The University of Miami continues to closely monitor the global COVID-19 outbreak and recognizes that contingency plans are essential to ensure the continuity of academic, teaching, research, and patient-care missions.
The latest COVID-19 Advisory announces that spring break for students has been extended through March 22, and that classes will resume on March 23, but strictly in online/remote/distance learning environments through at least April 4. While spring break for students has been extended, all University operations will continue as normal, and faculty and staff are expected to maintain their normal work schedules and activities. This decision is consistent with guidance from public health agencies.
The University has launched an expanded COVID-19 site with up-to-date guidance, advisories, and links to resources at coronavirus.miami.edu.
Employees on the Coral Gables and marine campuses (who are not part of the UHealth system) should work from home on Friday, March 13, if possible, as part of a test of systems that support working remotely. The following is a guide to remote working and teaching tools and resources.
Remote tools and resources for faculty, staff, and students
Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to review the list of remote access tools available on the remote access technologies website. It is recommended that everyone test access from home in advance of needing to work, learn, or teach remotely. If you encounter any difficulty, contact the UMIT Service Desk at 305-284-6565 or help@miami.edu.
Available remote access tools include:
Zoom is a videoconferencing tool that combines an easy-to-use interface with exceptional video quality, offering a seamless experience for collaboration across mobile devices, desktops, and conference rooms. All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to activate their Zoom account and download the app to all devices used for work, teaching, and learning as soon as possible. To activate your account and download Zoom, visit zoom.miami.edu and sign in using your CaneID and password.
Microsoft Teams for Conferencing and Collaboration
Teams (teams.microsoft.com) is a tool that can be used by faculty, staff, and students for group and private chat, videoconferencing with screen sharing, file sharing, and any other collaboration needs.
Cloud Storage and Collaboration Solutions
Collaboration tools—such as Box, Google Drive, and OneDrive—enable you to share documents. We recommended that you store all of your business data in one of these cloud-based solutions.
Please note that Virtual Private Network/Pulse Secure (VPN) access is no longer required for off-campus access to University enterprise systems. These systems include, but are not limited to, Adobe Creative Cloud; Blackboard; CaneLink; Epic/UChart; Microsoft Office Email and Teams; Workday; and cloud storage like Box, OneDrive, and Google Drive. (VPN remains available for system administrators or access to legacy servers. If you are uncertain, please contact the UMIT Service Desk at 305-284-6565 or help@miami.edu.)
Remote tools and resources for teaching and learning for faculty
We encourage faculty to review the extensive list of resources and tools available on the academic continuity guide website.
The site provides information on communicating with students asynchronously (not in real time), holding virtual classes and office hours, revising course materials, planning for alternative learning exercises and assessments, and sharing feedback with students confidentially.
Visit coronavirus.miami.edu for the latest information regarding the University’s response to the global COVID-19 outbreak.
