In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, numerous universities across the United States are contemplating the suspension of in-person classes until 2021. As the reality of remote learning becomes increasingly evident, many students may not return to campus this fall. Some institutions have already made the decision to cancel physical classes for the foreseeable future.
For instance, Springfield College has announced that it will not hold any in-person classes during the summer term, opting instead for online courses while providing only limited housing and dining services. Their “recovery strategy” outlines protocols for the upcoming academic year, acknowledging the possibility of delaying any in-person return until January 2021, should health officials deem it unsafe to resume traditional classroom settings in the fall.
The president of Springfield College, Angela Reed, expressed optimism about the potential for students to return in the fall, describing it as the “ideal scenario.” However, the focus remains on ensuring the safest and most effective approach to education during these unprecedented times. “Our planning is centered around a return to campus this fall,” noted Mark Thompson, the chief academic officer.
Harvard University is also exploring various remote learning strategies for the upcoming year, as reported by national media outlets. A spokesperson from the University of Oregon emphasized that they are evaluating all possible options for student return, with the ultimate decision resting on the trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the University of Arizona stated that while they hope for a normal academic year, the health and safety of their community will be their top priority.
The situation is particularly disheartening for incoming college freshmen, many of whom have only recently solidified their post-graduation education plans. The loss of the traditional campus move-in experience and the missed milestones for high school seniors are significant emotional blows, deserving of acknowledgment and compassion.
Epidemiologist and researcher, Lisa Grant, emphasized the importance of universities preparing for all eventualities. “I believe that colleges should plan for potential delays in start dates and the possibility of alternating between closing and reopening, as epidemiological models indicate we may face such challenges well into 2022,” she stated.
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Summary
As universities contemplate the possibility of delaying in-person classes until 2021 due to COVID-19, institutions like Springfield College and Harvard are focusing on remote learning alternatives while prioritizing the health of their communities. The uncertainty poses challenges for incoming freshmen and high school seniors, emphasizing the need for strategic planning based on evolving public health guidelines.