COVID update: Rundown of current campus operations

02/08/2021

Students walk by the University of Akron Student Union on their way to classHere are the latest updates for campus operations based on state and county health orders. Some necessary exceptions are being allowed; the exceptions are informed by community trends and by campus COVID-testing results.

  • Sit-down dining has been extended to two guests per table.
  • Residence hall students are now permitted as guests in residence hall rooms, and the limitation of one guest per resident remains.
  • In-person meetings are limited to essential University business. All other meetings should continue using virtual/remote options. Limiting group size continues to remain an important aspect of out-of-classroom business, therefore no campus events or space rentals are permitted at this time.
  • The Student Recreation and Wellness Center and the Ocasek Natatorium are open. Limited group exercise classes are offered, as well as rock climbing, single court use, club sport conditioning and intramural sports that meet campus guidelines. Additional equipment has been moved to increase traffic flow through the facilities. Staff are reminding members frequently about facial coverings, social distancing and other safety guidelines.  
  • The Office of Admissions resumed limited, scheduled campus visits on Feb. 8.
  • The Jean Hower Taber Student Union remains open with restricted dine-in seating. Study spaces are open with new limited capacities. The game room is open for recreation options. Staff are reminding guests frequently about facial coverings, social distancing and other safety guidelines. See hours of operation.
  • Bierce Library is open for individual use of computer workstations, printers, study rooms and library resources. Group study is permitted, with adherence to stated safety guidelines. New check-in procedures in the lobby have been established to protect students and maintain sanitized spaces. University Archives remains available by appointment.
  • University-sponsored travel is limited for academic necessity and must be no more than 15 mins from campus. No carpooling is permitted, and approval is required.
  • Coaches will communicate with student-athletes on specific impacts to their sport.
  • No changes are in effect for the branch campuses.
  • Faculty and students working on critical research can continue their work with reduced capacity in labs.

Additionally, members of the campus community are reminded that the statewide 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew is still in effect until Feb. 11. The curfew does not apply to those going to or from work, those who have an emergency or those who need medical care. The curfew is not intended to stop anyone from getting groceries or going to a pharmacy. The Summit County Stay-at-Home Advisory has been extended to Feb. 28.

We are using campus-wide testing data to help inform our decision on phasing in other face-to-face opportunities for all students, such as additional sit-down dining options, recreation opportunities and campus events.

Keeping our campus community safe is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation at the county and state levels and make additional adjustments as needed. Unless otherwise necessary, an update will be shared on or before March 2.