UH to Move Classes Online After Spring Break Amid COVID-19 Concerns

The University of Hawaiʻi will be moving classes online after spring break, effective Monday, March 23, 2020 according to an email communication from UH President David Lassner to students this morning.

If a class needs to continue to be taught face-to-face to meet learning objectives, students will be informed after approval by the campus.

At this time, in-person courses are scheduled to resume Monday, April 13.

“In the hope that we can return to normal classroom practices, the in-person start date will continue to be reevaluated, and updates will be provided as needed. Regardless of modality, UH is committed to completing the academic semester and enabling students to graduate on schedule,” said Lassner during a public address this afternoon.

While instruction will move online, campuses will remain open, and most services will continue to be provided. Lassner said university employees will continue to perform their duties, libraries will maintain regular hours and student housing will remain open for current residents who have nowhere else to go. Lassner said all student employees and graduate assistants “will continue their duties as normal and will be paid accordingly.”

In his email message, Lassner thanked all who shared questions and provided input in recent days.  He said, “This has been a tumultuous week, with many changes in the COVID-19 situation in Hawaiʻi, across higher education and globally, accelerating into today.”

The University of Hawaiʻi has 10 campuses across the state including the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College in Kahului, Maui.

Meantime, UH Mānoa athletic events are also suspended.

All University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa athletic events have been suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19 concerns.

This includes all spring athletic teams participating in conference and non-conference competition.

Information about refunds for ticket holders is pending.