The plan requires students to submit a negative COVID-19 test, and urges them to quarantine for two weeks, before returning to Grounds, and sets protocols for life at UVA after they arrive.

The University’s plan emphasizes safety elements such as virus testing, requirements for wearing masks, social distancing and thorough sanitizing of spaces.

UVA President Jim Ryan expects recommendations no later than early August on how the University can improve racial equity, and encouraged task force members to pursue bold ideas.

As currently planned, the fall semester will begin Aug. 25. What happens thereafter will be quite different, as UVA seeks to balance its world-class residential experience with safety and health concerns.

Final preparations are being made to present the first-ever virtual celebration and degree conferral for the University of Virginia’s Class of 2020.

Answering the question on the mind of the University community is neither simple nor easy. UVA must consider many complex factors influenced by a pandemic that has deeply affected higher education.

The University will freeze hiring and salaries as part of a set of policy adjustments implemented to address the deep financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations.

President Ryan announced the creation of a $2 million emergency assistance fund for UVA contract workers and employees. UVA also is making a $1 million contribution to the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.

President Ryan and his team will provide information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting University operations, academic instruction, students, research, health services and other areas.

Students and their families can opt to take cash refunds or apply their credits toward future tuition, room, board or other charges.