Dear members of the UA community,
I’m excited to announce updates to our campus operational plans, based on changes to state and federal health and safety guidelines.
These changes will allow us to resume virtually all of the in-person events and activities that make UA the thriving and engaging campus our students know and enjoy.
As previously announced, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear face coverings outdoors while on UA campuses. According to CDC guidance, masks are required where people await, board or disembark public transportation, including campus Roo Express shuttle stops, regardless of vaccination status.
Signage will be updated across UA campuses to reflect the following changes that are effective June 2:
- In most scenarios, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear face coverings indoors, or practice social distancing, while on UA campuses.
- The University will be relaxing restrictions on room capacities.
- Unvaccinated individuals will be required to wear face coverings whenever they are around others on campus, both indoors and outdoors.
- Basketball, indoor track, showers and increased capacities return at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
As for this fall, I am pleased to be able to share the following:
- Classes will be in person at full seating capacity.
- More options will be available for in-person engagement and extended learning opportunities such as internships, co-ops, etc.
- Residence halls will be open at near capacity. Study and social lounges will be open. In-person floor meetings and other social activities will be available.
- On-campus dining with open seating will be available.
- Campus celebrations, University/student organization and athletic events will resume in-person.
- All student support services will be available in-person.
While we respect the individual choices of every Zip, we strongly encourage our community to roll up their sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccination.
Fall 2021 will be an exciting time on campus at The University of Akron. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to get registered for fall classes. If you would like assistance, please contact your academic advisor (listed in My Akron) or ZipAssist.
Campus administrators and the COVID-19 Response Team will continue to evaluate our pandemic response and keep you updated.
Our UA community is resilient and determined. The pandemic has challenged us creatively and collaboratively. Zips Rise Together and I would like to thank our faculty, students, contract professionals and staff for all that has been accomplished during the last year.
Sincerely,
Gary L. Miller
President
The University of Akron