Coronavirus: University of Dayton releases final plans for students to return to campus this fall

DAYTON — Required COVID-19 tests, a phased move-in process in August, and in-person classes are part of the final plan released by the University of Dayton Thursday that will see students return to campus for classes in the fall, according to a university spokesperson.

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The university’s guidelines, outlined in The Path Forward, include the school’s academic calendar as well as safety protocols for campus members when they return to campus in August.

“Safety measures for fall align with mandates and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ohio Department of Health, Public Health Dayton Montgomery County, and other federal, state and local agencies,” the spokesperson said in a media release.

“It remains, however, impossible to guarantee a COVID-19-free environment.”

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Fall move-in will be a phased process that starts August 8 and will continue through August 23, the university announced. Classes will begin on Monday, August 24 and students will depart campus by Thanksgiving to complete the semester online. There will be no typical fall break for the fall semester.

Classes will be held in-person to the best extent possible, however, instructors will prepare to continue courses online to meet student needs and ensure that instruction will continue no matter the state of the pandemic, the university spokesperson said.

Also included in the plan are required tests for all students who will live on campus at the start of the semester. In addition, daily self-monitoring for all students, faculty, and staff members will be required and more testing will be available as symptoms warrant during the semester.

Other parts of UD’s return to campus plan include:

• Faculty, staff, students, and visitors will be expected to wear face coverings in shared indoor spaces. Social distancing of at least 6 feet will also be required except when students are with residential household groups.
• Areas of campus housing will be set aside for high-risk students and for other students who need to self-isolate due to a positive test or symptoms or they were exposed to someone with a positive test.
• Masses on campus will also be held at a lower capacity. Students and staff members will be encouraged to use other places for faith-based reflection, including campus chapels, prayer rooms, and other designated areas. Social distancing and facial covering guidelines will also be required.

UD said all plans are subject to change, pending changes in guidance and information about COVID-19 becomes available.

We’ll continue to update this story as we learn more.

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