In an email sent out to the AU community, President Sylvia Burwell said the University will be open in the fall, whether for in-person, online or hybrid classes, with an official announcement coming in early to mid June.
The announcement comes after the University announced the creation of a task force, made up of academic and administration leaders and key experts. Burwell said the task force will make its recommendations to the executive leadership team on May 15.
“The upheaval of the past several months demands an educational experience and community that is supportive, flexible, and presents a wide range of options that meet individual needs,” Burwell wrote.
A summary of the University's coronavirus response included in Burwell’s email states that fall classes are set to begin on Aug. 24.
The summary also states that the University will put forth an immediate and long-term approach for reopening.
“American University will provide the robust, high-quality, and dynamic education that is the hallmark of our mission,” the summary said.
In her email, Burwell said she hopes the AU community will recover safely from this crisis. She ensured that their most important considerations are the health and well-being of the community as well as advancing learning and research.
“While fall will likely be anything but typical, I promise you that, no matter its format, it will reflect the American University experience that means so much to us all,” she wrote.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
