Coronavirus: Miami U. moves forward with plan to resume in-person, hybrid classes

OXFORD — Miami University is planning to move forward with plans to resume in-person and hybrid classes on campus beginning Sept. 21.

Students living on campus will continue with phased move-in next week. Since Aug. 17, classes at the university have been offered entirely online.

“This decision was made after many lengthy discussions and consultation with public health experts,” said Miami University President Gregory Crawford. “The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, as well as the Oxford community, is our top priority. This decision is an expression of faith and confidence in our students and is grounded in our belief that we can successfully weather this pandemic together.”

Miami has 1037 active student cases on its campus, with 55 being reported on Monday.

The university has been testing not only symptomatic students, but also doing wide-net and surveillance testing. Crawford has said that plan is an effort to uncover asymptomatic cases to help curb any outbreaks.

Residence hall occupancy levels have been reduced to 60 percent of regular occupancy to allow for a greater number of single-occupancy rooms. Typically, half of Miami undergraduate students live in residence halls.

“I am confident in our students' commitment and capacity to persevere,” said Crawford. “This will test our resolve as an institution, our leadership fortitude as individuals, our compassion and empathy, and our maturity and integrity. After four years at Miami University, I know this community will rise to the challenge.”

Cox Media Group