“Many students are eager to live on campus, but we recognize some may want to limit their exposure, stay home this fall and take classes online due to concerns related to COVID-19,” UT Dallas president Richard C. Benson said in the announcement.. “By offering these choices, students and their families have maximum flexibility in their decision-making when enrolling at UT Dallas and planning for the future.”
Professors teaching in-person classes were asked to also make the course available online to give students the option of taking it from home, UT Dallas provost Inga Musselman said. The university is investing in classroom technology and infrastructure to improve online learning, according to the announcement.
This is the first time certain courses will be offered online apart from when classes were held remotely in the spring, a spokesperson for the university said.
Additionally, UT Dallas is considering online lab courses, though some with equipment requirements may only be offered in person.
Modifications will be made to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus, including requiring faculty, staff and students to wear masks and reducing seating capacity for classrooms and common areas, according to the university.
Residence halls and dining areas on campus will be open this fall, as well as recreation and fitness facilities. Health and counseling services will also be available.
“These past few months have been extremely disruptive for many families, but we are committed to using what we have learned to ensure our students and their families have the best choices available for a great fall semester,” Benson said.
