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UNM-Gallup details reopening in fall

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GALLUP — The University of New Mexico-Gallup campus will host classes mostly virtually for the Fall 2020 semester, UNM-Gallup announced July 7.

The fall semester for the university is set to begin August 17. The plan for university personnel is to work remotely through Aug. 31, according to a news release.

“UNM-Gallup’s plan is also closely aligned with the UNM main campus reopening plan, along with state and federal guidelines—and will continue to follow available data and recommendations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” the university said in a news release. “The plan’s number one goal is to ensure student and personnel safety throughout the coming months.”

A university spokesman said about 80 percent of classes will be strictly online, with about 20 percent of classes in a hybrid format.

“We do not want to be a hotspot, we don’t want to put any student at risk needlessly,” Lee Lamb, senior public relations specialist for UNM-Gallup, said. “Right now, McKinley County continues to be in the middle of the numbers in New Mexico, and we will probably just continue to lag behind the rest of the state in reopening.”

Hybrid classes will include those that require “critical lab or essential skills components,” according to the news release.

The campus’ bookstore and library will offer online services and curbside pickup for the fall.

WiFi will be available from campus parking lots for staff and students with their UNM NetID.

Campus activities including events and large gatherings will be postponed until further notice.

The campus fitness trail will remain open, however the physical education complex will be closed through Aug. 31.

Over 2,200 students typically attend the university, but Lamb said enrollment numbers are down about 22 percent for the fall. Still, the university is encouraging students to enroll for the fall.

“The fall will definitely be different, but students pursuing their degree or looking to enter their degree program should register and continue on just so their career plans or future educational plans aren’t delayed, and we’ll get them through the semester in the right way, safely,” Lamb said. “It looks like we will be into the spring in much better shape if we do all of this right.”

Lamb said the campus has ordered personal protective equipment, including facemasks for students.

By Dominic Aragon
Sun Correspondent

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