BOISE, Idaho — Boise State University will welcome students back to campus on time this fall.
Boise State announced they will have a mix of face-to-face learning, online courses and hybrid classes beginning August 24. However, faculty will transition most classes to remote delivery for the final three weeks after Thanksgiving break.
To do that safely, in-person class sizes will be reduced or relocated to larger rooms.
The dorms and dining halls will also reopen, and students are being told to wear face masks.
As far as the upcoming Bronco football season, BSU says the university will resume athletic practices and competition when it's safe to do so, and are still waiting for guidance from the NCAA.
Boise State shared a comprehensive reintegration plan on their Emergency Management and Continuity website.Listed below is what new and returning students can expect during the fall semester.
Fall Classes
Boise State's reintegration plan includes reducing class sizes if possible and moving larger classes into more spacious settings, such as the Student Union Building (SUB).
The Boise State Reintegration Committee (BSRC) hopes that offering students several different modes of delivery will give them the flexibility needed to complete their courses.
Finalization of course delivery should be complete by July 15, according to BSRC.
Enhancing remote learning and instruction
Because the change from face-to-face to online instruction was so rapid this spring, Boise State is planning to invest in remote learning infrastructure and faculty development tools.
The university is also preparing for the possibility of another mandated shift to remote learning, according to BSRC.
Remote delivery after Thanksgiving Break
Boise State is planning to begin the fall semester as originally scheduled on Aug. 24. However, all faculty and students will be required to shift back to remote delivery after returning from Thanksgiving Break.
This will continue for the final three weeks of the fall semester.
On-campus housing
Students planning to live on campus during the semester will have the option to do so. Spacing in the dorms may be increased in the event that a student must isolate themselves or self-quarantine upon arriving to the resident hall.
The move in process may be altered to provide more space between residents and staff. Boise State Housing and Resident Life will have more information available soon.
Residents may also be required to be tested for COVID-19 when arriving on campus and throughout the school year, according to BSRC.
More information regarding on-campus testing will be available on the Emergency Management and Continuity website shortly.
On-campus dining
Dining services will be open shortly before the fall semester begins, but it is likely that most locations will offer to-go meals only. Indoor and outdoor seating will also be limited to comply with social distancing.
Sport practices and competitions
Practices and competitions on campus will resume once it is safe to do so. Student athletes will not be able to practice or compete until they provide a negative COVID-19 test, according to BSRC.
Contact sports will only be practiced under strict supervision of the coaches, and trainers must ensure that all training and medical equipment is sanitized frequently.
More information regarding scheduled games and competitions will be released as it becomes available.
Employees
Approved employees will return to campus in reduced numbers as scheduled on July 7.
Before or on June 5, campus faculty and employees will receive reintegration guidelines and preparation templates in order to prepare for the possibility of online-only classes.
Returning employees may be required to do some or all of the following, according to BSRC:
- Re-entry and/or periodic COVID-19 testing
- Pre-shift temperature checks
- Complete COVID-19 screening questionnaires, or
- Other infection mitigation efforts.
Research
The university is planning to continue lab and field research in a staged approach. Specific guidelines will be available no later than May 27, according to BSCR.
Meetings, events and conferences
Students and faculty are being encouraged to continue holding all conferences and meetings remotely until further notice.
Travel
University-sponsored travel will remain suspended for the duration of the fall semester or through the end of the calendar year.
Students, faculty and campus visitors will be required to practice social distancing and wear face coverings under the direction university medical staff and public health professionals.
The university has also discussed removing doors to some buildings to allow for touch-less entry.
Future updates will be given as new information becomes available.
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