Dear Graduate Students,
We are writing to provide an update on our plans and expectations regarding return to campus this Fall. We announced (Main Campus)(GUMC) at the end of July that, during the semester, we would examine what academic activities could be offered in a hybrid format, including in person on campus this Fall.
In addition to accommodating graduate students who require experiential laboratory/simulation/clinical experiences, we had also hoped to be able to gradually invite graduate students to classes for in-person learning. Unfortunately, based on the trajectory of the virus, as well as current DC regulations, at this date, we are unable to move forward with plans to return whole programs for in-person classes on the Main and Medical Center campuses at this time.
However, if conditions improve, we hope to be able to invite a small number of graduate level classes to conduct face-to-face sessions later in the semester. Moving ahead would require meeting a number of preconditions not currently present: continued limitation of the spread of the pandemic in the District of Columbia; accelerated turn around time in test results; and acceptable levels of compliance with the Georgetown University Community Compact and other public health metrics.
We will continue to monitor the public health concerns that guide our decision-making, and will promptly reach out to you with any adjustments or changes to planning.
We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate the academic year through this pandemic.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Groves
Provost
Edward B. Healton, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Sciences