University ‘stay-at-home’ directive extended to May 4

The University of Nebraska has extended its “stay-at-home” directive, limiting employees’ presence on NU campuses to designated on-site personnel, until May 4, university leaders announced Tuesday.

In a letter from University President Ted Carter and Chancellors Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., of UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Ronnie Green, Ph.D., of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Doug Kristensen, J.D., of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, leaders pledged to continue to carefully monitor the spread of COVID-19 across Nebraska’s rural and urban communities.

“On May 4, if local conditions allow, we anticipate that we will once again allow faculty and staff to physically come to campus if they need to, while continuing to encourage remote work wherever possible,” the letter said.

Further guidance on access to campus facilities will be shared closer to May 4.

“Generally, while we expect that employees will be able to return to their offices if they need to and access certain facilities, remote work will remain our ‘first line of defense.'”

This directive doesn’t change previous decisions related to campus operations:

  • Classes will be taught remotely for the rest of the semester, and summer classes will also be remote.
  • Previously announced plans for commencement remain in place.
  • All study abroad is canceled through the summer.
  • Until May 4, only employees whose physical presence has been officially designated as necessary, and who have a letter from the university president or the chancellor, will be permitted on campus.

“Thank you for all that you are doing to protect the health and safety of our community,” the letter said. “The more we do to flatten the curve now, the sooner we can return to our more traditional routines of teaching, learning and working. We are grateful for your contributions.”

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