Key Takeaways:
- Penn State is preparing for a possible campus return this coming fall.
- In a meeting with the Board of Trustees, the university president detailed the plans of the university as pandemic restrictions continue to relax.
- The university will continue to provide relief and assistance to affected students.
Students of Pennsylvania State University may soon be returning to campus. In a meeting with Penn State’s Board of Trustees, President Eric Barron discussed the university’s plans to return to an on-campus, face-to-face learning and teaching experience for students and faculty in the coming fall semester and beyond.
During the meeting on July 15, Barron emphasized that the health and well-being of the students remain the priority of the university amid pandemic challenges that have restricted the delivery of on-campus education.
He further noted that the university will continue to support its constituents as the country recovers from the impact of the pandemic.
As before, 95% of courses at University Park and 88% of courses at Commonwealth Campuses are expected to be taught using on-ground and traditional modes of instruction. Meanwhile, students and teachers from World Campuses can still opt to continue learning online.
Included in Penn State’s plans is the transition from masking and physical distancing as minimum health protocols to a more relaxed health measure that is more aligned with the changes recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Additionally, university efforts continue to encourage and provide incentive for people within the community to have their vaccines. From students, faculty and staff, they are all encouraged to share their vaccination status for a more proper COVID-19 management.
As a reminder, vaccines are widely available near Penn State campuses, specifically along the Commonwealth. The University Health Services at University Park serves as a vaccine distribution point for students. In addition, each Penn State campus has community vaccine resources identified.
If the health crisis worsens in Pennsylvania, Barron assured that the university will quickly respond and implement contingency plans, including a more rigorous testing process for people who are not vaccinated, suppressing the spread using face masks and physical distancing, and adhering to any changes in the CDC and state health department guidelines.
Although the university expects international students to attend this August, many of them face problems going to the United States as international travel regulations for most countries tighten.
To help incoming international students, Penn State’s Office of Global Programs offers its assistance by providing advice on academic options, travel plans, following health protocols, and getting vaccinated upon arrival.
See Penn State President Eric Barron’s full presentation online.
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