Indiana University Kokomo announces plan for returning to in-person learning in the fall
Administrators report that measures taken by the university to decrease the spread of COVID-19 have been effective and that they feel they can bring students and staff back to campus this year safely.
Restrictions have been in place at Indiana University Kokomo for nearly a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes are being taught remotely and the university has done everything it can to minimize physical interaction on its campus. With positivity rates falling, administrators have decided to proceed with fully opening the campus for the fall 2021 semester. Although the campus is expected to be fully open and operational, students and staff are advised that there will likely still be safety precautions in place and are advised to stay flexible and adaptive to change.
In a news release from IU Kokomo, mitigation testing is cited as a major reason the university had been able to reduce the positivity rate to less than one percent. Other effective strategies include the wearing of masks, sanitation procedures, and reducing interaction on campus. In considering whether or not to fully reopen the campus, administrators took the advice of experts. IU President Michael A. McRobbie explained, "This decision has been made on the basis of advice from IU's medical and public health experts who have been leading the university's comprehensive and successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly a year now. It has also been made possible because of the dedicated, determined and creative actions of our students, faculty and staff, to whom we are deeply grateful."
Through these measures, administrators point out that they have been able to allow some research and creative activities to continue. Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke acknowledged the sacrifices made this year, "This year has been challenging, but together, we've faced the challenges, made the adjustments necessary to teach during a pandemic, and continued with our mission of educating the people of north central Indiana. I am proud of everyone here who has been part of this effort."
Sciame-Giesecke went on to say, "We've learned in the last year that we have to be ready to change our plans during a global pandemic. Our leadership will continue to monitor the state of the pandemic, and continuously review our plans and activities to be sure we are providing the world-class educational experience our students expect, in the safest environment possible."