To Keep Students Safe, Embry-Riddle Migrates Most Classes Online

Dear Faculty, Students and Staff:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s two residential campuses remain unaffected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The World Health Organization now describes this situation as a pandemic. To help keep you and our communities safe, and after careful deliberation, Embry-Riddle has decided to migrate most classes online, effective March 18 until at least April 6.

Embry-Riddle’s plan is as follows:

• Spring Break will be extended, with no classes held March 16-17, but our campuses will be open. Classes will resume online as of Wednesday, March 18.
• This timing will allow residential campus students to return following Spring Break, if they wish, retrieve items essential to their academic success such as devices and textbooks, then go home or stay on campus.
• For any students who are unable to return to campus but need critical items such as course materials or medications, Embry-Riddle will provide shipping assistance.
• Some Embry-Riddle courses and programs involve one-on-one instruction and fulfillment of regulatory requirements (e.g., flight training and Aviation Maintenance Science). Students with these types of educational challenges may choose to complete spring 2020 coursework on their campuses, with enhanced health precautions.
• Residence halls will remain open to accommodate students who make the decision to live on campus. Embry-Riddle is working to maximize safety for all students. Those who choose to return will be expected to comply with all safety standards.
• Food services will be available, but with limited options and hours.
• All large gatherings, including Athletics activities such as practices and group meetings, are cancelled.
• Faculty and staff will continue working on their campuses as usual to ensure continuity of education as well as services for students.
• Likewise, Embry-Riddle Worldwide, our award-winning online campus, will carry on as always. Worldwide faculty will work with their residential campus colleagues, as needed, to provide all students with high-quality online instructional materials.
• Nonessential international as well as domestic business travel has been curtailed.

As one of the nation’s top five online educators for the past seven years, Embry-Riddle has the technology and expertise to provide engaging, interactive remote instructional experiences. We will work hard to ensure that all students, and especially graduating seniors, complete their spring semester courses on time. In most cases, students working online will be able to continue with their same faculty members.

A Word about Wellness

If you traveled over Spring Break and you are experiencing any signs of illness whatsoever, you should contact your medical provider immediately and refrain from returning to your Embry-Riddle campus at this time.

Similarly, if you were on a cruise ship or in an international location, you should limit interactions with other people for 14 days, in keeping with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and the U.S. Department of State’s global Level 3 health advisory. Students, faculty and staff should notify the health services unit on their campus regarding any concerns.

Embry-Riddle will continue to enhance health precautions such as wellness checks and regular disinfection of aircraft and equipment. We urge social distancing whenever possible, in keeping with CDC recommendations.

We know that you will have many questions. Embry-Riddle will issue further details and answers to frequently asked questions as soon as possible. Watch for emails and check Embry-Riddle’s COVID-19 website regularly.

Your wellbeing is our top priority.

P. Barry Butler, President, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University