Novel Coronavirus (nCoV2019)

April 16, 2020

After extensive and in-depth conversations with infectious disease experts at our university, and higher education peers in the state and the nation, I have made the following decisions.

  1. All classes will be delivered remotely starting March 18 for the remainder of the Spring term. Summer classes for 2020 will also be delivered online.
  2. All travel is suspended effective immediately.
  3. All events hosted by UofL or at a UofL facility will be postponed or cancelled through April 28.
  4. UofL’s campuses remain open but recommend employees work remotely, if eligible.

UofL Messages Regarding the Coronavirus Outbreaks

What you can do

The best thing you can do is follow the steps listed here to help prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Protocol for Reporting Cases of COVID-19

If you come in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or you are diagnosed with COVID-19, or your students report either of the above 2 cases, you are to report this to the UofL Executive Director of Campus Health Services, Phil Bressoud

Engineering Students

First, you will be given the opportunity to complete your current coursework by the end of the Spring semester. Those who successfully complete all courses will move on/graduate as scheduled.

Pay attention to emails sent to your University email account and check Blackboard Announcements FREQUENTLY.

Because some assignments will need significant alterations, instructors will be allowed to alter their course syllabus. Revised syllabi should be posted to Blackboard by Friday, March 20th. Additionally, all Instructors have been asked to communicate their plans for continuing instruction via online methods to their students. If you have not heard from your instructor by Wednesday, March 18th please contact Associate Dean Dr. Gail DePuy (depuy@louisville.edu).

Some Faculty may choose to conduct their online courses during the scheduled class meeting times. Others may opt to post online lectures such that students can view the content at any time of day.   Either way you must meet the posted due dates for assignments and exams.  Be sure you are clear on how each of your courses will be run and the expectations of your Instructors.

Online tutoring will be available during this time. Watch for an email from REACH with information on these opportunities. Also, instructors have been asked to continue hosting their office hours through alternative means. Please reach out to them as needed.

All course instruction and assessment (HW, tests, presentations, projects, etc.) will be conducted remotely for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. For some of you, online learning is a new experience and you may have concerns or be anxious about how to manage your time.

Please read these helpful hints for adjusting your studying habits during this transition to remote classes.

Speed School Faculty & Staff

The period to work remotely has been extended to May 31st for those faculty and staff who can do so.

Speed School Research Facilities

Research facilities will remain open at Speed School unless otherwise directed by the central administration.

Remote Technical Support Instructions

Working remotely provides many challenges, one of which is receiving hands on technical support. Thankfully Microsoft Teams helps in that effort. You can now use Teams to share your screen with, and give control of your PC to Speed IT staff. For instructions on what to do in the event we need to take control of your PC, please follow this link.

The most important thing to remember, however, is if you are seeking help, you must either email the Speed IT Helpdesk at spdhelp@louisville.edu or call and leave a voicemail at 852-7620. Calling or emailing individual Speed IT members is not the most efficient way to receive support, now more than ever since we are working remotely, so please follow this advice.

More Information

Visit UofL’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage for more information about the virus and our response.