6/5/2020
TO: Fayette Students
SUBJECT: President’s Announcement – Return to Fayette Campus
Dear Fayette Student:
We are very excited to inform you that progress continues as we plan to welcome you back to the Fayette Campus later this summer, with classes set to begin as previously scheduled on Monday, August 31. We also appreciate and congratulate you on your patience, perseverance, and dedication as you successfully completed your spring semester during such a challenging period in our lives. While it was not the experience any of us were envisioning, we were pleased that by utilizing UIU’s long-standing experience in online learning you were able to continue making progress toward your degree. With that said, we are eager to resume face-to-face learning in the fall.
UIU is working closely with local and state public health officials to create a safe learning environment for students, faculty, and staff while still providing the student-centered education that is an important and long-standing element of our culture. Please take time now to review important updates below and be alert for future communications to your UIU email address about a return to face-to-face learning.
Academic Calendar: The University will follow the regularly scheduled academic calendar, as outlined on the UIU website. However, Fayette Campus courses will be transitioned to online learning beginning on Monday, November 30, through the end of final exams on Thursday, December 17. This decision has been made to lessen face-to-face interaction between Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, a time when sickness can be commonly spread. Students will have the option to stay in residence during this period, but classes will not meet face-to-face on the Fayette Campus during the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Department, Location and Operations Planning: Units and personnel are currently working on detailed plans for several University operations, including academics, athletics, dining services, student housing, and events. As you can imagine, some of the experiences you have become accustomed to on campus may look a little different upon your return, but we will do all we can to provide a safe environment while also giving you an outstanding student experience. More information on these specific plans will be provided in the weeks ahead.
Registering for Classes: Students who have not yet registered for fall courses should contact their academic advisor as soon as possible to register. If your advisor is unavailable, contact Amy Tucker at <a href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]</a> for assistance. Since new students have begun registering, some courses have begun to fill. We want to make sure you get your desired courses so the sooner you can register, the better your chances will be to get in those courses.
Residence Halls and Move-In: Residence halls will be open and we will coordinate with public health officials on methods and modifications to provide a safe and healthy residential environment. Student Life will communicate a schedule in the near future, and returning students will be assigned a day to move in. The schedule will be adhered to with no exceptions so that we can provide a safe arrival for all.
Athletics: The UIU athletic administration is in constant contact with the NCAA and Northern Sun as planning for resumption of athletics continues. Student-athletes will be contacted as more information is known about move-in, practice, and competition schedules. This information is expected to be published no later than June 15.
Future Updates: Over the next several weeks, communication will be sent out as we near a return to face-to-face learning. As we all know, the circumstances surrounding the pandemic evolve on a daily basis and it will be important for the entire UIU community to be aware of and receptive to UIU updates.
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!
Very sincerely, and GO PEACOCKS!
Bill
William R. Duffy II, Ed.D., Ed.S.
President
Upper Iowa University