Students at Oregon State University are on track to spend more time in the classroom this fall after more than a year of mostly remote learning prompted by concerns over the coronavirus. That was the outlook presented Friday at the OSU Board of Trustees meeting.
First things first, though: Remote learning will continue to be the primary educational model through the spring term, with the possibility of a modest shift toward in-person classes. The university says even if classes gradually transition back to on-campus, students who wish to stay off campus can continue their coursework remotely through the end of the semester.
But by autumn, said OSU Provost Ed Feser, most students could be filing back into the classroom.
“We do anticipate a return to a more traditional campus experience in the fall. That’s what we’re currently working toward," he said.
Feser said it will depend on whether the current vaccine roll-out continues without major complications. And he said other public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as face masks and social distancing, could still be in effect.