image credit: Chronicle of Higher Education

On May 11, the California State University system announced that all 23 campus locations throughout the state will not reopen for the fall 2020 semester. The decision to move all classes to online formats reflects the uncertainty of our present moment. How can the college “experience” be preserved and maintained in an era of social distancing?  How can schools best protect their staff, faculty, and students while still providing the standard of education they are known for?

These are questions schools large and small are grappling with as high schools across the country forgo their traditional graduation ceremonies and students (re)consider their choice of college to attend. One thing is clear; there is no consensus among higher education institutions about whether or not to resume full operations in the fall. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, a majority of colleges and universities (64%) are moving ahead with plans to open in the fall with the remainder of schools either maintaining online-only instruction, or some form of hybrid education.

Tuition costs, access to libraries, college sporting events, and even campus residence halls-all aspects of the higher education experience-will need to be re-though and revised before the fall term begins.

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