Dear Incoming Students,

We hope this message finds you safe and healthy.  

As you read in University President Christina H. Paxson’s message, shared with you by Dean Logan Powell on April 7, Brown is planning to return to a traditional two-semester academic calendar and mostly in-person operations beginning in Fall 2021, including normal residential, co-curricular and athletic experiences. The University also has announced that, for the Fall 2021 semester, Brown will require COVID-19 vaccines for all students who will be on campus or engage in any level of in-person instruction, whether in the U.S. or abroad. The majority of classroom instruction will happen in-person, with only a portion of the curriculum available in hybrid or fully online form. Students who have exceptional circumstances that prevent their coming to Providence may request to study remotely from their permanent residence. 

If you cannot come to Providence this fall because of health concerns or disability, travel restrictions, or other hardships, you must submit a request for an exceptional circumstances exemption no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, June 7, via the Fall 2021 Housing & Non-Resident Forms. (If you are a student with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to study remotely, you must also register with Student Accessibility Services at SAS@brown.edu.) Students may be contacted for advising and discussion about the circumstances described in their request. Students will receive notification of the outcome of their request the week of June 21, 2021. Further information about the exceptional circumstances exemption request follows below in the form of Frequently Asked Questions; please read the information carefully so you understand this process fully. 

If you have any questions, please contact Fall2021@brown.edu. 

Eric Estes
Vice President for Campus Life

Rashid Zia
Dean of the College

FAQs Regarding Exemption for Remote Study in Fall 2021 for Exceptional Circumstances

I am not sure if I will need to study remotely in the fall. Should I submit a request?

Yes, if you believe that there are exceptional circumstances that may prevent your return to Providence this fall, you should submit a request. This request form will be the only opportunity to request an exemption to study remotely for exceptional circumstances for the Fall 2021 semester. 

When will I know which classes will be offered in hybrid or fully online form?

The subset of classes that will be offered in a hybrid or fully online format will not be known until late summer, but the request to study remotely should be made independent of the course offerings. By submitting a request to study remotely, you are indicating that there are exceptional circumstances that may prevent your coming to Providence. 

If students can’t easily get access to the COVID-19 vaccine where they are residing — in the U.S. or abroad — can they get vaccinated upon arrival at Brown? 

It is our expectation that students who are unable to access the COVID-19 vaccine prior to arrival in the fall, especially international students, will be able to get vaccinated in the State of Rhode Island where they will be living and studying. There will be additional information over the summer from University Health Services regarding the implementation of the vaccination requirements, including the process for requesting an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

I cannot return to campus this fall because of health concerns or disability. How do I register my disability with Student Accessibility Services (SAS)?

You should visit the SAS website to view the full instructions for registering with their office, as well as to view important information about the full range of services offered. The basic steps are:

• Provide SAS registration forms and documentation 
• Meet with an SAS staff member
• ​​​​​​​Communicate with faculty/staff about implementing your accommodations

Can SAS approve me for remote study in Fall 2021?

No, SAS only verifies the existence of a disability through their registration process and cannot approve you for remote study in Fall 2021 or any other semester.

Can I apply to study remotely from my permanent residence if it is within 30 miles of campus (i.e., if I am a commuter)?  

Yes, in Fall 2021, students who live within 30 miles of campus will be eligible to request remote study for exceptional circumstances. Students who are approved will be required to study remotely from their permanent residence and not visit campus. If you wish to visit campus and reside at home in your permanent residence within 30 miles of campus, you should request to be a commuter (not to study remotely). 

Can I study remotely from a location other than my permanent residence?

No, the exceptional circumstance permission to study remotely in Fall 2021 will only be available to students who are studying remotely from their permanent residence. If you are unable to study remotely from your permanent residence and are concerned that you may not be able to come to Providence this fall, we would encourage you to reach out to Student Support Services for advice and support.

What if my circumstances change after I am approved for remote study and I want to study in Providence? 

First-year students — all of whom are required to live on campus — would join the waitlist for on-campus housing and would only be able to change their status and live on-campus if on-campus housing becomes available. On-campus housing is not guaranteed for students who have been approved for remote study due to exceptional circumstances and change their plans. 

What if challenges with international travel change my circumstances after the June 7 deadline? 

Students affected by international travel restrictions that arise after the June 7 deadline can request late consideration for remote study by contacting Fall2021@brown.edu.