University Of Washington Previews 2020 Fall Quarter Plans

SEATTLE, WA — The University of Washington released more detailed plans for how some courses can resume in-person instruction in the autumn quarter, using a "hybrid approach" in late September.

UW President Ana Mari Cauce sent letters to students in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma describing the university's plans on Monday.

"Recent reports of rising cases around the country, including here in Seattle and in neighborhoods where students live and gather, remind us that the coronavirus can spread rapidly when proper precautions aren't taken," Cauce said. "All of what we outline below is based upon the state's Safe Start process, including guidelines recently released by Governor Inslee for the colleges and universities in Washington."

Cauce told students the goal is to offer as many in-person courses as possible while prioritizing "hands-on" courses that require time in studios, clinics or labs.

All classes with more than 50 students will continue to be taught remotely, while smaller lectures will be held in large rooms with space for adequate physical distancing.

Students unable to return to campus, for health reasons or travel difficulties, can continue all classes remotely, with computers available to borrow through the university.

On-campus, all students and visitors are required to wear masks indoors whenever other people are nearby, and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. In Seattle, COVID-19 testing is available at Hall Health. Students who develop symptoms of illness will be required to stay in their dorm room, apartment or home and away from others, and some residence hall rooms will be set aside for those who test positive for COVID-19 and need a place to isolate.

The UW will host a "Back-to-School Town Hall" on Friday, July 10, at 10:30 a.m. Students can submit questions directly by e-mailing here.

Read the full letters sent to Seattle students, UW Bothell students and UW Tacoma students.