Dear Students,

Under the leadership of the central and Shanghai municipal government, the university is doing its utmost to help the students deal with the recent outbreak of the epidemic caused by the novel coronavirus. Given the current situation, the university has decided to postpone the spring semester to later than the end of February (date to be announced). For the time being, we would like to provide the following as your guidance.

1. Stay home and avoid crowds. Take precautions in compliance with the government protocols, guidelines, and regulations. Pay special attention to personal hygiene. Provide necessary personal and travel information in a timely fashion as required by the local government.

2. Do not return to campus until further notice. Teaching in the spring semester is likely to be started online. Distance education method will enable you to keep on learning at home.

3. The university academics department and graduate school is working closely with each school/department for detailed online teaching plans. Please pay close attention to all notices and stay in touch with your class teacher or mentor. Graduate students are advised to work with your advisors on thesis projects through online distance guidance.

4. Senior undergraduates will be informed of thesis project requirements by your advisors. For graduate students who are scheduled to graduate in March, the university will make necessary adjustments so that qualified students will be able to graduate on schedule. Oral defense will be done through teleconference and students involved can make preparations accordingly during the winter break.

Dear students, we are confident that we will be able to win the fight against the epidemic under the leadership of the central government with President Xi Jinping at its core. We hope that you will make full use of your time and live up to your duties and responsibilities, which we believe is the best way to create a better future for all of us.