UHCL moves to online format amid COVID-19 concerns
The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has canceled all face-to-face and online classes for the week of March 16-21 based on concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19. This decision came not long after the University of Houston (UH) also announced they would not be holding classes that week. University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) and University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) have also followed suit.
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any University of Houston System (UHS) school.
All campuses, with the exception of UHV, have officially announced that their courses will move online starting March 23. UHV will make an announcement following spring break, which started March 12 for UHV students.
In a March 11 email communication, UHCL President Ira K. Blake outlined the details regarding the closure and the move to an online format.
“Classes (face-to-face and online), including lectures, seminars, discussions and/or presentations will not be held next week (March 16-21),” Blake said in the statement. “Beginning March 23, classes will be offered remotely (online or alternative format) until further notice.”
Students should prepare to remain in remote format for the foreseeable future. In a March 16 email communication from UHCL Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Steven J. Berberich; Vice President of Student Affairs Aaron Hart; and Faculty Senate President Heather Kanenberg, these remote formats will last until at least May 2, 2020.
“The University of Houston-Clear Lake will be prepared to offer online classes throughout the rest of the semester should that be necessary,” the Dean of Students Office (DOS) confirmed. “We realize that some classes may not be suitable for online instruction and, in those cases, individual faculty should make alternative arrangements.”
UHCL is encouraging all students to stay home during this time and all campus events have been suspended or canceled through April 30. The campus will remain open with increased sanitation and hygiene protocols, and campus resources and offices will still be available to students.
Campus housing will also continue to operate, and dining services will be available with limited hours. During this period, students can expect to continue to have access to faculty and staff through remote communications.
With campus operations remaining open, UHS is requiring anyone returning from a CDC Level 2 or Level 3 country to practice self-quarantine from campus for at least two weeks upon their return. UHCL has updated an online International Travel Registration Form for those returning from or planning any international travel.
Health Services will continue to operate and remain a resource to students, faculty and staff.
“Should you have any concerns or questions about your health, please call Health Services prior to coming to campus,” the DOS Office said.
During this transitional period, UHCL is encouraging all students to fill out the Student Resources Survey to best meet student needs.
“UHCL is a community that cares, a community that cares about your personal health, your education and your future, so please continue to let us know what you need to be academically successful as we all adjust in the coming week,” the DOS Office said.
