DU recently announced its plans to return to in-person learning this fall, informing its undergraduate students that the university is committed to a “full, robust on-campus experience.” Chancellor Jeremy Haefner credits this decision to the university’s handling of COVID-19.
“Given the continued decline in the positivity rate, increased vaccination and recognition that at DU, not a single case of COVID-19 has been traced to transmission in a classroom, there is general agreement that in-person learning in the fall will be safe for our community,” Haefner said.
The university has been making significant shifts in its COVID-19 protocols this spring. DU recently lifted its outdoor mask requirement for students walking alone or in small groups, and this was followed by a recent update from the CDC on mask-wearing for the nation at large. Now at alert level green, the university is permitting larger gatherings and has lowered testing frequency for vaccinated students and staff.
Summer quarter will look similar to the current quarter, with a mixture of in-person, hybrid and online courses offered. As conditions improve, more activities for students will be offered as well.
The chancellor emphasized DU’s continued commitment to the safety of its students. “Naturally, we will continue to provide accommodations for those with medical conditions,” Haefner said.
Housing requirements for undergraduate students were reinstated for the upcoming academic year as well. Freshmen and sophomores are once again required to live on campus, and they now have the opportunity to live with roommates.
Student organizations and clubs will likely be allowed to meet in person at the new Community Commons building, providing a space for students to get involved this fall.
“At this time, we anticipate a year of programming and on-campus life that much more closely resembles DU prior to COVID-19,” Haefner explained.
Around 700 students have applied to DU’s study abroad program for the fall quarter, and the Office of International Education frequently conducts “risk assessments” to ensure the safety of those students in their travels. The university will continue to keep students updated on the state of studying abroad.
Plans for graduate students have also been announced. The university has committed to in-person instruction for courses that were taught in person prior to the pandemic. Online courses will be offered based on the individual needs determined by each of DU’s schools and colleges.
Students will likely still have to comply with a degree of safety precautions, such as social distancing and mask-wearing. However, the university has stated that vaccinated students will see fewer restrictions in the fall. The COVID-19 vaccination has been made mandatory for all students, faculty and staff returning to campus in the fall, but exemptions are allowed for medical, religious and personal reasons.
With continuous changes to CDC and Colorado guidelines, updates on the university’s fall plans will be ongoing. At the present moment, DU plans to return to the greatest level of normalcy possible while still keeping its students safe.
