as we all face the spread of COVID-19. As we have said from the beginning of this difficult situation, the University of Rhode Island’s cornerstone values seek to create and maintain an environment conducive to personal health and wellness. With the continued spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), the University community must continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of this virus.
Therefore, we have an imperative to take actions today that may alter the experience and expectations of our students, faculty, and staff in unprecedented ways. We do not make these decisions lightly. The world around us is changing every day and any actions we can take to enhance clarity surrounding this issue and the health and peace of mind of our community are more important than ever.
The University continues to be open and operational. An information hotline is available for those who have questions: 401.874.3082. The hotline is staffed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please continue to visit the University’s Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) website for regular updates and additional resources.
Face-to-face spring semester classes suspended and will continue remotely
Effective immediately, all face-to-face classes at all University of Rhode Island campuses will be delivered remotely for the remainder of the spring semester. In light of the needs of and feedback from students, faculty, staff and families, we are making the decision now—rather than waiting—to end any face-to-face classes this semester. Our faculty and staff are working day and night to make sure the University continues to deliver the highest quality education under these extreme circumstances. We thank them for their continued work, and we appreciate all of the support and understanding you are giving them as they transition to remote teaching and learning.
All experiential learning students should continue to follow the guidance of their college, supervisor, or employer regarding reporting to their internship or clinical.
Graduate and faculty research should continue as usual both on and off campus while following the guidance on social distancing and large gatherings. Graduate researchers should consult with their faculty, and faculty have the discretion to make decisions on the continuation of the research they oversee.
Thesis and dissertation defenses can be done remotely and be limited to the student and committee in attendance. Contact the Graduate School for any special arrangements.
Given the current expectations about the potential duration of COVID-19 impacts and after conversations with faculty leadership, it is likely that summer session courses may also need to be delivered remotely. Final decisions about the delivery method of summer classes for Session I, II, and III will be made soon.
Orderly cancellation of and move out schedule for on-campus housing
Many students and parents have inquired about University policy concerning the cancellation of on-campus housing and dining, and refunds or credits available, given the transition to remote instruction for the remainder of the spring semester. Thank you for your calls and support. We hear you and are working on a plan.
We will provide guidance to students and parents by noon, Friday, March 20, on the orderly cancellation of housing and dining, a schedule for removing personal items from undergraduate residence halls, and refunds that will be provided.
Please do not come to campus to remove personal items until further guidance is available to schedule the removal of these items. We take this action to protect the health and well-being of you, your families and our community. For those of you from a distance who cannot come back to campus, we are here to help, and will devise a plan to support you.
Those students who need to stay on campus for personal or family reasons, should be assured that the URI team is here to support you. URI’s housing and dining operations will remain operational to meet your needs through the conclusion of the spring semester and as long as the University remains operational. Graduate student housing will continue to operate with similar anticipated limited access to services listed above.
Students who reside in Greek Life houses or in off-campus properties are encouraged to contact their housing corporations or landlords directly with questions pertaining to leases and refunds.
Commencement decision
To our soon-to-be graduates and family members who are looking forward to commencement, a decision regarding the in-person spring 2020 commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 16 and 17, 2020 at all university campuses will be made no later than Tuesday, March 24, 2020. We are deeply committed to ensuring our graduates have every opportunity to celebrate and share one of their greatest life achievements, and we want to be sure this decision takes those desires or wishes into account. First and foremost, we are committed to ensuring that our students and their families are able to remain safe and that their health and well-being are protected.
Thank you for your support, patience and care for each other, Rhody Family! We will continue to identify ways for us to engage as a community, even if remotely, and prepare for the day when we can be back together again.
Recent travel reminder
Students, faculty and staff arriving in the United States or who have traveled outside the 50 states and the District of Columbia since February 29, 2020 must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days from their return to the US, in accordance with Executive Order 20-03 of the State of Rhode Island. You should not return to campus until the end of the quarantine period. Travelers returning to the United States should follow the guidelines provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel site.
Students who were studying abroad and have been recalled to their permanent residences in the U.S. should not return to campus.
If you develop signs of illness within 14 days of returning to the U.S., such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath, please call your health care provider.
Students should notify URI Health Services. Staff in URI Health Services will then reach out to students via their Electronic Health Record (EHR) with information about self-quarantine instructions for 14 days off-campus as well as health information for monitoring the status of their health. Health Services staff remain available at 401.874.2246 should medical questions or concerns arise.