Editor's note: Story updated. Deadline to select all classes in remote/virtual format has been extended to July 27.
The University of Miami is providing students with an option to take all classes virtually/remotely for the Fall 2020 semester, rather than be on campus.
“We understand that some of you may face personal or family-related health concerns, international travel restrictions, or other challenges that do not permit you to join us in person this fall,” Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, said in a message to students last week. “In the face of these challenges, we are committed to ensuring you can maintain your academic progress and participate as an important member of the Hurricanes family.”
Fall classes will be available in several formats: in person and on campus; hybrid or blended, with a combination of in-person/on-campus instruction and virtual/remote sessions; and virtual/remote in synchronous (live) and/or asynchronous (recorded) formats.
Students will have until Monday, July 27, to request taking all of their courses in a virtual/remote format. More information is available on the University’s coronavirus response website. On the “Information for Students” page, select “Request for virtual/remote learning” in the “Academic information” section. The virtual/remote learning option may impact financial aid, student fees, housing, and other aspects. Students who choose the virtual/remote learning option will will not be allowed to switch back to an on-campus format or a mix of in-person and remote learning for the fall semester.
The decision to resume classes on campus this fall “is founded on protecting your health and well-being as well as that of our entire University community,” Duerk told students in the message. “We have taken special care to create classrooms, residential spaces, and common areas that promote your student experience while following guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Not every course will be available in a virtual/remote format because of the nature of certain courses and accreditation requirements. All students should work with their program directly to determine eligibility.
Fully virtual/remote learning students will be charged regular (in-person) tuition rates.
In an effort to ensure that international students who reside in the United States continue to have access to high-quality learning opportunities, the University last week signed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit filed by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to oppose a new federal immigration policy that would require international students holding F1 visas to leave the United States if they decide to take classes solely online.
For more information on travel restrictions, visas, and other issues related to international student status, visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
