To the University of Miami Community:
This week, we welcomed new and returning students and their families to our re-imagined campus community. Our campus may have changed, but our ’Canes spirit remains strong.
Monday marks the start of classes. All of our students, domestic and international, and whether attending in person, online, or through hybrid delivery, have the full support of the entire ’Canes community.
As part of the campus reopening strategy, we are providing COVID-19 tests to all students prior to their return to campus. To date, the University has received COVID-19 test results for 6,845 students, with a positivity rate of 0.497%. Students who test positive are required to self-isolate for up to 14 days based on CDC guidelines, and may return to campus once cleared by Student Health Service. We will continue to keep you informed as we adapt and respond to evolving circumstances, while providing an enriching fall semester.
The following is the latest in our series of weekly updates provided to keep you informed about our fall semester reopening.
Top reminders this week
- All students are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test before returning to campus. Information regarding testing requirements and instructions has been sent directly to students. View complete information regarding the University’s testing requirements, including how to report positive test results conducted outside the University of Miami and self-isolation requirements.
- Students, faculty, and staff who are on campus are required to use a daily symptom checker and respond appropriately to the guidance it provides.
- All students, faculty, and staff must complete the We Are One U: COVID-19 Safety Principles online module.
- Face coverings are mandatory at all times while in public spaces on our campuses, whether indoors or outdoors, and everyone must continue to practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene.
Personalized medicine program for COVID-19
- The University has developed a personalized medicine program for faculty, on-campus staff, and students to promote the importance of good health and provide 24/7 guidance and care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the program: faculty/staff | students
Campus life
- A campus-wide curfew of 10 p.m. will be enforced until further notice. With the exception of any University credit-bearing classes ending past 10 p.m., all resident students must return to and be within their residential college or apartment area by the stated curfew. Non-resident students are expected to follow campus and local curfews. Currently Miami-Dade County has a countywide curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day.
- As an additional safety measure, no food or drinks, with the exception of water, will be permitted while in class in classrooms.
- The Department of Student Activities and Student Organizations has developed University-wide guidelines for all undergraduate student meetings, programs, and events on campus.
Faculty and staff
- All staff who are not required to provide direct support to students or patients should continue to work from home and should return to campus only after receiving explicit approval from their manager, dean, or administrative vice president. Your support is appreciated as we continue to limit campus density to allow for physical distancing.
- Staff working from home should continue to complete the COVID-19 Telecommute Arrangement in Workday for each week that you work from home. Failure to do so could impact University cell phone stipends. For assistance, please review the COVID-19 Telecommute Arrangement in Workday Tip Sheet.
- Faculty and staff at UHealth and the Miller School of Medicine should continue to follow guidance shared by Medical Campus leadership and review the latest Medical Campus advisories and information.
Research
- Faculty should continue to follow the Research Standard Operating Procedure , which is based on our robust, evidence-based strategy to reduce disease transmissibility, devised by UHealth clinical leadership and public health experts, and relies on five Ts—testing, tracing, tele-vigilance, tracking, and teamwork—to minimize new exposure and spread of infection. One notable upcoming change to the research SOP will be the ability to add undergraduate students to research activities under specific conditions and requirements; we ask that this be delayed until after Labor Day.
Our careful and thoughtful approach to reopening campus is rooted in following the Four Pillars to help slow the spread. For more information about our plan for a safe return to campus, please visit the coronavirus response webpage, which is updated regularly and includes frequently asked questions.
From the moment students stepped foot on campus, our ’Canes Care for ’Canes philosophy was palpable and continues to unite us during even the most challenging times. Together, we will work toward a safe, engaging, and productive academic year.
We Are One U. |
