Fall 2020 Reopening Plan
Updates and resources on the gradual reopening of campus amid the COVID-19 pandemic
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UPDATED AUGUST 12, 2020 at 11:30 A.M.
We have worked diligently to develop and enhance plans for reopening our physical campus this fall. Hundreds of faculty, staff and students are collaborating in work-groups and teams to create an academically-rich environment for the fall semester. Over 600 grants have been awarded to innovative approaches to online and blended learning. We have also worked to create a physically distant, socially-rich environment.
Our focus has been on the health and well-being of our entire campus community, and our plans have been coordinated with state and county health officials, with additional guidance provided by the University System of Maryland.
Update (8/10/20): The University of Maryland will begin the semester as scheduled on August 31 but will delay undergraduate in-person instruction until September 14. Undergraduate instruction will be delivered online for the first two weeks. All graduate-level instruction and approved research activities will proceed as planned.
Our framework for planning the reopening is informed by four principles:
- Prioritize the health and safety of every member of our campus community;
- Protect and support the educational and research missions to maintain academic excellence;
- Make decisions grounded in our values of equity and inclusion;
- Provide timely and transparent communication and obtain input from internal and external stakeholders about the proposed reopening plans.
Latest News and Announcements / Reopening FAQs / Reopening Plan (PDF)
Health and Safety
The university has developed a multifaceted and integrated plan for COVID-19 surveillance, testing and early warning.
Updates on the Health and Safety plan
Education
The fall semester will begin on Aug. 31. Undergraduate in-person instruction will be delayed until Sept. 14 and delivered online for the first two weeks. All graduate-level instruction will proceed as planned. Classes will run through Dec. 14, as scheduled.
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Schedule of Classes (Testudo)
We encourage you to use the feedback form if you have questions specific to UMD and coronavirus. If you have a medical question or concern, please contact your physician.
Research
Research operations were the first activities to resume on campus, speaking to its vital role at the University of Maryland.
Student Life
The student experience will include new safety guidelines and opportunities regarding housing, dining, co-curricular activities, and mental health and wellness.
Update on the Student Life plan
Intercollegiate Athletics
Maryland Athletics worked with health officials and the NCAA and Big Ten Conference to develop a plan to safely return to training, practice, competition and work.
Human Resources
To de-densify the campus and ensure physical distancing, the gradual return to campus of faculty and staff will be phased over several months.
Fiscal Planning
The state's Department of Budget and Management has not yet released its proposed budget. Additional details will be shared when the proposed state budget is received.
Feedback
We value input from our campus community. Please fill out our feedback form to share suggestions or report concerns about health and safety on campus.
Feedback
We value input from our campus community. Please fill out our feedback form to share suggestions or report concerns about health and safety on campus.
Help Terps in Need. Your gift to the UMD Student Crisis Fund provides critical funds to students who need immediate assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.