Dear UWest Community,  

Based on assessments from medical experts that infection rates from the Omicron variant will continue to rise substantially in the next couple weeks with the projected infection peak coming in mid-January, Spring semester is scheduled to start on Jan. 18, 2022 on a remote-only instructional format for the first two weeks. We anticipate a return to in-person instruction in week 3, beginning on February 2.

Moving to remote-only instruction for two weeks should allow us to get past the peak of Omicron infections, help reduce case counts in the on-campus populations (especially in residence halls), conserve medical resources in our community, and allow everyone to schedule appointment for COVID Testing before returning to campus. 

This change also should make it easier for those who test positive during this peak period to stay home. The University’s continuing goal is to promote the health of our community, neighbors, and visitors while also delivering on our distinctive approach to education and research.

The UWest campus, including the library, remain open, and instructors are welcome to campus to work.

We will continue to monitor the evolution of the pandemic in the coming weeks, and will provide additional updates as needed. 

Thank you for your patience and continued to be flexible as this situation evolves, and for your commitment to the UWest community.

Sincerely,
President Ta