IUPUI
Page updated January 15, 2021
These plans are open to change if state or county health departments issue new directives.
Operational decisions will be made according to the individual campus situation. Outbreaks and other issues affecting one campus will not affect the operations of any other IU campus.
Check back regularly for updates.
Remote teaching and working
Although we will start face-to-face classes on February 8, IUPUI staff and faculty should continue working and teaching remotely where possible until further notice.
For more information, please see IU Human Resources' Working through COVID-19 webpage.
COVID-19 testing
With the start of classes, IUPUI launched a mitigation testing program, which will continue throughout the academic year with tests being given weekly. As postive cases are identified, campus will follow contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine guidelines to keep everyone safe.
Individuals selected for mitigation testing will receive an email notifying them of their selection, how to schedule their test, and additional information about the testing process.
Learn more about mitigation testing
During the winter intercession, IUPUI faculty, staff, and students will have the option to schedule free asymptomatic testing on campus. Testing slots are available by appointment. Please do not make an appointment if you:
- Have symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, muscle or body aches, or new loss of taste or smell.
- If you are experiencing these symptoms and haven't already done so, please visit IU Health's virtual screening clinic and schedule a symptomatic COVID-19 test as soon as possible.
- Have been selected for required mitigation testing that week.
- Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- Are currently in quarantine as a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
Visit the IU Newsroom to learn more about voluntary asymptomatic testing at IUPUI.
Changes in the academic calendar and class updates
- Semester start and end dates remain the same.
- August 24: start of fall semester
- May 9: end of spring semester
- Fall courses either conclude by Thanksgiving or shift online following Thanksgiving.
- Spring courses begin on January 19 with the first three weeks of instruction online followed by on-site teaching starting on February 8.
- New online Winter Session will allow students an opportunity to take classes between December 21 and February 7.
- Fall and spring breaks have been removed from the calendar to preserve instructional time and to mitigate further spread of the virus through travel.
- Two wellness days have been added to the spring semester calendar during which there will be no classes.
- Tuesday, February 23, 2021
- Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Courses may be in-person (face-to-face and hybrid), online (synchronous and asynchronous), or custom (personalized to fit you).
Visit the Student Central website to learn which classes have the modes of instruction that fit your needs.
Learn more about campus operational changes
Campus housing
IUPUI's Office of Housing and Residence Life requires that all residents to comply with university testing requirements. Additionally, please wear masks while inside the residence halls, wash your hands frequently, practice physical distancing at all times, avoid large gatherings, and clean up after yourself after you use public areas (like public restrooms, shared lounges, and shared apartment spaces).
Spring on-arrival testing for students living on campus
Students returning from the intersession or new students moving in to their on-campus residence can schedule their return to housing and on-arrival test for February 1-6, 2021. Details on where to go for on-arrival testing will be included in your confirmation. If you have on-arrival testing, arrival scheduling, or general return to housing questions, please review the housing FAQs.
What you should know about isolation and quarantine if you are living on campus:
Residents should plan ahead and consult with their support networks in the event that they are required to isolate due to testing positive for COVID-19 or quarantine due to being identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Make sure you have your "to go" bags packed with clothing, medications, toiletries, and other personal items you would need for up to two weeks. Also, make sure you have the materials you need for classes (books, notebooks, pens, computer) easily ready for transport. You will need your phone and other electronic devices so make sure you have those items and their chargers.
Students who test positive will have to isolate for at least 10 days and students who are identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive will have to quarantine for at least 10 days. Make sure to develop your plan now as you will not have much time to make a decision if you have a positive test.
Should you test positive, you will receive a call from the IU Contact Tracing Team for next steps, and you will also work with the Housing and Residence Life Quarantine and Isolation Team who is ready to support you whether you go home or move to quarantine and isolation housing on-campus. Be sure to respond to these calls quickly to help protect your peers and your community.
If you receive positive COVID-19 test results from the testing company before you are contacted by the university, please stay in your room/apartment (if you are on campus) or home (if you are home) and contact your RA or or the Housing and Residence Life Quarantine and Isolation Team. Remember to keep your mask on and physical distance at all times.
Health and safety procedures
A number of strategies designed to mitigate risk and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus have been implemented, including:
- Cleaning protocols
- Managing room capacities and schedules
- Maintaining safe distancing
- Wearing masks
- Modifying food service
- Regulating personal health checks
- Quarantining when necessary
Campus has put in place procedures for adjusting duties and expectations where needed and feasible for higher risk individuals in the IUPUI community.
Town Halls and other ongoing communication
IUPUI Town Halls have addressed various questions about IUPUI's plans for AY2020-21 and presented new information.
- Watch the November Faculty and Staff Town Hall with Chancellor Paydar
- Watch the November Faculty Town Hall
- Watch the November Student Town Hall
- Watch the December Staff Town Hall
Mark your calendars for upcoming Town Halls:
- Faculty and Staff Town Halls hosted by Chancellor Paydar (fourth Thursday of every month)
- January 28, 2-3 p.m.
- February 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
- March 25, 1-2 p.m.
- April 22, 10-11 a.m.
Watch previous Faculty and Staff Town Halls