UMSL is moving all summer courses to online instruction and waving online fees for all 4-, 8- and 12-week sessions in 2020. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis continues to take proactive steps to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health and safety of its students, faculty and staff.

With those goals in mind, UMSL will move all summer courses to online instruction for 4-, 8- and 12-week sessions, and waive all online course fees.

“There remains a lot of uncertainty about what will happen in the months ahead, and by making this this decision now, we hope to provide some clarity for our students and faculty and give them time to plan and prepare,” Interim Chancellor and Provost Kristin Sobolik said.  “Whether courses are held online or in person, our goals remain the same, helping students gain the knowledge they need to complete their degrees and succeed after graduation.”

The university will continue to offer a robust catalog of courses with high-quality instruction thoughtfully developed and taught by expert faculty and supported by the professional staff in the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Office of eLearning. UMSL has been first in Missouri in U.S. News & World Report’s Online Bachelor’s Program rankings the past three years, and Online Schools Report recently ranked it 14th nationally on its Most Affordable Online Colleges list.

UMSL also is investing in additional technologies to support lab, clinical and field experiences.

Additionally, the Summer Triton Scholarship will be available to provide financial assistance for students to continue their studies over the summer.

“I am proud of the many ways our community continues to support and care for each other during this difficult time,” Sobolik said. “We want to continue to work to ensure the well-being of our families, neighbors and friends, and continue our commitment to keep teaching and keep learning.”