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Two 14-Year-Olds Grill An Author About The Future Of Humanity
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Jul 20, 2021 Leave a comment
Wofford Says Percentage of Students Getting Vaccines Is Low
July 20, 6:20 a.m. Wofford College, in South Carolina, says too few students are getting vaccinated against COVID-19, WYFF News reported.
An email to students said, "As of today, about 35 percent of students and 78 percent of faculty and staff have uploaded their COVID-19 proof of vaccination. At this time, the percentage of vaccinated students is too low to allow us to return to the social activities and large group gatherings that are such an important part of the Wofford experience. All classes and labs, however, will be held in person, and remote learning options will not be available. We all have a responsibility to our community of learners, so please consider how you can do your part."
If 70 percent of students get vaccinated, the college will allow large social gatherings.
Federal Judge Upholds Indiana U's Vaccine Requirement
July 19, 9:50 a.m. A federal judge has upheld Indiana University's vaccine requirement, WISH News reported.
A group of students sued to block the rules.
But a judge ruled that Indiana may "pursue a reasonable and due process of vaccination in the legitimate interest of public health for its students, faculty and staff."
Indiana University issued this statement: "A ruling from the federal court has affirmed Indiana University's COVID-19 vaccination plan designed for the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. We appreciate the quick and thorough ruling which allows us to focus on a full and safe return. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our campuses for the fall semester."
Michigan Faculty Favor Required Vaccinations
July 19, 6:12 a.m. Faculty members at the University of Michigan overwhelmingly favor mandatory vaccinations for everyone on campus, with limited exemptions for medical or religious reasons, The Detroit News reported.
A Faculty Senate poll of 1,484 found that 89 percent favored mandatory vaccinations for faculty and staff members and students. Currently, vaccines are required only for students who live on campus.
Another poll question: Should faculty members be permitted to teach remotely if the university doesn't adopt mandatory vaccine rules? Seventy-six percent of faculty said yes.
U of Hawai'i Reverses Course on Vaccines
July 16, 6:16 a.m. The University of Hawai'i will not require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enroll in the fall, The Honolulu Star Advertiser reported.
In May, the university said vaccines would be required — with the condition that at least one vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration beyond emergency use.
That has not happened.
Recent surveys found that 92 percent of students and 95 percent of employees in the 10-campus system have already been or plan to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.
Ohio Bars Public Colleges From Requiring Vaccines — for Now
July 15, 6:15 a.m. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, has signed a bill to bar public colleges and universities from requiring the COVID-19 vaccines until the U.S. U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives final approval to them, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
The FDA has authorized the vaccines under emergency rules.
"We are confident the three main COVID vaccines — the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — will receive full FDA approval," said DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney.
Boston College Faces Uproar Over Denying Vaccine Exemptions
July 13, 6:16 a.m. Boston College is facing an uproar from some Roman Catholic students and parents over its denial of exemptions to those who do not want COVID-19 vaccines because some research on the vaccines involved fetal tissue from fetuses aborted years ago, The Boston Herald reported.
"I'm disgusted. You're allowed to use your conscience as a Catholic," said Stephanie Grimes, a parent. "On so many levels BC is wrong. They need to back down."
Boston College, a Catholic institution, defends its policy — the actual vaccines do not contain any fetal tissue. Further, a spokesman noted that Pope Francis has said, "I believe that morally everyone must take the vaccine. It is the moral choice because it is about your life but also the lives of others."
U of New Mexico Won't Require Vaccine
July 12, 6:15 a.m. The University of New Mexico will not require vaccinations against COVID-19, despite earlier proposing a requirement.
"UNM's approach is going to be strongly encouraging vaccination for all and doing everything we can to get every Lobo fully vaccinated. We must recognize that the vaccine is still under emergency use authorization by the FDA and some of our Lobos need accommodation, so we will not require it during the fall semester, but we are trusting in the responsibility we have to ourselves, our families and communities, to get as many people as possible vaccinated at UNM," said an email from Garnett S. Stokes, the president.
The Associated Press reported that the university had earlier proposed a vaccine requirement and released a draft policy.
Community College Lifts Vaccine Mandate
July 9, 6:17 a.m. San Joaquin Delta College, a community college in California, has lifted a requirement that students get vaccinated against COVID-19, KCRA News reported.
"The board continues to highly encourage students, faculty, and staff to get their vaccines. In order to further encourage our students to get vaccinated, the board voted to provide free access to textbooks for all fall semester students who provide a record of vaccination," the college said in a Facebook post.
The college is continuing a mask mandate and social distancing.
Maryland Offers $50,000 to 20 for Getting Vaccine
July 8, 6:20 a.m. Twenty Maryland residents aged 12 and 17 will receive $50,000 college scholarships if they are vaccinated against COVID-19, Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, announced Wednesday, The Baltimore Sun reported.
"If any of our 12- to 17-year-olds or their parents needed another good reason, then now they can get vaccinated for a chance to win a $50,000 college scholarship," Hogan said.
A series of drawings will select the winners.
College's Faculty Members Want Vaccine Requirement; Trustees Decline to Impose One
July 6, 6:15 a.m. Faculty members at Santa Barbara City College are demanding that in-person classes in the fall move to online because the Board of Trustees will not require students and faculty members to get vaccines, The Santa Barbara Independent reported.
The Academic Senate, the Faculty Association and the California School Employees Association have requested the requirement.
But the board voted it down, 4 to 3.
SUNY, Unions Reach Agreement on Testing
July 2, 4:25 a.m. The State University of New York has reached agreements with four unions in the system — United University Professions, New York State Public Employees Federation, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, and the Police Benevolent Association of New York State — to continue COVID-19 testing through the rest of 2021.
But the agreements differentiate between those who have been vaccinated and those who have not. Those who have not been vaccinated will be required to be tested weekly.
"Fully vaccinated employees who voluntarily provide confirmation of vaccination shall be tested much less frequently and on a sampling basis to monitor for breakthrough infections. Frequency of testing for fully vaccinated employees shall be determined at the campus-level, after consultation with local union representatives," the university said.
8 Players on N.C. State Baseball Team Have COVID-19
June 30, 6:10 a.m. Eight players on the North Carolina State University baseball team have COVID-19, the university announced Tuesday, Sports Illustrated reported.
Over the weekend, the National Collegiate Athletic Association ruled that NC State wasn't eligible for the College World Series because of COVID-19, but the NCAA did not say how many players had the coronavirus. Some NC State players criticized the decision.
Chancellor Randy Woodson said, "We understand the gravity of eight players testing positive and the fact that this was the Delta variant, which is super contagious and is quickly emerging in the country as potentially another wave of infection. So we understand. That's of concern."
NCAA Rules NC State Out of College World Series
June 28, 6:09 a.m. The National Collegiate Athletic Association ruled that North Carolina State University could not play against Vanderbilt University for a spot in the College World Series.
The NCAA said, "The NCAA Division I Baseball Committee has declared the Vanderbilt-NC State Men's College World Series game scheduled for Saturday, June 26 at 1 p.m. Central time a no-contest because of COVID-19 protocols. This decision was made based on the recommendation of the Championship Medical Team and the Douglas County Health Department. As a result, Vanderbilt will advance to the CWS Finals. The NCAA and the committee regret that NC State's student-athletes and coaching staff will not be able to continue in the championship in which they earned the right to participate. Because of privacy issues, we cannot provide further details."
North Carolina State players criticized the decision. Matt Willadsen said on Twitter, "Will never forget this feeling. Our coaching staff deserve better. Us players deserve better. Our fans deserve better. Everyone that believed in us deserve better. We all deserve better. @NCAACWS you have ruined the biggest moment of our player's lives so far. What a joke."
Nebraska Offers Incentives to Vaccinate
June 25, 6:16 a.m. The University of Nebraska at Lincoln is offering incentives to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to provide information about one's vaccination for the university's database.
Each week, one faculty member will receive one reserved (named) parking spot for one year, Husker football season tickets or Husker volleyball tickets, among other prizes. And one student will receive a weekly prize such as a smart watch or weekly free Dairy Store ice cream to two people for the academic year.
The grand prize for students is five prizes worth one year of resident undergraduate tuition and fees ($9,872). And for employees, a trip for two to Ireland to watch the Huskers play football against Northwestern University in Dublin in August 2022.
Indiana U of Pennsylvania to Require Masks in Class
June 23, 6:18 a.m. Indiana University of Pennsylvania will require face masks in classes this fall, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
A message to students from the university said, "Here's why we're asking everyone to mask up indoors: State System universities like IUP are not legally permitted to require COVID vaccinations or ask about the vaccination status of students or employees. Because we won't know the vaccination rate on campus — and we don't have space inside our classrooms for social distancing — we are requiring masks to keep everyone safe."
Indiana U Sued Over COVID-19 Requirement
June 22, 6:14 a.m. Indiana University is being sued by eight students who say its COVID-19 vaccination requirement violates the "14h Amendment, which includes rights of personal autonomy and bodily integrity and the right to reject medical treatment, and Indiana's recently passed vaccine passport law," The Indianapolis Star reported.
The requirement — which applies to all IU campuses — was revised after the state's attorney general issued an opinion against it. The requirement is in place, but students no longer have to submit documentation to show that they have been vaccinated.
"The university is confident it will prevail in this case," said Chuck Carney, a university spokesman. "Following release of the Indiana attorney general's opinion, our process was revised, with uploading proof of vaccination no longer required. The attorney general's opinion affirmed our right to require the vaccine."
Michigan Lifts Most Rules for the Vaccinated
June 21, 6:12 a.m. The University of Michigan has lifted most rules imposed under the pandemic — if people have been vaccinated against COVID-19, MLive reported.
Effective today, they no longer need to wear face masks or socially distance on the campus. The system requires people to submit information on their vaccine status for verification.
Arizona Governor Bars Public Colleges From Testing or Mask Requirements
June 16, 6:12 a.m. Arizona governor Doug Ducey, a Republican, has issued an executive order barring public universities or community colleges in the state from requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccination, to be tested for COVID-19 or to wear masks.
"The vaccine works, and we encourage Arizonans to take it. But it is a choice and we need to keep it that way," said Ducey.
The governor criticized Arizona State University for requiring vaccination — or wearing a mask and being tested regularly. The University of Arizona has a similar policy.
U of Minnesota Won't Require Vaccines
June 15, 6:17 a.m. The University of Minnesota will encourage but not require anyone to be vaccinated for the fall at any of the system's campuses.
Joan Gabel, the system president, wrote that she was pleased with the progress of the state's residents at getting the vaccine, and she encouraged people to get vaccinated.
"Many members of the university community have already answered the call. A survey of Twin Cities students, faculty and staff conducted in May showed 96 percent of respondents had received at least one vaccine dose or reported plans to be vaccinated, while 84 percent reported they were fully vaccinated. This is a great start that I hope is embraced across all our campus communities, and is also an important factor in assessing our safety and the safety of those we care for," Gabel said.
Kentucky Changes COVID-19 Policies
June 14, 6:14 a.m. The University of Kentucky has changed its COVID-19 polices, WDRB News reported.
People who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask in outdoor spaces or inside UK property other than health-care facilities.
"In other words, individuals who are not vaccinated will be required to wear a mask or face covering when inside any campus facility, including recreation facilities," guidance from the university says. "Individuals who are not vaccinated also should wear a mask outside if they are near other people.
"The best path forward, especially to maximize the safety of you and others, and to be able to take full advantage of all campus resources and privileges is to GET VACCINATED."
Student Mental Health Is Worse During COVID-19
June 11, 6:17 a.m. Another study has found that student mental health worsened during the pandemic, The Washington Post reported.
In the study, researchers tracked 217 students who were freshmen in 2017.
Prior to the pandemic, students' stress levels rose and fell, usually in tandem with midterm and final exams. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, rates of depression and anxiety have soared.
Rhodes to Charge Unvaccinated Students $1,500 a Semester
June 10, 6:20 a.m. Rhodes College will charge students who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 a $1,500 fee per semester, The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported.
The fees will cover testing costs.
"A campus-wide commitment to vaccination will mean that we can move towards full capacity and reduced masking allowing for the intentional in-person campus life experience that we all love about Rhodes," said Meghan Harte Weyant, vice president for student life. "We hope our students will choose to be vaccinated to keep themselves, our campus and community safe."
Marquette to Require Students to Get Vaccines
June 8, 6:18 a.m. Marquette University announced that it would require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19, The Wisconsin State Journal reported.
It is the third Wisconsin private institution to require the vaccines. Beloit College and Lawrence University have also done so.
The University of Wisconsin system is not requiring vaccines at this time. Last week, Republicans held a hearing on a bill that would ban UW campuses and state technical colleges from requiring vaccines or mandating testing as a condition of being on campus.
Stetson Offers Vaccinated Students Chance to Win Free Tuition
June 7, 6:06 a.m. Stetson University, a private institution in Florida, is giving two undergraduate students full tuition for one year as part of a COVID-19 vaccination incentive program.
Undergraduate students who provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 by July 25 will be eligible for a drawing to win one of two one-year, full-tuition awards. Vaccinated undergraduate and graduate students will also be eligible to win a $1,000 award in one of eight weekly drawings Stetson is hosting between June 11 and July 30. To be eligible for the drawings, students must be attending classes in person and be enrolled full-time.
Stetson's goal is for 70 to 80 percent of its population to be vaccinated against COVID-19. As of Friday, 28 percent of members of the university community had reported to Stetson they were fully vaccinated.
LSU Faculty Demand COVID-19 Vaccine Rule
June 3, 6:20 a.m. The Faculty Council at Louisiana State University has passed a resolution calling for the university to require all students to be vaccinated by the fall.
Kevin Cope, a faculty member, told WWL News, "It has not been clear to the administration the depth at which the faculty feels anxiety or concern about the situation on campus."
However, state attorney general Jeff Landry sent a letter to university leaders saying a mandate would violate state and federal laws.
Indiana U Will Require Vaccination, but Not Proof
June 2, 6:19 a.m. Indiana University on Monday announced that it will keep a vaccine requirement announced last month to fight COVID-19, but it will drop a requirement that students and employees provide proof that they have been vaccinated.
"As part of the accelerated exemption process, those receiving the vaccine are no longer required to upload documentation," the university announcement said. "Instead, they can certify their status as part of a simple attestation form that will be available on June 2. Special incentives will be offered to those opting to upload documentation, as well. Details on the incentive program will be announced later this week."
The attorney general of Indiana last week said the university could not require people to submit proof that they have been vaccinated.
Catholic U Is Only College in D.C. Without Vaccine Requirement
June 1, 6:15 a.m. Catholic University of America is the only college in Washington without a vaccine requirement, The Washington Post reported.
John Garvey, the university's president, said he believes most people on campus will get vaccinated on their own before the fall semester starts. "We found that 70 percent of the community had already been vaccinated with at least one shot, and this was nearly a month ago," said Garvey, referencing a recent universitywide survey. "It was clear we would get to 80, 85 percent in a couple of months."
But some students are pushing for a requirement. "I think it's too big of a risk to not look into enforcing it," said Nathan Highley, a rising senior. "When students are participating in the community, going to stores, going to restaurants, it puts those unvaccinated and elderly members of the community at risk."
Indiana U Responds to Attorney General
May 28, 6:15 a.m. Indiana University responded Thursday to a ruling by Attorney General Todd Rokita that the institution could require all students, faculty members and other employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but not require them to demonstrate that they have been vaccinated.
A spokesman told WANE News, "Indiana University is requiring the COVID-19 vaccine because it's the only way the university can confidently return to the experiences and traditions our students, faculty and staff have told us are important to them: in-person classes, more in-person events and a more typical university experience. In yesterday's opinion, the attorney general affirmed that it is legal for us to require a vaccine, including one under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). His opinion questioned specifically the manner in which we gathered proof of vaccination. Although we disagree with that portion of his opinion, we will further consider our process for verifying the requirement."
Indiana Attorney General Says IU May Not Require Proof of Vaccination
May 27, 6:16 a.m. Todd Rokita, the attorney general of Indiana, has ruled that Indiana University may not require students, faculty members and other employees at the university's campuses to demonstrate that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The requirement of proof violates a new state law against any unit of state government requiring an "immunization passport," Rokita said.
However, the new law does not ban Indiana University from requiring vaccination, he said.
The new law "only prohibits public universities from requiring proof of the COVID-19 vaccine; it does not prohibit them from requiring the vaccination itself," Rokita said.
North Carolina Governor Will Use COVID-19 Funds for Student Aid
May 26, 6:17 a.m. North Carolina governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, has directed that $51.4 million in COVID-19 relief funds from the federal government be used for student access to higher education.
The funds will primarily help community college students. Cooper will create the Longleaf Commitment program with $31.5 million to guarantee that graduating high school seniors from low- and middle-income families receive at least $2,800 in federal and state grants to cover tuition and most fees at any of the state's 58 community colleges.
The governor will also spend $5 million to support mental health initiatives at state postsecondary institutions.
Tulane to Pay $500 to Employees Who Get Vaccinated
May 25, 6:20 a.m. Tulane University announced that it will pay $500 to employees who show that they are completely vaccinated against COVID-19, 4WWL News reported.
Michael A. Fitts, president of Tulane, said that currently, 66 percent of faculty and staff have reported their COVID-19 vaccination. The university wants to reach 90 percent by July 31. Part-time employees may receive $250.
Students are required to get the vaccine.
Indiana U to Require Vaccine
May 24, 6:16 a.m. All students, faculty members and other employees at all Indiana University campuses will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccinations before the fall semester starts.
The move is relatively unusual for a public university in a conservative state.
"This new requirement will allow the university to lift most restrictions on masking and physical distancing this fall. Knowing that the vast majority of the IU community is vaccinated is the only way the university can confidently return to in-person classes, more in-person events and a more typical university experience," said a statement from the university.
Washington State Public Four-Year Colleges Go Test Optional, Permanently
May 21, 6:18 a.m. Public four-year colleges in Washington State have gone test optional, permanently.
"The decision to move to permanent test-optional policies reaffirm our sector's commitment to reduce barriers for students. Further, as we enter a period of post-COVID-19 recovery, we continue our commitment to learn from this historic challenge and embrace long-term changes that best serve our students and state," said a joint statement from the provosts or vice president of academic affairs of the eight universities.
They are Central Washington, Eastern Washington, Washington State and Western Washington Universities, Evergreen State College and the Universities of Washington at Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma.
Penn Health to Require Employee Vaccinations
May 20, 6:16 a.m. The University of Pennsylvania Health System, "to set an example for those who remain hesitant," will require all employees to be vaccinated, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Most major employers in the area are encouraging but not requiring vaccinations.
That includes the University of Pennsylvania, which is requiring students but not employees to be vaccinated.
Federal Judge Preserves Part of Suits Over Payments Last Spring
May 19, 6:17 a.m. A federal judge has preserved part of suits against the University of Delaware over last spring's period of remote instruction, the Associated Press reported.
Judge Stephanos Bibas ruled that the students are not entitled to sue over tuition. But he said suits over fees for student services were another matter. "At a minimum, the fees claims are going to survive and proceed to discovery here," he said.
The university maintained that all payments should be exempt from suits. "This is a contract and agreement … Once your register, tuition and fees are due in full," a lawyer said.
But a lawyer for the plaintiffs said, "They promised one thing, and didn't deliver it."
Universities Lift Mask Requirements
May 18, 6:22 a.m. Many universities are lifting mask requirements.
Among them are: Mercer University, the University of Florida, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Weber State University.
U System of Georgia Adjusts Mask Policy
May 17, 6:20 a.m. The University System of Georgia has adjusted its mask policy, WSBTV News reported.
In the fall, fully vaccinated employees and students will not be required to wear a mask while in class or at other activities.
Those who have not been vaccinated are "strongly encouraged" to continue wearing their masks inside.
U of Rochester Develops App to Show Vaccine Status
May 14, 6:18 a.m. The University of Rochester has developed an app for students to demonstrate their confirmed vaccination status.
Students must supply the information to the university and then receive a green check mark to show.
The app is ready for use at commencement events.
Penn State's Faculty Senate Calls for Mandatory Vaccines
May 13, 6:10 a.m. The Faculty Senate of Pennsylvania State University has voted — 113 to 31 — to require students and employees to be vaccinated by the fall, WTAJ News reported.
The vote is not binding on the administration. Provost Nicholas Jones said officials are currently working on incentives to get vaccinated.
"So for students, we're looking at opportunities to provide discounts at Penn State Eats and the bookstore. We're looking for drawings for resident hall students for free housing, upgraded meal plans, pizza parties, concert tickets, gift cards. For commuter students, drawings for meal plans, pizza parties, bakery gift boxes, snack boxes, concert tickets, gift cards," he said.
U of Richmond Eases Restrictions
May 12, 6:16 a.m. The University of Richmond is moving from orange to yellow in its restrictions on campus Saturday, WRIC News reported.
Among the rules changes:
The university will allow up to 50 people to attend indoor events approved by the university. Outdoor events will be capped at 100 people.
Students will also now be able to request to participate in travel sponsored by the university.
Masks will be required indoors and, when social distancing isn't possible, outdoors.
Visitors can now attend events and meetings at Richmond if they follow all COVID-19 protocols.
UMass Faces Threat Over Suspension of Maskless Students
May 11, 6:13 a.m. The parents of three University of Massachusetts at Amherst students who were suspended for attending a party without face masks in March are threatening the university with lawyers, The Boston Herald reported.
The students lost $16,000 in tuition and can't return for two semesters. The students were caught when someone shared a picture of them with administrators.
"It's ugly to start this culture of ratting. The picture is all they have … and their heels are dug in deep," one of the fathers said. "The UMass administration is so uninterested in compassion or reaching a reasonable solution," he added. "This has been a nightmare."
A university spokesman said, "During the weekend of March 6-7, more than 10 UMass Amherst students were suspended for participation at large and small parties. This was during a time when the campus was operating at elevated risk during the pandemic and had just emerged from severe high risk restrictions due to a surge in positive COVID-19 cases."
Michigan Faculty Petition for Mandatory Vaccines
May 11, 5:59 a.m. Hundreds of University of Michigan faculty members have signed a petition calling the university's vaccine plan "nonsensical," MLive reported.
The university is requiring only students living on campus — about one-third of students — to be vaccinated. For the remainder, the university is only recommending vaccination.
Michigan should require vaccines of all students and faculty members, the petition says. "Vaccines will also allow on-campus students and faculty to resume more fully the in-person interactions that are critical to academic success. We call for this mandate to go in effect now to give students, their families and our employees ample time to make plans to be vaccinated prior to the start of the fall term," says the petition.
Rick Fitzgerald, a spokesman for the university, said the petition has not yet been presented to the university. "Encouragement may be more effective than a mandate to achieve the goal of maximizing vaccinations against COVID-19 in the months ahead," he said.
Florida State Changes Face Mask Guidance
May 10, 6:12 a.m. Florida State University has changed its guidance on face masks. It now "recommends," but no longer requires, them to be worn indoors.
"This represents a shift from the previous face-covering requirement and reflects our substantial efforts to vaccinate the university community, along with a low number of COVID-19 cases on campus," the university announced.
Rowan Offers Incentives to Get Vaccinated
May 7, 6:15 a.m. Rowan University has announced a vaccine requirement for students who live or study on campus, and some incentives for getting the vaccine, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
"Our message today is simple. We believe the path to normalcy is through widespread vaccination and we want our entire community to commit to reaching the goal of widespread vaccination," Rowan president Ali A. Houshmand said in a letter. "If we work together, we can reach this goal and offer the Rowan University experience that our students and employees deserve."
Full-time students who provide proof of vaccination will receive a $500 credit on course registration. Students who live on campus will receive a $500 housing credit.
Nova Southeastern Drops Vaccine Requirement
May 6, 9:06 a.m. Nova Southeastern University announced on April 1 that it would require vaccines for all students and employees this fall.
But shortly after that announcement, Florida passed a law prohibiting such requirements. The university said it would study the law. Now the university is reversing its position.
"Therefore, we are NOT requiring vaccinations for NSU students, faculty, and staff, as was announced back on April 1, before the legislation was passed. Nonetheless, with additional safeguards in place, NSU has its best opportunity to return to normalcy this fall," said a letter Wednesday from George L. Hanbury II, president of the university.
Harvard Will Require Student Vaccinations
May 6, 6:13 a.m. Harvard University announced Wednesday that it will require all students who will be on campus this fall to be vaccinated.
"To reach the high levels of vaccination needed to protect our community, Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all students who will be on campus this fall. As with existing student requirements for other vaccines, exceptions will be provided only for medical or religious reasons. Students should plan to be fully vaccinated before returning to campus for the fall semester, meaning that at least two weeks have passed since the final dose of an FDA-authorized or approved vaccine," said a letter from university leaders.
Oregon 'Disappointed' by Parties
May 5, 6:15 a.m. University of Oregon students held large backyard parties where hundreds of students — without masks — gathered this weekend, The Register-Guard reported.
The university responded on Twitter: "We are disappointed to see the photo of large gathering of young people at what appears to be an off-campus party involving UO students from over the weekend. The university has worked very hard to educate students about the serious COVID-19 health risks of gathering in groups without masks. This behavior is not representative of the majority of UO students, who we have seen work diligently to follow health guidelines."
Lane County, where the university is located, experienced more COVID-19 cases and elevated its risk level to "extreme."
Methodist University Requires COVID-19 Test to Attend Graduation
May 4, 6:10 a.m. Methodist University, in North Carolina, is requiring seniors to be tested for COVID-19 to attend graduation.
President Stanley T. Wearden posted a message on Twitter that said the university had a "legal and a moral obligation" to require the testing. If students test negative for COVID-19 this week, they will receive tickets to attend.
After a successful effort to minimize COVID-19, the university is seeing a "recent spike in cases" following two weekends of off-campus parties "that failed to follow health and safety protocols."
Saint Vincent College Shelters in Place
May 3, 6:15 a.m. Citing "a significant increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases on campus," including asymptomatic cases, Saint Vincent College, in Pennsylvania, ordered all classes on Thursday afternoon and Friday to be held remotely.
Students were ordered to stay in their dormitory rooms.
"During the next two days, symptomatic and surveillance testing will take place throughout campus. The results of this testing will dictate the length that this mandate remains in place. Again, it is imperative that we act now to avoid any further spread and keep our campus community safe," said an email to the campus from the Reverend Paul R. Taylor, president of the college.
Illinois Will Let Vaccinated Students Skip Testing
April 30, 6:16 a.m. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will let students who are completely vaccinated by August 23 skip the testing against COVID-19 currently required.
Chancellor Robert J. Jones wrote to students that this is "a science-based recommendation." He defined complete vaccination as two weeks after a student has received the final dose.
He added: "Please note that we anticipate that all other COVID-19 guidelines will be in place, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 on our campus and be prepared to pivot our approach if necessary. In the future, if we believe the science indicates that vaccinated individuals should continue testing, we will shift and mandate testing even for vaccinated individuals."
More Vaccine Requirements
April 29, 6:17 a.m. More colleges are requiring students (and on some campuses, employees, too) to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Among the colleges: Carleton College, Mary Baldwin University, Washington State University and Washington University in St. Louis.
More Colleges Will Require Vaccinations
April 28, 6:16 a.m. More colleges are requiring students to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by the fall.
Among them are Hamilton College, Pacific Lutheran University, the University of Portland, Willamette University and Virginia Wesleyan University.
In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, expressed support for the idea.
"Vaccines are the gateway to ending this pandemic," Polis said during a news conference. "That is why I expect that most higher education institutions will provide parents and students the peace of mind they want by making vaccines a requirement for next fall, and students want to get vaccinated so they can enjoy the full college experience."
Colleges in Northeastern Iowa Won't Require Vaccines
April 27, 6:19 a.m. Colleges in northeastern Iowa do not plan to require their students to be vaccinated against COVID-19, The Telegraph Herald reported
Loras College president Jim Collins said the college is encouraging students to get the vaccines. "If you do mandate, then you also risk the potential for lawsuits," he said.
"That is a personal health decision," said Kathy Nacos-Burds, vice president of learning and student success at Northeast Iowa Community College. "Our role in our college is to educate people and get them to the best resources."
Maryland Requires Vaccines for All, Michigan for Students Who Live on Campus
April 26, 6:11 a.m. The University System of Maryland will require all students, faculty members and other employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by the fall.
"I'm convinced that the risk of doing too little to contain COVID on campus this fall is far greater than the risk of doing too much," said Jay A. Perman, chancellor of the 12-campus system.
The University of Michigan will require vaccines for students who plan to live on campus in the fall.
U of California and Cal State Systems to Require Vaccines for All
April 23, 6:20 a.m. The University of California and California State University systems are planning to require all students, faculty members and other employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the fall.
"Receiving a vaccine for the virus that causes COVID-19 is a key step people can take to protect themselves, their friends and family, and our campus communities while helping bring the pandemic to an end," said Michael V. Drake, president of the University of California.
"Together, the CSU and UC enroll and employ more than one million students and employees across 33 major university campuses, so this is the most comprehensive and consequential university plan for COVID-19 vaccines in the country," said Cal State chancellor Joseph I. Castro.
Wayne State to Pay Students $10 to Be Vaccinated
April 22, 6:25 a.m. Wayne State University will pay students $10 if they provide proof of vaccination by May 10, The Detroit Free Press reported.
President M. Roy Wilson said he hoped the money would provide an "extra incentive" to get vaccinated.
Colleges are debating the ethics of payments to students for getting vaccinated.
Bowdoin to Require Vaccines of Students and Employees
April 21, 6:20 a.m. Bowdoin College will require all students and employees to be vaccinated in the fall.
Clayton Rose, the president, wrote to the campus that vaccines are "the best approach for the college to take from a larger, public health perspective" and they create "a safer, more secure environment for Bowdoin community members to avoid having COVID-19 outbreaks on campus in the close learning environment and residential setting, which facilitates the resumption of a more normal semester."
Exemptions will be given for medical or religious reasons.
While dozens of colleges are imposing the requirement for students, only a few (so far) are requiring vaccines of employees. Hampton University is among them.
Chicago Extends Stay-at-Home Order
April 20, 6:18 a.m. The University of Chicago has extended a stay-at-home order through tomorrow because of COVID-19 cases.
"We know this decision will cause disappointment, in part because our community's efforts already have greatly reduced the number of COVID-19 cases this week. The extension of restrictions is based on our … ongoing examination of the recent cluster of COVID-19 cases, which provides compelling reasons for continued caution," said a university memo on Friday.
"Although our initial investigation suggested that the cases began with one or more parties, further study … indicates that there are multiple clusters, starting with individuals who were unknowingly infected over break. There was subsequent spread among students in smaller gatherings as well as larger parties. The ability of the variants to spread to so many college students in one week shows how important it is to prevent a larger outbreak," the university added.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the university has had 209 cases of COVID-19 since March 26.
More Colleges Require Vaccines for Students
April 19, 6:20 a.m. Three more colleges have decided to require students to be vaccinated in the fall.
Assumption University, in Massachusetts, will require faculty and staff members to be vaccinated as well. "To reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and the possibility of acute illness if you are infected, the university will require that all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated by Monday, August 9. Students must be fully vaccinated two weeks prior to their return to campus. To be fully vaccinated, individuals must have received all required vaccine doses and two weeks have passed after the final vaccination," said a statement from the college.
Grinnell College and Seattle University also announced policies for students.
COVID-19 Vaccinations Won't Be Required at Iowa Public Universities
April 16, 6:20 a.m. Iowa's public universities will encourage but not require COVID-19 vaccinations in the fall for students, The Ames Tribune reported.
"We continue to strongly encourage members of our campus community to get vaccinated" but will not require vaccinations, said Michael Richards, president of the Iowa Board of Regents.
Iowa governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, opposes vaccine requirements.
Dartmouth College and Vassar College are the latest colleges to announce that students will be required to get vaccinated to enroll in the fall.
More Colleges Requires COVID-19 Vaccinations for Students
April 15, 6:22 a.m. More colleges are requiring students to get vaccinated for COVID-19 by the fall.
Among them: American, Georgetown, Roger Williams and Syracuse Universities, and Ithaca and Manhattanville Colleges.
Rutgers University was the first university to announce a requirement and was quickly joined by several others.
Michigan Locks Out 718 Students From Nonresidential Buildings
April 14, 6:15 a.m. The University of Michigan has locked out 718 students from nonresidential buildings for not getting tested for COVID-19, The Detroit Free Press reported.
Students are required to be tested weekly. The 718 students notified Monday hadn't had a test recorded for four weeks.
In March, the university took similar action against 375 students. Of those students, 136 students requested and were granted approval to have their Mcard — which unlocks buildings — reactivated, with most students completing a coronavirus test.
Saint Joseph's of Maine Issues $50 Tickets for Failing to Wear a Face Mask
April 13, 2:50 p.m. Saint Joseph's College in Maine is issuing $50 tickets to students for failing to wear a face mask, the Associated Press reported.
The college has issued more than 20 tickets during the past two weeks.
Hopkins, Wesleyan to Require Vaccines for Students
April 13, 6:12 a.m. Johns Hopkins and Wesleyan Universities are the latest universities to require students to be vaccinated in the fall.
A Hopkins press release said, "Given recent increases in COVID-19 vaccine availability and distribution, the university intends for vaccination to be a critical component to its campus safety plan — all students who plan to be on campus in the fall will be required to be vaccinated or have a religious or health exemption; faculty and staff are also strongly urged to be vaccinated before returning to campus."
Wesleyan officials confirmed to Fox 61 News that a similar policy would be announced today.
Northwestern Holds Midnight Vaccine Clinic for Students
April 12, 6:12 a.m. Northwestern University held a COVID-19 vaccine clinic Saturday at midnight — for students, ABC7 News reported.
Nearly 200 students received vaccines. The university organized the event to use vaccines that would have expired at 7 a.m. Sunday. The students will be able to get second vaccine doses as well.
"This is actually the first time I've left my dorm while it's been late at night. There is normally nowhere to go at night," said Gabrielle Khoriaty, one of the students. "The first time in college I'm leaving my dorm out late at night, it's to get the COVID vaccine."
University of Chicago Converts All Undergraduate Courses to Online
April 9, 6:16 a.m. The University of Chicago is converting all in-person undergraduate classes to online courses for a week and ordered students living in residence halls to stay there for a week.
"Tests in recent days have detected more than 50 cases of COVID-19 involving students in the college, including many living in residence halls, and we expect this number to increase," said a memo on the changes from Michele Rasmussen, dean of students, and Eric Heath, associate vice president for safety and security. "Those who have tested positive are in isolation, following university protocols. Many of these cases may have been connected to one or more parties held by off-campus fraternities over the last week. We are particularly concerned because of the high likelihood that these cases involve the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant, which is currently widespread in the Chicago area, appears to spread more easily than other variants, and is able to cause more severe disease in people of all ages."
Emerson Cancels All In-Person Activities Except Classes
April 8, 6:24 a.m. Emerson College has canceled all in-person activities, except classes, because of a spike in COVID-19 cases, News 10 reported.
The order, which included athletics, will be in place until April 14.
Twenty-six people tested positive for coronavirus at Emerson last week. Twenty-four people are in isolation, and 38 are in quarantine. These are some of the highest numbers the college has seen in the last two semesters.
Women's Lacrosse Team Suspended at University of Delaware
April 8, 6:16 a.m. The University of Delaware has suspended its women's lacrosse team for violating COVID-19 rules, WPVI News reported.
The suspension is for six weeks, effectively ending the team's season.
The violations took place on March 21, when team members hosted a large off-campus party, in violation of the university's rules.
St. Edward's Modifies Policy Because of Texas Governor's Executive Order
April 7, 6:12 a.m. St. Edward's University last week said that all students would be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the fall.
But the university, located in Austin, Tex., will create an exemption to the policy because of an executive order by Texas governor Greg Abbott, a Republican. Abbott barred any organization that receives state funds from requiring proof of vaccination. Although St. Edward's is private, it receives state funds for financial aid.
St. Edward's announced that "the university's policy will not deny services to those submitting documentation or a qualifying exemption. Qualifying exemptions for students include declining to provide the university an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status."
Northeastern Will Require Vaccinations
April 6, 10:48 a.m. Northeastern University announced Tuesday that it will require all students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the first day of classes in the fall.
Ken Henderson, chancellor and senior vice president for learning at Northeastern, said, "If all, or nearly all of our students are vaccinated, we expect that we'll be able to achieve herd immunity."
Rutgers University was the first college with such a requirement. It was followed by Cornell and Nova Southeastern Universities.
University of Oregon Won't Reduce Pay
April 6, 6:14 a.m. The University of Oregon announced Monday that "while the University of Oregon continues to face financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university will not implement progressive pay reductions for faculty or officers of administration as a cost-savings measure."
The university had said earlier that such pay cuts were a possibility. (Other employees are covered by union contracts.)
Oregon cited federal funds for colleges recently approved by Congress as one factor in improving the financial picture. Other factors included hiring freezes, voluntary leadership salary reductions and a ban on nonessential travel.
Wayne State Will Suspend Face-to-Face Instruction
April 5, 6:21 a.m. Wayne State University will suspend face-to-face instruction, effective Wednesday, to reduce the number of people on campus in light of rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan, The Detroit News reported.
The only exception will be clinical rotations in health professions programs.
All athletics team practices and competitions will be suspended. Teams may resume practice after 10 days — if 80 percent or more of team personnel have received full COVID-19 vaccination.
UConn Places Residents of 5 Dorms in Quarantine
April 5, 6:12 a.m. The University of Connecticut has placed the residents of five residence halls in quarantine after 35 students tested positive for COVID-19, NBC News reported.
"This spike in positives may be related to large off-campus gatherings that were reported this past weekend," said Dean of Students Eleanor Daugherty, in a letter.
State police broke up a party near campus on March 27 that was attended by an estimated 100 guests, without social distancing.
Bates Imposes Lockdown of Students
April 2, 6:18 a.m. Bates College, facing a sharp uptick in COVID-19 cases, on Thursday ordered all students to stay in their dormitory rooms until Tuesday, The Sun Journal reported.
Bates currently has 34 active cases of COVID-19, and another 50 students who were in close contact with them are also in quarantine.
A week ago, Bates had one student with COVID-19.
"Please know that this decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary to protect our campus and the broader community," said a note from Joshua McIntosh, vice president of campus life.
Vermont Bars Out-of-State Students From Getting COVID-19 Vaccines
April 1, 6:17 a.m. Vermont has barred out-of-state students from getting COVID-19 vaccines in the state, The Burlington Free Press reported.
Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, said at a press conference, "At this point in time, we want to make sure we're taking care of Vermonters first."
The decision drew immediate criticism. At the University of Vermont and at some private colleges, a majority of students are from out of state, and they have been discouraged from traveling.
An editorial in The Middlebury Campus said, "We stand in staunch opposition to this short-sighted, illogical and dangerous restriction."
The editorial added, "Scott's rhetoric of 'Vermonters first' is both disconcerting and disappointing. It feels especially hypocritical given Scott's desire for young people who come to Vermont — for college or otherwise — to build a life here. This nativist, protectionist approach estranges students who spend nine months or more out of the year living and working in Vermont. But more importantly, it denies them important access to the most effective protection against COVID."
Washington State Colleges Experience Upticks
March 31, 6:17 a.m. Colleges in Washington State are experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, The Seattle Times reported.
Washington State University said last week that student gatherings and parties have directly resulted in an increase in COVID-19 cases, according to the Associated Press. Whitman County Public Health reported 73 infections — all in people younger than 40 — in the county over the weekend.
"Our numbers are alarmingly high," Washington State officials said in a letter Friday. "This is unacceptable. We are potentially putting our community and vulnerable populations at an increased risk."
At the University of Washington, 48 cases have been reported in the last 10 days. The recent tallies have pushed the infection rate to 1.3 percent in the last seven days, more than double the program's cumulative infection rate of 0.6 percent.
Western Washington University has reported 30 positive COVID-19 cases involving students living in residence halls in the past week, the AP said.
Savannah State to Give Away Hand Sanitizer to Black Colleges
March 30, 6:16 a.m. Savannah State University has announced that it will be giving away hand sanitizer for every historically Black college student in the country, WSAV News reported.
The action is financed by a gift from the owner of a hand sanitizer company. The university will be sending packages to every historically Black college in the country.
Savannah State has sent 75,000 bottles of sanitizer to 30 Black colleges so far. New shipments are being prepared every day.
College Students to Be in Large Study of Vaccine Effectiveness
March 29, 6:14 a.m. Scientists are planning a large study on college students to determine if the COVID-19 vaccines prevent those who have been vaccinated from spreading the disease to others, The New York Times reported.
The clinical trials on the vaccines did not study that question.
The new study will include more than 12,000 students.
New Hampshire Bans Out-of-State Students From Getting Vaccines
March 26, 6:10 a.m. New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu, a Republican, has banned out-of-state students from getting a COVID-19 vaccine in the state, WMUR News reported.
The town manager of Durham, Todd Selig, is among the critics of the policy. He said 60 percent of the 15,000 students at the University of New Hampshire are from out of state.
"It's important to get vaccinations to them as soon as possible," Selig said. "Their lack of vaccination creates a clear and present risk for the rest of the population."
Students Plan to Save or Invest COVID-19 Checks
March 25, 6:16 a.m. Most students plan to save or invest their $1,400 COVID-19 stimulus checks, according to a new poll of 804 college students from Generation Lab and Axios.
Asked how they would spend the money, the following answers were given (students could list more than one answer):
Saving or investing: 62 percent
Essentials (food, rent): 44 percent
Paying off debt: 27 percent
Vehicle payments: 10 percent
Travel or entertainment: 8 percent
Clothes: 7 percent
Recreational goods: 7 percent
Household items: 6 percent
Charitable donations: 3 percent
Dayton Investigates Gathering of Hundreds Without Masks
March 24, 6:18 a.m. The University of Dayton is investigating a large celebration Saturday of St. Patrick's Day, in which hundreds of students were close together, without masks, WKEF/WRGT News reported.
A statement released Tuesday said, "Disciplinary action could include suspension or, in egregious situations, expulsion. The university will continue to explore ways to encourage students to gather safely and peacefully. The university also is increasing mandatory surveillance testing during the next several weeks to quickly identify and isolate those who have contracted the virus and their close contacts. During the last few weeks, we have conducted a high volume of surveillance testing with minimal incidence of the virus and will continue to monitor campus conditions."
Cincinnati Doesn't Renew Contract of Adjunct Over Comment on 'Chinese Virus'
March 23, 6:20 a.m. The University of Cincinnati has not renewed the contract of an adjunct who has been on leave over his calling COVID-19 the "Chinese virus," The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
John Ucker, who taught in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, answered a student's email about missing class due to exposure to someone with the virus by saying, "For students testing positive for the chinese [sic] virus, I will give no grade."
COVID-19 Cancels Athletic Events
March 22, 5:40 a.m. The first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball tournament game between the University of Oregon and Virginia Commonwealth University was canceled, and Oregon was declared the winner, because of multiple COVID-19 infections on the VCU team, ESPN reported.
The game was called off three hours before it was to have started.
The University of Maine called off a series of baseball games at Stony Brook University, of the State University of New York.
Six members of the Maine baseball program have been placed into quarantine or isolation.
Saint Anselm Sees Spike in Cases
March 19, 6:20 a.m. Saint Anselm College, in New Hampshire, is seeing its largest-ever spike in COVID-19 cases, The New Hampshire Union Leader reported.
On Monday, 14 new cases were reported. While those numbers are small compared to those at larger institutions, Saint Anselm only enrolls 2,000 students.
All on-campus isolation rooms are full, so the college is doubling up on their use.
"We have to dial this back," wrote Dean of Students Alicia Finn in a message to students. Twenty people tested positive in the first half of this week. She called the pace "unsustainable."
Colby-Sawyer Responds to Criticism Over COVID-19
March 18, 6:15 a.m. Colby-Sawyer College has made changes in its overflow quarantine housing after the college's initial arrangements were criticized by students, WMUR News reported.
Eighteen students are currently in isolation. Because the dormitory for them was full, the college set up space in the gym, but that was criticized as inadequate.
President Sue Stuebner said, "We've added Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, increased the partitions, added some study spaces."
Student Workers Strike at Kenyon Over COVID-19 Restrictions
March 17, 6:03 a.m. Student workers at Kenyon College held a strike on Monday over the restrictions placed on their work during the pandemic, The Columbus Dispatch reported.
Kenyon does not recognize the Kenyon Student Worker Organizing Committee, also known as K-SWOC, which called the strike.
During the pandemic, some student work has been disrupted and some pay has ceased for some workers, K-SWOC members say.
Kenyon student workers are paid on a tier system and earn between $8.70 and $11.17 an hour.
The college says it developed a financial aid program for those who were not paid when their work ceased. But K-SWOC members say the system doesn't work effectively.
University of Arizona to Resume 100-Person In-Person Classes
March 16, 6:13 a.m. The University of Arizona will resume classes of up to 100 students later this month. Since Feb. 22, there has been a limit of 50 students.
President Robert C. Robbins said, "We are able to project this shift due to continuing lower numbers of COVID-19 cases in the campus population. From the period of March 8 to March 12, we administered 8,945 COVID-19 tests, with 17 positives — a positivity rate of 0.19 percent."
Stanford to Welcome Juniors and Seniors Back on Campus
March 15, 6:14 a.m. Stanford University said that it would welcome juniors and seniors back on campus for the spring term, which starts March 29.
"We have concluded that the conditions support moving forward with offering juniors and seniors the opportunity to return to campus for the spring quarter, with systems and safeguards in place to protect our community's health," said a statement from Marc Tessier-Lavigne, the president, and Persis Drell, the provost.
Currently, there are 5,100 graduate students and 1,500 undergraduates with approved "special circumstances" living on campus. About 1,300 juniors and seniors, beyond those already on campus, have applied for campus housing in the spring quarter.
Most undergraduate courses will be online.
University of Washington Asks Public to View Cherry Blossoms Online Only
March 12, 6:17 a.m. The University of Washington is asking members of the public to stay away — and to view the university's famous cherry blossoms online.
The university invites people to view "cherry blossoms virtually this year to promote physical distancing and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."
Options for the public include "UW Video's live webcam overlooking the Quad, a virtual tour with photos from campus that will be updated throughout the blooming season and tweets from @uwcherryblossom."
UC Davis Offers Students $75 to Stay Put During Spring Break
March 10, 6:14 a.m. The University of California, Davis, is offering 750 students $75 each to stay put during spring break, March 20-24.
Chancellor Gary S. May wrote that "students have until 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, to apply. The first 750 applications to meet all qualifications will be awarded grants to be redeemed at selected Davis businesses, where students can purchase supplies in four categories: Get Active, Get Artsy, Home Improvement and Let's Stay In."
University officials report that students are enthusiastic about the offer. But with 40,000 students, most will not receive a grant.
Florida Faculty and Staff Protest Exclusion From Vaccines
March 9, 6:18 a.m. Faculty and staff members in Florida are protesting a policy of Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, to offer vaccines to all employees at K-12 schools, but not to higher education employees, The Miami Herald reported.
"This is not acceptable," said a statement from Karen Morian, the president of the United Faculty of Florida, which represents about 22,000 educators in the state. "Now that the governor has admitted the scientific value of vaccinations and publicly voiced support for vaccines, we call on him to recognize that education in Florida continues beyond K-12 and to include ALL educators in Florida's vaccination programs."
The governor's spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment.
COVID-19 Halts Hockey Game After 2 Periods
March 8, 6:12 a.m. A hockey game between Utica College and Elmira College was suspended Saturday due to COVID-19.
Utica tweeted, "In accordance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols, tonight's men's hockey game between Utica College and Elmira College has been suspended due to a positive test within the Utica team."
The Observer-Dispatch reported that two periods were played normally, but a 45-minute delay in starting the third period was followed by the announcement that the game had been suspended. No information was available on who had COVID-19 or when the diagnosis was received. Numerous athletic events have been called off this year because of COVID-19, but not during the games.
Utica led Elmira 5 to 2 when the game was suspended.
Michigan Deactivates ID Cards for 375 Undergraduates
March 4, 6:16 a.m. The University of Michigan has deactivated the ID cards that undergraduates use for access to nonresidential buildings for 375 undergraduates who failed to comply with requirements that they be tested for COVID-19.
"The notification sent on Tuesday should not come as a surprise to the recipients," said Sarah Daniels, associate dean of students and a member of the Compliance and Accountability Team. "Prior to this notification, students were sent reminders via email … that they needed to complete their weekly test because they are in the mandatory testing cohort."
To get their access to nonresidential buildings back, the students need to get tested.
Study Finds Sharp Rise in Depression and Anxiety Among First-Year Students
March 3, 5 p.m. A group of first-year students reported significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety in the wake of COVID-19 than they did before the pandemic hit, according to a study published Wednesday by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The researchers tracked the same group of 419 students over the course of their first year at North Carolina and found that their reports of moderate to severe anxiety rose by about 40 percent and their reports of moderate to severe depression grew by 48 percent.
Black students and gay and lesbian students were more likely to report mental health concerns related to social isolation. Latino students reported less social isolation after they left campus and returned to their homes.
The researchers found that much of the depression and anxiety related to remote learning.
"First-year college students seem to be particularly struggling with social isolation and adapting to distanced learning," said lead study author Jane Cooley Fruehwirth, an associate professor in the UNC Chapel Hill Department of Economics in the College of Arts & Sciences and a faculty fellow at the Carolina Population Center.
Controversy Over COVID-19 Rules Violations at Colby-Sawyer
March 3, 6:22 a.m. Some students at Colby-Sawyer College, in New Hampshire, are complaining about a form with which students can report others for violating COVID-19 rules, WMUR reported.
"There are some allegations of misbehavior that warrant a quick conversation and reminders, and then there are patterns of violations that put the community and campus at risk," Gregg Mazzola, vice president for marketing and communications, said.
But a student, Sam Mohammed, said that when she arrived for the spring semester, another student reported her for going to the grocery store before starting a two-week quarantine. She and her roommate lost housing as a result.
"In the campus' emails it says to stock up before you start your quarantine," Mohammed said.
She said the school will not return her $8,000 for housing.
The administration will not comment on her case.
Dartmouth Reports 119 Cases
March 2, 6:21 a.m. Dartmouth College logged 119 cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, The Valley News reported.
Dean Kathryn Lively said in an email that the cases reflect a "rapid and significantly increased risk of transmission within our community."
The college will revert to having students eat alone in their rooms and told them to remain on campus so as not to endanger residents of Hanover, N.H.
St. Bonaventure President Dies of COVID-19
March 1, 1:53 p.m. The president of St. Bonaventure University, Dennis R. DePerro, died Monday of complications from COVID-19.
"Words simply can't convey the level of devastation our campus community feels right now," said Joseph Zimmer, provost and vice president for academic affairs, who was named acting president late last month. "I know when people die it's become cliché to say things like, 'He was a great leader, but an even better human being,' and yet, that's the absolute truth with Dennis. We are heartbroken."
DePerro was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Christmas Eve and hospitalized on Dec. 29. He had been placed on a ventilator in mid-January.
Edinboro University Pauses In-Person Classes
March 1, 6:13 a.m. Edinboro University has announced a 10-day pause on in-person classes due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
The pause is based on "an abundance of caution for our students, faculty and staff," said Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, the interim president of the university.
Currently, there are 56 students and three employees with COVID-19.
University of Delaware Changes Policies After Uptick in Cases
Feb. 26, 6:15 a.m. The University of Delaware reported that 145 students and two employees tested positive for COVID-19 this week, a record total for the university, WDEL News reported.
As a result, the university announced a series of policy changes:
Dining halls and food court items will be grab-and-go only.
The student centers will be reduced to 25 percent capacity.
Students will not be allowed to congregate to eat meals indoors, including in dormitory common spaces.
No guests will be permitted in dormitory rooms.
In-person classes will continue, but the university said that changes "may be necessary in the future if the number of positive cases on campus continues to rise."
Faculty Cuts at Point Park
Feb. 25, 6:15 a.m. Point Park University is not renewing the contracts of 17 nontenured faculty members, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
Paul Hennigan, the president, said that "the pandemic has taken a toll on our operations, just as it has affected the operations of many higher education providers. After one full year of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant disruptions continue in higher education."
SUNY Athletic Conference to Resume March 20
Feb. 24, 6:12 a.m. The State University of New York Athletic Conference will resume spring sports on March 20. Lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis and track and field will all have seasons.
The SUNYAC is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III intercollegiate athletic conference with 10 full-member SUNY institutions (Brockport, Buffalo State, Cortland, Fredonia, Geneseo, New Paltz, Oneonta, Oswego, Plattsburgh and Potsdam) and one affiliate (Morrisville).
Teams will be operating under special rules. They include:
Masks will be worn at all times by athletes, coaches and officials, except for athletes during competition or active practice.
No spectators, pursuant to New York State Department of Health guidance.
Regular weekly testing/COVID symptom checks prior to competition.
Prior to road games, athletes will be tested within three days of departure.
Masks will be worn on buses for travel, bus capacity reduced to 50 percent and no eating allowed.
No handshakes, group celebrations or pre- or post-interaction with opposing team
Binghamton Limits Student Activities on Campus
Feb. 23, 9:31 a.m. Binghamton University, of the State University of New York, is limiting student activities and movement on campus after reaching a 2.4 percent positivity test result, on a 14-day average.
In-person classes will continue, but the university announced that "to reverse this upward trend" it was canceling:
All nonclassroom student activities, including Greek life
All student group dance rehearsals and other nonacademic student activities
All intercollegiate athletics, club sports and intramurals
All performances of any kind.
Dining facilities will be open, but only for takeout.
Duke Investigates Off-Campus Party
Feb. 23, 6:12 a.m. Duke University is investigating an off-campus party where 50 students were without masks, WNCN News reported.
A gathering of that size violates Duke's guidelines for students.
"As a reminder, hosting large scale social events — on or off-campus — is considered a flagrant violation of university COVID-19 expectations. Hosts, and in most instances, attendees, of events are referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for further resolution. Other students found responsible this academic year for flagrant violations such as hosting large scale social events and parties have lost campus privileges and/or been issued a two-semester suspension from the university," said an email sent to students.
Newton Mayor Calls for Stronger State Oversight of Boston College
Feb. 22, 6:16 a.m. Ruthanne Fuller, the mayor of Newton, Mass., is calling for tougher state oversight of Boston College's COVID-19 efforts, The Boston Globe reported.
Since August, there have been 858 cases of COVID-19 at the college, according to the university's website.
"We are continuing to urge Boston College officials that their students strictly adhere to public health guidelines and to urge the state to strengthen the oversight," Fuller said.
Maryland-College Park Announces Weeklong Sequester
Feb. 20, 12 p.m. The University of Maryland's main campus in College Park on Saturday announced that all on-campus students would sequester in place for at least a week and that all instruction would move online beginning Monday.
University officials cited a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases: Maryland's pandemic dashboard shows a total of 74 cases reported since Thursday, significantly more than had been reported in the previous 10 days.
"We have seen a significant and concerning increase in positive COVID cases on and around our campus in recent days," Maryland's president, Darryll J. Pines, and the director of its health center, Spyridon S. Marinopoulos, wrote to the campus Thursday. "From the beginning of this pandemic, we have pledged to take action whenever we see the threat of further spread."
Shortage Forces Auburn to Suspend Vaccinations
Feb. 19, 6:22 a.m. Auburn University is suspending COVID-19 vaccinations because it has run out of vaccines, EETV News reported.
An email urged students and employees to seek vaccinations elsewhere.
Ivy League Cancels Spring Sports Season
Feb. 18, 2:35 p.m. The Ivy League on Thursday became the latest sports conference to cancel its spring sports seasons, citing the continuing health threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Division I conference of highly selective universities in the Northeast has been among the most conservative in the country when it comes to competing during the health crisis. It was the first major college conference to abandon sports competition last spring, and it canceled its winter seasons in early November and opted not to play fall sports this spring, as some other leagues did.
League officials said local, non-league competition may be possible later in the spring "if public health conditions improve sufficiently."
The decision was necessitated by trying to keep the Ivy campuses safe, the presidents of the universities said in a joint statement. "The ability of the league's members to continue on-campus operations during the ongoing pandemic requires rigorous limitations on travel, visitors, gatherings, and other elements that are essential for intercollegiate athletics competition," the statement said.
It continued: "We know that this news will come as a disappointment to many in our community. We regret the many sacrifices that have been required in response to the pandemic, and we appreciate the resilience of our student-athletes, coaches and staff in the face of adversity during this difficult and unusual year."
U of Michigan Sees Surge in Cases
Feb. 18, 6:20 a.m. The University of Michigan is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, MLive reported.
For the week of Feb. 7, the university saw 352 cases, its highest in a single week since the pandemic started.
Officials blame off-campus social activities. "Students are largely infecting other students," said Robert Ernst, executive director of University Health Services.
Kansas Lawmakers Want Colleges to Refund Students for Remote Learning
Feb. 17, 4:20 p.m. A committee in the Kansas House of Representatives on Wednesday backed an amendment to the state's higher education budget that would require colleges and universities to refund half the tuition students paid when their courses were online last spring and fall, The Kansas City Star reported.
"I've talked to many parents who tell me that their kids aren't learning, that several of them watch their kids cheat on their final exams because they take it together," said Representative Sean Tarwater, a Republican who introduced the amendment.
A Democratic lawmaker, Brandon Woodard, called the vote "reckless," adding, "We literally just made a decision to wreck the budgets of our universities without allowing them to testify."
The proposal has a long way to go to become law, but another legislator said it "holds [state and campus officials'] feet to the fires so they know we're serious about the monies."
New Limits on Students at 2 Universities
Feb. 17, 6:18 a.m. Two more universities have imposed limits on student movement as a result of increasing COVID-19 cases.
Plymouth State University, in New Hampshire, moved classes online and canceled all athletic events until at least Feb. 21, WMUR reported.
The University of Virginia is keeping in-person classes, but banning students from leaving their rooms for most other purposes, except attending classes, obtaining food, individual exercise and being tested for COVID-19.
Student Parties Criticized as Unsafe at 3 Campuses
Feb. 16, 6:02 a.m. Officials at three campuses are criticizing recent student parties as unsafe during the pandemic.
At Syracuse University, athletes are being blamed for a large party at which students were not wearing masks, Syracuse.com reported.
At York College, in Pennsylvania, President Pamela Gunter-Smith wrote to students, "This is not the time to be complacent or to give in to pandemic fatigue. Each one of us must do what is necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities." She wrote after an unauthorized student gathering was linked to some of the 65 cases of COVID-19 that the college is experiencing, WHTM reported.
At the State University of New York at Cortland, several large gatherings of students led to the recent arrests of several students.
SUNY system chancellor Jim Malatras said, "These unauthorized large parties could result in a significant increase in COVID cases. SUNY Cortland's Administration must take control of this situation and they have begun taking disciplinary actions. To monitor any potential issues arising from these parties, I've asked SUNY Cortland to implement twice weekly testing of all students — on or off campus — for at least the next two weeks."
SUNY Offers Funds for Food Pantries
Feb. 15, 6:17 a.m. The State University of New York System is offering up to $1,000 to campus food pantries that lack refrigerators.
Many campus pantries are experiencing a surge in visits during the pandemic, but some lack refrigerators.
"As we deal with the challenges of COVID, we must do everything in our power to help our students succeed. Food insecurity is a major problem with more than a third of our students going hungry at some point before the pandemic and we're seeing an even greater spike in student hunger because of COVID," said Chancellor Jim Malatras. "The pangs of hunger should not cloud a student's education."
Franklin Pierce University Issues Shelter-in-Place Order
Feb. 12, 6:16 a.m. Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire has issued a shelter-in-place order after 18 new positive cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in 24 hours, WMUR News reported.
The order will begin at 8 a.m. today and will last for 10 days.
All classes will be held online and all labs, studios and the library will be closed. All student activities, including athletics, have been suspended.
University of New Hampshire Pivots to Online for 2 Weeks
Feb. 11, 4:55 p.m. The University of New Hampshire said Thursday that a "dramatic and sustained rise" in COVID-19 cases would force it to transition most courses to fully online and limit gatherings and student visits.
"We are seeing the consequences of COVID fatigue and its impact on our ability to offer additional in-person opportunities," President James W. Dean Jr. said. "If the numbers continue to climb, we will have to put additional measures in place."
Feb. 11, 3:42 p.m. Dozens of conferences and hundreds of colleges are preparing to play football this spring, having canceled their typical seasons last fall because of COVID-19. But the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference won't be among them, the league announced Thursday, citing continuing health risks from the pandemic.
"While it is tremendously disappointing to suspend the spring 2021 football season, it is the right decision with regards to the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans," MEAC commissioner Dennis E. Thomas said. "As I have stated since the beginning of the pandemic, health and safety will continue to be at the forefront of every decision."
Six of the league's nine members — all historically Black colleges and universities — opted not to play this spring, so the conference canceled its own season and championship.
Three MEAC institutions — Delaware State, Howard and South Carolina State Universities — told league officials they intended to try to play the sport this spring.
Another Student Death From COVID-19
Feb. 11, 6:16 a.m. Another student has died from COVID-19. The New York Times reported that Helen Etuk, a senior at the University of North Texas, died Jan. 12 from complications of the virus. She hoped to become a doctor.
Etuk had been going to in-person classes. She wore a mask and tried to maintain social distance from other people, but she developed a bad cough that turned out to a symptom of COVID-19.
She was hospitalized for three months before she died.
Senior at University of New Haven Dies of COVID-19
Feb. 10, 6:23 a.m. A senior at the University of New Haven died Feb. 6 due to complications from COVID-19.
Joshua Goodart became ill during winter break and was hospitalized at home. He didn't return for the start of the spring semester.
Liberty Page, Goodart's adviser, said he was passionate about his cybersecurity and networks major, describing him as a "hardworking, sincerely nice, and happy person. He never had a complaint and was nothing but positive. I am thinking of his smile, how cheerful he was, and how excited he was about his future."
As Precaution, Clarkson Moves to Remote Learning
Feb. 10, 6:16 a.m. Clarkson University is shifting to remote learning "for the next few days" to "contact trace positive cases, follow thorough cleaning protocols and assess next steps."
Athletics activities — including practices and games — "will pause" during this time.
The university said these steps are being taken "as a precautionary measure."
Feb. 9, 2:50 p.m. An increase in COVID-19 cases that Calvin University officials described as "extraordinary" prompted the Michigan institution to tighten its physical distancing rules Monday.
The number of active cases involving on-campus students rose to 35 Tuesday, from 14 last Friday, according to Calvin's dashboard. Calvin started classes last Tuesday, Feb. 2.
In a message to students, President Michael Le Roy described the "extraordinary uptick" as "alarmingly rapid."
"We have also seen evidence of failure by some to adhere to our health and safety guidelines, including delays in reporting COVID-like symptoms and illness, elevated numbers of close contacts because of social gatherings, failure to remain six feet apart, and ignoring occupancy limits in common spaces," Le Roy wrote.
The president said Calvin would embrace "enhanced physical distancing," in which students may not gather with their peers and classes and athletic activity would be determined case by case. All food will be takeout only, and public seating in most campus buildings closed.
Le Roy's message closed with what by now has become a standard warning from administrators around the country: "We must reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community in order to persist in living and learning on campus together this semester."
Ohio State Updates Dashboard Features
Feb. 9, 6:16 a.m. Ohio State University, whose dashboard is one of five to receive an A-plus ranking from "We Rate COVID Dashboards," has revised its dashboard. Ohio State previously had the most recent 20 days of data. Now, it has all of the data from the start of the pandemic up until today.
"Users, for example, can still get to the various testing results by single day, seven-day average and cumulative for both students and employees by using the available filters. New with this version, users can view information compared over a significantly longer period of time," said Eric Mayberry, director of data and analytics in Ohio State's Office of the Chief Information Officer and a creator of Ohio State's dashboard.
The next potential update to the dashboard will be vaccination data for the state of Ohio as well as the university.
UMass Issues Stay-at-Home Order for 2 Weeks
Feb. 8, 6:24 a.m. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst ordered all students to "self-sequester" for two weeks.
"Self-sequestration means that students must stay in their residences, both on and off campus, except to get meals, undergo twice-weekly COVID testing, or to attend medical appointments. In addition, to minimize potential spread, students should refrain from travel from campus or outside the surrounding area," said an email message from Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy.
The order came as the university raised its threat level from "elevated" to "high" risk amid a "surge" in COVID-19 cases.
"To many of you these may seem like drastic measures, but faced with the surge in cases we are experiencing in our campus community, we have no choice but to take these steps," Subbaswamy said.
UNC Gives Faculty the Right to Teach Online Until Feb. 17
Feb. 8, 6:13 a.m. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is starting the semester today but giving faculty members the right to teach online until Feb. 17 in the wake of Saturday's celebration of a men's basketball win over Duke University.
The reason is that "hundreds of Carolina fans — many, presumably students — flooded Franklin Street to celebrate our men's basketball victory over Duke. In any other year, this would be a typical, joyous occasion. Of course, this is not a typical year for our community. As we said in the chancellor's statement last night, this type of behavior is unsafe during this pandemic and creates health risks for our entire community," said a university statement.
The university "has already received hundreds of student conduct complaints. Those leads will be evaluated and students found to have violated our COVID-19 Community Standards will be subject to developmental or disciplinary action," the statement said.
2 Berkeley Students Have COVID-19 Variant
Feb. 5, 6:15 a.m. Two students at the University of California, Berkeley, have tested positive for the variant of COVID-19 that is much more contagious than the virus normally is, the Bay Area News Group reported.
There are no indications that the students have been on campus, except for testing. The students had recently been outside the United States.
The University of Michigan has 14 people with the variant.
Salve Regina Orders Students to Shelter in Place
Feb. 4, 6:19 a.m. Salve Regina University ordered students to shelter in place from Wednesday night until the morning of Feb. 16.
The university cited a rise in COVID-19 cases, but also student behavior. The order is a "direct result of some students failing to comply with basic social gathering guidelines, and the seriousness of this situation cannot be overstated. Further spread of the virus within our campus community may compel Salve Regina to take additional measures, including the closing of campus."
All classes will be held online.
Michigan Community College Cancels Sports Seasons
Feb. 3, 10 a.m. Kellogg Community College, in Michigan, on Wednesday became the fifth two-year college in the state to cease competition in several sports, given the impact of COVID-19 in its region.
The college announced that it would opt out of league competition in men's and women's basketball and volleyball, joining several peers that have made similar decisions.
College officials said they had considered a range of factors in making its decision, including state and national guidance that limits physical contact.
Those same factors led the college to decide that it would continue to compete in men's and women's bowling, baseball, and women's soccer.
Linfield Resumes In-Person Classes After 'Pause'
Feb. 3, 6:17 a.m. Linfield University, in Oregon, is resuming in-person classes today after a four-day "pause" ordered by the administration following an outbreak of COVID-19.
"Due to the diligence of the McMinnville, [Ore.], community in following established safety and health protocols, however, the cluster of cases was mostly confined to a single residence hall and the numbers remained small," said a college statement.
Some students and faculty members do not plan to return to the campus today, according to OPB News. They say the university should be online only for a longer time.
"Just thinking about the massive amounts of people who are dying from COVID — is there any amount of risk acceptable? You're gambling with human lives," said Esmae Shepard, a freshman. "Linfield is not taking it seriously enough. They're gambling with our lives, and I don't find that acceptable."
Villanova Sees Spike in COVID-19 Cases
Feb. 2, 6:19 a.m. Villanova University has warned students of a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases on campus, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The university had 186 active cases as of Sunday.
"This weekend the COVID-19 dashboard numbers are higher than we have previously experienced," the Reverend John P. Stack, vice president for student life, wrote to students Sunday. "Although we have the resources to manage the current situation, these numbers are not sustainable."
Students returned to campus Jan. 25.
Father Stack warned that the semester will move online if the numbers don't come down.
Berkeley Warns of 'Surge' in COVID-19 Cases
Feb. 1, 6:19 a.m. The University of California, Berkeley, has warned students of a "surge" in COVID-19 cases.
"We are now seeing a need to quarantine more students because they were exposed to the virus," the university said. "Please help us to reverse this disturbing trend. It is critical and required by current public health orders, that you do not attend indoor gatherings — large or small — with people outside your household. Even if you think it is safe, it probably is not."
According to the university's dashboard, 44 people tested positive this weekend. That's 3.2 percent of those tested. Since August, 546 people have tested positive, or 0.4 percent of those tested.
Student Caregivers More Likely to Consider Dropping Out
Jan. 29, 6:16 a.m. Students who are caregivers are more likely than other students to consider dropping out of college, according to new polling by Gallup and Lumina.
Forty-two percent of students pursuing associate degrees care either for a child or a parent. Twenty-four percent of those seeking a bachelor's degree are parents.
"College students who provide care to children or adults are far more likely than those who are not parents or caregivers to say they have considered stopping taking courses in the past six months, 44 percent to 31 percent," says a Gallup summary of the poll. "The significant relationship between caregiving or parental responsibilities and consideration of pulling out of courses persists even after controlling for race, program level, age, gender, marital status, household income, and the amount of money taken out in loans."
About a quarter of caregiving students cite the pandemic for the reason they think about dropping out.
Cornell Adjusts Testing Procedures
Jan. 28, 6:15 a.m. Cornell University on Wednesday announced changes in its COVID-19 testing procedures. University officials said they were pleased with the low rates of infection in the fall semester but wanted to learn from them.
During the fall, most test results were available within 24 hours. In the spring, 80 percent of test results will be available 12 to 18 hours after collection. The university will do this by making more morning appointments than it has in the past, purchasing more equipment and hiring six additional staff members (on top of 10 who were doing the testing in the fall).
In addition, to discourage travel, all students will have one of their weekly tests on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
"We saw a lot of our positive cases in the fall linked to students who had left the Ithaca area and brought the virus back with them," said Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life. "Since we now know that travel is a high-risk activity, we are strengthening the approval process for any nonurgent travel outside of the region."
Stay-at-Home Order for University of Michigan Students
Jan. 27, 4:30 p.m. Washtenaw County health officials recommended Wednesday that all students on or near the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus remain at home for two weeks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 — including the more easily transmitted variant that led to a shutdown of the university's sports programs last weekend.
University officials supported the county's recommendation.
Since the start of the winter term, the university has identified 175 COVID-19 cases among students, including 14 of the B.1.1.7 variant that was first identified in Britain.
"We are very concerned about the potential for this variant to spread quickly," said Jimena Loveluck, the county's health officer. "We are working closely with the university to take coordinated steps to control the current outbreak and understand the situation more fully."
Students are being directed to stay in their residence hall rooms or apartments except for essential activities, which include in-person classes, medical appointments, picking up food, jobs that can't be done remotely and religious activities.
Notre Dame de Namur Will Become Graduate, Online University
Jan. 27, 6:20 a.m. Notre Dame de Namur University will stay open but will become "a primarily graduate and online university, potentially with undergraduate degree completion programs," said a letter from Dan Carey, the president of the university on Monday.
No new undergraduate students will be admitted this year, but new graduate students will be admitted.
"The board has acted to continue operations based on a high degree of confidence that financial arrangements in progress to sell lands on the campus to a compatible organization will provide the operating funds required to see the university through to sustainability. The board's endorsement reflects their confidence and vision for the future of NDNU, while being realistic and financially responsible. This past year NDNU has diligently explored ways to rebuild the university in order to become sustainable in the future. Essential to the plan was meeting the needs of the region by narrowing curricular focus, modifying existing programs, and developing new programs," the letter said.
In the fall of 2019, the university had 795 undergraduates and 568 graduate students.
The university's financial problems predate the coronavirus but have been worsened by the pandemic.
St. Bonaventure President Still Hospitalized
Jan. 26, 6:18 a.m. Dennis DePerro, the president of St. Bonaventure University, has been hospitalized for COVID-19 since Dec. 29, the university announced Monday.
"I know I speak for everyone in the Bonaventure family when I offer prayers for healing and strength to Dr. DePerro and his family at this difficult time," said John Sheehan, chair of the Board of Trustees.
Joseph Zimmer, the provost, is serving as acting president.
Richmond, Charleston Warn About Parties
Jan. 25, 6:15 a.m. The University of Richmond and the College of Charleston are warning students about the dangers of parties.
The University of Richmond sent students a letter Friday that said students were endangering in-person learning, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. University officials said they were aware of two parties in the last week.
The university has had 54 cases of COVID-19 in January.
The College of Charleston, in South Carolina, sent out a tweet to students: "Over the past 72 hours, rates of COVID-19 transmission have been very high among our campus community. There have been several reports of large, non-socially distanced, unmasked gatherings throughout the day. There is zero tolerance for violating CofC's COVID-19 protocols."
University of Michigan Pauses All Sports Activity
Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ordered the University of Michigan on Saturday to cease all athletics activity for up to 14 days, after several people linked to the athletics department tested positive for the more transmissible varient of the novel coronavirus.
"While U-M has worked diligently on testing and reporting within state and Big Ten Conference guidelines, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is mandating a more aggressive strategy for this B.1.1.7 variant, which exceeds current program efforts designed around the standard form of the virus," the university said in a release.
All athletes and coaches must immediately isolate until further notice, up to 14 days, the university said. All athletic facilities will be closed. All games will be canceled.
"Canceling competitions is never something we want to do, but with so many unknowns about this variant of COVID-19, we must do everything we can to minimize the spread among student-athletes, coaches, staff, and to the student-athletes at other schools," said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics at Michigan.
Brown Commencement Will Be In Person — Without Guests
Jan. 22, 6:09 a.m. Brown University announced that its commencement, May 1-2, will be in person, but that guests will not be welcome.
Christina H. Paxson, Brown's president, said she consulted with public health experts before making the decision. There will be live webcasts for guests.
"Should circumstances improve, we will consider relaxing restrictions, but we cannot plan for that uncertain outcome," she said.
Santa Rosa Extends Remote Instruction Through Summer
Jan. 21, 1:30 p.m. Santa Rosa Junior College announced Thursday that it would extend remote learning and services through summer 2021, citing high COVID-19 infection rates in Northern California. The college had announced in August that it would conduct most classes remotely this spring.
"While I do not make this decision lightly, it is clear to me that the current infection and mortality rates in Sonoma County are far too high to consider a full return to face-to-face instruction," wrote Fred Chong, the college's president/superintendent. "Other colleges and universities across the U.S. reopened for in-person classes too early and saw a dramatic increase in COVID infections. The safety of our students, employees and community members remains the top priority at SRJC and while we look forward to the day when we can come together again, we will not risk the health and wellness of our community to do so."
Chong said he hoped that the decision would give students and employees "a small bit of certainty in these uncertain times."
Rice Sued Over Online Education
Jan. 21, 6:14 a.m. A student at Rice University has filed a suit against the university saying the university should not have charged full tuition rates when most of the education was delivered online, The Houston Chronicle reported. The suit seeks to be a class action.
"Plaintiff and the members of the class have all paid for tuition for a first-rate education and on-campus, in-person educational experiences, with all the appurtenant benefits offered by a first-rate university. Instead, students like plaintiff were provided a materially different and insufficient alternative, which constitutes a breach of the contracts entered into by plaintiff with the university," the suit said.
Students enrolled at Rice this fall for a mix of in-person, hybrid and online courses. But many facilities — libraries, labs and study rooms — were closed. The university boasts that it offers students "an unconventional culture," the suit said.
A Rice spokesman said the university does not comment on litigation.
Alabama Sends 7,500 False Negative Results
Jan. 20, 6:15 a.m. The University of Alabama mistakenly sent 7,500 email messages telling people they had tested negative for COVID-19, Al.com reported.
A university statement said, "Yesterday afternoon a technical problem caused an automated UA COVID-19 (negative) test result email notification to be sent to more than 7,500 individuals. The technical problem was quickly identified and corrected. Everyone who received the message in error was notified directly via email with information and an apology."
The statement added that those whose test results are positive are contacted by phone.
Williams Tightens Rules for Students
Jan. 19, 6:18 a.m. Williams College has tightened the rules for students who are coming to the campus for the spring semester, iBerkshires reported.
They must provide proof of a recent, negative COVID-19 test before they arrive and are tested by Williams.
Marlene Sandstrom, dean of the college, sent all students an email that said, "This message is intentionally sobering. Because fall term went well, we have the sense that many students are now thinking spring will be similar or even easier. The very high number of students planning to study on campus in spring seems to support this. We absolutely do want everyone to have a good term, and are doing everything in our power to make it happen. But that also includes an obligation to give you a realistic sense of the challenges, so that you have enough information to decide for yourself if an on-campus spring is the right option for you."
She noted that there will not be outdoors social events, as there were in the fall. Students living on campus will not be able to visit off-campus houses.
Sandstrom said she and President Maud Mandel will announce soon whether the spring semester will start with online classes.
Union College of New York Imposes 'Campus Quarantine'
Jan. 18, 6:18 a.m. Union College of New York imposed a "campus quarantine" to deal with an increased number of COVID-19 cases one week after students returned to campus, The Daily Gazette reported.
The college has had 51 positive cases since Jan. 1.
President David Harris announced a two-week quarantine. Students who live on campus may not leave the campus without permission. The college is also increasing its testing of students to twice weekly, extending mask-wearing requirements to dormitory rooms and limiting visitors in residence halls.
Luther College Students Want to Work at Home
Jan. 15, 6:19 a.m. Students at Luther College, in Iowa, want to finish their winter quarter at home, KCRG reported.
More than 700 students have signed a petition asking the college to change its expectations. The students started the winter quarter, before Christmas, taking classes online, but the college wants them back this month to finish.
"After Christmas, I made a post that said something to the extent of, 'Hey I am really nervous about going back to school, how are you guys feeling?'" Shannon Schultz said. "And I got over 200 likes, which is sort of a huge number for Luther since there is close to a little under 1,800 students."
But Jenifer Ward, the president at Luther, noted that local rates for COVID-19 infections are going down.
Central Oklahoma Shifts Start of Semester to Online
Jan. 14, 6:20 a.m. The University of Central Oklahoma, which had planned for face-to-face classes this semester, is switching its plans for at least the first two weeks. Most courses will now be online. Classes start Jan. 19 and will be online through Jan. 31.
"Campus facilities will remain open, including the library, campus housing, residential dining, Wellness Center and athletics locations. Most campus services will continue to offer in-person options, including enrollment, admissions and financial aid," said a university statement.
"Campus operations will be reassessed prior to Feb. 1 to consider a return to in-person classes. The university is encouraging students, faculty and staff to continue reporting COVID-19 exposures and positive test results as well as practicing mitigation measures, including wearing a face mask, washing hands and social distancing when around others on and off campus," said the statement.
Chaffey Cancels All In-Person Classes for the Spring
Jan. 13, 6:17 a.m. Chaffey College, a community college in California, has previously decided most of its courses would be online this spring. On Tuesday, the college announced that all classes would be online, The Press-Enterprise reported.
Most of the classes that had been scheduled for in-person instruction were in biology, aviation maintenance, automotive technology and health care. The courses will be canceled for the spring.
About 500 students will be affected.
"This was a difficult decision for us because we know our students are anxious to return to the classroom," Henry Shannon, the president and superintendent, said in a press release. "We need to exercise extreme caution for the sake of our students, faculty and staff. We look forward to returning to in-person instruction as soon as conditions improve."
Rutgers President Has COVID-19
Jan.12, 6:15 a.m. Jonathan Holloway, the new president of Rutgers University, has COVID-19, he announced Monday.
"I am fortunate; my symptoms are minimal and like a common cold," he said. "I will continue to self-quarantine and closely monitor any health changes. I will be paring back my schedule for the next 10 days in order to get proper rest at home and return to full health."
Pitt Tells Students to Stay Home for Now
Jan. 11, 6:16 a.m. The University of Pittsburgh has classes scheduled to start next week, but it is telling students to stay where they are and not travel to campus until at least the last week in January.
"We continue to recommend that you remain where you are currently residing," said a letter from the university.
Classes will start online and may shift — at some point — to face-to-face.
"To aid in planning, Pitt will provide notice at least two weeks before we advise that you travel to our campuses. Accordingly, the very earliest we will advise that you travel is sometime in the final week of January, and all Pitt students — whether or not you live in university housing — should not travel to the area prior to this time," the letter said.
CDC Study: In-Person Instruction Linked to Higher Rates of COVID-19
Jan. 8, 6:26 a.m. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, released today, compared the rates of COVID-19 exposure in counties with large universities with remote instruction and with in-person instruction.
"U.S. counties with large colleges or universities with remote instruction (n = 22) experienced a 17.9 percent decrease in incidence and university counties with in-person instruction (n = 79) experienced a 56 percent increase in incidence, comparing the 21-day periods before and after classes started. Counties without large colleges or universities (n = 3,009) experienced a 6 percent decrease in incidence during similar time frames," the study said.
The study said, "Additional implementation of effective mitigation activities at colleges and universities with in-person instruction could minimize on-campus COVID-19 transmission and reduce county-level incidence."
Kutztown University President Has COVID-19
Jan. 8, 6:19 a.m. The president of Kutztown University, Kenneth Hawkinson, tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, WFMZ News reported.
His symptoms are mild, and he is working from home.
UNC-Chapel Hill to Start Spring Virtually; Goucher to Remain Online
Jan. 7, 4:30 p.m. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced Thursday that it will start the spring semester as planned on Jan. 19 but will deliver the first three weeks of undergraduate instruction online because of the elevated threat of COVID-19.
"We are making these changes with the health of our campus and the community in mind," said a letter from Kevin M. Guskiewicz, the chancellor, and Robert A. Blouin, the executive vice chancellor and provost. "We have carefully analyzed the data and consulted with our campus public health and infectious disease experts, the chair of the faculty, the chair of the Employee Forum, the student body president, UNC Health, county health officials and the UNC System to inform these decisions."
Chapel Hill joins a growing number of colleges that are either delaying the start of the semester, or making the first weeks of the semester online.
Goucher College, in Maryland, went a step further on Wednesday, announcing that it would remain fully virtual this spring. Citing a statewide COVID-19 positivity rate of 9.5 percent and a local rate of 7 percent, which are "well above the Return to Campus criteria we established last summer," Goucher officials said they had made the "deeply disappointing" decision.
"We wanted nothing more than to welcome everyone back to campus this spring," wrote Kent Devereaux, the president. "However, our community's health and well-being remain our highest priority. We cannot ignore the science and public health data that indicates a return to campus would not be in our community's best interests."
Colorado Chancellor Has COVID-19
Jan. 7, 5:35 a.m. Phil DiStefano, chancellor of the University of Colorado at Boulder, has tested positive for COVID-19. So has his daughter.
DiStefano is experiencing mild symptoms, and a university announcement said he is isolating at home.
"I went with my family to participate in the campus monitoring program and am grateful we did," DiStefano said. "Without it, we may not have known we needed to complete diagnostic testing. We are participating in contact tracing, and I encourage our campus community to use the campus monitoring program."
Howard President Produces Vaccination PSA
Jan. 6, 12:13 p.m. Howard University president Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick has produced a public service announcement aimed at Black Americans on the importance of getting the coronavirus vaccine. Frederick, a practicing surgeon who lives with sickle cell disease, was one of the first to receive the vaccine at Howard University Hospital.
"The coronavirus pandemic is having a significant impact on communities of color, and that narrative won't change until we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves from exposure," Frederick said in a press release.
The one-minute PSA from Howard, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C., can be watched here.
West Virginia Begins Vaccinating Faculty, Staff Over Age 50
Jan. 6, 11:38 am. West Virginia colleges and universities have begun vaccinations of faculty and staff who are over age 50.
Although many universities have begun vaccinating workers in health-care roles, the state of West Virginia is early in beginning vaccinations for faculty and staff more broadly. The state includes both higher education faculty and staff and K-12 teachers in Phase 1D of its vaccination plan.
Jessica Tice, a spokeswoman for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, said 28 of the state's 43 universities started vaccinating faculty and staff beginning last week.
"The initial allocation for the higher education system was 1,000 total doses, to be given last week; 1,000 more doses were received by the higher education system today, to be given this week," Tice said via email on Tuesday. "Second doses will be provided per manufacturer's recommendations. Colleges are responsible for following the guidelines for prioritization set by the state. Specifically, those receiving the vaccine in this first wave must be over 50-years-old and working on campus, or be in a high-risk position such as health sciences faculty or campus security."
BU and Holy Cross Play Basketball, With Masks
Jan. 6, 10:24 a.m. The men's and women's basketball teams from Boston University and the College of Holy Cross played this week — with face masks on.
WCVB News reported that the men's game is believed to be the first in which both teams wore masks. BU requires wearing of masks at its athletic facilities. When the teams played at Holy Cross, the Holy Cross players didn't wear masks.
"We feel like we're used to it a little bit now. We've been practicing with a mask on since September," said Jonas Harper, a BU junior. "We've been trying to get used to it more and more when we practice and play, so it's kind of getting easier to play with it, but we're all just happy to be playing in the first place. In the middle of the game, we really don't recognize we're using a mask in the first place."
More Colleges Alter Start of Spring Term, Citing COVID Cases
Jan. 5, 4:30 p.m. Several more colleges announced Tuesday that they would either delay the start of their spring semesters or begin the terms with virtual instruction, citing local or national conditions for COVID-19.
Among the institutions to act:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania said it would begin instruction as planned on Jan. 19, but that the first three weeks of the term would be delivered virtually. The university "strongly encourages" students to delay their return to the public university campus in western Pennsylvania until just before the Feb. 8 start of in-person classes. "Statewide cases remain high. The rollout of vaccines has been slower than anticipated. And the number of cases resulting from New Year's gatherings won't be clear for another two weeks," the university's statement read.
Nazareth College, in New York, said Tuesday that it would delay the beginning of its spring semester until Feb. 1. "On February 1, we will resume our engaged learning experience for a full semester (with the same number of instructional days as usual), to conclude on May 12," President Beth Paul said in an email to students and employees. "We will continue with vigilant COVID-19 safety protocols so as to protect our in-person learning and on-campus experiences for our students. And we will continue to prepare proactively for engaging in the COVID-19 vaccination effort and emerging from the pandemic."
Syracuse University announced late Monday that it would delay the start of its spring term by two weeks, to Feb. 8. "Starting our semester two weeks later best positions us to resume residential instruction in a manner that safeguards the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the Central New York community," Syracuse officials said.
Wrestling Match Called Off Due to COVID-19 Exposure
Jan. 4, 6:14 a.m. A wrestling competition between Hofstra and Lehigh Universities was called off Saturday, moments before it was to start.
The cause, according to Lehigh's athletics department, was "a positive COVID-19 test result among a member of Hofstra's Tier 1 personnel."
Tier 1 "is the highest exposure tier and consists of individuals for whom physical distancing and face coverings are not possible or effective during athletic training or competition. Examples of relevant individuals include student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, medical staff, equipment staff and officials."
The match is unlikely to be rescheduled, the university said.
Michigan Will Open Stadium for Vaccinations
Dec. 31, 6:21 a.m. The Big House, the famous stadium for the University of Michigan football team, will open today … for vaccinations, MLive reported.
The university hopes to offer a COVID-19 vaccine to hundreds of Michigan employees and students who are in the designated first group to receive it.
President Trump Signs COVID-19 Bill
Dec. 28, 6:12 a.m. President Trump on Sunday night signed a $900 billion bill to give coronavirus relief to Americans, The Washington Post reported.
The bill would give higher education $23 billion and would also simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid from 108 to 36 questions, let more prisoners get Pell Grants and forgive $1.3 billion in loans to historically Black colleges.
The president had initially been expected to sign the bill, as administration officials had been involved in negotiations over it. But last week he repeatedly criticized it and created doubt over whether he would sign it.
He continued to make those criticisms after he signed the bill, saying that he would send Congress a redlined version of the bill "insisting that those funds be removed from the bill."
Chapman U President Has COVID-19
Dec. 23, 6:15 a.m. The president of Chapman University, Daniele Struppa, has COVID-19, he announced in an email to the campus, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"I want to share the news that today I tested positive for COVID-19," Struppa said. "I am feeling tired and am resting at home, but overall, my symptoms are not extreme and currently limited to a slight fever and cough."
He said he is working with contact tracers to identify anyone whom he may have infected. He likely received the virus from his 16-year-old daughter, who has also tested positive for it.
Penn State Will Delay In-Person Start of Semester
Dec. 21, 6:23 a.m. Pennsylvania State University will start the spring semester online because of "extensive analysis and scenario planning given worsening virus conditions nationally and across the state indicating predictions of rising hospitalization rates in the coming weeks," the university announced Friday.
The university will start classes online on Jan. 19 and will continue that way until Feb. 12. On Feb. 15, classes will transition to in person.
"While we know this creates a number of challenges for our community, we are very concerned with the current outlook across the country and the commonwealth and believe this is the most responsible way to begin our semester. Shifting to a remote start has been a scenario we have been preparing for by building flexibility into every level of our operations in order to prioritize our students' academic achievement," said Penn State president Eric J. Barron.
The decision is consistent with the recommendation of the state's Department of Education, which last week urged colleges to delay the start of their spring semesters.
Pennsylvania Urges Colleges to Delay Bringing Students Back
Dec. 18, 6:24 a.m. Pennsylvania acting secretary of education Noe Ortega has urged colleges to delay the start of their spring semesters to February, as some colleges are already doing.
"We are seeing an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and these trends are expected to worsen in January at the time when students normally return to campus," he said. "Colleges and universities play a critical role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and creating safe learning environments for students. By delaying students' return to campus, our institutions of higher learning can help slow the spread of the virus, help businesses to remain open, and protect regional health care systems."
A press release from the state's Department of Education said that "the number of cases among 19 to 24-year-olds in northcentral Pennsylvania spiked from 7 percent in April, when students were not on campus, to 69 percent in September, and in the northeast from 6 percent in April to 40 percent in September. Campuses are urged to evaluate their policies and circumstances and ensure the safety of their on-campus population while also promoting strong mitigation measures for off-campus students."
U.S. College Student Sentenced to 4 Months in Prison in Cayman Islands
Dec. 18, 6:14 a.m. Skylar Mack, a premed student at Mercer University, has been sentenced to four months in jail in the Cayman Islands for breaking COVID-19 rules, the Associated Press reported. She has been in prison since Tuesday.
She arrived in the Cayman Islands in November and was supposed to be in quarantine for two weeks, but her boyfriend, who is from the Cayman Islands, picked her up to attend a water sports events. He was also sentenced to jail time.
Mack's lawyer said that they pleaded guilty but deserved a lesser sentence.
The Cayman Compass quoted Judge Roger Chapple as saying Mack's actions reflected "selfishness and arrogance," adding that she had spent seven hours out in public without a face mask or social distancing.
Judson College May Close Unless It Receives Gifts
Dec. 17, 6:19 a.m. Judson College, a Baptist women's institution in Alabama, may close if it doesn't receive enough gifts by Dec. 31.
Judson president W. Mark Tew said the college has been hurt by declining enrollment, the recession of 2008 and this year's COVID-19 pandemic.
Tew wrote to donors, "Should the college be unable to secure sufficient resources by December 31, we are making plans to assist our students with teach-out and transfer options. However, should the generosity of the college's dedicated family of donors reach specified goals by December 31, your college will proceed with the spring semester and look forward to celebrating commencement on April 30, 2021."
COVID-19 Cuts Student Drinking, Study Finds
Dec. 16, 6:18 a.m. COVID-19 has cut student drinking, a study has found.
The study, published in The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, said that the key factor was — no surprise here — students were again living with their parents. The study was based on interviews with 312 college students, mostly juniors and seniors.
Student alcohol users who switched from living with peers to parents decreased the number of days they drank per week, from 3.1 before closure to 2.7 after. However, those who remained with peers increased drinking days from three to 3.7 weekly, and those remaining with parents increased from two to 3.3.
The total number of drinks per week for students who moved home went from 13.9 to 8.5. Those continuing to live with peers drank essentially the same amount (10.6 drinks before compared with 11 weekly after closure). Those who continued living at home drank almost three drinks per week more (6.7 before versus 9.4 drinks weekly after closure).
Survey Finds Students Pleased With Educational Experience — With Some Caveats
Dec. 15, 6:18 a.m. Students are generally pleased with the quality of education they are receiving during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation.
Among students seeking a bachelor's degree, 35 percent ranked it as excellent and 41 percent said it was very good. Among those seeking an associate degree, 33 percent rated their program as excellent and 39 percent said it was very good.
But among the students who were mostly or completely online, criticism emerged.
Among those seeking a bachelor's degree, 44 percent said it was slightly worse and 16 percent said it was much worse. Among those pursuing an associate degree, 40 percent said it was slightly worse and 13 percent said it was much worse.
Ball State President Has COVID-19
Dec. 14, 6:15 a.m. Geoffrey Mearns, the president of Ball State University, has tested positive for COVID-19, The Muncie Star Press reported.
He is currently without symptoms. He took the test before he had planned to attend a football game against Western Michigan University. When he was notified of the result, he immediately began to quarantine.
College Sports Has at Least 6,629 COVID-19 Cases
Dec. 11, 6:51 a.m. College sports has had at least 6,629 cases of COVID-19, according to an analysis by The New York Times.
The figure includes coaches and other employees. But the figure is certainly low, as the Times was able to gather complete data for just 78 of the 130 universities in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Football Bowl Subdivision, the top level of college football.
The University of Minnesota had 336 cases in its athletic department, more than any other university in the FBS.
Cal State Plans Fall Return to In-Person Classes
Dec. 11, 6:18 a.m. The California State University system, one of the first to announce that it would be primarily online for this academic year, has announced that it will be primarily in person in the fall.
"It's critical that we provide as much advance notice as possible to students and their families, as we have done previously in announcing our moves toward primarily virtual instruction," said Cal State chancellor Timothy P. White. "While we are currently going through a very difficult surge in the pandemic, there is light at the end of the tunnel with the promising progress on vaccines."
Collin College Switches to Online Instruction After Death of Professor
Dec. 10, 6:17 a.m. Collin College, in Texas, is switching to online instruction for the winter, following the death of a professor.
Iris Meda came out of retirement to teach nursing after the pandemic started. Her colleagues have criticized the way Collin communicated her tragic death from COVID-19.
Teaching in the fall has largely been in person.
The college did not cite Meda's death in announcing the change, but said, "Collin College served more than 35,000 credit students during the fall 2020 semester while following safety protocols. Due to the recent regional surge in COVID-19 cases, the college is implementing changes to its master calendar over the next two months for the protection of students, faculty, and staff, including an extended closure for the winter break and a period for employees to telework during the winter season. Wintermester classes, which will be held Dec. 14-Jan. 6, now will be offered 100 percent online."
The college also announced that "while campuses are closed, the college will accelerate the installation of new air cleaning technologies that will virtually eliminate airborne contaminants, similar to those found in hospitals, at all 10 college facilities."
Kentucky Suspends Fraternity for Breaking COVID-19 Rules
Dec. 9, 5:50 a.m. The University of Kentucky has suspended Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity for two years for violating rules on COVID-19 and on drinking, The Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
The fraternity will not be allowed to have meetings for two years, or to use its house.
It is unclear what COVID-19 rules were broken.
Arizona Ups Testing Requirements
Dec. 8, 6:16 a.m. The University of Arizona will require anyone visiting campus next semester to have had a negative COVID-19 test the previous week, the Associated Press reported.
And students won't be able to access the campus Wi-Fi network if they don't have a recent negative test.
President Robert Robbins also said he would like to require the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone visiting the campus, with religious and medical exemptions. "I would very much like to see this be required for everyone who works and comes to campus as a student," Robbins said.
Protest of Florida's Plans for the Spring
Dec. 7, 6:15 a.m. Students and faculty members spoke at the meeting Friday of the University of Florida Board of Trustees to protest plans for more in-person instruction in the spring, The Gainesville Sun reported.
"The carelessness and the profiteering with which UF's board has approached student well-being is morally reprehensible," said a third-year student.
"We believe that it's not right to force faculty, staff and instructors who have pre-existing health conditions, to force them back in classrooms that are going to be inherently unsafe," said Paul Ortiz, chair of the university's faculty union. "We see a lot of our students are not following COVID safety protocols."
University officials defended the plans. "I fully understand and empathize with the anxiety," said David Nelson, Florida's senior vice president of health affairs. "But it's not really backed up by the facts. We have done so much. We have so many contract tracers, we have so much testing. We have gone out of our way to make sure that our faculty and our staff and our students who come to this university, to get whatever kind of in-person or virtual education, are going to be safe."