Carnegie Mellon going to remote instruction for start of spring semester

With covid positivity rates in Allegheny County dramatically increasing as the omicron variant spreads, Carnegie Mellon University is going to “mostly remote instruction” for the first two weeks of the spring semester.

The announcement was made Thursday in an email to students and staff from CMU president Farnam Jahanian and provost Jim Garrett.

It means that only courses designated as in-person only will continue as planned, but with “proper mitigation procedures in place.”

CMU anticipates a return to in-person classes on Jan. 31. At that point, students can return to campus or stay in their current location, the university said.

In the meantime, the university is requiring all CMU students and staff to get a booster shot and take a baseline test before the end of January, regardless of vaccination status.

“After such a successful fall semester, we know this stage of the pandemic may feel disheartening, but we have continued confidence in our ability to weather this current surge by working together and using the many tools at our disposal,” said the email from Jahanian and Garrett.

The CMU directive emphasizes avoiding travel, particularly for anyone having tested positive or experiencing any symptoms.

It also advises that in-person gatherings on campus will be limited during the temporary “modified posture” period.

“Services to support student success and well-being will remain available both in-person and virtually.”