FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Chancellor Joe Steinmetz announced Tuesday that restricted research activity will be allowed as part of the first step in allowing more employees to return as needed to the University of Arkansas campus. 

The chancellor provided details in a message to campus on Tuesday, May 12. Details on safety and restricted activity guidelines can be found on the university's research return overview site.

"This is a welcome step and I know many of our campus researchers are eager to move forward," Chancellor Steinmetz said. "I look forward to getting back myself, but I'm also mindful of returning people to campus only if there is a pressing need and we can foster the health and safety of everyone who does. This new plan does that, and is the first step toward creating pathways for more staff and faculty to return to campus."

This move from essential research activities to restricted activities allows for more research activity to include essential, critical and/or time sensitive research. Research plans must be approved by department or unit chairs and deans before research activity may begin and all approved activities must be planned to minimize person-to-person interactions and adhere to distancing and face covering guidelines.

Definitions, safety guidelines and other details can be found in the university's Research Continuity plan, developed based on recommendations from the COVID-19 Response Team and Research subcommittee.