Let's Choose Each Other: University of Oregon Fall Term 2020

Two students walking through campus wearing masks

Let's Choose Each Other

Let’s be honest: This won’t be a typical year on campus. But if we work together, we can make it a great one. We can still connect with friends, mobilize around the causes that matter to us, and enjoy campus life. New experiences are what we came here for, right? So let’s embrace it together.

A student sitting at a table working on her laptop computer

Learning Remotely? Here’s Some Help

Things are tough right now. We get it. But if you’re taking classes remotely, remember that you’re not alone. You’ve got our faculty and staff on your side—people who are committed to helping you achieve your academic and career goals. Sure, there’ll be bumps along the way. But we’re here to support you on your journey, whatever that looks like.

Remote Resources for Students

Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Small choices we make every day can have a big impact on the spread of COVID-19. Just like good study habits help you earn your degree, adding a few simple habits to your daily routine can help everyone stay healthy and safe. Here’s what you can do to help keep our campus COVID-free:

Wear a Mask or Face Covering

Maintain Physical Distance

Wash Your Hands

Check Your Symptoms and
Stay Home if You're Sick

Ducks Choose Each Other

Ducks care. We have a long history of protecting each other’s rights and standing up for what we believe in. Now we choose to stand together against COVID-19. Our UO Community is making a pact to protect each other—to help keep our community safe.

Take the Voluntary Pledge

What to Expect This Fall

When fall term begins later this month, much of campus life at the UO will be familiar.

The trees around campus will be starting their annual fireworks show of fall color. First-year students will find their way around campus for the first time with a mix of excitement and nerves. The EMU will still be the hub of campus activity, the place to grab a coffee or burrito and connect with other students and get involved in groups and clubs.

And in this time of COVID-19, much will be different.

What's In

Face masks and face coverings
Hand washing
Physical distancing

What's Out

Large lecture classes
Fall Street Faire
Homecoming

Don't forget your UO ID

Be prepared to show your UO ID card when visiting open facilities. You will be required to have your UO ID card for entry to limited access and restricted buildings.

But university officials have been working hard over the summer to make sure that students will still experience the things that makes life on the University of Oregon campus special.

“We really want students to know there are a lot of ways to stay engaged, whether they are living on or off campus, or learning remotely,” said Kevin Marbury, vice president for Student Life. “There will still be lots to do, but students should expect various modifications.”

The Division of Student Life will keep students up to date with weekly Quick Quack emails, sent out on Thursdays. It’s a quick-hit look at the latest campus news and developments of concern to students, including academic advice, important dates, ideas to get involved and reminders about resources and services.

While things will look and feel different this fall, much of students have come to expect from campus life will still be available, some offered remotely and some in person, with modifications. Here’s a glimpse at what fall term, pandemic edition, will look like:

Classes, Labs, and Studios

Between 15 and 20 percent of fall courses will be taught in person, with modifications. Labs, music and dance studios, and research lectures will take place in person and be taught by faculty members or graduate teaching fellows.

UO Libraries

Campus libraries will be open.

Freshman Interest Groups, Academic Residential Communities, and Faculty Engagement

FIGs and ARCs will still be taking place this fall with some modifications. Faculty fellows and faculty in residence programs will be offered with a variety of social and intellectual engagement opportunities.

Residence Halls

COVID-19 testing will be required for students living in the residence halls. Halls will be operating at reduced density, including no triple rooms. Cleaning procedures will be enhanced. Common areas like lounges and study spaces have been modified with appropriate furniture and maximum capacities for appropriate physical distancing.

Dining Halls

Open, but self-serve food options will be gone. Dining halls will offer packaged and made-to-order food, and still offer accommodations for students with special dietary needs. Seating capacity will be reduced, and cleaning protocols will be increased.

Food in the EMU

Most food retailers will be open for the first week of classes, though some may delay opening.

Health and Counseling Centers

Both will be open and taking appointments, seeing students either remotely or in person, so students can get the care they need. If a student is sick, they need to call ahead before going to the University Health Services building.

University Career Center

The center will operate mostly remotely. The main Career Center events — Fall career fairs, interviews, and a public and social impact connect — will be offered via Handshake, the job and career planning portal for students.

Identity-Based Organizations and Spaces

Most of these groups and spaces will be operating and offering services, with modifications.

Student Recreation Center

Locker rooms will not be open, but most if not all other facilities will be open, including the bouldering wall, Group X fitness classes, aquatics, and more. Intramural sports will happen, with modifications.

Club Sports

Teams will practice, with modifications, but will not travel for games. Depending on the sport, some may come back sooner than later. Golf, for instance, is more easily played with physical distancing than rugby or lacrosse.

eSports Lounge

The lounge will be open, but with limits on capacity.

Outdoor Program

The program will not be leading trips but students can still check out gear and lead their own adventures throughout Oregon.

O Desk

The hub for help and information in the EMU will be open, with a new feature: Staff members can be reached remotely, via chat or telephone, to answer questions.

Craft Center

Student artisans can still use studios by reserving in advance or grabbing a craft kit while supplies last.

You should be prepared to show your UO ID card when visiting open facilities. UO ID cards will be required to gain entry to limited access and restricted buildings.

Access to Campus Buildings

How to Wear Your Mask

Every mask worn on campus makes us all a little safer. Are you doing it right? Here’s how Ducks mask up for each other:

The Right Way to Wash Up

Clean hands are COVID-free hands. Each time you wash up, you limit the chances for disease to spread—but only if you get them truly clean. Follow these five steps for clean hands:

Use clean running water and soap

Lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds

Don’t forget BBU: backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails

Rinse well under clean running water

Use a fresh paper towel or LEt Them Air Dry

Your Guide to Physical Distancing

Here’s your guide to physical distancing on campus—when to do it, how to do it, and why it’s important. So, let's keep a safe distance for each other and enjoy a safe and healthy year!

If You Feel Sick, Stay Home

How are you feeling? Asking yourself this simple question before you come to campus each day can make a big difference. If you don’t feel well, stay home and take care of yourself. If you notice any of these symptoms while you’re on campus, please leave right away and contact your health-care provider.

Start Your Daily Symptom Check