[Hot Air] Colleges and universities across the country are scrambling to address the public health concerns associated with the coronavirus epidemic. Some campuses are shutting down temporarily and some are making available online classes. The CDC has even sent out guidance on student foreign travel and student exchange programs.We are fast approaching Spring Break time. Lots of discussions are being held about the safety of students traveling to popular spots and even to places like Mexico. Should students cancel plans and just stay home? That probably depends where the travel destination is and if any large events are scheduled. Caution against large crowds is the biggest concern, especially in areas dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks.
In my own city, Rice University announced Sunday evening that classes are canceled for the entire week of March 9. The university’s Crisis Management Team concluded that "Out of an abundance of caution and to allow faculty and staff time to prepare for possible remote instruction this semester, in-person classroom instruction and undergrad teaching labs for the week of March 9 are canceled. During the week of March 9-13, faculty can provide material that can be completed remotely and does not require group interaction." In other words, students will have to work independently during the week if they can to complete assignments. While it was a little surprising that the entire campus is shutting down, a larger response was probably expected by the students and staff. RIce University has managed its own case of an employee’s exposure to COVID-19 upon return from traveling overseas.
Like Rice University, other schools are putting together their contingency plans in order to avoid widespread illness on campus. The CDC is particularly concerned about foreign exchange programs for students. The CDC is asking schools to "consider" postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs.