Just because classes are back in person does NOT mean that life is back to business as usual here at the University of Washington. COVID-19 is still here and poses a risk to all students and their families. 

1. There are still cases of COVID-19 going around on campus. When a student catches COVID-19, not only is that student unable to attend classes, but all of their classmates across all of their in-person courses must live in anxiety that they too may have been exposed to the virus.
2. On-campus resources, such as libraries and study rooms, are limited as a result of COVID-19. This makes it increasingly difficult for students to study for their classes.
3. Students must readjust to the demands of in-person learning after a year and a half of online classes. For many students, more than in normal circumstances, this is their first time taking classes on UW campus. This also impacts the ability of students to be successful in their coursework.
4. Many students live with or have loved ones who are immunocompromised, young, elderly, or in other at-risk groups for catching a dire case of COVID-19. There is a sense of isolation from family due to COVID-19, especially for international students who cannot go back to their families due to travel restrictions, or fear that relatives may get sick. Furthermore, students may have to care for loved ones who catch COVID-19, making them unable to fully participate in their courses.
5. A significant number of classes are still entirely online. To students who have full schedules  of online classes, Au21 is no different from previous ECQs quarters.

These difficulties impact ALL students at the University of Washington, but disproportionately impact BIPOC and POC, first-generation students, low-income students, international and out-of state students, and commuters.

We demand that the Office of the Provost deems Autumn 2021 an Extraordinary Circumstances quarter so students have access to the accommodations they need to get through these trying times.