In a recent letter to students, staff and faculty, President John R. Broderick announced that Old Dominion University will welcome students back to campus for the fall semester with a mix of learning options, including classes entirely face-to-face, entirely online or a flexible hybrid approach.
In May, President Broderick appointed a Steering Committee on Academic and Student Involvement to draft ODU's Blueprint for Fall 2020. Gov. Ralph Northam also appointed an Education Work Group, which recently announced the steps colleges must take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The ODU Steering Committee completed its initial blueprint on what to expect for the return to on-campus instruction this fall.
Blueprint highlights include:
A fall 2020 academic calendar that allows for on-campus, hybrid and online instruction, starting Aug. 15 and finishing on Nov. 25, before Thanksgiving break, and eliminating fall break.
Reduced density in classrooms, workspaces and buildings to promote physical distancing.
Procurement of critical equipment and supplies to lessen the risk of transmission on campus.
Protocols for enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of buildings and facilities.
COVID-19 testing and tracing.
As new guidance is received from the governor's Education Work Group, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Health Department, ODU will continue to provide regular updates, including any modifications, as conditions may warrant.
For more information, the full blueprint is available at odu.edu/blueprint.