March 13, 2020

Dear University of Oregon faculty and instructors,

I wanted to give you an update on the university’s efforts to provide you with the resources you need to communicate with your students about finals for winter term and deliver spring courses remotely. These include:

• A variety of trainings, information sessions, and other opportunities to provide you with the assistance you will need to finish the winter term and start the spring term.
• An update of our Academic Continuity Resources and Guidance web page that serves as a one-stop planning guide to help you transition your winter finals and spring coursework, as well as give students the ability to access coursework remotely. On that page, should you have any technology issues, you can link to UO Information Service’s informational page on how to best prepare and work remotely.
• Weekend trainings and support from the Teaching Engagement Program and UO Libraries. These will consist of drop-in hours in the Knight Library DREAM Lab on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to noon; and Sunday, March 15, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can call in at 541-346-1847 or Zoom on Saturday or Sunday.
• A Qualtrics survey for you to complete so that we can address any needs you may have in moving to remote instruction.

Let me make clear that I know this is a challenging time for all of us. COVID-19 has produced a high level of uncertainty for you, for our students, and for the entire UO community. And given the ever-changing conditions, I am sure it can be frustrating for us all. Our plan is to continue to monitor the situation and make sure that we as a community provide our students with a quality academic experience.

Thank you for your patience, professionalism, and adaptability as we navigate this together. And thank you for all you do for our students and this university.

Sincerely,

Patrick Phillips
Provost and Senior Vice President