COVID-19: Reed Stays Open But Will Hold All Classes Online

Spring break starts early. Dorms stay open. Big gatherings suspended. Social distancing is the watchword.

[UPDATE March 15: see new information on Reed College's COVID-19 plan.]

Reed will remain open during the COVID-19 outbreak, but will hold all classes online through April 10, President Audrey Bilger announced last night in a message to the community. 

Spring break will begin two days early, large gatherings are canceled through April 12, and the college will implement social-distancing measures across campus.

At the same time, dorms will stay open, Commons will continue serving meals, the Health and Counseling Center will be open, and administrative and support functions will continue.

“We are working hard to keep our community safe and to fulfill the academic mission of the college,” President Bilger said. 

Spring break will begin on March 19, two days early, and Reed will reschedule classes and exams that were due to be held March 19 & 20. Faculty will use this time to prepare for holding classes online starting March 30 and continuing through April 10.

“As we meet these unprecedented challenges, we rely on your attention, patience, and support,” Bilger said. “This is a level of disruption that most of us have never had to experience. Moving through this and related issues will require cooperation that I am confident we will achieve.”

Bilger noted that the situation remains fluid and that Reed’s response will evolve as new information becomes available.

To date, no cases of COVID-19 have been reported among students, faculty, or staff at Reed. 

The college’s response is shaped by recommendations from public health authorities, including the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Multnomah County Health Department. In addition to following CDC guidelines, the college’s COVID-19 task force, led by Vice President for Student Life Mike Brody and Vice President for College Relations Hugh Porter, is responding to situations that might be unique to Reed. 

Check our Coronavirus/COVID-19 page for the latest updates, resources, FAQs, details, and more.

Tags: Institutional, Covid-19