Dear Graduate and Professional Students and Postdocs,

As the Chancellor has announced, because of concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak, the University of Pittsburgh has decided to cancel classes next week (March 16-20) and move all classes online starting the following week (March 23rd). Specific guidance for graduate and professional students and postdocs is available at the University's COVID-19 Response website. We will add to this guidance as more information becomes available - so please check it if you have questions.

The University will remain open and we are committed to the education of our graduate and professional students and the training of our postdocs. There will be some restrictions on the size of gatherings and other measures to reduce the spread of this virus. Details about these measures are being updated on the University's COVID-19 Response website.

I know that these changes will be disruptive and disappointing for many people. The University is only making these decisions because we believe it is important to protect the health and safety of our students, postdocs, faculty, and staff. I am sure that there will be many questions and also suggestions in the coming days. Please contact me if you have concerns or questions. We will try to respond to the most common and pressing questions in a timely manner.