Academic Updates for Students

Dear Students,

I know this week has been challenging and not at all how we had hoped to start the semester. I am very grateful that you have continued to demonstrate exceptional flexibility, patience and care for one another in the face of many obstacles over the past week.

Our decision-making related to the winter storm and extreme cold weather conditions has prioritized the safety of our community and our academic mission. At the University of Maryland, we are committed to providing every student with an exceptional educational experience, and we appreciate your understanding as we work through the disruptions the weather has caused.

I encourage you to read the latest update from Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Bob Reuning on our facilities response, safety reminders and work in progress to improve our future infrastructure. As very cold temperatures will continue through the weekend, we may experience intermittent outages. Please continue to use umd.edu/weather as a resource for updates, guidance, and all communications shared with campus during this period of extreme winter weather.

I understand that many of you have questions about how the changes this week will affect the remainder of the semester, and I wanted to provide you with an update on what we know so far.

Implications for Academic Deadlines and Calendar
We are actively working through any adjustments that may be needed related to deadlines and scheduling, and the registrar’s office will share an updated set of dates later this afternoon. Key considerations include:

• Schedule Adjustment Extension: The add/drop period and related deadlines will be extended. Instructors have been notified that students may be joining courses later than usual and we have asked them to consider how such students can stay on track.
• Student Feedback: Regardless of deadline shifts, instructors are expected to provide timely feedback throughout the semester so students and academic advisors can make informed decisions before the "W" (withdrawal) deadline.
• Academic Calendar: While policy deadlines are shifting, scheduled breaks and Commencement dates remain unchanged.

Preparations for Classes Next Week
It is our full intention to resume in-person classes and operations on Monday, but we are planning for all scenarios. Should we continue to experience disruptions that are beyond our control, faculty and instructors have been asked to prepare for virtual learning if necessary. This may include synchronous or asynchronous virtual instruction, with the expectation that all synchronous activities be recorded and posted, or otherwise have an asynchronous option available for students who are unable to attend virtual classes in real time.

Please remember that while instructors are responsible for communicating directly with their students about virtual instruction, assignments and expectations, students are responsible for regularly checking ELMS-Canvas and their university email for updates related to academic coursework. We have asked instructors to be understanding of students’ varied circumstances during the campus closure, while still ensuring that courses are able to meet their learning goals. We, in turn, appreciate your understanding that our faculty have been working hard to adapt their courses in unexpected ways with their students’ best interests in mind.

Thank You
We fully recognize the many challenges students have faced this week—from moving residences, to navigating winter weather on campus and beyond, to balancing family, school and work priorities. Thank you again for hanging in there with us, and I look forward to an engaging and productive semester ahead.

Sincerely,