Reopening College During COVID-19

COVID-19 had a domino effect. It affected large corporations. It affected businesses. Additionally, it affected K-12 schools. But that isn’t it. It also changed college operations. College campuses shut down. Now states are slowly reopening. And states are moving towards reopening college and college campuses. There are many goals and considerations for reopening colleges and universities. Too many considerations to list. However, two are most important. First, to slow the spread of COVID. Next, to protect staff and students.

States have seen lower cases. However, new cases are showing up. It’s true, cases are increasing. Since August, colleges reported outbreaks. These outbreaks aren’t limited to certain states. As a result, those college campuses had to reconsider in-person instruction. This news affects colleges nationwide.

COVID cases have slowed in some places. The keyword in that sentence is “some.” However, the strong reality is, COVID-19 is still a threat to us all. COVID-19 hasn’t gone anywhere. There’s still risk for transmission, spread, and infection. (Continue using precautions to minimize some of these risks). Therefore, colleges are looking at different instruction options. For instance, virtual instruction only, in-person, or in-person until Thanksgiving. Colleges consider risks in the classroom. But, they should consider in other campus areas, like dorms and computer labs. In summary, the risks are everywhere. Thus, colleges should consider all risks. And they do! Their decisions are based on those risks.

• Use physical barriers
• Reduce traffic in the cafeteria
• Tell the campus of new cases
• Teach staff and students on using public transportation  
• Change safeguards when new risks arise
• Cancel study abroad programs
• Change work duties for staff, especially at-risk populations/groups
• Keep substitute staff readily available
• Give staff flexible time off