CLEVELAND — As Ohio's COVID-19 fortunes continue to improve, one local university is already starting to make plans for its future this fall.
In a message sent to students and faculty earlier this month, Case Western Reserve University says it intends to have both in-person and online classes when the fall semester begins.
"We also know that some of our international students now in their home countries may not be able to get back to campus for the new academic year. Given that possibility—as well as others involving renewed infection increases—we intend to offer courses in both traditional and remote models. [U]Tech staff already had begun planning for this possibility, and they will collaborate with UCITE to provide additional support and guidance as you begin planning for this bimodal approach," the university wrote in its message. "Is it too much to expect a typical semester, where major stresses involve academics instead of infections? We hope not."
In addition to planning for the fall, Case adds that it has begun the preparations to have a limited number of employees return to work later in May following Gov. DeWine's recently announced plan to reopen Ohio.
The university emphasizes that it is doing everything it can to make sure the campus will be safe for all when it reopens.
"We are collaborating with hospital partners and others to secure supplies such as test kits, hand sanitizer, masks and more. We are looking at new approaches to class schedules, student activities and health services. And, rest assured, we have engaged infectious disease experts on our faculty to help inform key decisions," University President Barbara Snyder and Provost Ben Vinson III wrote to students and parents.
Although the university has canceled summer study abroad programs, it is planning to provide summer housing for those students who may need it. "Given that many of our international students now living on campus may not be able to return to their countries this summer, we are planning to be able to provide them housing. We will provide updates as soon as more information is available," the university stated.
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