While it was known the University of Idaho had plans to reopen for in-person courses in the fall, those plans were tentative due to the ever-changing nature of COVID-19. Today, President C. Scott Green explicitly stated UI would reopen in the fall — with some changes.
“It is imperative we open cautiously and safely, but with in-person, in-classroom learning as the priority,” Green said in the email. “We are a residential campus and providing students with the experience they expect and deserve is what will fill our classes.”
According to the email “live, in class learning experiences,” will start on Aug. 24. Although the majority of courses will transition back to in-person, Green said some there will be some adaptions.
In the email, Green outlined how UI will reopen safely. Green said the use of face coverings and other personal protective devices could be needed in situations like classrooms, offices and other public spaces.
Some of the adaptions could be reduced class sizes, moving classes to larger spaces and creating hybrid flexible, also called HyFlex, courses that would transition between in-person and online.
The possibility of some courses remaining online was not ruled out as well.
Green said the density of students would be reduced for students who live on-campus in either Residence Halls or Greek chapters.
At The Hub, students can expect limited seating and plexiglass protection.
Although not all the specifics are clear yet, Green said a detailed plan will follow in the next few weeks.
For those who are looking for more information throughout the summer, Green listed a few virtual meetings happening at the beginning of June.
Interim Provost Torrey Lawrence will host regular discussions starting June 3 for faculty and staff. There will be a New Student Town Hall via Zoom on June 4 for new students. For returning students and their parents or guardians, Dean of Students Blaine Eckles will be hosting a Facebook Live on June 8.
“The well-being of our Vandal Family is our highest priority and we want to reopen our university with that in mind. Our success hinges on our ability to be thoughtful and flexible,” Green said in the email. “We are primarily a destination campus, so providing a true campus experience is key to successfully delivering on our mission and ensuring the financial stability of our great university. Most importantly, we must work together for the good of our community.”
Alex Brizee can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @alex_brizee