(PHOTO: JEENAH MOON/GETTY IMAGES)
Universities and colleges considering going all online
College students who were hoping to get back into the swing of things in the coming months may be in for some sad news. A number of universities are beginning to consider the possibility of canceling in-person classes for the rest of 2020, meaning that they will not resume until 2021.
One institution that has already canceled all “in-person summer activities” is Boston University, but should officials deem it unsafe to return to classes for the fall semester, the University has a recovery plan that involves continuing classes remotely come August.
In an online statement, the University said that it “[E]nvisions the need to consider a later in-person return, perhaps in January 2021.” Boston University went on to say that it will “continue providing the minimal housing and dining services that are currently available.”
Students returning to in-person classes in the fall is the “best-case scenario” not just for BU, but for universities and colleges across the country. But the safety and health of students is a top concern, so many schools want to re-open in the best and safest way possible.
Other universities that are following suit include Harvard, Oregon State, and Florida International University. This scenario goes to show just how schools are facing some unimaginable changes to their curriculum and just how upending the COVID-19 virus has been to the operations of higher education.
In March, classes were moved online in a matter of days, spring break was canceled, summer jobs furloughed, and commencement ceremonies postponed or canceled altogether. Aside from university officials, students are hopeful that fall will bring an end to the uncertainty and things can go back to relative normalcy.
By: Maytinee Kramer
