LOUISVILLE, Ky. ⁠— After releasing a draft of its fall plans earlier this month, the University of Louisville released its finalized "Pivot to Fall" plan. In-person classes will begin Aug. 17 and go until Nov. 25, at which point all classes will be completed online for the semester's final week and final exams. 

"I understand your anxiety about 'reopening' campus, even as I ask your patience as we present our 'final' plan for keeping us safe on campus while delivering our academic programs this fall. We have been planning for several scenarios in the face of what is still unknown about the virus’ path," said UofL's Provost Beth Boehm in the plan. "We do know, however, that some things in the “final” plan could still change—and we will be prepared to be agile and pivot again if need be."

UofL's classes will adopt a hybrid model, similar to other schools in the commonwealth. The university's schools and colleges can offer up to 50 percent of their courses online, but over 50 percent of courses will be taught as hybrids with many in-person opportunities. The hybrid model is meant to help the university transition to fully online classes if needed. 

Students who wish to take all online courses may do so; however, not all courses will be offered online. 

Cardinals will be welcomed with a number of health and safety measures, such as required masks in most areas on campus. UofL will also encourage social distancing with floor markings, table arrangements, room density management, barriers/sneeze guards and more. Physical Plant will implement enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures, and campus will have increased availability of hand sanitizer. 

Despite UofL's draft plan that made flu shots mandatory, they are now highly recommended to prevent coronavirus-like symptoms on campus.

Testing will be available to all students and staff with a 15-minute test at the Campus Health Center. The university will also conduct contact tracing to identify who needs to isolate and be tested. 

As part of UofL's Co-Immunity Project, the university will also collect and analyze wastewater from areas, such as residence halls, for early detection. UofL will also monitor infection rates throughout the community, and if warranted, will conduct randomized, broad-based testing.

While other schools have canceled their fall breaks, UofL's will continue as planned, Oct. 5-6; however, the university's calendar doesn't remain untouched. The fall 2020 and postponed spring 2020 commencement ceremonies will be held in December. As well, for students who live on campus, move-in will be extended multiple days with extended hours. 

"We know it won’t be business as usual when our students return for the fall semester, but we believe we can be healthy at work and safe on campus in what many are calling the 'next normal,'" said Boehm. "Our planning over the last two months has focused on keeping faculty, staff and students safe while providing an excellent educational experience to our students in the fall."