Atlanta-With rising COVID infections from Omicron variant spreading rapidly, Emory University President, Gregory L. Fenves announced today that the spring semester will start virtually.
In a letter to students and the community, Fenves cited the “significant increases in COVID-19 cases because of the spread of the Omicron variant” and announced that the university will pivot to remote learning for the Spring semester.
Therefore, to continue all aspects of our academic mission, starting on January 4, 2022, all undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses will start the spring semester in a remote format, excluding clinical and research activities, School of Medicine courses, and other select activities. Classes will transition back to in-person learning on January 31, should conditions permit.”
Emory University President, Gregory L. Fenves
In addition to the delayed in-person start, students will have a host of other mitigation strategies included: updated booster shot requirements, limited activities, modified grab and go dining, and changes to both isolation and quarantine protocols. Students will be able to move into residence halls as planned, they are being encouraged to delay their return to campus.
According to Fenves, more than 97% of Emory community members have been vaccinated and all students, faculty, and staff are required to receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by January 19, 2022.
“I understand that beginning the semester with remote learning and teaching is inconvenient, particularly for students and families who have already made travel arrangements, faculty who have planned in-person coursework, and staff who have made countless adjustments to their protocols throughout the past two years. But we must be adaptable during this surge so we can continue our important work—learning, teaching, creating, and discovering—in the face of this ever-evolving pandemic.”
Emory University President, Gregory L. Fenves