The University of Cincinnati is transitioning to online classes for the beginning of the spring semester, officials said in an email to the campus community Tuesday. The shift to online classes will not affect UC's athletic teams or their events, however.
Officials said the university will move operations online starting Wednesday and revert back to full in-person classes on Jan. 24. Spring semester classes start Monday.
The move comes as COVID-19 cases are inundating the Cincinnati region.
"The goal of this in-person delay is for us to assess the impact of Omicron on our populations; let the spike in transmissions run its course; implement additional measures for screening and testing; and assess the feasibility of providing faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to receive booster shots," the email reads.
Clinical lab, studio and performance activities will continue to operate in person if social distancing, limited gatherings and heightened health measures are in place, officials said.
"We want to ensure that, when we come back, we come back to a safer, healthier, and fully vibrant face-to-face experience," the email reads.
UC athletics director John Cunningham said in a Tuesday statement: "Events are expected to go on as currently scheduled and teams will continue to be allowed to practice, meet and workout.
"We ask all fans attending our events to follow the University of Cincinnati’s requirement to wear masks or facial coverings indoors (unless you are eating or drinking) in an effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and keep our student-athletes, our staff and our fans safe and healthy.”
The men's basketball team has home games on Jan. 12 against East Carolina and on Jan. 20 against Tulsa. The women's basketball team has a home game on Jan. 13 against Wichita State.
Also on Tuesday, Northern Kentucky University announced it will be delaying spring semester classes until Jan. 18.
Source link
