UC Irvine Plans To Return To Campus In Fall, 2021

IRVINE, CA — Students of the University of California system will be back in regular class by the fall of 2021, a spokesperson has said. With an increase of COVID-19 vaccines and advancements in virus research, UC Irvine students can expect to return to campus for in-person instruction in the fall of 2021.

Since March, the 10-campus system—including UC Davis, UCLA, and UC Irvine—has been holding primarily remote classes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the dynamic conditions, University officials said they wanted to make an early announcement about fall classes so current and prospective students can plan accordingly.

"As the university continues to monitor the evolution of the pandemic, we are also carefully planning a safe return to in-person classes," UC President Michael Drake said in a statement. "Current forecasters give us hope that in the fall, our students can enjoy a more normal on-campus experience."

The 10 UC Chancellors decided to return to an on-campus model.

As to when students can expect to return to campus for in-person instruction? Specific plans for resumption of in-person classes, including starting dates and safety protocols, will be announced by individual UC campuses in consultation with their local health authorities.

For now, however, classes will remain primarily remote, although some in-person and hybrid options will be offered for select courses.

UC Davis Chancellor Gary May voted for the decision, as did Emily Carter, a UCLA executive vice chancellor, and provost, who sent a message to students Monday reaffirming the continuance of remote learning for spring.

"While we celebrate advances like the development, approval, and first stages of the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, we also acknowledge that change will not happen overnight," Carter wrote. "At present, the risks posed by the virus remain. In Los Angeles County, the latest surge in cases is straining our region's hospitals, including UCLA's. The UCLA community must continue to do its part to reduce the risk of transmission by limiting the number of people on campus."

UC students have been engaged in virtual-learning since the coronavirus pandemic began in March of 2020. Though a return to campus in fall 2020/21 school year was tabled due to rising cases, the school system will be working toward getting students back into the classrooms and dorms by August 2021.

It is not yet known if vaccines will be mandatory for students and staff. However, the chancellor has said that they will remain "vigilant in all critical prevention efforts and continuing to prioritize the health and well-being of the University community."