University of Maryland President Darryll Pines expects a return to in-person classes in the fall 2021 semester, he wrote in a campuswide email Thursday.
Though Pines acknowledged that nothing is certain, the introduction of multiple vaccines and predictions of widespread inoculation have led the university to begin planning for a return to a more normal semester, he wrote.
Classes designed for in-person instruction are expected to be delivered face-to-face and staff will resume their on-campus roles, Pines wrote. However, some classes may be taught in a blended format, and some staff may be able to telecommute.
[All UMD undergraduate classes to be held online starting Nov. 16]
Pines wrote that he expected the majority of the campus community will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the fall semester. The university has not yet received any vaccines from the state.
More information regarding the university’s vaccine distribution plan will be released from the university health center when it becomes available, Pines wrote.
Pines also encouraged students to take advantage of vaccination opportunities outside of the university.
