Instruction at the University of Hawaii’s 10-campus system will continue to be primarily online for the spring 2021 semester due to COVID-19. UH moved the 2020 fall semester almost entirely online in early August after a surge in COVID-19 cases in the State of Hawaiʻi.   The spring 2020 semester went abruptly online in March at the outset of the pandemic. Students have already begun registering for the spring semester, which begins on January 11.

UH President David Lassner said in a system-wide message, “I know we all yearn to return to pre-pandemic life, but at this point, we must prioritize the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and the communities in which we live and work.  We are committed to help every UH student stay on track, safely, for on-time graduation.”

In fall 2020, approximately 85% of courses taught in the UH system were online, 10% were hybrid, and 5% in-person, although percentages varied widely from campus to campus. The mode of course delivery is determined at the unit level with faculty input. On-campus instruction is used for those courses or course activities that cannot be taught effectively online, such as labs, clinical experiences, studios and shops. Appropriate physical distancing, facial coverings and sanitization protocols, per the UH COVID-19 guidelines, are strictly followed.

Lassner said he is optimistic about the fall 2021 semester, and is hoping for a healthy mix of in-person, hybrid, and online instruction.

To see UH Pesident Lassner’s message:   https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2020/11/20/spring-fall-2021-planning/

Photo is UH President David Lassner