UMass Dartmouth will be welcoming students to live on campus again as well as offering a combination of face-to-face and remote classes this fall, the university announced in a press release on July 6.

The plan for the upcoming semester includes updated policies to ensure social distancing and other safety measures during the Covid-19 pandemic, including giving all resident students the option to be housed in single-occupancy rooms, according to the release.

Following CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance, next semester the university will offer a combination of in-person, blended, and virtual learning courses. 

After Thanksgiving, all instructional activities, including final exams, will be offered remotely. There are no changes to the academic calendar. 

“Everyone at UMass Dartmouth recognizes how interactions with peers, robust classroom discussions with world-class faculty, and rewarding extracurricular activities create a powerful college experience,” said outgoing Chancellor Robert Johnson. “Even during these uncertain times, we are committed to safely offering as many of these experiences as we possibly can.”

The release stated that the university’s plan was created following recommendations from the Pandemic Emergency Report Team, a group made up of more than 100 students, faculty, and staff.

A report presented by the group details upgraded health and safety policies including testing, contact tracing, and quarantine and isolation. It also offers guidance on changes to academic, research, student life, dining, and events to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the campus community.

The full reopening plan is available at the university’s Planning for Fall 2020 website.