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Colleges Plan to Reopen Campuses, but for Just Some Students at a Time Colleges Plan to Reopen Campuses, but for Just Some Students at a Time
(32 minutes later)
With the coronavirus still raging and the fall semester approaching, colleges and universities are telling large segments of their student populations to stay home. Those who are allowed on campus, they say, will be living in a world where parties are banned, where everyone is frequently tested for the coronavirus and — perhaps most draconian of all — where students attend many if not all their courses remotely, from their dorm rooms.With the coronavirus still raging and the fall semester approaching, colleges and universities are telling large segments of their student populations to stay home. Those who are allowed on campus, they say, will be living in a world where parties are banned, where everyone is frequently tested for the coronavirus and — perhaps most draconian of all — where students attend many if not all their courses remotely, from their dorm rooms.
In order to achieve social distancing, many colleges are saying they will allow only 40 to 60 percent of their students to return to campus and live in the college residence halls at any one time, often divided by class year.In order to achieve social distancing, many colleges are saying they will allow only 40 to 60 percent of their students to return to campus and live in the college residence halls at any one time, often divided by class year.
Stanford has said freshmen and sophomores will be on campus when classes start in the fall, while juniors and seniors study remotely from home. Harvard announced on Monday that it will mainly be first-year students and some students in special circumstances who will be there in the fall; in the spring, freshmen will leave and it will be seniors’ turn.Stanford has said freshmen and sophomores will be on campus when classes start in the fall, while juniors and seniors study remotely from home. Harvard announced on Monday that it will mainly be first-year students and some students in special circumstances who will be there in the fall; in the spring, freshmen will leave and it will be seniors’ turn.
At the same time, very few colleges are offering tuition discounts, even for those students being forced to take classes from home.At the same time, very few colleges are offering tuition discounts, even for those students being forced to take classes from home.
Professors, students and parents all seem to be conflicted over how these plans will work out.Professors, students and parents all seem to be conflicted over how these plans will work out.
Pascale Bradley, a senior studying English and French literature at Yale, is just looking forward to seeing some classmates again. Yale is allowing first-year students, juniors and seniors on campus in the fall, but nearly all classes will be taught remotely.Pascale Bradley, a senior studying English and French literature at Yale, is just looking forward to seeing some classmates again. Yale is allowing first-year students, juniors and seniors on campus in the fall, but nearly all classes will be taught remotely.
“It won’t be the same social life,” she said. “Not that students are upset there might not be big parties. People are just looking forward to daily small interactions, being able to sit and study with someone and have a meal with someone.”“It won’t be the same social life,” she said. “Not that students are upset there might not be big parties. People are just looking forward to daily small interactions, being able to sit and study with someone and have a meal with someone.”
Her father, Kirby Bradley, is less forgiving. “This just seems to be the worst of all worlds,” said Mr. Bradley, who owns a video production company. “They are exposing the kids to increased virus risk, something that is arguably justifiable in exchange for in-person learning, which everyone agrees is better than online. But no, the kids will do remote learning, from campus! At full tuition!”Her father, Kirby Bradley, is less forgiving. “This just seems to be the worst of all worlds,” said Mr. Bradley, who owns a video production company. “They are exposing the kids to increased virus risk, something that is arguably justifiable in exchange for in-person learning, which everyone agrees is better than online. But no, the kids will do remote learning, from campus! At full tuition!”
College administrators say they are in a bind and doing the best they can to bring students back to campus to get at least some of the social and academic benefits of being surrounded by their peers.College administrators say they are in a bind and doing the best they can to bring students back to campus to get at least some of the social and academic benefits of being surrounded by their peers.
“This pandemic is among the worst crises ever to hit Princeton, or college education more broadly,” Christopher L. Eisgruber, president of Princeton, said in his reopening announcement. “Princeton’s preferred model of education emphasizes in-person engagement, but in-person engagement is what spreads this terrible virus.”“This pandemic is among the worst crises ever to hit Princeton, or college education more broadly,” Christopher L. Eisgruber, president of Princeton, said in his reopening announcement. “Princeton’s preferred model of education emphasizes in-person engagement, but in-person engagement is what spreads this terrible virus.”
Princeton is one of the few universities that has said it would offer a tuition discount this fall because of the limitations. Students, whether on campus or learning remotely, will be charged 10 percent less — $48,501 for the coming year, instead of $53,890, according to a spokesman, Ben Chang. It was unclear how students receiving financial aid — who account for more than 60 percent of undergraduates — would be affected.Princeton is one of the few universities that has said it would offer a tuition discount this fall because of the limitations. Students, whether on campus or learning remotely, will be charged 10 percent less — $48,501 for the coming year, instead of $53,890, according to a spokesman, Ben Chang. It was unclear how students receiving financial aid — who account for more than 60 percent of undergraduates — would be affected.
Princeton said it was instituting the policy because most undergraduates would be on campus only half the year — freshmen and juniors in the fall, sophomores and seniors in the spring.Princeton said it was instituting the policy because most undergraduates would be on campus only half the year — freshmen and juniors in the fall, sophomores and seniors in the spring.
Harvard University announced on Monday that no more than 40 percent of its undergraduates would be allowed on campus at a time during the next academic year, but that tuition would remain the same. All first-year students would be allowed in the fall semester, along with some students in other years whose home environments are not conducive to learning; the freshmen would leave in the spring to make space for seniors to finish and graduate on campus.Harvard University announced on Monday that no more than 40 percent of its undergraduates would be allowed on campus at a time during the next academic year, but that tuition would remain the same. All first-year students would be allowed in the fall semester, along with some students in other years whose home environments are not conducive to learning; the freshmen would leave in the spring to make space for seniors to finish and graduate on campus.
At Harvard, all classes will be held online, even for students living on campus. While it is not discounting its tuition and fees — about $54,000 for the year — the university said it would offer a summer term next year of two tuition-free courses for all students who had to study away from campus for the full academic year.At Harvard, all classes will be held online, even for students living on campus. While it is not discounting its tuition and fees — about $54,000 for the year — the university said it would offer a summer term next year of two tuition-free courses for all students who had to study away from campus for the full academic year.
Cutting down the number of students on campus will allow many colleges to offer everyone a single or double dormitory bedroom. Students are being told they will have to eat takeout meals from dining halls in their rooms, or perhaps make a reservation to eat.Cutting down the number of students on campus will allow many colleges to offer everyone a single or double dormitory bedroom. Students are being told they will have to eat takeout meals from dining halls in their rooms, or perhaps make a reservation to eat.
Many universities are requiring behavioral contracts in which students agree to wear face masks in public, to be tested regularly for the coronavirus, and to limit travel and socializing. If they break the rules, they can be disciplined.Many universities are requiring behavioral contracts in which students agree to wear face masks in public, to be tested regularly for the coronavirus, and to limit travel and socializing. If they break the rules, they can be disciplined.
Universities say they are keeping a tight rein on students because the trajectory of the virus is still uncertain. Several universities cited the recent surge in virus cases in some states as justification for keeping classes virtual, even for students living on campus.Universities say they are keeping a tight rein on students because the trajectory of the virus is still uncertain. Several universities cited the recent surge in virus cases in some states as justification for keeping classes virtual, even for students living on campus.
Faculty members are also worried. More than 850 members of the Georgia Tech faculty have signed a letter opposing the school’s reopening plans for the fall, which say that wearing face masks on campus would not be mandatory, just “strongly encouraged.”Faculty members are also worried. More than 850 members of the Georgia Tech faculty have signed a letter opposing the school’s reopening plans for the fall, which say that wearing face masks on campus would not be mandatory, just “strongly encouraged.”
Updated July 7, 2020 Updated July 16, 2020
The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
The Montana University System is also facing pushback from the faculty over its mask policy.The Montana University System is also facing pushback from the faculty over its mask policy.
International students may have the hardest time of all. Many have returned to their home countries and will not be able to re-enter the United States because of travel and visa restrictions.International students may have the hardest time of all. Many have returned to their home countries and will not be able to re-enter the United States because of travel and visa restrictions.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement on Monday that student visas would not be issued to people enrolled in schools or programs that are fully online for the fall semester. Students in such programs will not be permitted to enter the country, and those already in the United States “must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction, to remain in lawful status.”U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement on Monday that student visas would not be issued to people enrolled in schools or programs that are fully online for the fall semester. Students in such programs will not be permitted to enter the country, and those already in the United States “must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction, to remain in lawful status.”
Under pressure both to return to normal — President Trump wrote on Twitter on Monday that “Schools must open in the fall!!!” — and to keep students and faculty safe, universities are fighting back against the perception that virtual classes are inferior.Under pressure both to return to normal — President Trump wrote on Twitter on Monday that “Schools must open in the fall!!!” — and to keep students and faculty safe, universities are fighting back against the perception that virtual classes are inferior.
A video touts the sophistication of a studio system of creating and recording virtual lecture classes at Johns Hopkins, where first- and second-year students are being invited to apply for housing.A video touts the sophistication of a studio system of creating and recording virtual lecture classes at Johns Hopkins, where first- and second-year students are being invited to apply for housing.
The video shows professors delivering their lectures in a large bright studio, almost as if they were actors onstage, while the eager faces of students look back at them from oversize video screens.The video shows professors delivering their lectures in a large bright studio, almost as if they were actors onstage, while the eager faces of students look back at them from oversize video screens.
Many universities are bracing for the possibility that upperclassmen will request leaves of absence until things return to normal. The schools are warning students that if they do, there may not be dormitory housing for them in a year or two when they come back.Many universities are bracing for the possibility that upperclassmen will request leaves of absence until things return to normal. The schools are warning students that if they do, there may not be dormitory housing for them in a year or two when they come back.
Cornell University is bucking the trend and allowing all its students back to campus, with a mixture of in-person and online instruction. Cornell said it based its decision on an analysis that found that conducting a semester entirely remotely could result in far more students becoming infected — up to 10 times as many — compared with reopening the campus. That is because of the likelihood that even if classes were conducted remotely, many Cornell students would return to off-campus housing in Ithaca, N.Y., and the university would not be able to enforce virus testing requirements or restrictions on their behavior.Cornell University is bucking the trend and allowing all its students back to campus, with a mixture of in-person and online instruction. Cornell said it based its decision on an analysis that found that conducting a semester entirely remotely could result in far more students becoming infected — up to 10 times as many — compared with reopening the campus. That is because of the likelihood that even if classes were conducted remotely, many Cornell students would return to off-campus housing in Ithaca, N.Y., and the university would not be able to enforce virus testing requirements or restrictions on their behavior.
Rutgers University said on Monday that its fall semester would combine a majority of remotely delivered courses with a limited number of in-person classes.Rutgers University said on Monday that its fall semester would combine a majority of remotely delivered courses with a limited number of in-person classes.
“We have wanted very fervently to be able to resume some version of a normal semester,” Jonathan Holloway, the university’s president, said in a message to the Rutgers community.“We have wanted very fervently to be able to resume some version of a normal semester,” Jonathan Holloway, the university’s president, said in a message to the Rutgers community.
The University of Pennsylvania is also pursuing a “hybrid model” in the fall, with classroom instruction “where it can be provided safely and when it is essential to the academic needs of the course curriculum,” while other courses like large lecture classes are held online.The University of Pennsylvania is also pursuing a “hybrid model” in the fall, with classroom instruction “where it can be provided safely and when it is essential to the academic needs of the course curriculum,” while other courses like large lecture classes are held online.
Many schools suspended their usual grading policies amid the chaos of the spring term, substituting a pass/fail system instead. Now they say they are planning to restore normal grading policies.Many schools suspended their usual grading policies amid the chaos of the spring term, substituting a pass/fail system instead. Now they say they are planning to restore normal grading policies.
Lucy Tompkins and Caitlin Dickerson contributed reporting.Lucy Tompkins and Caitlin Dickerson contributed reporting.