CU Boulder shifts to remote learning as COVID-19 cases rise
Beginning Wednesday, September 23, all classes at CU Boulder will be conducted virtually, the university announced Monday.
The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases continue to rise on the university's campus. Since August 24, 765 people have tested positive for COVID-19 at CU Boulder's campus. In a September 18 news conference, Gov. Jared Polis said the positivity rate of COVID-19 tests in Boulder is 16 percent, attributing the startling figure to the high number of cases at the university. As of September 21, the state-wide positivity rate is 2.80 percent.
The shift to remote learning will last at least two weeks, until October 7, according to Chancellor Phil DiStefano. Classes will continue as planned on September 21 and 22.
“At the moment, this is a temporary situation, but it could become permanent if we continue to disregard public health guidelines," DiStefano said in a video announcement. "During this period, enforcement policies will continue, including suspension for repeat public health guideline violators.”
DiStefano said all staff members currently assigned to work on campus will continue to do so, and that on-campus research is not affected by the shift to remote learning.
For more information on this announcement, read the letter that DiStefano wrote to CU Boulder students, staff, and faculty.
“We have the power to control our own destiny. If we all work together, I’m hopeful we can return to campus for learning and discovery in the ways we all desire," DiStefano said in the video. "The choice is ours.”
For up-to-date data on COVID-19 at CU Boulder, visit the university's COVID-19 dashboard here.