TO:  University of Idaho Faculty and Staff
FROM:  Scott Green, President
DATE:  July 28, 2020
SUBJECT:  U of I Still Committed to In-Person Classes for Fall; Employee Town Hall Aug. 4

While we can appreciate the institution-specific factors that led to Washington State University’s decision last week to move to nearly all online course delivery for fall semester, let us emphasize that we are committed to be open for in-person classes this fall. This is only possible because we have made truly incredible progress working with healthcare experts and our partners at Gritman Medical Center to design specific safety protocols.

We continue to implement a uniquely robust set of safety measures — including required testing of all students — to provide effective learning and work environments and a campus that is as safe as possible for students, faculty and staff. More than 1,000 colleges and universities across the country plan to open with in-person classes this fall, including all four-year Idaho institutions and our competitors in Montana and Utah. While going on-line could make our job easier in some ways, it would be the worst possible outcome for many employees and students.

We understand the anxiety some feel about returning to work and class. Please join us from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, for an Employee Town Hall meeting. We look forward to walking you through the details of our preparations and answering your questions. We will not only provide details about our plans, but also the impact to employees should we need to go back on-line during the semester. Participants must register ahead of time via Zoom. The town hall will be recorded and posted on the U of I COVID site after the event.

We look forward to seeing you Aug. 4.

Stay Calm and Vandal On.

Scott Green
President

president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president