Auburn to offer Summer 2020 classes remotely; Summer Study Abroad Programs Canceled

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Consistent with current guidance provided by public health officials, Auburn University will suspend on-campus instruction for Summer 2020 Sessions 1 and 2.

Auburn's summer semester consists of three sessions: Session 1: 10-week session (May 20 – July 31); Session 2: 5-week session (May 20 – June 23); and Session 3: 5-week session (June 29 – July 31). Courses offered during Sessions 1 and 2 will be delivered remotely. A decision regarding course delivery for Session 3 (remotely or on-campus) will be made by June 1, 2020. Registration for the summer semester opens on Monday, April 6, 2020, and continues through the start of each the three sessions.

The decision comes as Auburn continues to observe policies and practices aimed at mitigating public health concerns related to COVID-19. As students prepare to make fall and summer registration decisions, the university will continue to support programs and offer coursework designed to support students' continuous academic progress. Students enrolling in remote summer courses can order course materials and supplies from the Auburn University Bookstore with free shipping. Course materials for classes in the “All Access” program will be available on the first day of class. For more information on the All Access program, visit the All Access website.

The university has also canceled all study abroad programs for summer 2020 due to risks associated with international and domestic travel during the COVID-19 outbreak. The decision reflects Auburn's response to recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control recommending higher education institutions cancel abroad programs due to global concerns over the growing outbreak. These concerns highlight the unpredictable circumstances students could face while abroad, such as travel restrictions, challenges in returning to the U.S., or accessing health care. This decision also aligns with the U.S. State Department's current elevation of the global health advisory level to a 4 (Do Not Travel). 

The Office of International Programs is working with students to refund any program fees paid for spring and summer semesters. Students who had planned to study abroad should work with their academic advisors to identify potential summer course alternatives where possible.

"While I am hopeful that the risks associated with COVID-19 will lessen in the coming weeks and months, Auburn must continue to do its part to decrease the chances of transmitting the virus and protect the health of others," said President Jay Gogue. "I know this decision is disappointing for our students and faculty who had planned to study abroad this summer. However, I am confident that limiting travel and continuing remote instruction for the foreseeable future is the best way that Auburn can actively help to slow the transmission of the virus."

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.