COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Information about UAlbany's response
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Our knowledge of the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, so our policies and plans will be updated as more information becomes available. Please check this website often.
Planning for Fall 2020
The University at Albany is committed to providing an excellent education for every student in an environment that maintains the health, safety and well-being of our entire campus community.
Please use this website to better understand the steps we are taking to achieve those goals and the expectations we’ve set for our campus community members.
All students should review these pages:
Campus Life (Housing, Dining & Student Life)
Academic Schedule & Course Delivery
All employees should review these pages:
Campus Life (Dining & Campus Recreation)
Academic Schedule & Course Delivery
Additional Information for Instructors
UAlbany's plans are aligned with local, state and federal guidance and rooted in the safety of our students, employees and the public with which we interact. Our primary goal is to protect public health and continue our vital missions of education and research.
A Commitment to Health & Safety
Quick Facts for Summer 2020:
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All summer courses will be delivered online.
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Orientation programs for incoming first-year and transfer students will be delivered online.
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The Colonial Quad parking lot continues to serve as a drive-through testing site. Call the state's COVID-19 hotline at 888-364-3065 to request an appointment.
Quick Facts for Fall 2020:
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Classes will start as scheduled but the academic calendar will be shortened to minimize the risk of travel-related infection.
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Guided by public health experts, we will establish a screening, testing and contact-tracing program for students and employees.
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Our strict safety policies and procedures will require face coverings, physical distancing, and hand hygiene. We will also provide enhanced cleaning and upgraded HVAC systems.
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Density will be reduced in all public spaces, including classrooms, the Campus Center, University libraries and residence halls.
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Courses will be delivered in one of three broad categories: in-person (all students participate face-to-face), hybrid (a combination of face-to-face and online) and fully online.
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On-campus research activities will resume in phases, ensuring a gradual and safe return to operations.
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Faculty and staff who work on-site will complete a daily health screening. Many employees will continue to telecommute, maintaining excellent service and operations while reducing campus density.
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Fall 2020 Division I sports competition has been postponed until Spring 2021. Practices and team activities may continue consistent with federal, state, local and NCAA rules.
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We stand ready to support our community’s mental and physical health.
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In the rare case a member of our campus community does not abide by our health and safety expectations, we have established a secure reporting system.
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The University will work with local, state and federal officials to continually reassess conditions and be prepared to, if or when needed, pivot back to a fully remote model.
Campus Communications
On August 11, 12 and 13, we will be hosting a series of info sessions about on-campus housing, dining services, student activities, student finances and how we all can contribute to a healthy campus environment.
During the Fall 2020 semester, some offerings from the University’s Libraries will change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dean Mugridge provided this an update to faculty and staff.
We strongly encourage all members of our faculty and staff to get tested for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) prior to returning to campus or immediately before the start of the academic year.
As we gear up to launch the Fall 2020 semester, we recognize there may be questions about how best to structure and implement the different modalities. Here are the various modalities available with tips and resources for implementation.
International and out-of-state students are beginning to arrive on campus to start their quarantines, so we have an especially urgent need to assemble a volunteer team of transportation assistants and food transporters.