Fall 2020 Transition

November 10, 2020

As we move through November I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of upcoming changes to on-campus activities for the rest of the semester and into 2021. 

Dear Faculty and Staff, 

As we move through November I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of upcoming changes to on-campus activities for the rest of the semester and into 2021. 

Since March, the university has made decisions regarding our response to COVID-19 based on the best science and public health informed guidelines. The campus has instituted a number of health and safety protocols that are working to ensure a safe learning environment. Thus far, our plans have been successful, with reduced density on-campus and a commitment to following safety guidelines we have been able to see a limited number of positive cases among our campus community. 

Over the past month cases of COVID-19 have increased throughout the county and in our own communities. As winter arrives, experts expect that we will continue to see a significant increase in flu and COVID-19 cases. The university has instituted plans for the next several months, outlined below, that will aid in keeping the campus community safe. 

• All courses shift to remote instruction beginning Monday, November 30 following an extended Thanksgiving break for courses (Nov. 22-29). 

• When courses shift to remote instruction some activities will continue on-campus, as they have throughout the fall semester. These activities will continue through the end of the semester on Tuesday, December 22 and again be available January 4 through March 1: 

  • Building Access will continue through the MCard Access and One Card Access processes 

  • Reservable temporary workspace for faculty and staff (reservable spaces for students will not be available) 

  • University Research - approved activities only, with students participating in necessary research-for-credit activities 

  • Mardigian Library - external pick-up/return service near the library entrance 

  • Bookstore - curbside service

  • Food Pantry - by appointment by emailing umdearbornpantry@umich.edu

  • Credit Union - remote operations only

  • Digital Education Studios available by appointment for faculty recording 

  • Wireless internet access in the Fairlane Center Campus parking lot. 

  • HR I-9 Processing 

  • Student equipment and laptop lending coordinated by the Dean of Students Office 

• Campus will be closed for the following dates for holiday breaks: 

  • Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 29

  • Wednesday, December 23 through Sunday, January 3

• Courses for the winter semester will begin on Wednesday, January 13 with all in remote instruction. All staff and faculty who can work remotely will continue to do so.

• Information regarding on-campus activities beginning Monday, March 1 will be shared by mid-February. 

We will discuss the fall semester and plans for the next few months during the faculty and staff virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, November 11 from 1-2 p.m. 

The university will continue to monitor COVID-19 throughout southeast Michigan and follow any changes to the guidance from public health professionals. We will adjust our health and safety guidelines as required to prioritize the well-being of our students, faculty and staff. Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our campus community safe. 

Go Blue - Go Dearborn! 

Laura
Laura Drabczyk
Director, Emergency Management