Dear UVM Community,

We are pleased to announce today that we intend to return to a full on-campus experience this fall. This will be reflected in the Fall Schedule of Courses to be released later today. We will, of course, continue to rely on public health guidance and work with state and local officials, but we are confident that fall 2021will include course offerings close to, if not at, pre-pandemic levels.

We also want to let you know that we are working with the State of Vermont on plans for this year’s Commencement.  Public health regulations may require us to limit in-person attendance to graduates only, but the conversations are underway. We know how important this milestone is for our graduates and families. We are working hard to make it a great experience, even with COVID-19 restrictions in place. We will be sure to update you as soon as we have more information.

With regard to fall 2021, below is a list outlining current preparations and plans. We will continue to expand on these plans and create a dedicated webpage with up-to-date information as soon as possible.

This past year, and especially these past months, have reminded us of the importance of our values and connection to one another. It has also been a demonstration of the extraordinary things we can achieve when we work together. In the near-term, we must stay vigilant and not let our guard down now, but it is exciting to think of the semester to come. As always, we thank you for your collaboration and partnership.

Fall 2021 Key Points

• We are planning for a full on-campus fall 2021 semester. This is reflected in the Fall Schedule of Courses.
• We are also preparing contingency plans that will allow us to adjust to Vermont health and safety guidelines for fall reopening when they are available. While this may require some modification to the schedule of courses, our plans are designed to minimize the impact of any changes on our students, with a majority of instruction still delivered in person.
• We strongly encourage students with concerns about returning to in-person instruction to speak with an academic advisor or their Student Services Office to better understand their options.
• As in previous years, we will offer select courses in online and hybrid formats. In fact, we have about a 25% increase in on-line and hybrid offerings for those students who find this mode of instruction valuable to their learning.
• Vaccine distribution plans vary by state, but every student is encouraged to be vaccinated when they are able.
• We anticipate no pre-arrival testing but may institute some initial testing early in the semester. This may change as further data and CDC guidance emerge.
• We will observe Vermont quarantine and travel guidance in place at the time of reopening.  We fully expect that it will change significantly in the coming months.
• We will also share guidance related to COVID-19 vaccinations when available.

Suresh Garimella, President

Patricia Prelock, Provost and Senior Vice President