Spring Semester Update Robert C. Robbins Nov. 2, 2020 Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our community as we complete the fall semester. For the Spring 2021 semester, we will continue to offer four course formats, in-person, flex in-person, live online and iCourse. For courses with in-person components, we anticipate starting the semester in Stage 2, described in the full message, based on the most current data trends and continued consultation with our public health experts, epidemiologists, and campus community. The specific stage classifications and ramp-up plan have been adjusted from Fall 2020 (see the breakouts in the full message at the link). Read more
Halloween gets the coronavirus treatment Oct. 23, 2020 Cities, universities and health officials are pushing the public to avoid big parties and consider new ways of celebrating Halloween. After a Labor Day-fueled coronavirus surge at the University of Arizona, President Robert C. Robbins said the institution is putting on a massive campaign to cut down big Halloween parties with help from the local police, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and the Pima County Health Department. Read more at Politico
An education in adapting to Covid Oct. 19, 2020 In a wide-ranging interview, University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins discusses the university's COVID-19 strategies, worries about Halloween parties and the potential for a campuswide coronavirus vaccine mandate. Read more at Politico
Colleges use targeted lockdowns, online classes to preserve fall semester Sept. 30, 2020 After a rise in positive COVID-19 cases, the University of Arizona urged students to shelter in place for two weeks. "It was really a way of saying, 'Just don't go out and party in large groups,'" said President Robert C. Robbins, a cardiac surgeon. Read more at The Wall Street Journal
Back to school in the age of coronavirus Sept. 13, 2020 CNN's Dana Bash interviewed University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins about the unique steps the school is taking to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Read more at CNN
University of Arizona president explains the school's COVID sewage testing system Sept. 2, 2020 University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins discusses wastewater testing and why he thinks it will gain adoption at other colleges and universities. Read more at CNBC
Robert C. Robbins explains why Pac-12 needed to 'pause, regroup' Aug. 11, 2020 The Pac-12 CEO Group voted unanimously to postpone all sport competitions through the end of the 2020 calendar year. Read more at Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona president on returning to campus safely Aug. 11, 2020 University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins discusses how to return to school safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more at CNBC's "Squawk Box"
Furlough and Furlough-based Salary Programs Robert C. Robbins Aug. 7, 2020 Over the past several months, as part of our commitment to shared governance and transparency, my team and I have consulted with numerous stakeholders across campus as we have explored every avenue to finance the mission of our incredible institution through the pandemic crisis. Given timing constraints, our responsibility to begin addressing our revenue shortfall, and the desire to preserve as many student, staff and faculty jobs as possible, I have decided to move forward with the proposed furlough and furlough-based salary programs, to begin on Aug. 10. Read more
