USCe just announced...

[MSU 1984]

That the university WILL open back up this Fall for in person instruction. Hopefully other SEC schools (and all other football schools) will follow. I?m still holding out hope for college football in 2020 and having students back on campus would obviously be necessary for that to happen. For the faint of heart, there will be a new normal on campus...

Plans include the following per the university president:

?We will have the capacity to test every Student, Faculty and Staff member for COVID-19 upon return the campus

We have the capacity to sustain a robust testing program throughout the entire semester

We are reviewing several comprehensive tracing and tracking apps for early and thorough identification of at-risk contacts

We have designated ample student housing for those who may require isolation and quarantine, and we are putting in place the support services to provide for their meals, education, and other needs

We will increase on campus single-occupancy rooms in on-campus residence halls

We will modify our dining practices in order to reduce close student contact in student dining facilities through "grab and go" meals

We will make accommodations for high-risk individuals and others who choose to continue online instruction with safeguards for protection against discrimination and stigma

We will follow clear public health protocols, including social distancing within classrooms, lecture halls, meeting rooms and sports venues, with strong encouragement of proper social distancing off campus

We will ensure that large class sections will either meet in smaller sections or in online formats and create alternative academic offerings to accommodate safe class gatherings

We will provide advising over the summer to help all students adjust their course schedules as needed

And finally, as stated, no student, faculty or staff member will be required to return

The new normal on campus won't be easy but judging by how well all of you have risen to the occasion during the challenges of the last many weeks, I have great confidence in you.?