FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas hopes to be open and have students on campus this fall. Subcommittees of the COVID-19 Response Team are actively working on various scenarios regarding how to appropriately phase in various aspects of campus life while practicing social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting and personal hygiene. Chancellor Joe Steinmetz plans to make a decision regarding fall classes on or before June 1, but added that the date could be extended if more time is needed to evaluate the campus’ readiness to return safely.

“We very much want to reopen the university and have students on campus this fall,” Chancellor Joe Steinmetz said. “To do that, it may be necessary for some faculty and staff to begin returning to campus over the summer as needed in time to prepare. We hope to do this in a way that continues to minimize the number of faculty and staff on campus while at the same time allows for adequate preparation for the return of our students.”

In a message to campus Thursday, Chancellor Steinmetz also provided an update on CARES Act support for students, encouraged spring graduates to upload photos and messages to the university’s graduation website, and asked everyone to help celebrate the Class of 2020 by taking part in Go Red for Grads 2020 on May 8th.

The latest news, updates and resources regarding the university’s response to the coronavirus pandemic can be found on the university's Coronavirus Update site.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3 percent of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.