Students who are returning to college campuses may find things looking and operating very differently than they have in the past. To protect students from COVID-19, many schools are adopting new practices and protocols. For example, some schools have shut down dining facilities and gyms, removed some furniture to encourage social distancing, and constructed barriers and shields in classrooms and labs. Some schools have also limited in-person access to administrative staff, so students may find themselves conducting most of their school-related business online.
In classrooms, dormitories, and labs, colleges and universities are also implementing a range of new safety protocols. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is a major priority, as is enforcing social distancing by limiting the number of students. Students are strongly encouraged, if not required, to engage in personal safety measures, such as wearing face masks, maintaining a six-foot distance from fellow students, and washing hands frequently.
All students who are returning to college campuses this fall should check with their schools for specific instructions, requirements, and protocols. Students should also monitor their own health, avoid going to class if they think they might be sick, and know who to contact on campus if they have any symptoms of coronavirus, such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.