Two major Texas universities plan to return in the fall

[brooklynite]

Source: CNN

Texas A&M University and the University of Texas will reopen and be operational for the fall semester.

"This summer, we’re fully online and enrollment is actually up, a sign that you remain undeterred in pursuing your goals," Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young said in a letter.

The University of Texas (UT) said plans for its campus reopening won't be announced until the end of June, UT President Gregory L. Fenves said in a letter to students.

"Our goal remains to reopen the Forty Acres in the fall, likely with some courses and activities held in person and others online as dictated by health and safety concerns," Fenves said.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/us-coronavirus-update-05-01-20/index.html

[patphil]

1. I certainly hope they don't plan on reopening dormitories.

There is no way to maintain social distancing and a safe environment in buildings set up to hold hundreds of students.
Who would want to have a roommate that they have never seen before, and have no idea of their covid19 status?
Who would want to eat in a cafeteria where you don't know who sat at the table before you?
Who would want to use a restroom that will probably only be disinfected once a day?

Even off-campus apartments are usually shared by several students. I think it is unworkable.

[MissB]

6. I think it'll be challenging

My youngest son’s university sent an email yesterday that discussed their plans for fall.

The county they are in has no active cases and that state is undergoing a phased reopening. Masks are required in public spaces, etc. Low case counts across the state.

The university is looking at larger rooms for smaller lectures so that they can do the appropriate distancing. Some lab sessions become work sessions (with prof, so small groups). Some rotation amongst a class between online and physical classroom for really large classes so that all students get a chance for some time with prof. New rules for entering and exiting classes, and likely a lot more time between classes. Flexibility for all classes to pop back to online if dictated by the health department.

No idea about the dorms. I’d be surprised if the cafeterias will be anything but to go food.

My kid is in an off campus apartment, currently the only one of his two roommates there. He’s moving soon to another apartment for the summer and then a house in the fall.

[pecosbob]

2. DJT and Greg Abbott demand the sacrifice of your children on the altar of Mammon

[Igel]

3. NY schools aren't planning on being closed.

And since some planning has to be happening, that means by default they're planning on being open.

That's pretty much the same thing. "May" = "might not". I may go to the store today = I might not go to the store today. It's just a question of emphasis and how the speaker shapes the discourse, not the actual propositional content.



Same in Texas as in NY, to be honest. Full speed ahead for being open for students in late August, when school starts. But in the background, people are still saying, "At least that's what we're saying for now. Stay tuned."

[Blasphemer]

7. Don't want to name the school (lest I spread misinformation given that things do change rapidly)...

But at least one major school in NY has already decided to be online in the fall but has not officially announced it yet. Then there are schools using the term "open" very loosely. Harvard says it will be "open" but qualifies that by noting that being open doesn't mean the campus will be open for normal operations as per usual. A legal blogger has said most law schools will be open but with a remote option for students who can't/won't return to campus. You're right, though, it's a big waiting game.

[JCMach1]

4. Wishful thinking before the Texas outbreak hit full-force

I'm calling it... My only question is the timing...

[cannabis_flower]

5. We'll see.

They are saying that now, but will they still be opening if cases go through the roof this summer.