The University of Toledo is implementing additional measures to help prevent the spread of disease during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Employees will begin working remotely effective Thursday, March 19 with only authorized employees working on campus. Those employees who cannot complete their responsibilities off campus will use paid leave. University leaders will reassess staffing plans on or before April 3.

On the advice of the Centers for Disease Control to not hold events with 50 or more people, UToledo’s spring commencement planned for May 9 in the Glass Bowl is canceled, along with all other related commencement and convocation events. Graduates will be invited to return to campus for the University’s winter commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12.

“We are in unprecedented times as we all grapple with this global coronavirus pandemic. These are difficult, but necessary decisions to ensure the health and safety of our entire campus community,” UToledo President Sharon L. Gaber said. “We are sincerely disappointed that we will not have an opportunity to celebrate our students’ success at spring commencement. We are currently looking for other ways we can recognize the Class of 2020.”

The staffing changes and cancelation of commencement are the latest actions UToledo has taken to address the coronavirus pandemic. As previously announced, all courses will be delivered remotely beginning tomorrow and through the end of the spring semester and students who live on campus are in the process of moving out before residence halls close on March 22.

For the latest information on the University’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, visit utoledo.edu/coronavirus.