July 27, 2020

Dear Student,

We all look forward to welcoming you back to campus as we start the fall semester in a few short weeks. Throughout the summer, hundreds of University employees have dedicated countless hours preparing our campuses for a safe fall semester. However, we cannot do this alone. We recognize that this semester will look very different, and we are doing our best to make sure you have a productive and enjoyable college experience—but safety will always remain our priority.

We have all seen news reports from colleges and universities that reopened this summer where students who reside off campus chose to host social gatherings that ignored CDC guidelines and university protocols. By disregarding the use of face coverings and proper physical distancing, these events threatened the safety of their communities and potentially their own institutions’ ability to reopen for the fall semester.   

Our University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is designed to safeguard our entire campus community. As such, our policies and expectations are mandatory and applicable to all students, whether you live on or off-campus.

To be clear, any student not following the University’s stated policies and guidelines will face serious conduct action including the removal of privileges to come to campus and suspension from the University. We trust you to make good decisions to protect yourself and others, but please be aware we will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for behavior that does not conform to safety guidelines

For off-campus students, we specifically ask that you:

• Refrain from hosting social gatherings and events
• Observe local curfew mandates
• Wear a face covering as mandated by University and governmental policies
• Designate a roommate to serve as a public health delegate to help encourage and support your healthy decision making

We believe in you and your ability to responsibly follow the new COVID-19 related policies. 

Our ability to remain open for the fall semester rests with you and your decisions. Now is the time to do the right thing and prove to everyone that our Miami Hurricanes community is doing our part to help slow the spread.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patricia A. Whitely Vice President for Student Affairs	Dr. Ryan C. Holmes Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students