With the highly anticipated total solar eclipse approaching on Monday, April 8, we want to ensure that everyone is aware of how this once-in-a-lifetime event will impact operations at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation so that we can all enjoy this experience to the fullest.
As previously announced by the Office of the Provost, in-person classes for students are cancelled on April 8. Instructors are encouraged to offer classes remotely. Faculty should inform students of their plans for April 8 classes by Monday, April 1. Clinical faculty should be aware that students will not be obligated to attend classes or clinicals they may have been previously scheduled to attend on April 8.
While the university and Jacobs School will remain open on April 8, supervisors are encouraged to discuss telecommuting options with employees where feasible based on a department’s operational needs. In accordance with guidance from university Human Resources, supervisors should extend as much flexibility as possible regarding scheduling in order to allow employees time to safely partake in this historic event.
Hospitals and clinics, including UBMD practices, may implement specific protocols during the eclipse or may be closing early ahead of the eclipse. Residents should coordinate with their program directors or supervising physicians regarding any adjustments to their schedules on April 8.
| Department | Time |
|---|---|
| Family Med | Closing at 12 p.m. |
| Internal Med | Outpatient clinics will close and transition to telemedicine only, for the whole day. |
| Neurology | Closing at 1 p.m. |
| Neurosurgery | Closing at 12 p.m. |
| Ophthalmology | 12 p.m.: All locations closed; phones will go on service. Between 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Phones will remain on service. After 9 p.m.: All emergencies will be sent to ECMC. |
| Orthopaedics | Stop seeing patients at 12 p.m. Canalside location is closed all day due to Harbor Center closing. |
| Otolaryngology | Ending patient hours at 11:30 a.m. and closed rest of the day. |
| Pediatrics | Afternoon clinics closed. |
| Psychiatry | Private practice clinics will be remote. |
| Radiology | Students have the day off. Residents work until noon. |
| Surgery | Closing at 12 p.m. |
| Department | Time |
|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Specialty | Closing at 12 p.m. |
| Neurology | Closing at 1 p.m. |
| Neurosurgery | Closing at 1 p.m. |
| OBGYN | Closing at 1 p.m. |
| Pediatrics | Closing at 1 p.m. |
| Primary Care | Closed. |
| Psychiatry | Closed. |
| Urology | Closed. |
| Vascular Surgery | Closing at 12 p.m. |
UB faculty, staff and students are eligible to receive solar eclipse-viewing glasses approved by the American Astronomical Society. Glasses can be picked up at the following locations (Downtown campus).
Main Street and High Street security office, 955 Main St.
Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions security desk
Clinical and Translational Research Center atrium
The university invites faculty, staff and students who will be on the North and South campuses on April 8 to gather to view the total solar eclipse from its partial start at 2:04 p.m. to its partial end at 4:32 p.m. Those on the North Campus can gather at the grassy field along Lee Road near Lake La Salle and the University Bookstore; those on the South Campus can view outside Harriman Hall. Both locations will have snacks and solar eclipse glasses.
Students for the Exploration and Development of Space will also be launching a weather balloon 80,000 feet into the air at the field along Lee Road at 1 p.m.
These events are not open to the broader community or those traveling from outside the area to view the eclipse. Please visit the eclipse website to learn more.
In addition to the on-campus activities, the UB Art Galleries is celebrating the total solar eclipse with a special exhibition and installation, as well as a watch party, all at the UB Anderson Gallery.