Oregon State University said Friday it will begin to open some portions of its campuses later this month.
Ed Ray, OSU president, said in a public letter that the university is planning a “phased” reopening that will allow students to return to campus for the summer and fall terms.
All of the state colleges, public and private, closed their campuses in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But as the early predictions of overwhelmed hospitals and potential chaos have failed to materialize, momentum is growing to reopen the economy -- and the schools.
“We anticipate a phased reopening of university campuses and facilities as early as late May or early June,” OSU President Ed Ray said in a letter to employees. " Plans for a phased reopening are intended to enable students to return to learn and live on our campuses in Corvallis and Bend. And for employees – now working at home – to return on-site. "
The University of Oregon said three days ago that it is planning to open for business come fall term.
OSU is also making contingency plans. “Ultimately,” Ray said, “OSU’s reopening strategy will be dependent upon the ongoing status of COVID-19 in the counties where the university operates. These criteria include a downward trend of COVID-19 flu-like symptoms and cases locally, and local community health care capacity to manage ongoing COVID-19 cases and provide for a potential surge of cases.”
But can thousands of rambunctious college kids live, study and have fun together while maintaining social distancing? OSU will find out. Ray said physical and social distancing measures and other public health measures will be required for students, employees and visitors.
Over time, these measures may be relaxed, such as the number of people within a classroom, lab or at an event.
Ray said OSU will next week provide a detailed overview of this plan to other university officials.
Jeff Manning
jmanning@oregonian.com
971-263-5164