UW to hold more than 90% of fall quarter classes online

SEATTLE — The University of Washington in Seattle announced it will hold more than 90% of its classes for the fall quarter online due to the number of rising coronavirus cases.

University officials said there will be some classes that are taught in person because they cannot be taught remotely, and there will be appropriate safety measures and physical distancing in place.

Undergraduate and most graduate students have the choice of continuing their academics through remote instruction, but UW Medicine and other graduate health science programs will continue with a majority of in-person learning, due to teaching and learning that must take place in hospitals and clinics, officials said.

As for classes that will be taught in person, there is an expectation that they will remain that way throughout the fall unless there is a change in the pandemic that requires the school to make additional revisions.

Officials said, “We remain fully committed to ensuring your academic progress regardless of the mode of instruction or any changes that may occur.”

Residence halls and other housing will also be open to students who need it or believe it is in their best interest to live on campus, officials said. Food service is also expected to continue, with safety guidelines in place.

“While we are all disappointed that the continued spread of the virus has limited our ability to safely provide more in-person teaching, we continue to be excited about the learning and discovery in store for our academic community. Our faculty, teaching assistants and academic support staff have been engaged in developing innovative and creative approaches to online learning. We look forward to a meaningful and academically-rich autumn, in which we all do our part to protect our community’s health and safety,” school officials wrote in a letter to students.

Face coverings will be required for students who live on campus, or who visit the campus for in-person instruction.

School officials also said that students can expect that all gathering and learning spaces will be routinely sanitized.

Cox Media Group