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U of U planning more in-person classes for fall, potentially 45% of classes

UPDATED: MARCH 4, 2021 AT 9:40 AM

FILE: Photo: Utah System of Higher Education

BY MARY RICHARDS
KSLNewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY — U of U college students looking ahead to the next school year may have the option for more in-person classes next fall.

“We expect to have a substantially more in-person experience for students in the fall,” said University of Utah (University) senior vice-president for academic affairs, Dan Reed.

Reed says the U of U is planning to have at least 35% of the classes available for in-person instruction, and it could go as high as 45%.

“Exactly what that means, we are continuing to evolve as we look at what happens and we think about what safety protocols would be appropriate.”

Priorities for in-person classes at U of U

The priority, he said, will go to classes where you can only learn by doing.

“Being in a chemistry lab, an engineering lab, an architecture studio, art and music, and of course the health professions — really all of those rely on having a sense of, ‘I have done this with my own hands,’” said Reed.

University officials also want to have a mix of freshman-level classes in-person, so the first-year college students can have some on-campus experiences.

The fall class schedule and registration dates will be available to students on March 15. Fall classes at the University begin on August 23.

As more in-class options are added to the schedule, Reed said students will still need to be mindful of health and safety best practices. He says, despite the recent addition of another COVID-19 vaccine, the school is still in wait-and-see mode.

“We are developing multiple contingency plans for how we might turn the knob. We’ve asked our college leaders and faculty to begin planning for several scenarios.”

University officials also say they’ll support student clubs and on-campus activities in the fall as long as they are in accordance with the public health and safety guidelines.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
Get a flu shot.