March 10, 2020

Dear Reed community,

Members of Reed’s COVID-19 task force have been meeting on a daily basis. Today the entire task force convened for our weekly group meeting. We discussed the fact that some higher education institutions are transitioning to remote learning after spring break and/or cancelling classes. The question arose: should Reed do the same?

There is strong consensus within the task force that Reed should continue to follow guidance provided by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), which “recommends against closing schools and campuses where no cases of COVID-19 are present.” At this time, we will not close campus or move to remote learning for all classes after spring break. Reed’s goal is to keep members of our community as safe as possible while fulfilling our core commitment to education and ensuring that students can complete their coursework for the semester.

It is important to note that Reed urges those identified as high risk to take recommended precautions and seek support from the college as needed to explore alternative arrangements for work and study. If you are a community member who has questions about how to seek support, please contact us.

Reed’s COVID-19 task force will continue to monitor this situation, review and participate in regular updates from the OHA, address questions from community members, meet regularly, adjust plans, and update the Reed’s Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention & Response website. Please contact us if you have questions or suggestions regarding the college's response to COVID-19.

We want to thank each of you for the care you are demonstrating during this uncertain time. We are proud to be part of a community where individuals care for each other, for Reed’s educational mission, and for the community as a whole.

Wishing the entire community health and wellness.

Mike Brody
Vice President for Student Life, co-chair of the COVID-19 task force

Hugh Porter
Vice President for College Relations, co-chair of the COVID-19 task force