Accelerated Remote Teaching and Learning,
Additional Guidance for Events and Meetings

March 13, 2020 @ 11:30 a.m.

Dear CU Denver students, faculty and staff:

You are likely aware that the coronavirus is now considered a world-wide pandemic, with cases in Colorado increasing quickly. Public health officials are advising that even stronger mitigation actions be taken. A number of local school districts, sports organizations and area businesses are making decisions in response to that guidance.

At CU Denver, we have already undertaken a number of steps and today I write with updated decisions. All of these actions are taken with the goal of keeping our community safe by limiting people-to-people contact.   

Remote Teaching and Learning, New Date

We had previously announced that a transition of all classes to remote learning would happen by Monday, March 30. Our faculty have been responding rapidly and many classes are already transitioned. We ask faculty to complete these shifts as soon as possible and no later than Monday, March 16, to limit the number of students who need to attend classes in person. Professors and instructors will be informing their classes as to the status of each particular class. 

In order to facilitate planning and eliminate as much uncertainty as possible, today we are announcing that classes will continue via remote teaching and learning for the entirety of the spring semester.

Remote Working Plans

Employees and student workers whose work is not deemed “critical” to be performed on campus are strongly encouraged to work remotely whenever possible. (For COVID-19, critical services are duties that are critical to the operation of a department and must be performed on premise.)

By Monday, March 16, supervisors should have identified student workers, researchers and staff who can work remotely, meaning their work can be done partially or entirely away from campus. Supervisors should determine, in consultation with their employees, whether it is feasible for them to work remotely and if so, the manner in which they will perform their responsibilities.

As soon as a supervisor provides authorization, an employee can work remotely following their required registration on our remote workforce site.

Please note that supervisors may need to make changes as they continually evaluate campus needs and an employee’s work requirements. On a weekly basis, campus officials will be monitoring conditions and communicating to employees the status of remote working for the coming week. 

If you are deemed to be an essential or critical faculty or staff member, and will remain on campus in the coming weeks, please continue to be safe and follow prevention protocols.

Our goal is to continue the work of the university. Meetings required to continue university operations should occur remotely. See remote work resources here. 

Updated Guidance for Meetings and Events

Previously, CU Denver suspended all non-essential events scheduled with more than 75 people in projected attendance.

Effective today at 5 p.m., CU Denver will suspend all events, gatherings, campus visits, regardless of size that are not critical to our academic programming until further notice. This includes on-campus and off-campus events sponsored by the university. To request an exception, please contact events@ucdenver.edu.

In addition, whenever possible, we strongly encourage all meetings to be conducted remotely. In any case, no face-to-face meetings should take place that include 10 or more individuals. 

Campus Facilities

Lynx Crossing (formerly known as Campus Village) will remain open, with continued enhanced custodial services. Staff of the facility will be working closely with the residents to determine needs for continued housing and dining. 

Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center will close effective Saturday, March 14, and will remain closed until further notice. We will be determining how to handle the fees that students and staff have paid to cover usage for the balance of the semester. 

Health Center at Auraria will remain open. The number is 303-615-9999. The services, available to CU Denver faculty, staff, and students, include COVID-19 telephone assessment, testing, and mental health.

The status of other Auraria facilities is being evaluated by senior leaders from AHEC, CCD, MSU Denver and CU Denver. More information will be shared as the situation unfolds.

Further communication regarding access to resources—including the Auraria Library, food bank, and computers—will follow.

Spring Commencement

We understand the need for our students who are scheduled to graduate this spring to have lead time to make travel plans and other arrangements for your families and friends. We will communicate our decision on spring commencement by Monday, March 30.

For students expecting to graduate, we are particularly focused on ensuring that you are able to complete your coursework. Although we do not yet know what form our commencement ceremony will take (remote, postponed, or something else), we’re committed to celebrating this accomplishment with you.

We understand the disruption these actions will have and appreciate your cooperation in this unprecedented situation. Our goal is to help protect the community and our people—all of you—from this virus and its continued spread.

We know you will have many questions on this, and we will provide more details in the coming days. Information will also be posted at ucdenver.edu/coronavirus as it becomes available. This site also contains links to resources available on the Auraria Campus and in the community.

We continue to be very grateful for your understanding and cooperation.  I encourage you to take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Dorothy Horrell