What will school look like for University of Hawaii students when classes open up in August? Wearing masks on campus at all times is one of the major policies coming this fall. The university unveiled its interim COVID-19 guidelines yesterday, and there will be changes to courses, housing and general operations.
In-person classes and online instruction will be offered although tuition prices will remain the same. Students, faculty and staff will need to use for daily COVID screenings. Visitors would also be required to check-in with the app before arriving on campus.
President David Lassner says he expects fewer international and out-of-state students will return in fall to the university. However, he says that any official fluctuation in enrollment won’t be clear until classes begin on August 24th.
Student housing will be decreased by 30% to comply with social distancing. Lassner also says UH plans to house out of state students who need to abide by the 14-day quarantine.
“We have made arrangements for quarantining with local hotels for our campus residents, both here on Oahu and in Hilo. We are working with governmental officials to try to identify an alternate procedure that is acceptable to government officials who approve exceptions to the travel quarantine,” Lassner said. “I’d like to be optimistic that we will have an alternative to the 14-day quarantine for students who absolutely cannot get a test.”
As for athletics, Lassner says no student athletic scholarships will be revoked, regardless of the athletic schedule and plans. UH participates in two athletic conferences, the Mountain West conference for football and the Big West conference for the other sports. Neither conference has announced whether it will hold competitions in fall.
The status of events such as fall commencement ceremonies are still to be determined. Lassner said officials will have to evaluate the situation closer to the end of the year.
Lassner also emphasized that the plans are meant to be adapted and changed. For the full list of UH’s interim COVID-19 guidelines, including policies about food services and office spaces, visit the university website.
