March 16, 2020 @ 11:58 a.m.
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
We are writing today with an important operational update for those faculty, students, and staff who are not already working or learning remotely. With the COVID-19 situation escalating, we believe it is our public health duty to institute extreme measures to impede the spread of the coronavirus.
This situation is unprecedented in the last century, and these decisions are made with the utmost concern for the lives of those within our campus community and beyond. As we have heard almost daily from various sources, and in consultation
with faculty, leadership and subject matter experts: In order to reduce the spread of this pandemic, we must strictly limit gatherings of individuals and minimize the migration of individuals in and out of our campus communities. Working and learning
remotely, practicing social distancing and isolation, for the time being, is the only way to significantly impact the spread of this virus.
Beginning on Tuesday, March 17, at 5 p.m., we will drastically restrict access to all CU Denver buildings,
both on the Auraria Campus and on the downtown side of Speer Blvd.
After Tuesday at 5 p.m., only those deemed “critical” (for essential functions that must be performed on premise) should come to work. You may access buildings today and tomorrow; please be sure to retrieve anything you’ll need to get your work done remotely.
Beginning on Wednesday, March 18, even those “critical” employees should be on campus only when absolutely necessary and hold meetings virtually. Exceptions, such as projects that may need more than two days to suspend, can be requested through campus leadership:
After 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, most classroom buildings will be closed on the Auraria Campus, including the Science Building and North Classroom and the CU Denver buildings on the downtown side of Speer (Lawrence Street Center, CU Denver Building, Business School). This includes a closure of the Tivoli Student Union. Note that the Tivoli computer lab will be open and staffed until 7 p.m. today and tomorrow.
A few buildings will remain open:
The Auraria Library will physically close, but will continue to offer services remotely.
Student success and enrollment services are functioning as normal, though operating remotely. Here are additional resources that may be helpful as students shift to remote learning:
We understand that the adjustments in the campus operating conditions may cause stress and anxiety as you plan your day-to-day lives and activities. While so much about the coronavirus remains unknown, we do know that fewer people on campus means fewer risks to our entire community. Please do all you can to take care of yourself and those around you during this difficult time.
I want to express my deep appreciation to the faculty who are working tirelessly to ensure that our students are able to continue their studies. We have seen tremendous collaboration in the effort to go remote in such short order. Thanks also to our operational and student affairs staff who are going above and beyond to support our campus community, continue our mission and keep us all safe. And to our entire CU Denver community, we are grateful for your continued understanding and cooperation. Please monitor the CU Denver COVID-19 website for updated information.
Even while we practice social distancing to stem the tide of this virus, I hope this is a moment in which we can come together (virtually!) and practice compassion, empathy and caring for those in our community and beyond.
Dorothy Horrell
Chancellor