As wildfire smoke continues to cover Moscow and Coeur d’Alene, health concerns and problems with campus air handling systems have caused University of Idaho to transition to remote operations for the rest of the work week, according to an email sent to students, faculty and staff.
“The forecast is for cooler weather and clearing over the weekend, and we anticipate a full return of operations on Monday,” the email stated.
No in-person classes will be permitted for the remainder of the week. All classes must be held using remote or online formats only. Employees are encouraged to work from home if possible. No paperwork will be required to do so. Those who cannot work from home are encouraged to contact their supervisors as each Vice President compiles a list of employees eligible for paid administrative leave.
Essential employees are required to work on campus as usual. COVID-19 testing in the Student Recreation Center (SRC) will continue as planned and the Vandal Health Clinic will remain open. All residence halls and The Hub will remain open. Computer labs will only be accessible online, but the library and SRC will reopen Thursday.
The library will open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The library will close Saturday and be open 12-10 p.m. Sunday. The SRC will open for normal business hours and the Outdoor Rental Center will open for returns only.
Events scheduled for Thursday and Friday will be reviewed and organizers will be notified of changes. Faculty, staff and students outside of Moscow and Coeur d’Alene are encouraged to follow the guidance of their supervisors.
“All operations and classes will return to normal in-person status on Monday, Sept. 21,” the email stated. “Any change to this will be announced via email.”
Students feeling overwhelmed are encouraged to contact the UI Counseling and Testing Center at 208-885-6716. Faculty and Staff are encouraged to access the free, confidential Employee Assistance Program service available through benefits.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]