The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is moving forward with plans to return to near-normal, pre-pandemic activity levels on campus in the fall 2021 semester.
Announced by Chancellor Ronnie Green in a March 5 email, the plan is shaped by the university’s continued commitment to an in-person experience for all students, expanding vaccine availability, and following health official recommendations in response to COVID-19.
“We are still in the early planning stages and are providing this information to give you a sense of what to expect as a Husker this fall,” Green said. “We will continue to provide additional details as soon as we are able.”
Key points announced by Green include:
By mid-August, it is expected that everyone who chooses to be vaccinated will have access;
Classrooms are projected to be operating at full capacity, and courses normally taught in-person will largely return to that format;
Web-conferenced, “Zoom” classes will be a rarity;
Details on COVID-19 testing and personal protective measures will be determined closer to the start of the fall semester (which is projected to be Aug. 23);
Dining Services will proceed with lifting restrictions and University Housing will continue to offer isolation housing as needed;
Campus facilities (including Nebraska Unions, libraries, performance venues and museums) will lift restrictions as allowed under directed health measures;
The general prohibition on university-sponsored travel is expected to be lifted after the Lincoln-Lancaster Health Department verifies that vaccination of the education sector within Phase 1B has been completed; and
Completion of vaccination within the education sector will allow for greater in-person research activities.
“One of the things that has given me the greatest pride during this pandemic has been the way our faculty, students and staff have responded,” Green said. “Your discipline, flexibility and creativity are what have allowed us to lead the Big Ten in our levels of safe, in-person education, research and creative activity.”
Additional details about the fall semester will be announced. Read Green’s entire message here.
