Dear Pitt Community,

We learned a lot during the fall term, but we cannot rely on what we did this fall to work in these rapidly changing virus conditions. COVID-19 is widespread and much more challenging than it was when the fall term began. Health and travel restrictions are in place across the country, including Pennsylvania. Our spring term will be volatile, but our plan was designed to withstand volatility. We are very attentive to the processes we have in place and will adhere to public health guidance as we head into a difficult start to the spring term.

No matter where you are physically located, Flex@Pitt is our educational model in all operating conditions. As previously announced, the first day of classes is Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. We will continue to use the Flex@Pitt model which provides flexibility to choose the teaching or learning mode that works best for you.

The best virus mitigation measures are those that we have repeated time and again: Wear a face covering, maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and others, and wash your hands frequently. By doing all three of these consistently and limiting social gatherings, we can slow the spread of infection. But we must all do our part. These measures have never been more important—and they will be even more critical in the spring term.

With the pandemic more widespread and intense, travel risks are very high. When students return, whether living on or off campus, they will be required to abide by all county and state restrictions and guidance; provide a negative test result or quarantine for 14 days if they are traveling to campus from outside of Pennsylvania; and shelter in place for some period of time. As there may be requirements you must meet both before and after you travel, we ask that you stay as flexible as possible with your travel plans.

It is premature to provide specific travel guidance and definitive move in dates now, but we understand you need advance notice.  We anticipate providing travel guidance no sooner than Jan. 4. We will provide at least two weeks’ notice prior to the opening of residence halls to allow for travel planning. For example, if we announced on Jan. 8 that residence halls will be reopening, the earliest assigned move-in date would be Jan. 22. Students living on campus will move into residence halls in a phased arrival, similar to the fall term.

Resident students on each campus will receive information from their campus housing department. Pittsburgh campus students with questions regarding University Housing or travel requirements should email Panther Central.

Our research and academic activities that are currently taking place will continue, subject to changes in operational postures or public health orders and advisories. Please continue to visit coronavirus.pitt.edu and check your email regularly for updates. It is best for all members of our community to remain where they are currently residing until we have more public health and travel guidance in the new year. After the University’s closure for Winter Break, updates from our office will be sent twice weekly beginning Jan. 5.

Please stay home, stay safe and be vigilant.